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Avery Maxwell
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Beat of My Heart: A Small Town Billionaire Secret Baby Romance (The Westbrooks: Broken Hearts Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Avery Maxwell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,027 ratings
*This is a standalone book #2 in the interconnected series, The Westbrooks: Broken-Hearts.

One week. No strings. Sexy stranger. What could go wrong?

My name is Julia McDowell. I’m not the pretty girl next door, I’m the boss at work who solves all your problems. I’m an awkward genius with the worst taste in boyfriends; the last one left me with a 6-figure debt to prove it.

So, when the most swoon-worthy man alive saves me from a psychotic tree, who am I to say no to a drink? He’s sweet yet powerful with a darkness I can’t place. I should be terrified of him, but I find myself drawn to him in ways I’ve never experienced. He says I’m his guiding light, that our hearts beat to the same melody. But I’m not looking for forever, and he has his own demons to slay.

We agreed to one week, no strings. It will have to be enough. It’s definitely enough, more than enough, until it’s not.

I’m ready to throw our one-week rules out the window when tragedy pulls us apart. It would take a miracle to find our way back to each other, and life is no fairytale. With no happily ever after in sight, will our hearts learn a new rhythm? Or will heartache become our new theme song?

Click the BUY NOW button to enter the Westbrook World and find out!

The Beat of My Heart is a standalone HEA in the interconnecting series, The Westbrooks: Broken Hearts. While it can be read alone, Avery strongly encourages you to read book 1, Cross My Heart, first. Now available in KindleUnlimited.

**Trigger Warning-Sensitive subjects such as domestic violence, abduction, and worries of an eating disorder are all briefly discussed. If you have questions about this, the author encourages you to reach out to her for further explanation.
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  1. Book 2 of 4
    The Westbrooks: Broken Hearts
  2. Print length
    352 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 27, 2022
  5. File size
    4.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “My heart stopped beating the moment I lost you and didn’t start again until just now.”
    Highlighted by 186 Kindle readers
  2. “Trevor,” he says, waiting for me to meet his eyes, “you love her.” It isn’t a question, and I don’t answer at first.
    Highlighted by 134 Kindle readers
  3. “I’m so sorry, Jules. I’ll make this up to you, I promise. I will find him,” she vows, and my heart cracks a little more.
    Highlighted by 112 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The Broken-Hearts Series
Book #1- Cross My Heart (Dex)
Book #2- The Beat of My Heart (Trevor)
Book #3- Saving His Heart (Preston)Book #4- Romancing His Heart (Loki)
Reviews:
* The Beat Of My Heart was a great story, the plot was strong, it was filled with many emotions, the story was written well. Avery Maxwell did a great job on the book. -Dani, Amazon
* I was hooked and intrigued throughout, and I look forward to reading more form this author whose work I recommend for all. -Wendy, Amazon
* The end was beautiful bliss. I shed tears. I was so in-love with these two by the end I was crying over everything. -Melissa, Amazon
* FANTASTIC BOOK!!! -Jennifer, Amazon
* This series continues to deliver! -Jenn, Amazon
* Oh my word!! What a fantastic ebook!! -Shannon, Amazon
* Great book by an up and coming author! -Lizzy, Amazon
* I can't wait for Avery's next installment in the series to see what happens to Preston. And will Loki ever get free of his family? -h20gal, Amazon
* HIGHLY RECCOMEND! -Jennifer, Amazon
* Beautiful read -palegarreta, Amazon
* Another great book in this series -Shiela, BookBub
* This is a terrific story, great characters, plot and writing.-sweetwitchsofia, BookBub
* The Beat of My Heart was a great story, the plot was strong, it was filled with many emotios, the story was written well. -Danielle, BookBub
* This had me laughing so much as we learn so much about Julia and Trevor. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. -Samantha, Amazon

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09WQJTCVD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ That's What She Said Publishing (March 27, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 27, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 3,027 ratings

About the author

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Avery Maxwell

Avery Maxwell

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Avery Maxwell is an American contemporary romance novelist specializing in emotionally driven characters who bring love, chaos, heat, and a side of angst to every story she writes. She grew up in a tiny Vermont town with one flashing light and four stop signs. If you look closely enough, you can often find similarities between her small hometown and the stories she creates.

Avery now lives in North Carolina with her husband, four mini-humans, and two puppies. She fills her days with carpools and sporting events while using her nights to create stories that are impossible to put down.

When Avery isn’t on mom-duty or busy writing, you can find her at a concert or snuggling on the couch with a glass of wine and her very own Prince Charming.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,027 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers love the book's storyline, with its many twists and turns and unexpected plot developments. Moreover, the book is well-written and can be read as a standalone, featuring strong character development and humor throughout. Additionally, customers appreciate the emotional content, with one review mentioning it brings tears to their eyes, and they value the great friendships within the group.

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64 customers mention "Storyline"60 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, appreciating its many twists and turns, unexpected plot developments, and intertwining narratives.

"...I thought their reunion and the ending of their story was perfect, while also leaving me in some suspense about what is in store for the other..." Read more

"...written in two parts - the swoony romantic beginning and a heavy romantic suspense end (that was only vaguely alluded to in the first part)...." Read more

"...There were so many twists and turns in this book, and I loved the whole ride!..." Read more

"...It has everything, suspense , love ,babies, strong women , loving men who admire the strong women, devoted chosen family. It's great." Read more

44 customers mention "Readability"44 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as well-written and better than the first book in the series, with one customer noting it's a fabulous weekend read.

"...So, was I expecting this kind of romance? No. Was it thoroughly enjoyable, even if it had a few moments that left me scratching my head? Yes...." Read more

"...Their reunion is sad and funny and finally wonderful...." Read more

"This book broke but dang is this one of the BEST books I've ever read!! Preston and Emory are such a beautiful love story!" Read more

"...details of this book and the others in this series straight but it was amazing. I loved it so much. I can't recommend this series enough...." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer noting how they make readers laugh and cry, while another appreciates the quirkiness of Julia.

"...parallel with Trevor and Julia’s and you’ll get a better understanding of all the characters and some of the events that take place...." Read more

"...Accidental pregnancy, secret baby, scandal, mob-adjacent, secretive characters, everything!..." Read more

"This book is so well written, the characters are so colorful you can't stop reading it...." Read more

"...If you like a book that keeps you guessing, with solid characters all the way around, then you need to read this book...." Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, particularly the banter and laughter throughout the story, with one customer specifically praising the witty dialogue.

"...story and was taken on an adventure full of excitement, twists, turns, banter, friendship, intrigue, with a bit fear tucked in alongside. I. Loved...." Read more

"...loved the characters ...but especially loved the humor thru out..had a difficult time getting thru the dress scene and many of GG dialogue... I..." Read more

"This book had it all: I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat scared about what would happen, but not willing to stop reading for a minute...." Read more

"Loved these characters, and quirky Jules is so lovable...." Read more

12 customers mention "Book writing"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's writing and note that it can be read as a standalone.

"...second in the series and the books are interconnected, it can be read as a standalone...." Read more

"...I’d say it’s a book written in two parts - the swoony romantic beginning and a heavy romantic suspense end..." Read more

"This book is so well written, the characters are so colorful you can't stop reading it...." Read more

"While this is written to be a standalone (with some redundancy from book 1), I highly recommend reading the series in order...." Read more

12 customers mention "Intelligence"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's intelligence, with one noting how effectively she draws readers in and another highlighting her down-to-earth approach.

"...And Trevor does a great job responding to that quirkiness!" Read more

"...The Westbrooks and the McDowells have raised amazing men and women. Time for Book 3!" Read more

"...Loved these two brilliant characters. So smart and sexy. Loved Julia helping Romero and also more about Lockie story...." Read more

"...Julia is a super smart woman who is getting over a deadbeat ex. So what does one do...have a week long fling at a convention...." Read more

11 customers mention "Emotional content"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one mentioning it brings tears to their eyes, while another describes it as heartbreakingly swoony.

"Trevor & Julia's story is emotional, 🔥🔥🔥, fun, and has a bit of mystery and action to boot!..." Read more

"...the way she ties up ends, and moves things along - plenty of good solid emotion and resolution...." Read more

"...It was beautifully written and had some of the best angst. I got to read the bonus with the letters. I felt their tears as they read them...." Read more

"Loved Trevor and Julia's story. It was an emotional roller coaster and it did at times bring tears to my eyes...." Read more

10 customers mention "Friendship"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the friendships in the book, with one mentioning how the characters treat each other like family.

"...Broken Hearts series and ties with One Little Kiss, my favorite in the Family Ties series...." Read more

"...babies, strong women , loving men who admire the strong women, devoted chosen family. It's great." Read more

"...was taken on an adventure full of excitement, twists, turns, banter, friendship, intrigue, with a bit fear tucked in alongside. I. Loved. Every...." Read more

"...the story of Julia and Trevor you also get to see such great friendships in this group and the lengths they all go to to take care of each other...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Elizabeth Strain
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book broke but dang is this one of the BEST books I've ever read!! Preston and Emory are such a beautiful love story!
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  • Helen M
    4.0 out of 5 stars A swoony whirlwind followed by suspense
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I completely enjoyed this book but it doesn’t feel like a typical romance. I’d say it’s a book written in two parts - the swoony romantic beginning and a heavy romantic suspense end (that was only vaguely alluded to in the first part). Trevor and Julia meet at a conference in Boston and have an instant connection. Trevor isn’t thrown by Julia’s quirkiness or her inability to keep from saying everything on her mind. She’s brilliant and awkward and while I never really understood the whole lyric thing, Trevor did. Trevor is protecting everyone from his family and is looking for a distraction. He finds so much more in Julia. And then she disappears. This is where the plot takes a leap into more of a romantic suspense with Trevor’s past catching up with him, and Julia popping into his life. Trevor loves Julia in a very honest and vulnerable way and it only added to his hotness. So, was I expecting this kind of romance? No. Was it thoroughly enjoyable, even if it had a few moments that left me scratching my head? Yes. I might even read it again. It was unexpected and completely enjoyable! 4 stars and 2.5 stars
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  • Jessica Lynne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate Small Town Romance with Suspense
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I found myself this week diving back into the world of Avery’s Westbrooks series, Broken Hearts, with Beat of My Heart, Julia and Trevor’s story. While the majority of the book takes place before the events of Cross My Heart (book 1 in the series), I really enjoyed how Avery had some of the storyline run parallel with Cross My Heart, but from Julia and Trevor’s perspective.

    I’ve bounced around between Avery’s two series set in this world, but I think Beat of My Heart is my favorite (so far) in the Broken Hearts series and ties with One Little Kiss, my favorite in the Family Ties series.

    Julia and Trevor meet at a conference in Boston. While there’s an instant attraction between the two, both have stuff going on in their personal lives that they don’t want to bring the other into; so they agree to a one-night stand. One night ends up turning into a full week affair because they’re both falling for each other and want to spend any chance they can with each other.

    I loved watching their relationship and feelings develop during their time together. Julia was a riot, with her inner-turned-outward monologues and coming up with her own lyrics, and I loved how Trevor understood her and calmed her chaos. Trevor broke my heart in this. He really was between a rock and a hard place with everything he was dealing with and I loved how Julia was able to bring light into his darkness.

    Having read Cross My Heart, I knew where their affair was headed, but it was still hard to read about their separation. Like I said, I loved how this part of the story ran parallel with the events of Cross My Heart while being from Julia and Trevor’s perspective. Since we already got Lanie and Dex’s story, Julia and Trevor’s story only highlighted parts of that story while also providing some more scenes between just the two of them (like when they’re texting and sending each other GIFS 😂)

    I thought their reunion and the ending of their story was perfect, while also leaving me in some suspense about what is in store for the other characters (particularly Loki, Preston, Lexi and Ashton) and I can’t wait to read their stories! Out of the four, Ashton’s is the only one that doesn’t have his story written yet but Avery’s planning on releasing it later this year!

    GG was, once again, a hoot and I loved reuniting with Lanie, Dex and the rest of the Westbrooks that I did not mention earlier.

    I definitely recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys a steamy small town romance with a hint of suspense. While this book is second in the series and the books are interconnected, it can be read as a standalone. I do think you might benefit though from reading Cross My Heart first (or after this one) because, again, Lanie and Dex’s story runs parallel with Trevor and Julia’s and you’ll get a better understanding of all the characters and some of the events that take place.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • K
    5.0 out of 5 stars WHOA!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book had it all! Accidental pregnancy, secret baby, scandal, mob-adjacent, secretive characters, everything! There were so many twists and turns in this book, and I loved the whole ride! My first time reading from this author but I think I want to continue on to the next book in the series!
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  • Rachel C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars It Takes Years Sometimes: Julia and Trevor
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have been reading Avery Maxwell's newsletter for about two years, and I must now confess that this is only the second of her books I have read. The first was Cross My Heart, in which events overlap with this book very cleverly.
    I loved (or maybe Luved) this book for many reasons, mainly because these intelligent and emotionally scarred people find each other twice. I loved the way Trevor and Julia met each other at a tech conference and explored bits of Boston. She has her fling, but it is so much more. Then years pass, and they are texting without knowing who the other is, in aid of the romance of their friends Dexter and Lainie. They know each other in ways one might not if their situations were different. The walls we all build are not there in the same way when it is only text. Their reunion is sad and funny and finally wonderful.
    Then we have all the other parts of the story that underlie the whole series with organized crime family ties. The meaning of found family has never been so pronounced as it is for this crew. The Westbrooks show up as part of the supporting cast in the first two books, but they are parents and siblings to these characters, so stay tuned.
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  • Debbie L. Thune
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced romance with a mystery in the background
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    So, I kind of love the Westbrook books, but after reading twice and listening once, I think they are a better read than listen - especially this book where Julia has so much trouble with her "internal" dialogue.

    I would have 5 starred this story except for one thing that almost certainly would never bother anyone except me. My issue (this is a ME thing) - Trevor & Julia obviously love each other from the first night, and they both tell OTHER people that they love each other. But they never once tell each other in this entire book. Honestly, that first "I LOVE you and I don't want to spend another day without you" is one of my favorite parts of any romance story. I don't think there is a single other romance I've read in the last 2.5 years where the MCs don't eventually say "I Love You" to the other person.

    Additionally, I wish the last two chapters weren't primarily focused on teasers for the next books.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Slow confusing start gets better and better
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    You need to be very patient with this book. The beginning is very slow and very confusing. The story does not come into focus for a few chapters, but then it becomes clear. Then their was laughter and tears with a decent ending

    I suggest reading all four books together to keep the string moving.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Leanne Bird
    5.0 out of 5 stars ALL I wanted from their love story and more!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    l absolutely loved this book, but I knew I would especially after the end scene in the last book. Trevor and Julia's story was everything I hoped and more. I loved that we got glimpses of all the extra characters we already loved from book 1! You can read this as a Standalone but I would definitely suggest you read from book 1 in the series so you get the full lushness of every character in this chaos filled family, an trust me you will want more!
    Bring on book 3🥰🥰🥰
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  • joanne c
    5.0 out of 5 stars sweet
    Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Second in this series and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are brilliant and the storyline is great. Very interesting twist and turns for sure
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  • Debby
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the banter!
    Reviewed in Australia on December 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is as good as book #1 in the series. Had me crying and chuckling at the same time! Looking forward to Preston story!
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  • Chrissy’s Book Shelf
    4.0 out of 5 stars Complicated Love Story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.

    This is the second book in a continuing series revolving around a group of friends/family. The story overlaps significantly with the previous book, in fact this book starts nearly over a year before the first book in the series and only gets into it’s own timeline after approximately 65% of the book. You really need to read the first book to understand this book and the story continues with different main characters in the next book.

    Julia is incredibly intelligent and earned three degrees by the age of 21. She’s very well paid and a leader in her industry. She’s also socially awkward and has an inability to keep her internal monologue actually inside her own head. Her ex conned her by stealing $100k in cash and taking out another $400k in loans in her name that she has been unable to get out from under. As a result she is very gun-shy when it comes to men, so when she goes to a conference she decides she needs to have a one night stand.

    Trevor lost his mother nearly 10 years ago. After her death he found out she had been killed as a result of his father’s involvement with the Boston Mafia. He hates his father with a passion and has had nothing to do with him since the death of his mother. He keeps turning up though and trying to get him to work for the mob. However, Trevor is incredibly talented at writing software, that has recently been sold to the military and they are using that software to uncover all the secrets of that mob by making himself and the software (that’s got tracking embedded) accessible. He does this at the same conference that Julia is attending.

    Julia wants an anonymous one night stand and Trevor daren’t bring anyone into his dangerous life. They agree to spend the week together without knowing who each other is. Eventually they both regret that decision and when they both decide to let the other in, they are stymied by Julia’s best friend Lanie being attacked and Julia headed away from the conference with just the clothes on her back.

    It was strange at first reading this book because so much of the first section of the book happened in the past as told from the perspective of the first book. However, most of the content of the book is very new and doesn’t feel at all repetitive. It’s actually really nice getting to know these two characters who were supporting their friends in the first book. They become much more relatable and comprehendible through the course of this book.

    This story is a sad tale of mis-timing and fear of taking a leap into the unknown. It’s also really funny and sweet. Julia is hilarious and her external monologues are very enlightening as well as funny. Trevor is a good man trapped in a nightmare for far too long and Julia lights up his existence as soon as they meet. He finds her enchanting and she makes him look at life differently.

    This is such a good series with all the tales all woven together of the various friends and families. It makes me want to read the next book to understand all the missing information from this and the previous book about the next main characters.
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  • Elysia Tat
    4.0 out of 5 stars oh Trevor….
    Reviewed in Canada on March 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This one took a while to hook me, but once it did I could not put it down. I absolutely love Trevor’s character and the way he loves Julia. I’m excited to read the rest of this developing story!
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