Heart Block by Melissa Brayden


Heart Block is a sweet romance that features a highly successful woman, born with a silver spoon to largely uncommunicative parents. Upon the death of her mother, Emory requires the organizational skills of Sarah’s family business. Emory is immediately attracted to Sarah, and surprisingly charmed by her precocious and witty daughter.

Sarah and Emory quickly become friends (and more) but must deal with a multitude of obstacles. Emory’s stressful job takes up all her spare time, and Sarah suffers bouts of insecurity, being surrounded by people that are “above her station.” Emory’s problems stem from her emotionally-stunted family dynamics, so you can imagine there are some hurdles to be jumped. Have I mentioned that Sarah has never been attracted to a woman before?

I’ve heard people on Goodreads complain that there are too many “coming out” romances around. I wonder if that’s a common sentiment among lesfic readers, but I’ve gotta say, it’s not how I feel at all. Maybe it’s because I didn’t spring forth from the womb knowing I was attracted to other girls. I didn’t realize I might have been looking in the wrong place until I was 25, and I wasn’t even 100% sure until a year or two later. I honestly believe that there is quite a wide range on the Kinsey scale, and it is a rare person that is a strict 0 or 6. Maybe it’s because of this that I felt such a strong connection to Sarah in the story. She would be attracted to men, but never felt those emotions that one should feel when falling in love. The way Brayden tackles the subject through Sarah (you date men, because that’s what you do) was exactly the same recognition I came to years ago. I never consciously realized that I wasn’t feeling what others were until I did.

The author handles two things particularly well: Sarah’s hesitancy to tell her family and her daughter’s limitless acceptance.  It really emphasizes the contrast between the older and younger generations in regard to how homosexuality is becoming ‘no big deal’ which is so very lovely. Did I mention the humor? Although this book doesn’t beat you over the head with wit, the interactions are almost always humorous, making both characters really quite loveable. Overall a very enjoyable read, and one that I just flew through. I’m thinking it will be one I revisit on a regular basis, when I’m looking for a sweet pick-me-up.

If you’re interested in hearing more about this book, you should hop over to Cocktail Hour, where the author stopped by for a delightful podcast with Andy and the Rev.

You can get Melissa’s books at BSB or Amazon

5 comments

  1. I think this book sounds awesome… I don’t know why people have an aversion to coming out lesbian romance books… take it where you can get it, new love old love, rediscovered love, etc… I like them all!!

    • The only thing that makes this book better is listening to Melissa Brayden talk about it. It’s not even shameless self-promotion because I honestly loved hearing the author discuss the book. I can’t see it from where I’m replying but I think Nikki put a link to the interview in the review.

      I’m going to reread this one now.

      • yeah let’s do it! Coincidentally, that is my favorite podcast of your from last year.

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