Grayson Caballero sees the glass half-empty. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, he’s been living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes him push people away, helping Grayson to avoid any real commitment.
Then he meets Reid Sullivan and falls madly in love. The two work together at the Wold Collective, Grayson as a project manager and Reid in HR. They even live in the same apartment complex. But Grayson continues to keep his distance, despite their obvious attraction. And Reid’s not interested in waiting around.
When Grayson collapses at a basketball game, Reid learns he’s been keeping secrets from her. Now his life hangs in the balance…and a stranger from Boston holds the key to his survival.
Nadia Karlsson makes a life-changing decision after her husband, Rafe, is involved in a tragic accident near Harvard Square. Her choice will unwittingly alter the course of Grayson’s future—and tie his fate unexpectedly to her own.
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This is a deeply emotional romance that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances. The story centers around Grayson, who has been secretly in love with his best friend Reid but keeps her at a distance due to a life-threatening heart condition. Reid grows tired of waiting for Grayson to reciprocate her feelings, but their world is turned upside down when Grayson collapses on the basketball court. His survival depends on a heart transplant, a miracle that comes at the cost of another family’s grief.
The novel delves into the emotional complexities of organ donation, examining how one family’s loss becomes another’s salvation. Grayson and Reid’s love story is interwoven with the pain and healing experienced by others affected by the transplant, including the heart donor’s family. McLaughlin captures the raw emotions of grief, longing, and hope, with well-developed characters who face their own uphill battle of heartbreak.
The narrative brings readers through a visceral journey—from frustration with Grayson’s initial actions to deep empathy for Reid, and intense moments of emotional release. Nadia, a character experiencing profound loss, adds another layer of realism and depth. The novel’s title, Heartbreak Hill, reflects not only a physical race but also the emotional challenges each character must overcome to move forward in life. The story is intense, heartfelt, and may bring readers to tears, particularly through the symbolism of cardinals, which offer moments of beauty and hope amid the heartache.
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