One More Heartbeat

Carson Brothers #5

by Stina Lindenblatt

Finding a toddler on my doorstep? Not exactly how I planned for the day to go.

Zara Thompson has loved sexy, ex-Marine Garrett Carson since college—but he was in love with her best friend. For the past twelve years, Zara has kept her secret and her heart guarded.

Then a woman shows up on Garrett’s doorstep with a toddler and a shocking claim: the little girl is his daughter, and her mother—Zara’s former best friend—is dead, killed in a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Now, Garrett is juggling fatherhood, a looming book deadline, a frightened toddler who won’t go near him, and a live-in nanny who refuses to warm up to Zara—especially after she witnesses an unexpected and steamy kiss between Zara and Garrett.

A steamy kiss that sends their close friendship into a tailspin…

But as Zara focuses on expanding her small-town café and helping Garrett be a father, a mix of circumstances beyond her control and buried secrets conspire against her…threatening Zara’s chance at a happily ever after with the man her heart refuses to give up on.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Small Town Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

436 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Born in Brighton England, USA Today bestselling author Stina Lindenblatt has lived in a number of countries, including England, the US, Finland, and Canada. This would explain her mixed up accent. She has a kinesiology degree and a MSc in sports biological sciences. In addition to writing fiction, she loves photography, and currently lives in Calgary, Canada, with her husband and three kids.

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Reviews

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Carson Brother's series and wow it's an emotional roller coaster.
The couple in the book are Garret and Zara. They are best friends but also in love with each other but won't admit to that part. lol
Garret is an ex Marine and Zara owns coffee shot named Picnic and Treats.
One day he comes home to find a women and young child on his porch. He finds out his ex girlfriend has been murder and this is his daughter Peony and the nanny Athena. Peony is terrified of him and all men. Massive trama seeing her mother being killing in front of her.
He tells Zara everything and she helps him with it all.. even getting a DNA test to prove Peony is his.
Athena isn't a fan of Zara and doesn't hide it. In the middle of all of this Zara is diagnosed with a horrible disabling condition..
Athena isn't who and what is tells Garret and her past comes back but it effects Zara and Peony.
Don't want to ruin it for anyone but please have kleenex with you while you read this.
Thank goodness for a happy ending.
Stina you did it again.

[Susa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara and Garrett have know and loved each other since they were kids, however, life has had different plans for them …
Garrett joined the Marines and after losing his best buddies in a bombing he returns home with a huge case of survivor’s guilt.
He’s not a famous writer and his next book is due soon, so he freaks out when on the day he is told his next book will be turned into a film he is informed to have a little daughter - Peony - and her mother recently got killed in a shooting.
Athena, the girl who is Peony’s nanny is quite a mystery and will play a major role towards the end of the book that is a real page turner thanks to fireworks of curveballs that you absolutely not expect.
I loved reading this story - they group of people in Maple Ridge are always good for a heart warming plot 👍🏼

I received a free copy and am leaving voluntarily my review.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review One More Heartbeat (Carson Brothers #5) by Stina Lindenblatt
 
This is Zara Thompson and ex-Marine Garrett Carson’ story. Emotional I was quickly drawn into the story that the author wove.

Having loved Garrett for years, Zara has managed to keep her feelings a secret but what happens when circumstances bring them together?

When Garrett suddenly finds himself with a father to a toddler, she steps up to help. However, what happens when secrets are revealed? Will it bring them together or tear them apart?

[Steph Hasell · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is my first book by this author but I already feel invested in the characters. Zara and Garrett have been best friends for years- and this book tells the hard, often heartbreaking path they go on to become lovers. I finished the story within 24hours.

As part of an established series, the characters were well rounded and had me rooting for them. There was one particularly emotional scene that had me tearing up.

I can't wait to read Kellan's story.

I received this ARC from Netgalley.

#Netgalley #onemoreheartbeat

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara is one amazing woman. Who will do anything for the ones she cares about. Garret is one amazing strong stubborn man. He will give everything he has to the ones he cares about. Peony is one perfect adorable little princess. Loved all the twist and turns. Did not see the twists coming. What an absolute must read. Loved Garret and Zara.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick review:

I loved it! I didn't read any of the previous novels in this series of stand-alone novels, but I had zero issues bonding with and becoming invested in the two main characters and their interpersonal relationships with the secondary characters who most likely appeared earlier in the series.

Fuller review to come soon⌛️

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this story.
I tried and tried - read whole chapters at a time and then skipped around some but I just fully couldn’t get into it. The premise of the story is very good. I enjoyed many aspects of it.
Not sure why I couldn’t connect with any of the characters.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF… this book up to the point that I stopped was such a disappointment… I stopped at like 30% the boy, girl, gender neutral crap was ridiculous… the baby was 18 friggin months old…. She didn’t know the diff between a boy and girl at this age. I really enjoyed the other 4 books… apparently this author has decided to join the alphabet party with an 18 MONTH OLD BABY… I’m down with mmf, mmf, mm, plain old mf ….. I’m not down with putting a BABY in that role…. It’s a no from me … when an author decides to jump on a trend just to stay relevant I’m done ….

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entrepreneur Zara Thompson and ex-Marine Garrett Carson were childhood friends where the timing was never right for their unacknowledged attraction and love for each other to surface. There was a nice bond between this couple that felt long established and solid before it finally blossomed into what they both always wanted but never could find a way too. Lots of yearning and longing filled the pages of this work with sparks sputtering many times before igniting a strong connection between this couple.

This book had lots going on. If there had been more focus on one plot point versus multiple this story might have flowed better. Often once interest was built in one direction the story was pulled in another direction. This story picked up in the last half of the book with some exciting over the top story developments that fueled this work but were in direct contrast to the first part of this book where the story moved much slower. While this book was enjoyable it was a lot to take in and reading the previous books in this series would have made a big difference.

Stina Lindenblatt's One More Heartbeat, a slow simmer with a grand finale!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon



Zara and Garrett have been best friends for a long time, and she's been in love with him just as long. There's no way he feels the same, though, so she's lived with keeping those more than friendly feelings deep inside. Then she's diagnosed with a chronic condition, and somehow it ends up with him offering her relief from the pain it brings. She has to remember, though, that it's just pain relief, not a romantic relationship, and definitely not falling in love.


Garrett's just been given news that could propel his career to new heights when a revelation is dropped on him that will also change his life. How is he going to finish his novel AND be a father to his newly discovered daughter AND be there for his best friend (without admitting he's in love with her)?


This is one of the best mutual pining/best friends to more love stories that I've read in a long time. Both Zara and Garrett have hidden their real feelings from each other, but their circle of friends and family always knew. Too bad it took Zara's awful diagnosis to help them step over that line. And then that twist near the end? So good, hard to read, but in the end, I was smiling as this sweet couple finally admitted their feelings and fell freely into the happiness they both deserved. I love the found and bio family aspect (Peony is adorable!), the sizzling chemistry, the mystery and twist, and the so sweet ending. The Carson Brothers have all gotten their happy ever afters except Kellan. His story is next - I know it's going to be a bit painful at first, considering what happened near the end in this story, but I have faith it will all work out, and I can't wait to read.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok , I'll say it . One More Heartbeat is a great romantic suspense, an emotional rollercoaster of heartbreaking events mixed with the charms of the small town life and a suspense line that will make you question everything and everyone. And the plot twists . You can't guess this one to save your life, pun intended. Garret and Zara were perfect together. This childhood friends had quite an adventure on the road to lovers and finding their happily ever after. And the slow burn was the slowest ever simmering under the surface. Zara loved Garret for a long time but he sees her only as a friend and was for a long time in love with her best friend. Hence the unrequited love and being stuck with a boring boyfriend. Zara is a boss lady in every way. She has her business and her friends and lives her life the best way she can . And then life put the biggest challenge on her path - she's struggling with a health issue while expanding her business. That only shows how strong and determined she is . She literally changed her life to manage her condition. And Garret was there for her . At the same time a lot of changes happen in Garret's life . He's getting the deal of his life for his next book, the one he's writing at the moment and suddenly his deadline is closer than ever. And out of the blue he became a father. And he suddenly got a lot more swoony and dreamy in those moments with Peony, the sweetest girl ever. Loved it how his family took it in stride and helped him . And Zara was there for him and Peony . Only to see it as one more obstacle to confessing her feelings and having a chance with him , because Peony is his and her best friend daughter. The way Peony and her nanny appeared in Maple Ridge was full of mystery and secrets . Add in the mix Peony's behavior and you've got a secret for uncovering. There wasn't a time that I wanted to shout "It's the nanny!" but I never expected this plot twist. And that increase in the suspense and the action, wow . Suddenly all the scary stories come true and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this to unfold . Zara was a true hero through all of it . Garret was struggling with his feelings for Zara when he was urged to face a situation where he can't do anything. And that real life situation was nothing like the thrillers he wrote. The suspense was killing me and I loved the positive outcome. Garret and Zara and Peony got their happily ever after and that epilogue was so good. But now I'm more than curious about Kellan's story because the plot twist for him in this one was heartbreaking and I can't wait to see what happens to him.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[☆Laura☆]

Cuando Garrett Carson, escritor y exmarine, recibe la inesperada visita de una desconocida con una niña en brazos, su mundo se tambalea. La mujer asegura que la pequeña Peony es su hija y que su madre, Kenda (su exnovia), ha muerto en un tiroteo. Entre la incredulidad y la necesidad de comprobar la verdad, Garrett se ve obligado a replantear su vida mientras lidia con una carrera bajo presión por un plazo editorial inminente. Zara, su mejor amiga y dueña de un café local, intenta apoyarlo mientras enfrenta sus propios problemas y un doloroso pasado que comparte con Kenda. Entre secretos, responsabilidades inesperadas y viejas heridas, ambos deberán descubrir si el destino les está dando una segunda oportunidad… o una nueva prueba que superar.

No vi venir lo de ese personaje, yo juraba que seria la protagonista del siguiente libro y sera de K con otra -inserte meme de la rata apretando el puño-. Eso si me dolió y me dio coraje porque tantos años esperando una oportunidad para estar juntos para que me la m.. y ahí acabara su historia.

___

Zara estuvo enamorada de Garrett toda su vida, pero él no, y ni siquiera en el presente me lo creí; parecía más preocupado por su libro que por ella. Lo que me pareció peor fue que, según él, siempre estuvo enamorado de Zara, pero en su momento eligió a Kenda… y termino se enamorandose de ella de verdad, al punto de imaginar un futuro juntos. Como imaginaran Zara nunca se enamoro de nadie porque nadie se comparaba con G.

Hay tantas cosas que se dan por obvias pero nunca se muestran ni se explican y eran necesarias, por jemplo: por qué realmente terminaron Garrett y Kenda, o una escena en la que él se diera cuenta de que siempre había amado a Zara, pero no existe. También faltó mostrar el momento en que Zara le confesó a Kenda que estaba enamorada de Garrett; solo se menciona que se lo dijo, pero no cuándo, y siento que esa fue la verdadera razón de la ruptura. Me dio la impresión de que Kenda fue quien rompió con Garrett porque al final ella amaba a otra persona, y al saber que lo estaba lastimando a Z decidió terminar. La historia tenía mucho potencial, pero no se aprovecho.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A post military, suspenseful romance

My Review: One More Heartbeat by Stina Lindenblatt is book #5 in the Carson Brothers series. It was released on 9/25/25.

About the Book: "Zara Thompson has loved sexy, ex-Marine Garrett Carson since college—but he was in love with her best friend.

Zara’s former best friend—is dead...

A steamy kiss...sends their close friendship into a tailspin…"

In My Own Words: An unrealized love unexpectedly has life breathed back into it after a tragic loss.

About the Characters:

Garrett - I liked this character. He came across as real. Even though he didn't know what hit him, he tried to do his best. The whole scarred vet who was haunted by his past worked. Seeing him try to comprehend and navigate life + 1 in what amounted to a devastating reality drew me right in. I viewed him as a warrior protector and a survivor.

Zara - I liked this character, as well. Even her story rang with a sense of authenticity. It was her emotional arc that endeared her to me. Despite the unrequited love situation, she plugged on, becoming successful in ways that completed her. As the story unfolded, she eventually found what she really wanted for her life.

About the Conflict: Sinister forces with dark intentions were at work in the lives of the three unsuspecting people who were linked by a woman who lost her life. They were entangled in a deadly drama that had nothing to do with them. The underlying conflict was challenging.

My Final Say: Wow! I felt like this story was going to be good, but it took it there. I was reeling. It had so many moving parts. When it's all boiled down, however, this was a story about family, about loss, about love, and about persevering.

Other: Potential readers should be mindful of any author/publisher content warnings.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: Yes
Triggers: Yes

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author/publisher and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to review this title. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions. I look forward to becoming better acquainted with other writings in this series.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One More Heartbeat by Stina Lindenblatt, book five in the Carson Brothers series, is an emotional roller coaster filled with heartbreak, family, friends, love, and a bit of suspense. WARNING: because this story is deeply emotional there are some major triggers including: s*x trafficking, grief, kidnapping, PTSD, and a chronic illness disability.

Zara Thompson, owner of Picnic and Treats and ex-Marine and bestselling author Garrett Carson have been best friends since they were kids; even having feelings, like love, as they grew older. During college Zara’s friend, Kenda, became involved with Garrett, before she could tell him about her feelings. After college, life had its own plans for them: Garrett joined the Marines and after losing his best buddies in a bombing he returns home with a huge case of survivor’s guilt; turning his feelings into writing best-selling novels. After spending time cooking and learning family recipes with her grandmother in New Orleans, Zara returns home to Maple Ridge and opens a coffee shop. These two have strong feelings for each other but fear ruining their friendship once they admit the love growing between them.

During a run with his brother, Garrett learns that the book he is currently writing is to be turned into a movie; shortening his deadline. When he arrives at his house he is met by a woman holding a toddler, announcing this is his daughter, Peony, and she is her nanny, Athena. As the story unravels, he learns that Kendra never shared that she became pregnant after their last hook-up; recently being killed during a shooting. As Garrett struggles with the revelation and wonders how much is true and what secrets are being hidden. One thing is for sure, Peony is afraid of men; all men. After reaching out to Zara for help, she is there offering support as he confronts the challenges of becoming a new father. The more time Zara and Garrett spend together, the more their friendship blooms as their feelings for each other develop into something more; igniting a passion and love that has lain dormant between them.

As Peony and Athena become comfortable in Garrett’s home, the past Athena had hoped was left behind arrived; threatening the fragility of this families as mysteries are uncovered and lives are at risk. As the Carson brothers and friends join together, moving into search mode: Garrett, in protection mode, encounters twists and turns and an underground world he would have preferred to have never learned about.

This was an amazing, suspenseful, emotional, small town romance with major drama, keeping me on the edge of my seat, as Zara and Garrett journey from friends to something much more. Including characters from the previous books added to the overall enjoyment of the book. Now I wonder how Kellan is going to come back from his grief.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#OneMoreHeartbeat #CarsonBrothers #MapleRidge #StinaLindenblatt #Wildfire

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

💘 One More Heartbeat by Stina Lindenblatt is book 5 in the Carson Brothers Series

✨ This was my first book by Stina Lindenblatt—and definitely not my last! 😍 Although One More Heartbeat is book 5 in the Carson Brothers series, it read perfectly as a standalone ✅ and I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series! 📚💕 The character development was spot-on 👌, and the chemistry between Zara and Garrett had me rooting for them from the very beginning. 💞🔥

The plot was emotional, suspenseful, and heartwarming all at once. 🎢💓 Watching Garrett learn how to be a dad to a child he didn’t even know he had? 👶🧸 So sweet, so real, and absolutely touching. And the way he would do anything to protect Zara? 🛡️💘 Total book boyfriend material.😍

This book tackles a lot—from PTSD 😔 and chronic illness 🩺 to grief 💔, suspense 😱, and even human trafficking 🚨. But every element was well-balanced and kept me fully invested and turning the pages.📖✨This story truly is an emotional rollercoaster! I sure enjoyed every moment.💫💖

📚 Why You NEED to Read This Book:
💔 Single Dad Romance
🫶 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🌸 Small Town Vibes
😢 Unrequited Love
🛡 He Takes Care of Her
🎖 Former Marine Hero
🥺 Special Nickname Moments
🔥 Slow Burn + Steamy Chemistry
😎 Reading Glasses Kink (yes, really!)
💉 Chronic Illness Representation
⚠️ Romantic Suspense with Real Stakes

If you're in the mood for a deeply emotional, steamy, and heart-tugging romance with strong characters and a bit of danger thrown in, One More Heartbeat is a MUST-READ.🥰📖✨

Thank you netglley and Xpresso book tour for the gifted eARC in exchange of my honest review🩷💙

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

One More Heartbeat by Stina Lindenblatt is the first book I’ve read by this author and I didn’t even know that it was part of a series when I requested it from NetGalley. That being said, it can absolutely be read as a standalone but I’m sure I would have enjoyed revisiting the characters from the previous books as having “known” them if I had read the other books in this series. It definitely didn’t ruin this read for me. First off, this was a deeply emotional read. Please be aware of the triggers because there are quite a few to watch for – sex trafficking, grief, kidnapping, PTSD, disability to name a few, but it’s so worth reading. I especially loved the interaction between Garrett and Peony (what a sweetheart). I could feel his heartbreak every single time he tried to establish a relationship with her. It will tear your heart out. I loved that all the characters were well developed and the story line flowed at a nice pace without feeling rushed at any time. I appreciated that Zara was written with courage and spunk and a huge heart. I was cheering these characters on throughout the entire book. I have to say that I was overcome with emotion after having read Ms. Lindenblatt’s acknowledgments at the end of the book. May she and her children feel God’s presence and comfort throughout their lives. I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carson Brother’s series has been incredibly captivating so far, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of One More Heartbeat. The book follows Zara, the owner of a coffee shop, and her best friend, Garrett, a writer and former marine. Garrett’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers he is the father of a toddler, Peony, after her mother is murdered. Peony and her nanny, Athena, unexpectedly show up at his doorstep, revealing the shocking news.

The story unfolds as Garrett grapples with the revelation and the realization that not everything is as it seems. Zara, who has been harboring her true feelings for Garrett, offers her support as he navigates the challenges of becoming a new father. As they spend more time together, Zara and Garrett’s friendship blossoms into something more, and their feelings for each other are ignited.

Zara is a strong, caring, and sweet friend who would go to great lengths to do anything for others. Garrett, on the other hand, is protective of everyone he loves, displaying a mix of broodiness and stubbornness. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the plot is driven by a compelling mystery and suspense that keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. I was suspicious of Athena the whole entire time!

I was particularly drawn to the friends-to-lovers trope and the intense chemistry between Zara and Garrett. The plot was well-crafted, and the twist at the end was exceptional. I found myself rooting for Garrett and Zara as they opened up to their romantic feelings for each other and the deep bond they share with Peony.

The inclusion of old characters from the previous books added to the overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, One More Heartbeat was an amazing read, and I eagerly anticipate the release of the other brother’s books if they are written.

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to be a second-chance romance, but it ended up being so much more than that. There were so many twists and turns in Zara and Garrett's story, and this book dealt with some pretty heavy topics (grief, chronic illness, PTSD, and more). I was not expecting all that this book gave me!

Garrett is a military veteran with PTSD and a lot of guilt, having lost two close friends in the service. He's now a best-selling thriller author with a movie deal in the works and a looming deadline. He has quite the full plate when he learns that he is a father one day when Athena the nanny shows up on his doorstep with a toddler named Poeny. The little girl's mom is his college ex, whom he had a one-night stand with about two years prior. And the ex happens to be Zara's best friend, which is why she never told Garrett that she's been in love with him since they were kids.

Something was off about Athena right from the start, and I had so many questions about why Peony was so afraid of men. Zara really steps up to help Garrett get his daughter to adjust to her new surroundings, and eventually, their friendship becomes something deeper.

But when Athena and Peony's past shows up in their present, all of their lives are at risk. This story took a lot of twists and turns with the suspense, and it kept me captivated. The HEA that Garrett and Zara got was well worth it.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The deeper I got into this story, the more engaging Zara and Garrett’s dual points of view became. Zara and Garrett are best friends who have supported each other for over twelve years. They have a complicated history, as well as very busy lives. The romance-story trope about two friends finally acknowledging their feelings for each other is almost secondary to all the other stories in this book. There are multiple things going on with these characters, such as Garrett’s military background and PTSD, his unexpected fatherhood, his young daughter’s fears, his publishing career and book deadline, the nanny’s odd behaviors, Zara’s growing business, and her struggles with a chronic illness. Eventually this huge, complex pile of plot lines tips over in an unexpected direction, adding drama, suspense and even more triggers (such as a gay relationship, assault and human trafficking) to the book. Whew! What a twisty, long roller coaster ride. (The epilogue is actually an opportunity to appreciate the HEA and catch-your-breath after this roller coaster returns to the station.) I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[THE NEXT CHAPTERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖 **One More Heartbeat** by *Stina Lindenblatt* – ARC Review 💖

OMG… where do I even start?! 😍 *One More Heartbeat* is an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from page one. Zara and Garrett’s story is EVERYTHING a small-town romance should be:

* ❤️ Friends-to-lovers tension that melts your heart
* 👶 Surprise toddler + single dad feels (without the mama drama!)
* 💪 Ex-military, protective hero who would move mountains for the woman he loves
* 🌟 Strong heroine who doesn’t just stand by—she stands up

The chemistry between Zara and Garrett? 🔥 Electric. The unrequited love moments? Heart-wrenching. And yes… there are some totally unexpected tragic twists that hit hard, leaving you reaching for tissues 😢.

If you love:
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Protective, swoon-worthy heroes
✨ Heartfelt, emotional storytelling
✨ A story that balances lighthearted fun with gut-punch drama

…then this book is a MUST-READ.

📅 **Release Date:** 09/25/2025
⭐ **Rating:** 5/5 stars

\#OneMoreHeartbeat #StinaLindenblatt #SmallTownRomance #FriendsToLovers #SingleDadRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #ProtectiveHero #UnexpectedTwists #ARCReview #HeartfeltRomance #BookishLove

[THE NEXT CHAPTERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖 One More Heartbeat by Stina Lindenblatt – ARC Review 💖

OMG… where do I even start?! 😍 One More Heartbeat is an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from page one. Zara and Garrett’s story is EVERYTHING a small-town romance should be:

❤️ Friends-to-lovers tension that melts your heart

👶 Surprise toddler + single dad

💪 Ex-military, protective hero who would move mountains for the woman he loves

🌟 Strong heroine who doesn’t just stand by—she stands up

The chemistry between Zara and Garrett? 🔥 Electric. The unrequited love moments? Heart-wrenching. And yes… there are some totally unexpected tragic twists that hit hard, leaving you reaching for tissues 😢.

If you love:
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Protective, swoon-worthy heroes
✨ Heartfelt, emotional storytelling
✨ A story that balances lighthearted fun with gut-punch drama

…then this book is a MUST-READ.

Can't wait for next one!!

📅 Release Date: 09/25/2025
⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars

#OneMoreHeartbeat #StinaLindenblatt #SmallTownRomance #FriendsToLovers #SingleDadRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #ProtectiveHero #UnexpectedTwists #ARCReview #HeartfeltRomance #BookishLove
@stinalindenblatt

[isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes:
❣️ single dad
🧁 friends to lovers
📖 chronic illness rep
🫶🏼 slow burn
💌 she falls first, he falls harder

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡⋆˙𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗮
i love her so much. she deserves the world🥹 she's so sweet, constantly putting others before herself, and would do anything for the people she loves. i adored the relationship she built with peony (garret’s daughter) and how she helped garret get closeer to his daughter

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡⋆˙𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘁
it was so apparent from the first chapter how much he loved her as more than just a friend and I love the way he cared for her, constantly wanting to do anything he could to help or make her feel better. and every time he called her ‘golden girl’ i was swooning so hard

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡⋆˙𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗮 & 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘁
their little moments were everything to me. them going to the park with peony (garret’s daughter) so she can see that she could trust garret, him driving zara to her appointment, going on walks together, doing yoga, and of course, garret offering to give her ✨treatments✨

plus, the slow burn was burninggg

───────── ୨ৎ ─────────

thank you so much to stina lindenblatt for the ARC!!! i loved one more heartbeat and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read it <3

⚠check tw!

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕💜ARC Review💜💕

Thank you NetGalley and Stina Lindenblatt for this ARC copy of One More Heart Beat, Book 5 in the Carson Brothers Series.

I have had the absolute honor of ARC reading ALL the books in this series, they are all fantastic but this one hits different! It is my favorite by far, I don’t know if it’s because I related so much to Zara with her chronic illness/pain and her not knowing exactly what is going on with her.

But also the relationship between Garrett and Zara, how they never crossed the friendship line even though they both were secretly in love with each-other. In turn he dated Zaras best friend in College and then hooked up with when they ran into each other in the city.

Garrett has made a name for himself as a best selling thriller author and man he couldn’t have predicted the crazy turn his life would take, it all started with a little girl showing up on his doorstep!

This book had it all; love, longing, suspense, mystery and some sadness.
You won't be able to put it down, that's for sure!

Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Years of Longing
Surprise Toddler
FMC Chronic illness rep
Mysterious Nanny

Be sure to check trigger warnings

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zara has been friends with Garrett since they were children however before she gathered the strength to tell him how she felt he began a relationship with her friend Kendra, so she never told him how she felt. She has moved forward with her life and is focused on her career but when Garrett finds out he is a father she doesn’t hesitate to be there for him to help with the transition.

After leaving the Marines Garrett returned home and is now an accomplished author whose book is about to be turned into a screenplay. Having a woman suddenly appearing in his life advising him that Peony is his daughter and that she is his nanny turns his world upside down especially when there are so many questions surrounding Kendra’s death.

This is a heartwarming story about two people who have always belonged together, but life got in the way. During the story they are both going through a tumultuous time which only reinforces that as long as they are together they can overcome anything.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I didn't realize that this was part of a series. I enjoyed it and feel that it can easily be read as a standalone!

One More Heartbeat was an enjoyable read that had a lot of chemistry and emotion. There were so many different types of relationships...parent/child, best friends, family, etc and you were able to see each of those relationships develop. There was depth and the characters weren't just one note. Watching things develop between Garrett and Peony was my favorite part. So sweet! Athena was kind of sus (as my preteens would say) from the very beginning.

I did find the ending to be a bit of a let down. Not sure why but I really just didn't care for the direction it took. Up until then, it was a 5 star.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! what a storyline

Zara owns a bakery/cafe and Garrett is ex military, turned author. It was great to read as they try to navigate their friendship/relationship. What a roller coaster we went on though, especially when the lines get blurred. Plot twist, he’s a dad as his ex passed away unexpectedly. Now he’s having to take care of a baby and a nanny. Zara’s loved him since college silently. But, he has loved her just as much. Through his new found paternity, Zara’s undiagnosed medical condition, they have been there for each other through thick and thin and now is no different. This slow burn will definitely have you flipping the pages. The spice was spicing once they admitted the truth. The lies, deception, buried secrets, the plot twists with Athena (the nanny) will leaving you reeling with the storyline. I definitely did not see that coming. This story will pull at your heartstrings and make you tear up. Great read. Cant wait for Kellan’s story.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book with a Carson brother. This book had me from the first page. This book has the beautiful combination of heat, heat, and humor, but man the touch of suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Not gonna lie there were parts that were tough for me to read. I was reading between my fingers because I wanted to know what happened next, but navigating a sticky situation I wanted to also tread carefully. This book is well written because it had me flipping the pages. I love a good friends to lovers romance, but add in they are childhood friends even better. Garrett's life is thrown into a tailspin when he learns about his little girl. Peony is a sweet little girl who has seen too much of the ugliness of life too soon. Everything that these characters go through the ending is what the all deserve!

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, we get tough but tender, ex-marine Garrett Carson's story. Buckle up, because it's a doozy. Garrett has a life he loves with a great group of friends, parents he's close to, best-selling fiction under his belt, and his BFF for life, Zara.

Then a woman shows up on his doorstep in Maple Ridge, OR, with a toddler named Peony. Peony's mother has tragically died, and Garrett is her father. He's suddenly a single father with zero parenting experience while the deadline for his next book is looming.

This series is one I’m enjoying so much, partly because of the great group of friends who are always there for each other and partly due to Garrett's parents with their unconditional love, support and words of wisdom. Add in small-town charm, navigating a new life experience and falling in love with your best friend, and this one has all the elements we love in a great romance.

[Cheyenne J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author Even though Im coming into this series at Book 5 I feel it can be read as a standalone. I dont think a lot is given away from previous books. I guess I will find out since I've enjoyed this one so much I'm headed off to read the whole series. This group of family and friends has me intrigued and I need their stories.
I liked the writing style and the pacing of this book. Also I enjoyed the dual points of view. There is great chemistry between Garrett and Zara. A wonderful cast of side characters. Emotional and unexpected tense scenes that had me holding my breath.
I truly enjoyed this book and I am very excited for what this author has coming next.