Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks
Heart Strings is a beautifully written, emotional follow-up to Morbidly Yours, and Ivy Fairbanks has once again delivered a story full of heart, healing, and hope. I loved getting to see glimpses of Lark and Callum again—it felt like revisiting old friends! Aiden was an absolute gem (flaws and all), and the second-chance romance at the center of this book was so well done.
While I truly enjoyed the story, it fell just short of a full 5 stars for me, but not enough to drop to 4 stars. Lo, our heroine, was a little insufferable at times. I struggled with her expectations of others while not always holding herself to the same standard, which made it harder to fully connect with her. That being said, this was the only real flaw for me. The portrayal of illness was once again handled with so much care and authenticity, much like Ivy’s previous book. The character development was strong, the plot kept me hooked, and the vivid scenery descriptions made the story come to life.
Also, I have to mention—this cover is absolutely adorable and so beautiful! Heart Strings was a wonderful read, and I’m already excited for Ivy’s next release. I’m hopeful we’ll get to see more from this world and maybe even dive into another beloved character’s story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Blurb:
She doesn’t do second chances. But he’s not done writing their song.
Cielo “Lo” Valdez doesn’t believe in second chances. Surviving cancer taught her life is too short to spend time on someone who wronged you. But Aidan O’Toole is determined to show her life is best spent together.
When the tough-as-nails Texan moved to Galway for medical school, she wasn’t looking for love. Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, slipped past her defenses. They each fell hard and fast. But when Aidan was given the opportunity of a lifetime—to move to London and record an album—he took it, breaking Lo’s heart. Yet more than two years and a successful album later, every song he writes is still about her, the one he let get away. And every time Lo hears his voice on the radio singing about love, it’s an arrow straight to her soul.
Now they’re on a collision course as maid of honor and best man at a weekend-long Irish castle wedding. Are some mistakes worth forgiving? Can Aidan convince Lo their song wasn’t meant to end?
XOXO,
Jessica 💋
Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks
To be Published: August 12, 2025
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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