IN A HEARTBEAT

Another member of the boy band the Heartbreakers looks for love in this fourth and final installment in Novak’s series.

Cara Samuel is stuck. She’s finally in remission from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but Cara, who’s nearly 20, is having a hard time restarting her life. At her sister Stella’s (annoying) urging, Cara cleans out her room and discovers an old bucket list that she created in a cancer support group but didn’t get to start working on thanks to a recurrence of her cancer. Stella is dating the lead singer of the Heartbreakers, Cara’s favorite band, and when they come to town, Cara meets their drummer, JJ Morris. Soon he’s helping her cross items off her list, and she’s posing as his girlfriend to help him fend off a jealous ex. As genuine feelings begin to grow between them, Cara must face her fears about her illness returning if she hopes to live life to its fullest. Readers should prepare to have their heartstrings plucked in this emotion-laden romance starring two flawed, lovable characters. Cara’s fears are easy to sympathize with, and following her journey to braving the world once again is enjoyable. JJ is a swoonworthy hero, courteous but flirtatious. Novak artfully and deftly employs the fake-dating and bucket list tropes, creating an entertaining tale with emotional depth. The leads are white.

A heartwarming and endearing love story for readers to savor.