“Still Beating” by Jennifer Hartmann – A Review
⭐ Rating: 5/5
Year Published: 2020
Genre: Dark Romance
Page Count: 314
⚠️ Content Warning
Before diving into Still Beating, I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings. This book deals with kidnapping, captivity, sexual violence, PTSD, and intense emotional trauma. It’s a dark, deeply emotional read that won’t be for everyone—but if you can handle the heavy themes, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Quick Summary
Jennifer Hartmann delivers a haunting, emotionally devastating, yet ultimately hopeful romance in Still Beating. When Cora and her sister’s longtime nemesis, Dean, are kidnapped and endure unspeakable trauma together, their shared suffering forges an unbreakable bond. What follows is a heart-wrenching exploration of survival, healing, and love in the wake of unimaginable pain.
What I Loved
Gut-Wrenching Emotional Depth: This book doesn’t just make you feel—it wrecks you. Every emotion, from despair to hope, is so raw and visceral that it lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
A Love Story Like No Other: Few romances have ever made me root so hard for a couple. After everything Cora and Dean go through, their connection feels earned in a way that makes their HEA all the more powerful.
Unforgettable Characters: Cora and Dean are not just survivors—they’re fighters, navigating the darkness of their trauma with painful realism. Their growth, both individually and together, is stunningly written.
It Stays With You: Months after reading, I still find myself thinking about this book. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience.
Who Should Read This?
Still Beating is perfect for readers who can handle dark, emotionally intense romances with themes of survival and healing. If you love books that destroy you before piecing you back together, this one is a must-read. But again—please check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Final Thoughts
This book gutted me in the best way possible. Jennifer Hartmann crafts a story that is dark, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming. Cora and Dean’s journey is one I won’t forget, and I have no doubt this book will stay with me for a long, long time.
