*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

There was just something about the premise of Heartbreak Hill that intrigued me, and I couldn't resist adding it to my TBR. I was curious about the heart transplant element and how it would affect both storylines... And it without doubt turned out to be a powerful and moving read. The first part of the title seems to fit the story very well, and definitely make sure to have some tissues at hand before you start reading! Even dear old stone-faced me couldn't keep it dry this time around...

Heartbreak Hill won't be for everyone, and you definitely have to brace yourself for a LOT of focus on grief and loss. While there is hope and romance found along the way, this book is neither essentially happy nor uplifting, so if you are looking for something light to read this is not the book for you. If you don't mind strong emotions and a lot of sadness, Heartbreak Hill will offer you an interesting journey though. The heart transplant/donor element was fascinating, and it was what made this story stand out for me.

The story switches mainly between Nadia and Graydon. Nadia's POV focuses on grief and loss after her husband passed away and she donated his organs; Graydon's POV is all about second chances and embracing a new life after receiving a heart transplant. Together, these POVs offer you a rollercoaster ride full of emotions, although I personally think Nadia's POV is the stronger of the two. Her reactions felt more genuine, and everything she went through after the car accident was heartbreaking. It shows that grief is messy and follows no schedule, and her development was realistically done.

I was less of a fan of Graydon's POV, mostly because his behavior could get pretty frustrating at times. The steamy scenes put a damper on things for me as well, which just didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the story... Then again, it's no secret that I'm never a fan. The romance itself I had mixed thoughts about as well, mostly because it didn't feel 100% genuine and the final solution was just a bit too convenient. The cellular memory element itself was fascinating though.

If you enjoy engaging and highly emotional contemporaries that focus on grief and loss as well as new beginning and second chances, you will most likely have a great time reading Heartbreak Hill. It's not a lighthearted read, but the journey is definitely worth it!