Beat of the Heart : Runaway Train

If you can accept that a woman is prone to suffer from low self esteem after getting emotionally kicked to the curb and the manifestations of said self-esteem aren't a pet peeve of yours to read about, this is a great book. Unfortunately, I know a lot of people would be turned off from this book for that alone because it can be frustrating to watch someone sabotage their happiness due to low self-esteem. It wasn't unbearable and because it wasn't without cause, I didn't mind it. Instead, I was happy to read about some very intense sexual encounters, the breakdown of walls, and the happily ever after that was long overdue.

Okay, so I mostly loved this book, but at times, I was so frustrated with Mia. I get that she has some past issues causing her distrust of men. But geez...several times I thought, enough already! I mean, there is being broken and stubborn, but then there is being annoyingly irrational. Her waffling about her relationship with AJ is totally understandable given her past. I totally got it, but then as the story builds to a specific point, I thought, this chick is CRAZY! I just couldn't understand why AJ would want to put up with someone like her or why everyone was accusing him of messing up. In my opinion, he totally did not mess up. Mia is just a hot mess!

I think AJ is wonderful. I enjoyed him in Music of the Heart, and I loved him even more in this book. He has the biggest heart and is so patient. However, thank goodness he has his limits and knows how to put his foot down. He also isn't afraid to fight for what he wants. He is so fun and full of life, and knows how to live in the moment and just enjoy it. Through him, Mia learns how to let go a bit and do the same. He made this story for me.

I was really excited to be able to read more about the whole crew. It felt like catching up with old friends. Katie Ashley created wonderful characters in the 1st book and they continued into this one. It was great to see more of Jake and Abby, who I just adore. Honestly, there isn't one of them who I don't love. Each character brings something special to the story.
Now, I know that I've complained about Mia, but please don't get the wrong impression. She does have some redeeming qualities. She really is a good person and I liked her until she went a bit looney. However, once she was made to be rational again, I also began liking her again. There were really only a few chapters where I wanted to smack her...HARD.

All in all, this is a great book. Obviously I was feeling emotion. There were a few times that I even got teary eyed. The story itself was enjoyable. I was pulled into the story from the get go. I am already ready to read Rhys' story. I just can't get enough of these characters and am excited to see where the author takes them next.

Justine O. Keef , Luke Daniels were good with the delivery of the story. However, I don't see the point or like dual narration when it is deliverd as it was in this story. Why don't Audible, authors or producers listen. Most listeners don't like dual narration delivered this way. Dual narration works when the male reads the male dialogue and the female reads the female dialogue.
Having said that Justine performance was 5 star while Luke's was a 4 star performance.