A review by erinlaura
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

challenging dark emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

In each of the books in the series there was something significant the characters had to overcome, but this was by far the hardest heaviest read of the 3. The cover is giving light, fun romcom, and then you crack open the book and it gets so real so fast. 

I mean it, this book was full of heavy topics like

going through an autism diagnosis, autistic burnout, the illness of a family member, and the struggle of suddenly becoming a caregiver for a critically ill family member,

while dealing with really complex family dynamics. 

This is a romance for sure, and while I loved the couple, there was a lot more to this than simply their love story. The book is excellent, and I definitely recommend reading it, but make sure you check trigger warnings. Before starting it make sure you know that it’s a lot deeper than the cover might suggest, and might take more of an emotional toll on you than the average romance novel. 

If you’re in the right mindset for something so intense, it’s a very well written story, with an immense amount of character depth, a compelling story, and a diverse set of characters! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Stroke requiring sudden 24 hour care from family members is a major part of this book, as well as the mental and physical toll this takes on the main character.