What the Heart Wants: A Novel

*Revived an ARC in exchange for an honest review * So.. to start I’m a HUGE Audrey Carlan fan and jumped at the chance to read her new book.. FYI she didn’t disappoint, she never does. *Firstly.. characters..* *Suda Kaye;* a free spirited woman trying to follow her mums last wish for her. I love this character and I feel for this character, the decision she took to travel the world at the expense of her one true love was truly inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. *Camden* a heartbroken business investor still not over the fact his one true love left him after one of the most important nights of their life. I definitely felt for this character, losing Suda Kaye and not knowing why definitely damaged him. I love that he didn’t let it affect him too badly, that he tried to have a good life. These characters are amazing, all the struggles they were met with and overcame was again truly inspiring. *Secondly.. storyline* I absolutely LOVED this story and the message I got from it... How no matter what happens true love weather it’s romantic or family oriented will always be with you wherever you go and wherever you end up. That no matter what you do there will always be people to love you no matter what. *Lastly.. Thank you..* Thank you Audrey for this absolutely amazing story, I’ve love every book of yours that I’ve read and this one is no different, it’s definitely something I see myself re-reading more than once. Your words and imagination is truly a wonderful thing and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next! *THANK YOU!!!!*

What the Heart Wants has everything you could ever want or need; it's 352 pages of racy romantic women's fiction at its finest! Luckily for us readers, Suda Kaye's love life isn't the only relationship nourished from the roots up as Audrey Carlan does a fantastic job of bringing raw beauty to the love of sisterhood! Her writing style draws me in every time, there's just something about it - the familiarity, the love of feeling connected, the humor, and the unashamed intimacy. What the Heart Wants is genuinely unforgettable. // Our story begins in the aftermath of Suda Kaye's mother's death as she embarks on what ends up becoming a decade long adventure around the world, experiencing more than most could ever hope for in a lifetime. On every birthday, Suda and her sister Evie open a new pre-written letter from their mother, designated for specific times and milestones in their lives. As she reads her latest letter on her 28th birthday, she knows that it's time to return home. After coming back to her sister, Evie, in Colorado, Suda Kaye decides it's time to dig in and settle down. Although her sister isn't the only person she runs back into... queue, her first love, Cam. // Four days. That's all it took for me to devour every.single.page! It would have been much sooner, but, you know - the life of a mom and wife came calling... and sleep. Yet, when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. The heartwarming stories of Suda Kaye, Evie, Cam, the loveable Bryants, elder Tahsuda, and Milo were a joy to read. Although fictional, there was something bittersweet about the realistic feeling within What the Heart Wants. Just make sure you read the author's note at the end as there's much insight on the inspiration and sheer amount research put into this novel. // Quick question before I go, have you heard the song "No Place" by the Backstreet Boys? Parts of this song remind me of What the Heart Wants in many ways; Suda Kaye has traveled the world, but there just ain't no place like home! I am very much looking forward to reading Evie's story in the upcoming sequel To Catch a Dream. The preview at the end just makes me all the more interested in the 'Ross' sisters! // I would recommend this book to everyone because literally, everyone should experience What the Heart Wants. Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers at Harlequin Books, the author Audrey Carlan and her amazing PA Jeananna Goodall for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

5 stars plus What the Heart Wants absolutely blew me away. It was the most heartfelt, beautiful story that will hold a place in my heart for a long time. I am just beyond speechless at how inspirational and truly wonderful book this is. The characters, the words penned and the family in it, have touched my heart and soul tremendously. Wanderlust- At times myself have felt this and there would be no stopping me. I loved how Suda Kaye embraces her life and her destiny and how close she is with those around her. As I sit here writing this, Im rather overcome as I feel that what Suda Kaye Ross felt could be in all of us at some point in time. This book was unputdownable and an absolute highlight of my day to read. It was the most amazing escape from reality that causes you to ponder....on your own life. Truly the most amazing book you will ever pick up. So worth it! The author has outdone herself and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.