The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
Publication Date: August 31st 2021 by Berkley & September 2nd 2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC
Pages: 320
Audio Book Length: 9 hrs 30 min
Narrator: Brian Nishii and Natalie Naudus
Source: Publisher & Libro.fm
Rating: ★★★★
My
Thoughts:
I’m having a hard time writing a review, so sorry in advance for
this messiness.
While we get Quan’s POV, I think The Heart Principle
focused more on Anna’s journey to self-acceptance. Just realizing that it was
okay to be different was a tough road. It was difficult at times to read Anna’s
interactions with Julian (her asshole BF) and her family. Anna’s sister, Priscilla was especially
horrible. It was heartbreaking and frustrating to see Anna take so much crap! I
welcomed Anna’s meltdown because I knew that would be the only way she’d stop
pretending to be the perfect daughter, sister, girlfriend.
I also I think a lot of can relate to Anna’s feelings of
guilt over her thoughts on taking care of her father. It wouldn’t be easy, and
I can imagine feeling the same way if I were in her situation.
The Heart Principle wasn’t a light and fluffy romance,
although I did really love Anna and Quan together. Finding each other didn’t automatically
fix the issues each were dealing with. Both struggled with feelings of inadequacy.
I appreciated that Quan and Anna supported and accepted each other just as they
were. Quan was an absolute sweetheart, and I adored Anna.
I alternated reading an e-copy and listening to the audio. I’ve
listened to and enjoyed Natalie Naudas’ narration in the past and she did a wonderful
job performing Anna’s chapters. Brian Nishii was excellent as well. I listened at
my normal speed of 1.5x.
4 Stars
Book Description:
When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She's going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.
That's where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex: he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna's family, she takes on a role she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.
I'm looking forward to reading this one! Quan's already a favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this one has a fairly nuanced take on romance, especially that the connection itself doesn't solve all the problems. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this one but parts were hard to read. Quan is a keeper for sure. Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I am happy to see that you liked this one here. They were great individual characters and so hard at times reading Anna's journey.
ReplyDeleteGood to know this is more Anna's story, but I like those crossover women's fic/contemporary romances, too. I will start this series at some point. :)
ReplyDeleteFrom what I am hearing, this is an emotional and good story. I think there is disappointment where people wanted Quan to have a full-on romance (I know I was one of those people)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good. Great characters make a book.
ReplyDeleteI need this one! I did like the two previous ones
ReplyDeleteThe wait for this one was so long and I’ve been so excited for Quan’s story. It’s been a bit disappointing to see reviews and realize this is more Anna’s story and less a love story between she and Quan. I’ll have to adjust my expectations before picking this one up.
ReplyDeleteI need to give this one a listen. Hope all is well.
ReplyDelete