An emotional friends to lovers romance full of risky secrets and late-night lessons in seduction.
Dylan is my best friend, and the only person in my life who understands me. He doesn’t mind my social awkwardness or my weird history. The only glitch? He doesn’t know that I’ve been hopelessly, desperately in love with him since the first day we picked apples together in his family’s orchard.But I … family’s orchard.
But I know better than to confess.
Now that I’ve joined him at college, I’m seeing a new side of him. This Dylan drinks and has a lot of sex. None of it with me.
Until the moment I foolishly ask him to tutor me in more than algebra…and he actually says yes.
One crazy night sets our friendship on fire. But now my heart lies in ashes, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Heartland is a standalone college romance set in the True North world. Expect: a young, broody farmer, a giant crush, tasty caramels, cute goats and late night confessions.
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I admit, I cried a time or two…
I’m in Australia and as you would know; the bushfires are really bad at the moment. People have died, been injured and lost their homes. A LOT of animals have died, and more will lose their lives and their habitat. There is even talk that some animals may become extinct. These are all things that are devastating.
BUT
They’re a step away from my reality. At the moment, I’m safely sitting in my house in suburbia with my air-conditioning keeping me cool. I feel guilty because my life is easy and I’m living my best life. Sure, I’ve donated my money to the cause, but it never feels like enough. People have died and I’m happily reading in comfort.
Reading Heartland gives me that same guilt for feeling happy in my life. Chastity’s character ran away from a cult that she was physically and mentally abused in. I know these things are happening out in the world and it’s devastating that we can’t stop it forever.
BUT
Again, they’re a step away from my reality.
**********************
I did not mean for this to be a gloomy review because I really, really enjoyed reading Heartland. I absolutely loved the way Sarina Bowen brought Chastity to life for me. Her strength and courage were admirable showing resilience to move on from her horrible past. Dylan was also a character I came to love. Honestly, he was a little hard to take at first, but like most men, there was an underlying reason why he was a little shallow and self-absorbed.
Again, I’m going to be honest with you… I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for a New Adult – College when I first started. In true Sarina Bowen fashion, she changed my mind and within a few chapters, I was loving it. Yes, there was the nasty girlfriend, too much alcohol and recklessness, but the characters were a good bunch, generally. Dylan was all about the partying but still returned home early on Saturday morning to help on the farm. Dylan’s friends weren’t trying to lead him astray (he did that to himself) and were supportive when he needed their help. I loved that it wasn’t all about the partying.
One of my very favourite things was how the author shared some of Chastity’s past. We get details without having to go back and “live” them. I know how she got out of the cult, what she had survived while living there, and how she ended up in Vermont. That is exactly how I like my backstory told to me.
The love story between Chastity and Dylan was not an easy one. Unrequited love is hard to witness, and I shed a tear or two as Chastity struggled with her feelings for Dylan. At the same time, besides Dylan’s fear of commitment, he also must be careful with Chastity because of her past. Her sexual innocence, lack of knowledge, and the brainwashing she previously faced means every step must be carefully considered. Communication was paramount to their success and Chastity’s willingness to learn helped as well.
I love the True North series and Heartland was an excellent addition. I have a feeling I know who is up next and I can’t wait. I really, REALLY need to know about his past, her past and their past. Fingers crossed I’m correct.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Unplumbed depths
Dylan Shipley seems to be the opposite of his brother Griffin, appearing to be a happy go lucky college student with a bright future and everything he could ever wish for at his fingertips. How deceiving appearances can be! Dylan holds darkness and grief in his heart, and it’s not until he succumbs to his craving for the innocent Chastity does he begin to believe that happiness could be within his grasp.
Chastity escaped a cult and walked across America to make a home in Vermont. Her strength and bright hope is like a beacon to Dylan, and I loved watching these two fall in love while making caramel! What a fun series True North has been! I love the Shipleys!
This was another 5-star read for me from Sarina Bowen. Her True North series continues with one of the youngest members of the Shipley family and the girl who has come to love him.
Chastity is new to a lot of things in the modern world, and who could blame her? Growing up in a staunchly religious cult where a woman’s only job was to cook, clean, and birth the next generation meant that Chastity had missed out on a lot of things but as a college freshman, she’s eager to correct that – especially if that means spending more time with Dylan Shipley.
Dylan is usually the love ‘em and leave ‘em type – and that’s just how he likes it. He already has enough responsibilities as Griff Shipley’s younger brother and as a full-time college student. He’s as surprised as anyone else when he ends up with a girlfriend. Even more surprising – it’s not Chastity. Unwilling to admit his feelings for the girl he considers his best friend and reeling from his breakup with the aforementioned girlfriend, Dylan is shocked when he finds out that Chastity – sweet, naïve, beautiful Chastity – has been lusting after him and wants him to tutor her in more than algebra.
Dylan and Chastity’s relationship easily falls into the trope of friends to lovers romance despite the many, many hiccups along the way. Chastity struggles with verbalizing her desires as a product of her upbringing and Dylan likewise struggles with the obligation he has to his family and the Shipley legacy. Dylan is a really loveable character. He’s sweet in a puppy-like way but so oblivious sometimes it’s painful to read. I loved him as a character, but some of his decisions were questionable (i.e., not sticking up for Chastity when she was being badmouthed, hooking up with his short-term girlfriend – Chastity’s roommate – within earshot, etc.). It was gratifying to see their relationship flourish, if only because, ultimately, he is sweet and Chastity deserves happiness.
Although I adored Dylan and Chastity in Heartland, there were a few things that bothered me with other characters – mainly Griff. Reading Heartland reminded me why I ended up skipping the first book in the True North series. I know that his character is meant to be gruff and hard on his family in the name of love, but in the last several books it’s felt like it’s his way or the highway. I did like that there was a heart-to-heart moment between Dylan and Griff. It went a long way towards swaying my opinion on the eldest Shipley brother. The other character I didn’t care for was Kaitlyn. I could understand her hurt and embarrassment to some extent, but she took it out on the person who deserved it least. In my mind, there’s no excuse to be needlessly cruel even when you’re hurting. Although she redeemed herself a little in the end, I still don’t care for her.
Overall, Heartland was another wonderful addition to the True North series and I truly enjoyed reading it. Sarina Bowen has a unique ability to weave painful topics and deep characters into a beautiful love story, and Heartland did not disappoint in that regard.
My Thoughts:
Heartland is the first book that I’ve read in the True North Series, and even though I jumped in to this series with book 7, I had absolutely no problem following along in the story, as it was a standalone. I enjoy the friends to lovers trope and was really excited to dive in to Chastity and Dylan’s story after reading the blurb, and seeing the book cover.
I loved Chastity’s character. She was reserved, yet strong, and brave. She had escaped a cult a few years back, which left her naive in the typical ways of society. I loved watching her growth, as she found her voice, and learned how to go after what she wanted.
Dylan didn’t believe in relationships. He was bored easily, and went from girl to girl. Yet, through all of his flings, he had a deep emotional connection to Chastity. They were best of friends and he treasured her. Dylan looked out for her, tutored her in Algebra, and I loved the way these two interacted with one another.
Chastity had a huge crush on Dylan, but he was clueless to her feelings towards him. Even though Dylan was attracted to her, he put his feelings aside, because he didn’t want to risk ruining their friendship or hurting the person he cared about the most. However, when Chasity asks Dylan to tutor her in more than Algebra, or else she’ll ask someone else to do it, he can’t resist. After all, he can’t stand the idea of Chastity being with anyone else…
Heartland was a fun and sweet romance. I enjoyed spending time with Chastity and Dylan, and loved that I got their dual points of view. You could see how much they cared about each other and that they were in love with one another from the beginning. Whether Dylan was patiently teaching Chastity Algebra, or they were spending hours making caramels and enjoying each other’s company, it was plain to see that they were meant to be.
Some of my favorite parts of the story was when Chastity’s surrogate family, Leah, Issac, and Maeve, and Dylan’s family, The Shipley’s, were all together! I cherished the warmth, camaraderie, down home cooking, laughter, and love that these two family’s had for Chastity, Dylan, and one another. I am looking forward to Dylan’s sister, Daphne, getting her own story. We can see that she is going through something, and in emotional turmoil. I really liked her character, and am looking forward to her getting a happily ever after.
Great series…highly recommend it. Audio is great
Heartland was a great friends to lovers romance! I enjoyed Chastity and Dylan’s chemistry and journey there was a few ups and downs! Enjoyed the other characters as well, l think there should be a story for Rickie though!
This book, the whole series really…. Amazing!! Every time I am taken back to this world I fall in love all over again. This is a must read.
Sarina Bowen does it again with her seventh book in the True North series and I swear, I hope this series never ends! Heartland is all sorts of amazing! While this book is part of the series, it reads as a complete standalone. But if you haven’t read this series yet, do yourself a favor and start from the beginning because this series is EVERYTHING!
In Heartland, Bowen takes us to college where we get Dylan Shipley’s story. Dylan is the happy-go-lucky, popular and sexy life of the party. Everyone loves him and wants to be around him. But we all have crosses to bear and Dylan’s weighs heavily on him even if he doesn’t often show it. Chastity is a breath of fresh air. Innocent and still a bit naive after living a very sheltered and difficult childhood, she relies on her best friend Dylan to help her navigate through her first semester of college. Their friendship is easy but complicated feelings arise and they need to navigate their way through them. I loved watching these two come together. Chastity truly blossoms with Dylan and it warmed my heart to see her become a more confident and independent woman.
Fans of Bowen’s will love revisiting with the Shipley family (and yes, Griff is still grumpy!!!) and Bowen sets the stage for the next story focusing on Daphne. As I said before, I cannot get enough of this series and can’t wait to read the next book! This series truly is a must-read! 5 stars
This is the first book by Sarina Bowen that I have read and I must say she has a new fan!!
Dylan and Chastity are friends but Chastity wants more and Dylan wants to have fun but what he doesn’t realise is that he is in love with her!!
This book has all the emotions, there’s friendship, jealousy, love and an all encompassing need for more! Will Dylan and Chastity get their happily ever after or will Dylan just pass Chastity by?
Chastity is still learning the ways of the outside world. She was raised in a compound as part of a cult and didn’t really know much about the outside world until she decided to escape. She ran away from Wyoming to her cousins place in Vermont and that’s where she met her best friend Dylan Shipley. Dylan and Chastity are now going to the same college where Chastity secretly pines for Dylan.
Dylan needs the break away from his family and specifically big brother Griffin. He goes to school Monday through Friday but still heads home every weekend to help his family with their farm. Sometimes life is a bit hectic, so why can’t he enjoy college life with hook-ups, frat parties and occasionally smoking some pot?
I loved this sweet friends-to-lovers story between Dylan and Chastity. I feel like this trope can be tricky sometimes, but immediately you can sense the bond between Dylan and Chastity. Dylan was the sweetest with Chastity, even though at times that’s not what Chastity wanted. I loved how she eventually came out of her shell after being sheltered for so many years. The chemistry between these two was sizzling hot even though they tried to deny it at first.
One of my favorite parts of the whole True North series is the focus on family and friendships. I love the Shipley family and it’s meddling ways, but in Heartland I truly enjoyed the relationships that Dylan had with Rickie and Chastity’s relationship with Ellie. These were such great characters and the parts of the book with banter between the friends was always so fun (and funny!)
A lot of this story resonates with me personally. Growing up in a small rural farming town, it was expected that if you went to college you to still had to come back on (most) weekends and help the family. So I completely understand how Dylan has these obligations and what a burden that can be sometimes even if he truly loves his farm and everyone on it. Those scenes really got to me and I feel like Sarina Bowen does such a wonderful job with that.
Heartland has it all – there’s cute goats, some pretty fun caramel making and a sweet and sexy love story between two best friends. I really really enjoyed Heartland and cannot wait to read more of these characters that I have grown to love so much (who’s story could be next? Rickie? Daphne? I can’t wait!)
I received a complimentary advance title of this book from the author.
4.5 Brilliant Stars!!
Heartland is a sweet, captivating, and sexy friends to lovers read, that will get you hooked right from the start.
This is an engaging, and somewhat heart-rending story, with masterful writing that flows nicely. The story was sweet, captivating, intriguing, and definitely believable. A vivid storyline where you could almost feel what Chastity and Dylan are feeling. I loved the characters, the easy banter, the humor, witty dialogue, angst, and everything else that came with it.
If you’re looking for an interesting, and enjoyable read, this is it. I absolutely loved it!!
Chastity has been best friends with Dylan for years—since she moved in with Leah and Isaac escaped from the compound that housed the cult she grew up in. However, things take a turn and Chastity, still trying to adjust to life outside the cult, finally finds the courage to finally ask for what she wants most: Dylan.
LOVED this book! Loved the characters, loved the story, loved everything about it! It’s sexy and angsty, with a little bit of humor thrown in. This is my first time reading Sarina Bowen’s work and I definitely will be reading more!
Dylan was so much more than the typical college guy who’s into booze and hookups. He’s sweet and thoughtful. The way he took care of Chastity was endearing. This is part of the reason why I like books written in dual POV’s—we get inside the mind of the character and get to know them better.
Chastity is one strong and determined character, despite her naiveté. She was aware of her weaknesses (schoolwork being one of them) and wasn’t afraid to ask for help.
I was rooting for Dylan and Chastity right from the start and there was just the right amount of push-and-pull before they finally gave in. I love the relationships they had with their friends and families, especially Rickie and Ellie.
Heartland is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers contemporary new adult romance written in dual first-person POV. It’s an angsty standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
What a great read! I really have enjoyed every Sarina Bowen book that I have read so far so I was pretty eager to read this book. This is the seventh book in the True North series and like the other books in the series, it reads as a stand-alone story. I didn’t want to put this book down once I started reading because I was so invested in Dylan and Chastity’s story. I really enjoyed the time that I spent with this incredible story.
Chastity has a very interesting past. I am always looking for something different so I really liked how unique her story was. She grew up inside a religious cult where the women were not treated very well. She didn’t go to school and only escaped in her late teens. She is a freshman in college even though she is twenty-one and she needs some extra help in some areas to keep up. She gets weekly help from her friend and neighbor, Dylan, who she might have a giant crush on.
Dylan spends his weeks at school, juggling classes, a girlfriend, and some fun, but he spends his weekends back at the Shipley farm helping out and taking care of the animals, including his pair of goats. He has a hard time seeing Chastity as anything but innocent but he is very protective of her and likes spending time around her. When they decide to try to make some money making caramels out of goat milk, he is dedicated to the endeavor.
I loved Chastity and Dylan. They were both great characters and once they got together, I thought that they made a great pair. They did feel younger to me than characters in the other books in this series and I guess they were. Dylan is twenty and while Chastity is twenty-one she felt younger because of her limited experiences. A lot of the book is set at college where there were some pretty interesting characters that I grew to appreciate over the course of the story. I thought that Dylan and Chastity had great chemistry and it was fun to watch the progression of their relationship.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a great romance with great characters, a believable romance, and a few pretty touching scenes. This is a series that you do not want to miss!
I received a digital review copy of this book from the author/publicist.
I have loved everything that I have read by Sarina Bowen, so when I saw that Heartland was releasing I jumped to read this book.
Now I should preface this by saying I had not read any of the True North books prior to Heartland. I do have a few of them sitting in that unwieldy TBR pile on my kindle… but I had yet to crack one open. I was told this could be read on its own, so I trusted that and dove in to the story. And seriously? I could NOT put this book down! It more than held my interest this entire time — it had me actually craving more of this world. Swiping to that last page I was reluctant to close the book out because I didn’t want to leave this world. So of course, I didn’t! LOL! I jumped into the Hello Goodbye series first and devoured them and am now starting the True North series from the beginning because I just want to live here forever!
I loved both Dylan and Chastity. I loved how protective and sweet Dylan was with Chastity. I loved how Chastity was innocent and sweet yet still ready to tackle a world she was still learning about. She embraced life and was ready to actually live it. And their interactions together were just magical. It is always so much better, sweeter, stronger when you can fall in love with your best friend.
Heartland was a sweet, sexy, romantic friends to lovers tale that will leave you feeling all swoony! You definitely want to pick this up!
I’ve really enjoyed every book in the True North Series by Sarina Bowen. Heartland features younger brother Dylan, who is now a junior in College. Dylan is a hard-working, good guy but he has a lot of inner pain and trouble
committing to any one person.
Chastity was introduced in Zach’s book, Keepsake. Chastity and Zach are from the same Wyoming religious cult. Chastity is still new to the mainstream world and at 21 is a freshman in college. She is also secretly on love with lady man, Dylan.
This book also includes the rest of the Shipley family, some goats, caramel making, and some new friends for both Dylan and Chastity.
I love this series and Sarina Bowen’s writing. I was so excited to get my hands on Dylan’s book, he is the youngest brother. If you are looking for a good friends to lovers story look no further.
Dylan and Chastity were perfect for each other. She making up for lost time and doing things she wants now that she’s not in the cult anymore. They are both away at college and doing. Dylan just wants to have a good time and not be tied with a relationship. Chastity has been in love with Dylan for as long as she can remember.
They are so sweet and I loved watching their relationship slowly change to something else. Heartland was a sweet, sexy, fun college romance. This is a must read series!
I found Sarina Bowen by chance when I stumbled into reading New Adult, and read everything she’d put out in her Ivy Years series because I couldn’t stop! I’ve followed her evolution writing contemporary romance, and I do adore the True North series, but Sarina’s talent for writing character driven romance in small settings like these is so special, her new adult talent is simply one of the best. Dylan and Chasity made for a great couple. Dylan’s sweet easy going nature is as adorable as his goats. 🙂
This was an eye opener. Chastity always had a crush on Dylan and he sort of had a thing for her somewhere deep down but he saw her as family. She was so sheltered and had a lot to learn and Dylan was extremely overprotective of her. When he finally opened his eyes and saw what was in front of him it was beautiful. But Chastity was still a little afraid of the family finding out but Dylan teaches her so many things and shows her what true love really is. And the family were surprised it took them so long, lol. Very nice story.
Sarina Bowen’s True North series is one of my absolute favorites, they’re sweet, romantic and they warm your heart like nothing else. You get action, you’ll swoon, and you just want more!
I was so excited to learn that we were getting Dylan Shipley’s book.
Dylan is the youngest Shipley brother and has been featured in the other True North books. He’s fun, he loves women, he’ll annoy you and you’ll roll your eyes at some of the choices that he makes, but he’s also a young man who loves his family, his goats, he has a filthy, delicious mouth, but he has been also through hard times in his life and he’s still struggling.
We were first introduced to Chastity in the book Keepsake, where we learned that she was also a runaway from the ranch where Zach was from.
She’s 21 and she’s still adjusting to life outside out the ranch where she grew up in a religious cult. She’s in college and is trying to figure out everything that goes along with it.
Chastity is amazing, she’s quirky, she’s charming and throughout the book she really learns a lot more about herself and what she is all about.
Dylan goes to the same college and the two of them are friends, good friends… but Chastity has a major, unrequited crush on Dylan. It’s heartbreaking to witness at times and you just want to shake Dylan and tell him to wake up. Dylan, however, sees her a just a friend.
Dylan is living that college-life away from the Shipley farm and makes the most of it. He’s been living it up with different girls, until he gets a girlfriend. And my goodness, ugh, just wait. He is going to test your patience.
Even though Dylan and Chastity are just friends, they have an amazing chemistry. The book is filled with wonderful, witty banter, and their friendship is great and you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for Dylan to come to his senses!
And once he finally realizes what’s in front of him, my oh my. These two together are absolutely amazing. I loved the connection they had, the chemistry and how they brought out the best in each other.
If you love friends-to-lovers stories make sure to pick this one up. It was absolutely amazing. I hope we’ll get more True North books, they’ve become some of my faves.
Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.
I’ve been in a book slump for the last couple of weeks and thank goodness, Heartland brought me out of it! I stayed up way too late and devoured every single page between Dylan and Chasity. Heartland was the perfect friends-to-lovers read that I absolutely needed.
One of my favorite things about this one was the amazing friendship that Dylan and Chas had. It was just so sweet and endearing reading about their relationship. Obviously my heart was breaking for Chas because of her unrequited love with Dylan. But deep down, we alllll know that Dylan had feelings for Chasity, he was just never in the position to really think them over.
The character development with both of them was phenomenal, they grew so much, together. And I couldn’t stop grinning about it. Everything about these two is just so deep and intense, I’ll be shipping them hard for a very long time.
Their story brought out every emotion out, imaginable. Heartland definitely makes my top faves for 2020!
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Sarina Bowen