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camibookish's review against another edition
5.0
Full review here: http://camiabookaholic.blogspot.cl/2015/09/review-paper-hearts-by-claire-contreras.html
Claire has a very special way of writing, I think her writing is complex and to be honest at the first few pages of the book it was hard for me to concentrate and follow her, not because it wasn't good or difficult but because it required my whole attention and my mind was all over the place for some reason. And besides, English is not my first language and I'm still trying to get better at it everyday. But then I started appreciating this writing, the complexity and beyond that the meaning of it. I can say that this story was a Romance story, in the category of New Adult. As you must know, if you've read my blog or previous reviews, those are my favorite kinds of books, but this one, this one I loved it because it was much more than that. The story was awesome, it was good, it had my heart sweating and beating and all worked up, my eyes filled with tears more than once even though they didn't fell. And sometimes I found myself smiling at the screen on my e-reader and sighing happily, but what really conquered me and made me gave the book 5 stars were the deep meanings on it, the deep thoughts, the lessons that I could take from it. I even wrote them on a notebook while reading, so here they are.
- It has really deep thoughts on life, love and society and the only way I can explain this right now without making this too long is by writing this quotes from Mia.
"We were all confused together, and ultimately, all lost together, despite our ages, races, genders and anything else that set us apart" Mia while people watching and taking pictures and analysing people, society and life. I loved this quote because it matches what I think on these subjects and it reached to me.
"Some might argue I never fell out of him, but I didn't think love was about falling in or out; it was about staying in. And we didn't" I loved this realisation of Mia while thinking of her relationship of Jensen, I never thought about it that way and I like that kind of thinking even though I know it might not be always that way.
- I felt this book was a journey, for the characters-specially Mia. A journey of forgiveness, to the one who she felt did her wrong and to herself. It's about recognizing you're stuck with something, a situation, a person and that something it's not letting you be happy and live your life to the fullest. It's a journey of moving on with your resentment and sadness and also a tale of second chances.
- It's also about loving someone so much, maybe too much, yet still knowing what and who you're with or without them and loving your self the same way.
- It showed me that sometimes all you need is someone to keep fighting for you when you can't, someone who doesn't give up on you, on them, even if you did, but that eventually it's you, and only you, the one who has to fight for yourself, for your love and the life you want to live.
So after all these items... How could I have not love the book? It was impossible not to, it was this awesome!
Claire has a very special way of writing, I think her writing is complex and to be honest at the first few pages of the book it was hard for me to concentrate and follow her, not because it wasn't good or difficult but because it required my whole attention and my mind was all over the place for some reason. And besides, English is not my first language and I'm still trying to get better at it everyday. But then I started appreciating this writing, the complexity and beyond that the meaning of it. I can say that this story was a Romance story, in the category of New Adult. As you must know, if you've read my blog or previous reviews, those are my favorite kinds of books, but this one, this one I loved it because it was much more than that. The story was awesome, it was good, it had my heart sweating and beating and all worked up, my eyes filled with tears more than once even though they didn't fell. And sometimes I found myself smiling at the screen on my e-reader and sighing happily, but what really conquered me and made me gave the book 5 stars were the deep meanings on it, the deep thoughts, the lessons that I could take from it. I even wrote them on a notebook while reading, so here they are.
- It has really deep thoughts on life, love and society and the only way I can explain this right now without making this too long is by writing this quotes from Mia.
"We were all confused together, and ultimately, all lost together, despite our ages, races, genders and anything else that set us apart" Mia while people watching and taking pictures and analysing people, society and life. I loved this quote because it matches what I think on these subjects and it reached to me.
"Some might argue I never fell out of him, but I didn't think love was about falling in or out; it was about staying in. And we didn't" I loved this realisation of Mia while thinking of her relationship of Jensen, I never thought about it that way and I like that kind of thinking even though I know it might not be always that way.
- I felt this book was a journey, for the characters-specially Mia. A journey of forgiveness, to the one who she felt did her wrong and to herself. It's about recognizing you're stuck with something, a situation, a person and that something it's not letting you be happy and live your life to the fullest. It's a journey of moving on with your resentment and sadness and also a tale of second chances.
- It's also about loving someone so much, maybe too much, yet still knowing what and who you're with or without them and loving your self the same way.
- It showed me that sometimes all you need is someone to keep fighting for you when you can't, someone who doesn't give up on you, on them, even if you did, but that eventually it's you, and only you, the one who has to fight for yourself, for your love and the life you want to live.
So after all these items... How could I have not love the book? It was impossible not to, it was this awesome!
tinalynn510's review against another edition
5.0
PERFECTION.
Claire, you nailed it. Seriously and honestly. I'm not just saying that because I just finished this book and am on a good book high. You did something magical here. You have a gift, and I'm so glad I got to experience it.
To the rest of you who happen to read my review, please pick up this series. Do yourselves a favor and read these books. You won't regret it, because they really do have magic in them.
2 epilogues people. TWO!
Claire, you nailed it. Seriously and honestly. I'm not just saying that because I just finished this book and am on a good book high. You did something magical here. You have a gift, and I'm so glad I got to experience it.
To the rest of you who happen to read my review, please pick up this series. Do yourselves a favor and read these books. You won't regret it, because they really do have magic in them.
2 epilogues people. TWO!
caseroo7's review against another edition
5.0
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Paper Hearts is the second book in the Hearts series by Claire Contreras. This is a standalone story, though the characters are interconnected. Kaleidoscope Hearts is the first book and there is a short novella in between KH and PH called Torn Hearts. This isn't necessary to understand Paper Hearts, but I would highly recommend readers read that before Paper Hearts as it does center around the characters in this book and it explains so much of what happened in the past. For those of you familiar with this series, you may have noticed that this was available for free from Claire Contreras but has since been pulled. It is now included as a part of Paper Hearts, so those purchasing Paper Hearts will be able to read Torn Hearts first.
Mia and Jensen were best friends that turned into more, until something unexpected tore them apart. Though Mia tried to move on, she was left broken hearted and nothing was the same. Now years later her life is once again changing as she prepares to move to NY from California in order to follow her dreams of being a successful photographer. But she also knows that with her being a photographer for the magazine Jensen writes for, it is only a matter of time before she is forced to face him again. Jensen is determined to prove to her that they belong together though despite everything that happened. After letting Mia go once, he will do whatever it takes to hold onto her this time for good.
I wanted to hate Jensen after what he had done. In Torn Hearts, he absolutely ripped my heart out right along with Mia's. I really wondered if I would be able to move past what he had done, because I didn't understand it at all. Why he would even put himself in the position he did when Mia and him were supposed to end up together. They had taken a break, but they both knew where they would end up because they belonged together. But Jensen slowly began to win me over here in Paper Hearts, and I found myself forgiving him and falling in love with him just like Mia was. I loved Mia, and my heart really went out to her. She had been absolutely blindsided by Jensen, and her heart was broken in the worst way. She had so much strength though, and I loved that she didn't immediately give in to him. I think that he needed to work for it after all he had done, and I really admired her for taking her time with him and getting to know who he was after everything. I will say that she is a much better person than me, as I am not sure that I would have been able to handle the situation that was his life. Things were completely different than what they had planned, and yet she didn't let that hold her back when they started talking again. These two had such a strong connection, that it was clear to me that they should have always been together. That and their chemistry was what made it hurt so bad when it came to what Jensen had done. These two were perfect and I loved them together, but their relationship would never be the same even with them being able heal.
Overall, I really loved this book. It was heartfelt and emotional, and I was captivated right from the start. I read Torn Hearts and immediately started Paper Hearts after, as I couldn't wait to get more of these two. Their story wasn't always easy, but I was so invested in their journey and I just couldn't stop reading. I really enjoyed Kaleidoscope Hearts, but I have to say that as much as I loved that book, I loved Paper Hearts even more! Mia and Jensen were just impossible not to root for and fall in love with, and I felt so connected to them. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance as well as new adult fans, or really anyone just looking for a solid love story. These two were proof that true love never ends, even when the world might try to get in the way.
**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**
Paper Hearts is the second book in the Hearts series by Claire Contreras. This is a standalone story, though the characters are interconnected. Kaleidoscope Hearts is the first book and there is a short novella in between KH and PH called Torn Hearts. This isn't necessary to understand Paper Hearts, but I would highly recommend readers read that before Paper Hearts as it does center around the characters in this book and it explains so much of what happened in the past. For those of you familiar with this series, you may have noticed that this was available for free from Claire Contreras but has since been pulled. It is now included as a part of Paper Hearts, so those purchasing Paper Hearts will be able to read Torn Hearts first.
Mia and Jensen were best friends that turned into more, until something unexpected tore them apart. Though Mia tried to move on, she was left broken hearted and nothing was the same. Now years later her life is once again changing as she prepares to move to NY from California in order to follow her dreams of being a successful photographer. But she also knows that with her being a photographer for the magazine Jensen writes for, it is only a matter of time before she is forced to face him again. Jensen is determined to prove to her that they belong together though despite everything that happened. After letting Mia go once, he will do whatever it takes to hold onto her this time for good.
I wanted to hate Jensen after what he had done. In Torn Hearts, he absolutely ripped my heart out right along with Mia's. I really wondered if I would be able to move past what he had done, because I didn't understand it at all. Why he would even put himself in the position he did when Mia and him were supposed to end up together. They had taken a break, but they both knew where they would end up because they belonged together. But Jensen slowly began to win me over here in Paper Hearts, and I found myself forgiving him and falling in love with him just like Mia was. I loved Mia, and my heart really went out to her. She had been absolutely blindsided by Jensen, and her heart was broken in the worst way. She had so much strength though, and I loved that she didn't immediately give in to him. I think that he needed to work for it after all he had done, and I really admired her for taking her time with him and getting to know who he was after everything. I will say that she is a much better person than me, as I am not sure that I would have been able to handle the situation that was his life. Things were completely different than what they had planned, and yet she didn't let that hold her back when they started talking again. These two had such a strong connection, that it was clear to me that they should have always been together. That and their chemistry was what made it hurt so bad when it came to what Jensen had done. These two were perfect and I loved them together, but their relationship would never be the same even with them being able heal.
Overall, I really loved this book. It was heartfelt and emotional, and I was captivated right from the start. I read Torn Hearts and immediately started Paper Hearts after, as I couldn't wait to get more of these two. Their story wasn't always easy, but I was so invested in their journey and I just couldn't stop reading. I really enjoyed Kaleidoscope Hearts, but I have to say that as much as I loved that book, I loved Paper Hearts even more! Mia and Jensen were just impossible not to root for and fall in love with, and I felt so connected to them. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance as well as new adult fans, or really anyone just looking for a solid love story. These two were proof that true love never ends, even when the world might try to get in the way.
**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**
seemadyal50's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tzd's review against another edition
1.0
second chance romance
Skimmed a lot. The letters that he wrote her during the early years would have been helpful in building the story and relationship.
Should’ve been more focus on the past, I wanted to know what they were like as teens and all the feelings of first love.
Skimmed a lot. The letters that he wrote her during the early years would have been helpful in building the story and relationship.
Should’ve been more focus on the past, I wanted to know what they were like as teens and all the feelings of first love.
romantasylife's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so another second chance romance. I was kind of excited about this book because in Kaleidoscope Hearts, I loved Mia. I loved her outgoing character and I really wanted to read her story. But, this is yet another book I was hoping didn’t have a happy ending!!
I am glad with how it ended though, it was super cute. Although, reading this book makes me wish I had such great friends like Mia and Jenson. It also makes me happy that Claire gave Jenson and Krista a great relationship, even though their marriage ended. I love seeing parents working it out even though they’re not together anymore. Also, can I point out that if my dad were Mia’s, he would have killed Jenson.
And can I just say how beautiful the cover is?? I just love how creative it is! With that being said, I’m giving Paper Hearts four stars. I don’t feel like it quite deserves five and it definitely doesn’t deserve less than four.
I am glad with how it ended though, it was super cute. Although, reading this book makes me wish I had such great friends like Mia and Jenson. It also makes me happy that Claire gave Jenson and Krista a great relationship, even though their marriage ended. I love seeing parents working it out even though they’re not together anymore. Also, can I point out that if my dad were Mia’s, he would have killed Jenson.
And can I just say how beautiful the cover is?? I just love how creative it is! With that being said, I’m giving Paper Hearts four stars. I don’t feel like it quite deserves five and it definitely doesn’t deserve less than four.
cozylitfiles's review against another edition
5.0
I’m very happy I read Torn hearts a while ago. It allowed me time to get over it before reading Paper Hearts. Had I read them one after another I would have been an emotional wreck. After reading Torn Hearts I had a hard time believing that Mia and Jensen could find their way back to each other. I hurt so much for Mia and even though I loved Jensen I was on the fence on whether I wanted them back together.
When I started reading Paper Hearts I was still on the fence. It’s a testament to Claire’s writing that she could make me hope for these two again. Five years after losing her Jensen gets a second chance and does everything he can to show her that he never stopped loving her. I fell more in love with Jensen with every page. He’s genuine, vulnerable and real. I love that he knows he’s made mistakes and he takes ownership of then. He knows that Mia is still in pain and lets her move past that pain in her own time. He doesn’t push, he just shows her that he never stopped loving her and lets her know that he will continue to wait for her.
Mia and Jensen’s story is filled with painful, sweet, and sexy moments. Paper hearts made me hope for their happily ever after when I wasn’t sure how that could ever happen. This book has so much depth to it. It makes you think about the world around you and how you interact with it. It makes you think about how you choose to live your life. After all the pain, distance and time Mia and Jensen choose to be happy with each other.
When I started reading Paper Hearts I was still on the fence. It’s a testament to Claire’s writing that she could make me hope for these two again. Five years after losing her Jensen gets a second chance and does everything he can to show her that he never stopped loving her. I fell more in love with Jensen with every page. He’s genuine, vulnerable and real. I love that he knows he’s made mistakes and he takes ownership of then. He knows that Mia is still in pain and lets her move past that pain in her own time. He doesn’t push, he just shows her that he never stopped loving her and lets her know that he will continue to wait for her.
Mia and Jensen’s story is filled with painful, sweet, and sexy moments. Paper hearts made me hope for their happily ever after when I wasn’t sure how that could ever happen. This book has so much depth to it. It makes you think about the world around you and how you interact with it. It makes you think about how you choose to live your life. After all the pain, distance and time Mia and Jensen choose to be happy with each other.
jen286's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Paper Hearts is the story of Mia and Jensen. It is a second chance romance and I really enjoyed it. This was the second book I read this week where the main character had qualities I normally hate, but the story was written in such a way that I really liked them. I always love when that happens.
If you have read Torn Hearts, the free prequel to this story, then you know Mia and Jensen were in love. They both thought the other was the one for them, but some bumps int he road tore them apart. Her mom said something in that story about how she was not with Jensen because she didn't like the idea of him being away at school with other women and Mia not being there. That Mia didn't like not having control of the situation. I see that. I see that in her. She just seems to be afraid of everything so much so that she is missing out. If she can control everything then everything will be fine, but if not...When she found out Jensen got some other girl pregnant her thoughts were immediately that she cannot be with him anymore, that should have been her baby even though she says she doesn't want kids, it just completely destroys her.
This story starts off with Mia in New York, where Jensen lives, working for the same place Jensen often works. So of course they get thrown together on an assignment. And what does Mia try to do every time? Run. That is what she always does. If things are uncomfortable, if she has to deal with emotions or anything, she runs. She tries to just stay in her safe, controlled little bubble. The problem is that doesn't work. She still loves Jensen even though she won't admit it. And his daughter? Well she doesn't even want to think about her. She is Jensen's with some other woman! Mia is ridiculous, but she is kind of pitiful at the same time. So much so that it is hard to be annoyed with her. I was reading and just thought normally this would be so irritating, but she is so sad I can't be annoyed with her.
Through it all Jensen keeps trying to win Mia over. He has never moved on from her. She has always been the one for him, and now that she in in New York for a few months he thinks this is his chance. He writes a column for the newspaper and she is in it a lot (even if she doesn't realize it). It is a long and bumpy road to get Mia to realize that a) she can take a chance with Jensen again and b) what her dreams were might not be her dreams anymore. That maybe she needs to make big changes to get what she really wants. She just seems to put her head in the sand and not know what is actually happening, but I really enjoyed this story. She is so afraid, but she learns to not be so much by the end. It was painful at times, heartbreaking for poor Jensen who kept throwing himself out there, but you do get the happily ever after eventually. Really a great read.
Paper Hearts is the story of Mia and Jensen. It is a second chance romance and I really enjoyed it. This was the second book I read this week where the main character had qualities I normally hate, but the story was written in such a way that I really liked them. I always love when that happens.
If you have read Torn Hearts, the free prequel to this story, then you know Mia and Jensen were in love. They both thought the other was the one for them, but some bumps int he road tore them apart. Her mom said something in that story about how she was not with Jensen because she didn't like the idea of him being away at school with other women and Mia not being there. That Mia didn't like not having control of the situation. I see that. I see that in her. She just seems to be afraid of everything so much so that she is missing out. If she can control everything then everything will be fine, but if not...When she found out Jensen got some other girl pregnant her thoughts were immediately that she cannot be with him anymore, that should have been her baby even though she says she doesn't want kids, it just completely destroys her.
This story starts off with Mia in New York, where Jensen lives, working for the same place Jensen often works. So of course they get thrown together on an assignment. And what does Mia try to do every time? Run. That is what she always does. If things are uncomfortable, if she has to deal with emotions or anything, she runs. She tries to just stay in her safe, controlled little bubble. The problem is that doesn't work. She still loves Jensen even though she won't admit it. And his daughter? Well she doesn't even want to think about her. She is Jensen's with some other woman! Mia is ridiculous, but she is kind of pitiful at the same time. So much so that it is hard to be annoyed with her. I was reading and just thought normally this would be so irritating, but she is so sad I can't be annoyed with her.
Through it all Jensen keeps trying to win Mia over. He has never moved on from her. She has always been the one for him, and now that she in in New York for a few months he thinks this is his chance. He writes a column for the newspaper and she is in it a lot (even if she doesn't realize it). It is a long and bumpy road to get Mia to realize that a) she can take a chance with Jensen again and b) what her dreams were might not be her dreams anymore. That maybe she needs to make big changes to get what she really wants. She just seems to put her head in the sand and not know what is actually happening, but I really enjoyed this story. She is so afraid, but she learns to not be so much by the end. It was painful at times, heartbreaking for poor Jensen who kept throwing himself out there, but you do get the happily ever after eventually. Really a great read.