Jennifer HartmannStill Beating

Cora & Dean, from nemesis to lifeline.This a gripping and emotionally intense novel. Kidnapped by a psychopath known as the Matchmaker, Cora & Dean find themselves chained together in a basement. Since they are in a situation that is against their will, Dean & Cora will be marked forever in the worst and best way. It would be somewhat easier if they love each other or at least get alone, but that is not the case. They have had a tumultuous relationship, which has been fraught with animosity for 15 years. Dean, who is Cora's sister's fiancé, has always been her nemesis, making their predicament even more challenging.Dean is the only one who calls her by her full name, "Corabell," which she despises among other things about him.“You call me Corabelle. You know I hate it.” I could go on. I could go on and on and on."Cora's frustration with Dean is palpable, especially when she confronts him about calling her "Corabell," a name she has always hated. This tension adds depth to their interactions and highlights the complexity of their relationship.Their relationship has been characterized by teasing and bullying each other for years, making the worst thing that could happen to Cora, besides being kidnapped by a psychopath, being kidnapped along with Dean. However, this also turns out to be the best thing, as neither of them has to face the ordeal alone. They find themselves relying on each other to survive, forging a bond that is both unexpected and profound.As they struggle to survive, Cora and Dean uncover hidden truths about each other, revealing vulnerabilities and strengths they never knew existed. The forced proximity and shared trauma compel them to work as a team. The book masterfully portrays their journey from hatred to understanding, and ultimately, to a reluctant alliance.The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of shared suffering.

This was emotional and sad and deep. I think part of me struggles with their relationship turning out the way it does. I think the complications of understanding their actions is part of what the book is going for though, and therefore it's done beautifully in that regard. I never fully got on board with Dean's feelings and struggled with the chaos of their behavior. But again I think that was the point. Which made this great writing and so well done for the topics it tackled. I was so sucked in that I read it in one day and didn't do anything else with my day. I think my biggest critique was how unnecessary it was for the plot line that the connection was always there between them. I don't think that was needed and kinda of cheapened the 15 yr relationship with her sister and the intensity of the trauma bond.

Wow. This is quite the story. First - check the TW’s for sure. That is a must.Again, this is quite the story. What these two had to endure in the beginning is just horrific. After all the ugly they go through they stick together but it’s messy. Can’t go through what they did without the after being messy. Plus not getting professional help right away either. But I can see just having to get your bearings first before even attempting to get professional help. But anyway, I’m getting off track a bit. It’s sad but beautiful. There is great character growth. An HEA. I was so worried there wouldn’t be but there is.Anyway, i guess my thoughts are just jumbled and all over the place. I’m just going to say, after checking TW’s, read it. You won’t be sorry. I love this story. This will be in my library forever. I highly recommend.

I read this last year (2024) in January and I still think about this book everyday!This is a tear jerker for sure, so get your tissues ready.POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW so be prepared!The FMC, Corabelle (who only goes by Cora), is the younger sister of the MMC, Dean’s, fiancée Mandy. Mandy and Cora are only like 10 months apart, so practically the same age, though they are worlds apart in looks and personality.Cora is reserved, laid back and doesn’t work too hard to impress. Mandy does herself up in mega form — bleached blonde hair, long eyelashes and nails and tons of makeup.A lot of the descriptions of the book describe their differences, and it’s 1st person POV through Cora, so you hear her inner thoughts of her feeling inadequate.This is important for the ending of the story!Anyway, back to the main point — Cora and Dean are the stars here. They have sort of a prank rivalry going on, but they do love and respect each other. Though, they don’t tell each other that. They like to pull pranks, sometimes mean ones, on each other to one up each other! They like to annoy each other as much as they can for their own pleasure.One night, they are all out and Cora ends up getting drunk without a way home. She ends up calling Dean as a last resort, because everyone else is asleep.She waits for him while some creepy guy tries to talk with her and says some lewd innuendos. He finally comes and picks her up and saves her from the creepy guy. They banter with each other for a while as he drives and in their rearview he sees cop lights shining. He stops, pulls over and before they know it, the “cop” breaks Cora’s side window and tries to steal her. Dean tries to intervene and ends up cold-cocked and knocked out.They get kidnapped by the creepy guy.This all happens within the first chapter of the book!There is some bad stuff that happens to them, and they think everyday how they will never be found, but eventually, they escape after unaliving the creepy guy. It takes them weeks to finally get away.The rest of the story is the aftermath of what happened — their feelings, their shared experience, the fallout in their own personal lives.This delivered extremely well and the authors writing is so good! It’s easy to read, the pacing is superb, and the emotional depth that you feel… I mean, I sobbed!Please read this if you haven’t already!