Book Review: Still Beating By Jennifer Hartmann

Still Beating By Jennifer Hartmann

💚 LD

I went into Still Beating not knowing much, and honestly, I underestimated how dark and gut-wrenching this book would be. The first 20% was brutal—emotionally intense and hard to process at times. But once I pushed through, I was completely captivated.

Jennifer Hartmann has this rare ability to write pain in a way that feels poetic. Her storytelling is raw, heartbreaking, and somehow still full of hope. Cora and Dean’s story isn’t easy—it’s built on trauma, survival, and complicated emotions—but watching them slowly find comfort, understanding, and eventually love in each other was something I’ll never forget.

This book ripped my heart out and stitched it back together with shaky hands. It’s a story that stays with you long after the last page. If you’re ready for something emotional, impactful, and achingly beautiful, Still Beating is a must-read.

“It’s still beating. You’re still okay. And I still love you. — Dean”

🤍 AD -⁠

I read Still Beating in under 24 hours because I physically couldn’t put it down. It was gripping, devastating, and emotionally raw in the most powerful way. This book is heavy—filled with triggers and darkness—but it’s also beautifully written. Jennifer Hartmann takes one of the darkest scenarios imaginable and turns it into a story of healing and unexpected love.

Cora and Dean’s relationship is layered with pain, history, and complicated feelings. I wasn’t sure about Dean at first—he’s brash and rough around the edges—but as the story unfolded, I saw the depth in him. Watching both characters navigate trauma, grief, and their evolving bond was absolutely heart-wrenching.

This is not a light read by any means. But if you’re someone who values emotionally charged stories that challenge the boundaries of what romance can be, this one will break you and rebuild you. I still think about it often.

“Every love story is worth writing, no matter how messy it might be...”

💙 AG - ⁠

I had no idea what I was walking into with Still Beating, and I’m so glad I went in blind. This book shattered me. The intensity, the heartbreak, the beautifully written moments of connection—it all left me breathless.

Cora and Dean's dynamic starts with years of resentment and animosity, but the shared trauma they endure creates a bond that’s painful, honest, and incredibly moving. Their journey from enemies to something so much more was deeply emotional. Jennifer Hartmann is a master at exploring the human condition and crafting love stories that are anything but typical.

This book will pull you in, destroy your heart, and then tenderly put the pieces back together. It’s unforgettable in every way. Highly, highly recommend it to anyone who loves dark, emotional romance that isn’t afraid to dive deep.

“You can’t tiptoe around your heart in fear of pissing people off or hurting their feelings. Sometimes we need to be a little selfish in order to avoid a life of complacency.”