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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Heartland is Book 7 in Sarina Bowen’s True North Series and is Dylan Shipley’s story. I have loved this series from the first book and couldn’t wait to dive into Dylan’s story. This is a beautiful friends to lovers romance that will give you all the feels. The perfect combination of heart, emotion, humor and passion. I love the family dynamic on the Shipley farm. They are all so support and caring of each other and I felt completely emmersed in their world as I was reading. Dylan is off in college and works on the weekends at the Shipley Farm. He is a little lost on where is fits in, whether on the Shipley farm full time or something else. The death of his father has hit him hard. He is harbouring some guilt and I really felt for him, although there were also times where I found myself frustrated with him and his immature man-whoring ways but by the end we see huge growth with him which I adored. Chastity has grown up in a cult. We previously meet her in Keepsake. She escapes the cult and is working to figure out life outside of it. Dylan & Chastity are best friends but Chastity has always wanted more from him. I loved their friendship so much. I loved how mentoring Dylan was with Chastity , he was also sweet and protective. I loved their young love and the progression of them moving from friends to lovers. Another incredible book in the True North Series and I cannot wait for the next one. 4 stars. *ARC received in exchange of an honest review*
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers storyline. I adore Dylan, so sweet, sexy and misunderstood. I love Dylan and Chasity’s friendship and how it develops into more. I was drawn in from the beginning and hooked until the end. A definite must read in this series!
Sarina Bowen takes fans and readers back to Vermont with the seventh novel in her True North series. Inasmuch as the book could work well enough as a standalone, this it the part where I’m going to beg you to read the books in order. Not only is this series a personal favorite–for good reason!–but there are also recurring characters throughout. I promise, you won’t regret venturing into the awesomeness that are the Shipleys and their friends and neighbors. Just for clarification, not all of the books are about the Shipleys–so far, there are only three novels.
Book number seven is a friends-to-lovers romance between twenty-year-old college sophomore and dairy farmer Dylan Shipley and twenty-one-year-old college freshman and polygamous cult escapee Chastity Campbell. Dylan is living college life to the fullest, earning a reputation for being the sort of guy who goes through girls without making false promises or with any regret. But now he’s got a girlfriend, and she just happens to be Chastity’s roommate. What’s a girl to do when the boy she has it bad for refuses to see her as anything more than a friend?
Suffice it to say that there’s a whole lot more to Dylan and Chastity than meets the eye–as it should be! I love the fact that these two are layered and complicated and walking contradictions, which made it oh-so-easy for me to relate to and empathize with them. Yes, Dylan is every bit the young guy who has no qualms sleeping with different girls but he’s honest about his intentions–or lack thereof–and seeing the side of him as the still grieving son and conflicted brother highlights that he’s more than your usual college-aged dude who only thinks about sex.
As far as Chastity is concerned, she may be a year older than Dylan, but the first nineteen years of her life were shaped by the dictates of Paradise Ranch, the cult she was born into (and the same one Zach Holtz from Keepsake, book three in the True North series, and Josh Royce and Caleb Smith from Goodbye Paradis, book one in the author’s Hello Goodbye duet, were part of). She was trying to reconcile her wants and desires with what she had been indoctrinated into for most of her life, but I loved how she got a firmer footing with her life beyond Paradise.
Dylan and Chastity were barely in their twenties and I appreciated the fact that they weren’t made into overly ideal and idealistic main characters. They were still coming into their own and were bound to have missteps along the way! I liked that nothing about the development of their relationship was rushed and that the story touched upon Dylan’s complex issues with regards to his family. I won’t get into it because no spoilers! My advice? Go read Heartland already. Sarina Bowen’s latest novel receives five stars. Fingers crossed for more from her book universe!
Heartland is the seventh book in the True North series by one of my favorite authors, Sarina Bowen. I haven’t read all of the books in the series, but I did read Bittersweet and I instantly loved Dylan! Now he’s older and in college but he’s still the same, smart, funny, fun loving guy he was as a kid. He’s going to classes and going home on the weekends to help Griffin on the farm. He has a girlfriend who’s a nightmare and he has no idea if he wants to be a farmer for the rest of his life. His best friend Chastity is with him at school and they spend time together hanging out and helping her with algebra. She ran away from the cult two years ago so she’s still acclimating to society and it’s norms. But one thing she does know is she has a crazy crush on her best friend. She may have been sheltered, but she’s knows what she wants. She never thinks she could ever have Dylan though until one accidental kiss. Dylan is forced to really look at his friend and he finally admits he’s attracted to her, but he can’t lose her friendship. But when Chastity is given the chance to get what she wants, she doesn’t hesitate. What happens now that they’ve crossed the line from friendship into lovers? Can they make it work or will Dylan get bored and move on? Will Chastity use her new found voice and go after what she wants? Oh man! I loved this story! Dylan is so sexy and sweet and funny and even when he’s a jerk he’s endearing! He has manners and he’s thoughtful and honest. Chastity is trying to leave her past behind and she knows who she is and what she wants. I loved watching these two as friends and then as so much more! It was so great to see the other Shipley’s again too! Oh, Griffin, you’re still so grouchy, but I love you! Overall, I laughed, cried, swooned and wanted caramels!
This book just melted my heart and soothed my soul! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Dylan & Chasity are the best of friends. Chasity has loved him from a far and he has protected her fiercely since they met. When Dylan starts to discover his feelings for his best friend are alot more than friendly… their story goes from stars to fireworks. This is the first True North story I have read and I will be reading them all. 5 STARS!!
A heartwarming love story! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Dylan and Chasity are best friends. Can you say crush without doing anything……that was Chasity!!! Dylan protects fiercely until something changes and feelings are discovered. This story has all the emotions and chemistry you expect! My first read of this series and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!!
The True North series is, hands-down, amongst my top favorites. Now seven books in and after having glimpses of his life, I’m very happy to now have Dylan Shipley’s story. Since we first met Dylan at seventeen, a lot has changed for the family and especially Dylan. Now included in his life in Burlington is his college roommate Rickie, his best friend Chastity.
Dylan is the typical horn-dog young adult boy. Life changes at college when coed Kaitlyn decides to make him her boyfriend, a role he typically bucks against, but allows himself to get caught up in. He doesn’t realize that Chastity has feelings for him, and this little situation is the worst thing she can imagine. But it doesn’t take long for Kaitlyn to show her true colors and Dylan to realize what’s been right in front of him.
This story completely grabbed me and took me back what feels like a gazillion years. The longing, the unrequited feelings Chastity has for Dylan, the risk to their friendship should Dylan catch a clue and get his act together. The complications of their history back in Tuxbury. I have to say that I adored Chastity. She is a survivor, a fighter, and a go-getter. They share amazing and electric chemistry, both in and out of bed. For her, Dylan is worth the risk, and as his feelings start to evolve, the two create the start of a beautiful life together.
This is a wonderful continuation of the series. While all stories don’t revolve about the Shipley Farm the Shipleys are the True North, and I hope so very much we get Daphne’s story! Another 5 star read in this 5-star must-read series!
I was so excited to head back to Vermont with the latest book in Sarina Bowen’s True North series. She writes fantastic characters and engaging plots, and Dylan and Chastity’s friends to more is one of her best stories yet.
A junior in college, Dylan is living it up and enjoying everything he can. Chasity is adjusting to college life and has never told him she has feelings for him. When she asks him to tutor her in more than algebra their friendship is forever changed.
The story drew me in from the first page, and there were some frustrating moments. However, they are in their early 20s, and who didn’t make mistakes at that age. It was their growth, individually and together, that made this story such a good read. The dual POV really allowed me to get to know the characters and helped keep everything moving at a good pace.
This is book seven in the series so there were appearances by characters we already know. While you could read it on its own, I would recommend checking out all of the True North books.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
3.75-4 stars. This is a good book! Heartland is Chastity and Dylan’s book. Chastity grew up in a fundamentalist, polygamous cult. She escaped as a teenager and fled to some family friends’ farm in Vermont. There she met and became best friends with Dylan Shipley, whose family has a farm nearby. Their friendship was so close that they go to the same college and continued being good friends there. But things get complicated quickly. Chastity has a huge crush on Dylan beyond friendship. She is curious about many things that she hasn’t experienced due to her background, including sex. She works up the nerve to ask Dylan to tutor her in seduction, which leads to a lot of emotion and eventually love.
I have to admit this book started off a bit rocky for me. I was a little weary that the characters were so young (20 or 21), in college, and had moments of immaturity. The first half was a little too angsty for me. (I’m a wimp) This is not an easy, light read. There are a lot of emotions at play. But I enjoyed the second half a lot and it balanced out for me.
Chastity has had a huge crush on Dylan for years. It was a little embarrassing how much she pined after him and he was oblivious. She was willing to take any crumbs of attention that he would give her. In some ways, Dylan was a typical college guy, focused on partying and having casual hookups. But there is more to him than that. He works hard on his family farm on the weekend and carries the stress of family responsibility. He does have a girlfriend when the book starts, Chastity’s mean girl roommate, but that doesn’t last too long. Dylan was best friends with Chastity, but he never saw her romantically or thought he was attracted to her. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, myself, for quite a while. I felt bad for Chastity that he never appreciated her, as a friend, like she deserved. I wasn’t sure I liked Dylan because of his behavior at first either. But, as time went on, Dylan began to realize what a good friend she was to him and how much she meant to him. It was sweet the way he gradually realized that he loved her. He never pushed her away either.
Even though the book started out with Chastity blindly adoring Dylan, by the end, I felt the love between them and that they loved each other equally. Dylan turned out to be a sweetheart and Chastity grew in his love and became more confident. Yes, they were both young, but I felt they made a great match and their future was secure together. I liked both of their characters. They both had been through a lot, with Chastity growing up in a cult, having escaped, but still being quite innocent in some worldy ways, and having no experience with men. Dylan had lost his father and had a lot of guilt he was carrying about that and his tumultuous relationship with his older brother. I was happy to see them both mature a lot, learn and grow from their past experiences, and find happiness together.
Overall, I ended up liking this book a lot. Much of the book has a different feel than the rest of the series- college, new adult, less mature characters. But we do get to visit with the Shipleys and their farm. I love this series and it’s small town, Vermont setting. I love the family dynamics and the relationships that affect Chastity and Dylan. I enjoyed the scenes and description of them making caramels together too. They ended up being a cute and fun couple. I look forward to more from this series and Ms. Bowen in the future!
Heartland takes the True North series to a whole new level
If you’re into the True North Series, then you know what to expect from a Sarina Bowen book … but buckle yourself in because this book takes the series to a whole new level! This book is a HEA standalone written in the best way possible … familiar aspects from the series where it’s not needed to read the others …. so start with this one but plan on binge reading next weekend
It’s got characters that will have you looking up colleges in VT, a solid storyline with emotional twists, and …. VT! apples, goats, farm life, caramels.
I totally fell in love with Chastity. She’s been through the worst of life, has escaped and made it on her own. She’s now part of a loving group of friends and is continuing to claw her way out of the physical and emotional horrors that she survived.
Dylan is part of that loving group of friends. Chastity knows him as the strong guy who is there for his farming family… she’s secretly had a crush on him, but his mind is on all that college has to offer in the way of cute, SAF co-eds …. including Chastity’s petty back-stabbing roomie. He’s always been impressed with Chastity, but when they are alone, the storyline nearly caused my kindle to spontaneously combust!
There were no disappointments with this book. The characters around Dylan and Chastity were well developed to a point that I’m expecting to see a few of them have their own books in the future (hint, hint, wink, wink) and want to see the others as well.
Sarina pulled me into this book immediately and kept me engaged throughout … this book goes well beyond scratching the surface of emotional moments … the passing of a parent, family pressures and obligations, the desire for something more than the terrible hand you’ve been played, betrayal, standing up for yourself, realizing who you can count on … for starters!
Download this book, settle in for a read … perhaps you call in sick … because it wouldn’t be a lie as leaving this book unfinished would make you sick and distracted! I received an ARC. This is my honest review.Sarina Bowen
4.5 stars!
The True North books is hands-down one of the best small town romance series out there and it’s always an absolute treat when we get another book. I’ve grown so attached to the Shipley family and their friends, and I love revisiting them all in every book.
Dylan is one of the youngest of the Shipleys and was introduced in the first book, Bittersweet, a young boy and we’ve seen him grow up in the subsequent books. He finally gets his own book in Heartland–now in college, Dylan is a bit of a bad boy. He drinks, smokes a little pot, likes hooking up with different girls and avoids relationships. But, despite being a full-time college student, he still goes home every weekend to help his family in their farm and he tutors his good friend Chastity, who goes to the same college as Dylan, in math every week.
Chastity has a very interesting history. She ran away from the polygamist cult where she grew up and found her away to the Abrahams’ farm (a husband and wife who also ran away from the cult many years ago and own a farm near the Shipleys’) two years ago. Innocent and a bit socially awkward, Chastity has a huge crush on her best friend Dylan since the day she met him but, he doesn’t seem to see her as anything other than a friend… until the night Chastity asked Dylan to tutor her in something else other than algebra.
I absolutely love Dylan and Chastity! Chastity was so sweet but with a hidden strength that made me root for her and want to be her best friend. I felt so bad for her having to deal with Kaitlyn in the first quarter of the book because I’ve been there with horrible college roommates, but I’m glad Sarina didn’t make Kaitlyn the typical mean girl and her character had substance. Dylan was wonderful too–he’s no saint, but he had a lot of heart and I felt for him because he had his own issues. I love him and Chastity together, and the whole time I was craving caramels. This book also made me Google “duck penis.”
Basically, I expected this book to be a good time and it totally was! It wasn’t my favorite in the series (Steadfast will forever be my fave), but it’s so, so good! Friends-to-lovers, rural college and farm setting, sexy farm boy, sweet, innocent girl with a secret dirty side, math tutoring, goats, caramels, friendships, steamy sexy-times–if these are your buzzwords, I highly recommend you pick up Heartland. You don’t need to read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, but, of course, having read the previous books will enhance your enjoyment for this one, especially since many of the side characters appeared in previous books.
Love is… caramel.
Heat and patience. A lot of stirring. And two adorable characters who come together to make something very special.
Chastity is in college and that isn’t so easy as a 21 yr old freshman with very limited previous schooling. But she’s working hard and she’s going to do it. Thankfully she has some help from her friend Dylan, the super cute farm boy who has grown up and is shaping into a good man (though his family doesn’t quite see it yet). There may be some attraction there… or as one of my fav characters says, “I practically get a contact high off your … tension.” Yes i bleeped a word there 😉 But the two of them aren’t going to do anything that messes up their friendship… until they do! Their evolving romance is so satisfying to read about. The denial is as real as the attraction.
One of the highlights of this book in my opinion were the chapters with Chastity’s writing composition pieces. I love them so much.
Another of my fav things about this series is the way food ties into the story. That’s why Bittersweet remains my all-time favourite, because it had apples and all that awesome food Audrey kept making… but ok I’m digressing. Point is, Heartland took me right back into that sweet spot with its goats milk caramels, and even chastity’s writing actually.
But that’s not the only reason I enjoyed it so much. Thing is, Sarina Bowen writes characters that you want to know more about. There’s always more to them, always more complexity and I love it! I really like how this factor makes Dylan so endearing, and I love how it plays out for Chastity, given her background. If you’ve read the earlier true north books, and of course if you’ve read Goodbye Paradise you have a pretty good idea of the ranch Chastity grew up in. Even if you haven’t, there’s enough info to give a sense of what she’s been through.
And as usual there are supporting characters that add so much to the story, you are as invested in them as the main couple. Case in point… I was so into Rickie 2 seconds after he was introduced. I am sort of divided inside between wanting him to get his own book and keeping him for myself. I also like Ellie, who is smart and really young, but cute in a weird way and funny. I want more of her!
OMG this book! I was beyond excited to dive back into the True North series with Heartland and this book did not disappoint! I think it just may be my favourite of the series so far. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!!!
I seriously can’t do this book justice with my review. I inhaled this story and closed the book with a massive goofy grin on my face and a new favourite Shipley hero. Hello Dylan!
This story had me hooked from the opening pages and I may have growled at someone when they had the audacity to interrupt me at one point. It’s that good you won’t want to put it down. I know I couldn’t.
Dylan and Chasity absolutely burn up the pages as they fall and fall hard for each other. You will swoon, have all the feels and no kidding have a fan ready when you read this book. Holy smokes is all I will say.
I have to mention that yes, grumpy Griff is in this book and grumpy as ever but let’s be honest that’s why we love him. But Dylan will certainly give him a run for his money in the hot Shipley stakes.
Just read the book, that’s my best advice. You will be as hooked as I was and moving it to the top of the re-read pile like I did. Well played Sarina Bowen, well played indeed.
Heartland is the seventh book in the True North Series and it’s the perfect addition to a great series.
This is Dylan and Chasity’s story and it’s a friends to lovers romance that will certainly tug at your heartstrings. Chasity is now at University after escaping from the cult she grew up in and life is very different from what she is used to but her best friend Dylan will always have her back and help her adjust to the life she desperately wants and deserves. Best friends who understand each other means they share a very special bond but Chasity feelings go much deeper than friendship for Dylan, does he feel the same way or will their friendship be ruined by a proposition for Dylan to teach Chastity what she needs to know in the bedroom …….helping with algebra is one thing will Dylan be prepared go that extra mile for his best friend and risk the bond they share …….
This book touched me on so many levels, it ticked al my boxes, it’s emotional, it’s funny and it’s beautifully written. The characters easy to connect with and I loved being on their journey because their story captivated me, it drew me in and it didn’t let me go til I had read the last line which for me is a sure sign I’m reading something special. Loved it !!!!
4.5 stars
Dylan Shipley has a reputation at home for being fun-loving and a little carefree, and his reputation at school is similar, if a little more on the playboy side of fun. But though he’s seen as fun loving, at home it causes tension with his brother, Griffin, and at school it means people expect him to always be on.
Chastity ran away from the cult she was raised in to find sanctuary and a normal life. As she has acclimated to life outside the cult, she wants to have what everyone else does: family, belonging, experience. She also wishes Dylan would look at her as something other than the girl next door, and give credence to the crush she has developed for him.
The friendship between these two has always been light and fun. But now that both are away at college together, Chastity hopes they can try more than friends. Dylan is the one who has introduced her to many “everyday” college experiences that she has no frame of reference for. She may have some aspects of naivete, but she knows exactly what she wants (if she can work up the courage to ask for it).
While Chastity is learning to speak up for herself, Dylan has his own baggage to unpack, with feelings of guilt and pressure surrounding aspects of family life. Though on the outside he looks like he has everything figured out, he is holding onto secrets that weigh him down. Before he can be truly happy he will have to sort out the things holding him back.
This book felt like coming home. There are plenty of scenes back at their homes, and as they work together on a big project, they have plenty of time to spend together and with their families as well. Both families, the Shipleys and the Abrahams, play their own roles in Heartland, and I am always looking forward to more from them!
4.5*
My favorite of all the True North books! Dylan and Chastity completely stole my heart.
Close friends since Chastity arrived in Vermont, their relationship really picks up steam (and when I say steam, I mean steam-y!) while they’re away at college. Their blossoming relationship was so heartfelt and I just loved seeing it progress to something really special.
Despite being a bit of a manwhore and just a touch clueless, Dylan is one of those young men you cannot help but love, (no matter your age!). There’s so much more to him than meets the eye, which we learn as the story progresses.
He’s so darling and sweet with Chastity, I loved how caring and protective he was – even if she wished he wasn’t quite so careful with her! I really enjoyed their friendship, and like Chastity I wanted more! But Dylan is so sure he’s not cut out for a relationship, it makes for some tension between them until they come to a mutually satisfying arrangement. At least temporarily.
I may have cried a time or 2 while reading Heartland. Dylan really tugged at my heart- I felt so sad for him when it came to the guilt he was harboring about his father’s death, and the pressure he was feeling from Griff in regards to his future with the farm. That was a lot of weight for one young man to carry, and I kept waiting for things to come to a head. And when they did, the tears started flowing.
There was so much to love about this story- Dylan and Chastity’s friendship, the way they were able to navigate their new “friends with benefits” arrangement, getting to see Dylan finally opening himself up to being loved, and loving in return. And of course, it’s always wonderful to be back with the rest of the Shipleys! I really hope this isn’t the last of the True North series. I’m pretty sure there’s a certain twin’s story waiting to be told!
I totally loved this story!
I cried, laughed, loved and fell hard for Dylan & Chastity’s story.
Author Sarina Bowen gives us a beautifully written friends to lovers story filled with tons of memorable moments.
I like the build up of these two characters and enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster they go through to get to their happily ever after.
Told in dual point of views from Dylan and Chastity, I felt I was able to understand both characters with clarity and all questions answered on how they felt towards one another.
Go grab this book!
5 popped!
Heartland
True North #7
Sarina Bowen
Sweet and raw, this story like the other Trie North stories focuses on the lives and loves of the Shipley Family. Heartland is Dylan Shipley’s story, and what a story it is. Dylan is your typical college boy, it’s all about, girls, parties, booze and sex… lots of sex.
When Chastity ran away from the cult she grew up in, she lived next door to the Shipley’s farm. She’s a deeply disturbed girl left with scars both emotional and real. Thrown into a world of university where parties are every night, school work as crazy hard and sexy is everywhere, she pushes those bad memories aside to imagine a life with Dylan Shipley. He’s everything she wax never aloud to think about, let alone touch, so asking him to become her algebra tutor opens a whole new world for her.
She knows she’s attracted to him, he has a girlfriend ( Chastity’s roommate), and well he’s just Dylan. But deep down these two have a connection no one can Crush, although they try. It’s not long before algebra and caramels link them together in a new light. But once they cross that imaginary line, everything changes… Is a night between the sheets worth ruining a life time love between friends, you bet your backside it does.
Chastity and Dylan light up the pages with there cocky banter, past lives, current loves, and hit as hell sexyness!
What an incredible friends to lovers story, it was so beautifully written that I had to read it in one sitting! I loved it from beginning to end!
Dylan Shipley is kinda a manwhore. He’s known for the parties and the number of women he goes through in a year. Chastity Campbell is Dylan’s best friend. She’s sheltered, to say the least, after escaping a cult and really doesn’t know much about life and especially about boys. But she does know that she has some deep feelings for Dylan but she just doesn’t ever see Dylan wanting to be anything more than friends.
That is until one tiny white lie turns things around. Dylan and Chass start a small candy business around the holidays and the more time these two spend together, the more their relationship starts to blossom. And when Dylan decides he can educate Chass on the things she’s missing out – a bomb of lust and could it be love, explodes between the two of them.
Dylan doesn’t think he’s made for relationships and definitely not love but can Chass be the one person who makes him change? Or will she just be another notch in his bedpost and he ends up losing the best thing that ever happened to him, having Chass as his friend.
This was an emotional ride of a book. I loved Chass. Even though she is a bit on the shy and naive side, her love and devotion to Dylan breaks you at times. You want so much for everything to go her way, but love is never a smooth ride. And Dylan. Loved him but also wanted to slap him up the side of the head at times. LOL.
Another great book from Sarina and I love the True North Series. It’s one that everyone should add to their TBR!