Does my husband’s heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dubA heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s ownLub-dubHe vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dubHis heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton’s husband’s heart pumping the blood that warms his skin. Does his heart ever miss Easton … heart pumping the blood that warms his skin. Does his heart ever miss Easton without knowing why?
Lub-dub
Sweet, kind, beautiful, River. Easton never meant to meet him…never meant to know him…never meant to fall for him.
Lub-dub
Easton loved River’s heart long before he ever met him, but is it possible he’s falling in love with his mind and soul too?
***Change of Heart is a stand alone story with strong hurt/comfort themes, mild bisexual awakening themes, and a HEA
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KU Read
I was going through Amazon looking for M/M books and this cover caught my attention. I love it. Never read this author before.
I loved Easton and River! They were so sweet together. Their story is about healing and moving on after losing your soulmate.
I cannot wait for Fox and Brandon’s stories.
4.5 stars
I was drawn into this one straight from the prologue. Easton lost his husband and had to make difficult decision. Five years later he is a man just surviving and not really living, but decides he needs to see who his husband’s heart was donated to. He never met to actually meet River, or talk to him, or start to hang out with him. He could not imagine the common interests they would have and the enjoyment they would find in each other’s company. And gradually River starts to bring East back to life. And Easton fills a void that River had been never able to before. It is an emotional journey of hope, trust, acceptance, and finding a connection.
I loved these guys, especially River. I felt connected to them and enjoyed their banter and tender moments. I could feel their bond and sheer joy they felt sharing things together. But I have to say that East really frustrated me with some of his decisions. …..I really wanted his growth to include taking responsibility for his secret that he kept for way too long and actively doing something about it. I felt the conflict resolution was a bit too easy and East did not step up as I wanted. Things at the end also moved pretty fast, but I still really enjoyed this story.
It is slow-burn, sweet, sexy, emotional bi-awakening, hurt/comfort, and soulmates story. It leaves you wondering if the heart is just a muscle or if there really is some sort of connection to people or muscle memory involved with it. East and River had the unique challenge of trying to figure out how it actually affected their own feelings and connection to each other. It could have been a really depressing story but I did not find it to be due to her writing style and the dynamics between the characters. There was enough light to combat the darkness, and regaining of vibrant colors to overcome the doldrums of black and white.
I really hope she writes a book for Fox who was Easton’s(and his first husband’s) best friend. He was a logical and stoic presence and source of support and I think there is more to him. River’s supportive friend, Brandon was another notable character.
Awesome story. Just beautiful. Highly recommend.
I loved the characters and the plot. We may have a lot of medical knowledge but there is so much we still have to learn. I hope Paul’s best friend finds someone of his own.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Epically beautiful!!
I know this story would grab my heart and it totally did! It shattered it and put it back together! Kyleen has a way with words and this journey through grief, life, love, and forgiveness; is so epically beautiful, both River, Easton (and Paul) will be in my heart forever!
This story follows a life-altering event for both River and Easton, through the outcomes are very different. 5 years later Easton is still grieving, living in a very grey world, and going through the motions, rather than living. River, on the other hand, is going through the motions of work and life but longs to find an epic love that would add passion to his life. A bit of help from a friend and some unfortunate timing and River and Easton meet and embark on a challenging journey of grief, healing, self-discovery and a new life filled with color!
This book is a fantastic example of what the human heart is capable of and just a beautiful journey to finding new love in an unusual place. I loved River and Easton and hope we will be seeing more of them soon!!
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Change of Heart is a wonderful, heart-warming story that actually covers an intriguing topic – organ transplants and the emotions that go with that. I was immediately gripped by this story, from the heart-rending opening, to the devastation Easton lives with. I loved the little snippets you got, just enough to make you wonder – why did River’s heart flutter when Easton was nearby? Why did he feel loss after the transplant? Now, this is fiction, but there are documented cases where someone’s behaviour or tastes have changed. Can it just be the ‘trauma’ their body has been through, or something else? I love the possibilities.
Now, back to the book, River and Easton are the perfect pair. I know Paul was it for Easton until the accident, but the quality of Ms. Neuhold’s writing is such that I can’t imagine a more perfect partner for Easton than River. No, not everything is easy, and yes, I did want to whomp Easton over the head as he kept putting off the big reveal, but at the same time, I found it to be completely understandable.
Easton is a graphic artist, and the use of the colours given throughout the book not only made perfect sense to him, but to me as well. Did I have tears in my eyes when River showed him his graphic novel? Maybe just a few
Change of Heart deals with a very hard subject, the love and loss of the person you thought you’d spend your life with, and Ms. Neuhold worked it perfectly. It could have become a bad love triangle, with River competing with a ghost. Instead, it was River and Easton throughout the book, with Paul being there, almost tangible, but never in the way. I loved the photo frames at the end, but won’t say more than that.
There is nothing about this book I didn’t enjoy, and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Loved the idea of the story. Loved the characters.
Great writing.
This was a really beautiful story. It was just one of those stories that makes your heart feel truly touched. I was excited to read this because it was a unique story. I don’t know that I’ve ever come across one quite like it. You learn in the very beginning that Easton’s husband Paul has been in an accident at work that left him brain dead. Since Paul was an organ donor, Easton has to make the decision to pull the plug since there is someone who desperately needs his heart. Five years later, Easton has to know if the heart went to someone worthy. This leads him to River, who takes the job of caring for his new heart very seriously. Upon getting to know each other, they turn into a beautiful love story. Both men are artists so I love how River brings color back into Easton’s life and be a part of his soul again. The only thing I didn’t really like was the amount of angst not being what I thought was appropriate for the subject of this story. I kept waiting for just a little more to push my emotions where I felt they should be. I could easily predict where the story was going, especially if and when River learned whose heart he had. But overall, I loved their journey and enjoyed following it along with them. By the end, I was smiling and my soul felt touched. I do hope that the author might give us another book that follows Fox, who was Paul’s best friend or Brandon, River’s best friend or maybe a story with them both.
This book was heartbreaking, romantic, sweet and sexy. A hurt/comfort read that will have you in tears on moment and swooning the next.
Woah! This book has all the feels! I think I was crying in bed reading the beginning! I cannot imagine the pain Easton (and many others in today’s world) go through when losing a loved one and knowing their organs are being given to others as an opportunity to live! I love this idea of “what if the donor and the person who was given the organ met”! Such a unique story and highly recommend! Easton and River’s love for each other is so precious! What a beautiful book and story!
If you want or need an “ugly cry” book, this one is definitely for you! With the sensitive nature of this topic, I have seen many an author mess up the raw feeling, the tone, and the “heart” behind what needs to be said and felt in a story like this. K.M. Neuhold hits all of the nails on the head without coming off as crass or insensitive.
If you want to feel the love pouring out of these characters, one-click this book. If you want to feel hope versus despair, grief versus joy, one-click this book!
You will want to read this novel over and over again and this book will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
I’ve always been a fan of this author writing but this book pulled at my heartstrings. I’ve never read a book with this type of storyline. It was different and I loved that about it. It was a beautifully written story where she made you feel the heartbreak of each character but also the joys for them as well. This book didn’t skim over the heartbreak and loss that most books do and make it seem like it’s no big deal, K.M. put you in that moment and made me feel the loss as well.
It didn’t feel like she was trying too hard or putting the characters through something that was unnecessary. Each character had their own valid thoughts and feelings. River and Easton have different backgrounds but are woven together through trial and triumph they get their HEA. Their story is a very beautifully written piece and I would recommend this to anyone.
Easton is heartbroken after his husband dies unexpectedly. When he learns who received his heart he doesn’t intend on meeting the guy. River is almost walking into the street when he is stopped by a stranger. He feels an instant connection to him.
Super sweet and angsty love story. Easton’s healing process is slow and heartfelt. River is patient and loving. This is the best blend of heat and swoony story. Absolutely amazing!!
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold…. Okay.. so I had tears in my eyes before even chapter one began. From the blurb we expect emotional moments and we definitely do get emotional moments… so be prepared with some tissues when diving in.
Five years ago, Easton lost his husband Paul in a work accident that left him brain dead…but in his moment of sorrow he makes the decision to pull life support and save another life. River recieved that heart and since then has felt that something is missing in his life, a part of himself. Could his heart be missing its love? That is the question this book is exploring. And I am emotional over it, inlove with it and just know I’ll be re-reading this story again when I need a good cry and good love story.
River is incredibly adorable. I love his fan-boy moment. Easton is a character that makes me feel the most. His grief, his journey living on after one of the biggest losses someone can experience… it was deep and felt true. These two characters just made me fall in love while watching them fall in love.
Emotional, wonderful, well written… I definitely love this story and recommend it!
Change Of Heart has left me overwhelmed with so many emotions. And confused. I still have so many questions and doubts.
K.M. Neuhold has chosen a beautiful and captivating subject for this book. I’ve always wondered what happens after a heart transplant. Do the donor’s feelings get transferred to the receiver?
River has Easton’s deceased husband heart beating in his chest. It’s been almost six years since the transplant and all this time he’s felt like something was missing from his life, an overbearing longing deep inside. But all his loneliness disappears when he meets Easton. And Easton, still missing Paul,still grieving, stuck in a dull, black and white life.
When they’re together they’re alive again, there’s color and there’s hope. But how much can they really trust what they feel?
This book has shattered my heart to pieces and then put it back together. I fell in love with River and Easton and I hoped they could heal each other. They deserve so much happiness.
Thank you, K.M. Neuhold, for a breathtaking, soul-stirring experience.
It’s been a couple of days since I finished this book, and Easton and River are still firmly lodged in my thoughts. What would I do or how would I feel if I was in Easton’s position? Would I want to know that person who received my dead husband’s heart? That’s a tough question, but I do know this story is amazing. Once Easton meets the man who received his husband’s heart, River, he has every intention of moving on and walking away. One thing leads to another and River and Easton becomes closer and closer, drawn to each other by something unexplainable. This story made me think. This story made me feel. This story made me smile. While this story is a little bit different for KM Neuhold, I’m glad she decided to listen to these two characters and share their story. It may be a little tough for some to read, given its storyline, but you won’t be disappointed if you decide to give it a try. It’s totally amazing and I highly recommend it.
I read this book as an ARC. This book was amazing. Easton and River find a love that can only be dreamed of. Easton found the love of his life and lost him. River got a second chance at life and it led him to Easton. Together they find a love that last beyond time. I started this book and wasn’t able to put it down until it was finished. I hope you love it as much as I did!
3.5 Stars!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book but it goes live on June 17th!
First, I absolutely love the idea of love after loss. I love that it can take a hundred different forms and this story 100% does the “love after loss” trope justice.
What I really enjoyed about Easton and River’s story was how authentic it felt. It was believable and raw. The character’s were flawed and imperfect. They were growing and changing as the story progressed. The love shines through and the doubts add to the authenticity. I found myself wanting the timeline to be different but that is a personal preference critique as each person deals with grief in their own way and in their own time.
Overall, this one was a unique portrayal of what love after loss could look like and was definitely worth reading!
The emotional connection between East and River went way beyond anything ever imagined. Their story is lovely and very emotional but you won’t regret reading.
I so recommend reading this book.
This was an ARC book I volunteered to read.
Change of Heart, is definitely this author’s best work! Omg, what an emotional rollercoaster this read was!!
“I don’t think time heals a loss like this,” he says. “I think over time you just learn how to live with the pain it.”
I had tears in my eyes, I laughed out load and I swooned at all the cheesy stuff. A definitely must read!!