“Some people go their entire lives unaware that their hearts have beats and places and bones—all the things that keep them alive. But the lucky ones, they learn early in life that hearts are more than just a noise inside your chest cavity.”
Looking for your next unputdownable romance read? I’ve got you covered.
In this article, I’ll break down everything about Colleen Hoover’s “Heart Bones” – from the juicy plot details to what makes this book special.
I’ve read every CoHo book, and I’m here to tell you if this one is worth your time. (Spoiler: it is!)
Whether you’re trying to decide if this book matches your reading taste or you’ve finished it and want to understand its deeper themes, I’ve got answers.
I’ll share honest thoughts about:
- The most compelling characters
- The emotional impact
- Who should (and shouldn’t) read it
- What to read next if you love it
No fluff, no spoilers you don’t want – just the guide I wish I had before reading.
Plot Summary
“Maybe that’s what happens when a heart breaks. The pieces scatter, and when they join back together, they join with the pieces of someone else’s broken heart.”
This story will grab your heart and won’t let go. Let’s dive into what makes “Heart Bones” so captivating.
Colleen Hoover crafts a tale of an unexpected connection between two very different people. Their summer together changes everything.
Storyline
Beyah Grim has had a tough life. Really tough.
When her drug-addicted mother dies suddenly, she has nowhere to go except to live with the father she barely knows. This leads her to a luxurious beach house in Texas for the summer before college—a world completely different from the poverty she’s known her entire life.
There, she meets Samson, her mysterious neighbor. He seems to have everything she doesn’t—money, stability, a perfect family. But appearances can be deceiving. Despite his carefree attitude and privileged lifestyle, Samson harbors secrets and pain of his own.
Initially, they agree to a no-strings summer fling. Just physical attraction, no emotional complications. After all, Beyah is leaving for college at the end of the summer, and she’s not looking to get attached.
But as they spend time together—fishing off the pier, sharing late-night conversations, and slowly opening up about their pasts—something deeper develops. Their connection becomes something neither expected nor prepared for.
Over one summer, these two broken people find each other. And maybe, just maybe, they can help each other heal in ways they never thought possible.
Characters and Character Arc
Beyah: She’s strong but guarded. She’s survived poverty and neglect. Her journey is about learning to trust and open up. What makes Beyah special is her raw honesty—she never pretends to be someone she’s not. Her fierce independence comes from years of having no one to depend on but herself.
Samson: He appears privileged but hides his pain. His journey involves facing his past and finding hope for the future. Beneath his carefree exterior lies someone who understands loss in ways few people do. His character challenges our assumptions about wealth and happiness.
Secondary characters: From Beyah’s distant father to her new stepsister Sara, each person adds meaningful layers to the story. Even characters with limited page time leave lasting impressions.
Their relationship grows from attraction to something much deeper. Both learn that vulnerability can be a strength. The evolution of their connection feels earned, not rushed—a hallmark of Hoover’s best writing.
Themes and Symbolism
This book tackles some big ideas:
- The contrast between wealth and poverty
- How our pasts shape but don’t define us
- Finding strength through connection
- The meaning of home and family
The beach setting symbolizes transition—a place between permanence and change, much like Beyah’s life situation.
What Genre (and Tropes) Does It Focus On?
Wonder where this book fits in the romance world? Let me help you place it.
“Heart Bones” blends several popular romance elements with Hoover’s signature emotional depth. Here’s what you can expect from this reading experience.
About the Genre
“Heart Bones” is a new adult contemporary romance. This genre focuses on characters transitioning to adulthood, dealing with adult issues while still finding their place in the world.
Notable Tropes
- Opposites attract
- Rich boy/poor girl
- Summer Romance
- Hidden secrets
- Found family
What to Expect from the Story
Expect an emotional rollercoaster. This isn’t just a fluffy beach read. Hoover digs into trauma, grief, and healing.
But don’t worry—there’s plenty of:
- Swoony romance
- Beach vibes
- Character growth
- Satisfying emotional payoff
Ratings and Reviews
What are readers saying about this book? The numbers don’t lie.
“Heart Bones” has earned impressive ratings and passionate reviews. Let’s look at what real readers think about this emotional journey.
“Hearts don’t have bones. If they did, mine would be broken.”
Goodreads Rating and Reader Count
4.24/5 stars from over 230,000 readers
Goodreads Reviews
- “This book broke my heart and put it back together. Colleen Hoover does it again with characters that feel so real they could walk off the page.”
- “I couldn’t put it down! Finished in one sitting and cried three times. The chemistry between Beyah and Samson is EVERYTHING.”
Amazon Reviews
- “As someone who grew up in poverty, Beyah’s character resonated with me deeply. Hoover captures the mindset and survival instincts perfectly.”
- “Not my typical romance read, but the depth of the characters pulled me in. This story will stay with me for a long time.”
What Sets Heart Bones Apart from Other Books
Unlike many romances, this book doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Poverty isn’t used as a simple plot device—it’s shown with honesty and nuance.
The romance develops naturally, with both characters bringing their full, complicated selves to the relationship.
Hoover’s writing style shines here. Her prose is both accessible and emotionally powerful. You’ll find yourself highlighting passage after passage.
The summer setting isn’t just a backdrop—it creates a feeling of temporary magic. Both characters know their time together has an expiration date, which adds urgency to their connection.
What I find most refreshing is how the book balances heavy themes with moments of joy. Even in the darkest parts, there’s humor and warmth that keeps you turning pages.
Who Should Read This Book?
Is “Heart Bones” right for you? Let’s figure that out together.
Not every book is for every reader. Here’s my honest take on who will love this story—and who might want to skip it.
Age and Content Warnings
This book is best for readers 16+ due to:
- Sexual content
- Drug addiction themes
- Parental neglect
- Grief and loss
- Some strong language
If you enjoyed Katja Millay’s “The Sea of Tranquility” or Colleen Hoover’s “All Your Perfects,” this book will likely satisfy you.
Book Recommendations If You Liked Heart Bones
Finished the book and need more? I’ve got you covered.
If you loved the emotional journey of “Heart Bones,” these books should be next on your TBR list. Each offers a similar reading experience with its unique twist.
- “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover – Another emotional journey with complex characters
- “The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker – Features similar themes of family reconnection
- “November 9” by Colleen Hoover – Another romance with depth and character growth
- “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry – For the summer vibes and emotional depth
Conclusion
Heart Bones hits differently. It’s not just another beach romance.
What makes this book special is how Colleen Hoover blends summer heat with emotional depth. She doesn’t shy away from tough topics like poverty and family trauma but still delivers the romance we crave.
Beyah and Samson’s story reminds us that healing is possible even after the deepest hurt. Their summer together shows how connection can rebuild what life has broken.
I recommend this book to anyone who:
- Enjoys emotional growth in their romance
- Appreciates complex characters with real problems
- Loves that summer feeling of possibility
- Doesn’t mind reaching for tissues occasionally
The journey through these pages will leave you thinking about your own heart bones—those invisible structures that keep us emotionally alive despite life’s challenges.
Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
More from This Author
Can’t get enough of Colleen Hoover? You’re not alone.
This bestselling author has plenty more emotional stories to discover. Here’s what you should know about CoHo and her impressive catalog.
About Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover started self-publishing in 2012 and quickly became a sensation. Her books often blend romance with deeper social issues, creating stories that entertain while making readers think.
Other Books by Colleen Hoover
- It Ends With Us
- Verity
- Ugly Love
- Maybe Someday
- Hopeless
