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Exchange of Hearts
Eighteen-year-old Harrison Haddon has grown up alone. Surrounded by wealth, nannies, and material things, all he craves is the approval of his father. Sent away to the boarding school his father and grandfather attended, it’s assumed he will follow in their footsteps from Sydney’s prestigious Ivy League school straight into medical school.
But Harrison doesn’t want to be a doctor.
He dreams of music and classical piano. His only true happiness, his escape from the world expected of him, is dismissed by his intolerant and emotionally detached parents.
Levi Aston arrives from London for a three-month student exchange program. Free-spirited and confident in who he is and what he wants to do with his life, Levi convinces Harrison not give up on his dreams.
But convincing Harrison not to give up on his family might not be so easy.
But Harrison doesn’t want to be a doctor.
He dreams of music and classical piano. His only true happiness, his escape from the world expected of him, is dismissed by his intolerant and emotionally detached parents.
Levi Aston arrives from London for a three-month student exchange program. Free-spirited and confident in who he is and what he wants to do with his life, Levi convinces Harrison not give up on his dreams.
But convincing Harrison not to give up on his family might not be so easy.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2015
65 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,295 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
November 26, 2015
"Don’t let anyone else’s opinion of you determine your self-worth."
That about sums it up for this little book. This was a story of self-discovery as much as it was a romantic one. If you’ve read any of Walker’s stories before, you’ll know how they always pack major feels. This was no exception.
While this barely had any steam at all, Exchange of Hearts still had me tearing up in all the right moments. Even just thinking about these moments now makes my chest tighten. How Harrison struggled with his dreams, how Levi came into Harrison’s life and helped to carry him, how Walker placed importance on family – all these moments will (hopefully) affect you in more ways than one.
N.R. Walker is a brilliant storyteller. She knows how to balance every facet of her story so that you can relate to more than one. Love and romance are a given. But adding dreams and passion, family struggles, and self-acceptance and self-confidence into that mix and allowing you, as a reader, to pull up your own life experiences and add them into the pile – that is no easy feat.
Walker has proven time and time again how she goes over and beyond her characters. Their background do not only linger on the... well, background. Walker lets her stories revolve around the characters’ interests, be it a hobby, a profession, or passion and puts equal importance to them. This forms not only as an integral part of the character, but also of the story as a whole.
In the case of this book, it was Harrison’s music. I’ve read several books which center on music, but most of the time, the actual music is not described in detail, if not cut. Here, you can actually hear it through Walker’s words. You can actually feel it – the way Harrison poured his heart and soul, his frustrations, and his hope into his music – and it was simply beautiful.
Slowly, he sat on the edge of my seat, right beside me, and whispered, "Play for me."
So I did.
But I didn't play Mozart or even Beethoven.
I played him my song.
It was nameless. It was melodic and sweet, and something I'd worked on with him in mind. Each note captured the butterflies I got when I saw him, the warmth in my chest when he kissed me, the fleeting, most perfect high in the world.
He was looking at me like I was a puzzle to be solved...
...like he couldn't believe the music was coming from my hands. When in actual fact, it wasn't coming from hands at all. It was coming from my heart.
Exchange of Hearts is recommended for those just looking for something soft and tender to read. The drama is kept to a minimum, but as I’ve mentioned, this still packs the needed punch as far as emotions are involved. The only problem that I had with this one, preventing me to give this a five-star rating, is how the story felt hurried in the middle, as Harrison described his life during his transition from Sydney to London. Notwithstanding that, this book is highly recommended.
November 5, 2015
~3.5~
N.R. Walker books are my warm blanket and cup of tea: pure comfort and lazy afternoons. With the exception of the Turning Point series (the second book was a doozy!), Walker's books are low on the angst, high on the romance.
Exchange of Hearts is no exception. This is a YA/NA novel (the MCs are 18 when they meet) about two boys on the brink of adulthood, from very different worlds, who have each other at hello.
When Levi arrives at a boarding school in Australia, he does not expect to meet his other half. But dark-haired Harrison, who plays the piano like an angel and kisses like the devil, captures his heart from day one.
Levi is British and has an amazingly supportive family. He is passionate about architecture and wants Levi to pursue his dream of becoming a classical pianist.
But Harrison's distant, relentless father pushes Harrison to follow in his foot steps to medical school, and Harrison craves his father's approval.
I enjoyed the friendship that blossoms between Levi and Harrison. They genuinely care for and support one another, and seem more mature than most 18-year-olds.
The steam level is low-moderate; the smexy scenes are soft and not particularly explicit, and most of them are off-page. Harrison is a virgin, and that's handled with sensitivity and gentleness. This is exactly what I expect from a Walker book, especially considering this is a YA/NA novel.
I love me some fluff. I avoid heavy angst like the plague. But this book was almost TOO easy. Save for the conflict between Harrison and his father (which gets resolved with minimal drama), there is no angst at all in the entire book.
The MCs meet, do the covert pretend-boyfriend thing for a while to make Harrison's closeted ex jealous, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
There was a bit too much telling and skipping ahead in time. The entire first year Harrison and Levi are together in London is summarized in a couple paragraphs.
There's an epilogue set a few years into the future that made me smile, but I missed the tension, the what-ifs. I kept waiting for some kind of disagreement, anxiety, anger ... anything at all, but there was not one cloud in this silver lining.
Levi's family is wonderful, and Harrison's family comes round. Harrison has to perform a final piano exam while injured, but he pulls through.
Everything here is fluffy and BRIGHT and lovely. Exchange of Hearts is an easy, mellow read.
Rounding up. Because sometimes sugar just tastes that good.
N.R. Walker books are my warm blanket and cup of tea: pure comfort and lazy afternoons. With the exception of the Turning Point series (the second book was a doozy!), Walker's books are low on the angst, high on the romance.
Exchange of Hearts is no exception. This is a YA/NA novel (the MCs are 18 when they meet) about two boys on the brink of adulthood, from very different worlds, who have each other at hello.
When Levi arrives at a boarding school in Australia, he does not expect to meet his other half. But dark-haired Harrison, who plays the piano like an angel and kisses like the devil, captures his heart from day one.
Levi is British and has an amazingly supportive family. He is passionate about architecture and wants Levi to pursue his dream of becoming a classical pianist.
But Harrison's distant, relentless father pushes Harrison to follow in his foot steps to medical school, and Harrison craves his father's approval.
I enjoyed the friendship that blossoms between Levi and Harrison. They genuinely care for and support one another, and seem more mature than most 18-year-olds.
The steam level is low-moderate; the smexy scenes are soft and not particularly explicit, and most of them are off-page. Harrison is a virgin, and that's handled with sensitivity and gentleness. This is exactly what I expect from a Walker book, especially considering this is a YA/NA novel.
I love me some fluff. I avoid heavy angst like the plague. But this book was almost TOO easy. Save for the conflict between Harrison and his father (which gets resolved with minimal drama), there is no angst at all in the entire book.
The MCs meet, do the covert pretend-boyfriend thing for a while to make Harrison's closeted ex jealous, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
There was a bit too much telling and skipping ahead in time. The entire first year Harrison and Levi are together in London is summarized in a couple paragraphs.
There's an epilogue set a few years into the future that made me smile, but I missed the tension, the what-ifs. I kept waiting for some kind of disagreement, anxiety, anger ... anything at all, but there was not one cloud in this silver lining.
Levi's family is wonderful, and Harrison's family comes round. Harrison has to perform a final piano exam while injured, but he pulls through.
Everything here is fluffy and BRIGHT and lovely. Exchange of Hearts is an easy, mellow read.
Rounding up. Because sometimes sugar just tastes that good.
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September 11, 2021
And he had captured me, at the piano. I was lost in the music, coaxing the piano to sing my haunted lullaby. "Do you see what I see?" he asked, with tears in his eyes. "Do you see how I see you?" He took my hand and placed it over his heart. "Do you feel what I feel?"
dis cute or whatevaa. 🥰 N.R. Walker can do no wrong when it comes to fluffy romances, i swear. 🥺 the only scene that made me cry was the confrontation scene between Harrison and his dad but, aside from that, this made me smile so much. also, i'd love to read a story about Carson, if he ever has one. 👀
dis cute or whatevaa. 🥰 N.R. Walker can do no wrong when it comes to fluffy romances, i swear. 🥺 the only scene that made me cry was the confrontation scene between Harrison and his dad but, aside from that, this made me smile so much. also, i'd love to read a story about Carson, if he ever has one. 👀
November 29, 2015
4.5 Stars!
This book gave me so many feels.
I almost didn't read it. I saw high school and immediately thought YA!
I loved it.
It made me smile.
It warmed my heart.
It was full of hope.
It brought tears to my eyes.
Levi's family was amazing.
The whole virgin thing....oh yeah!
Harrison and Levi stole my heart from the first page and never let go.
This book gave me so many feels.
I almost didn't read it. I saw high school and immediately thought YA!
I loved it.
It made me smile.
It warmed my heart.
It was full of hope.
It brought tears to my eyes.
Levi's family was amazing.
The whole virgin thing....oh yeah!
Harrison and Levi stole my heart from the first page and never let go.
November 25, 2015
*2.5 stars*
This book was perfectly fine. Fine. But was I the only one feeling underwhelmed here? I'm all for fluffy stories with virgins and hooking up with your boarding school roommate, but I think there has to be a little bit more substance for me.
Part of my issue is that I feel like I've read this story or close to it before. Daddy issues, distant parents, pursuing your dreams, coming out... I can't shake the feeling of familiarity from the story. If you are going to write a novella about some topics that are pretty common in M/M, I think you have to do SOMETHING to spice things up.
Harrison and Levi have good chemistry, I guess, but there relationship was so drama-free that it actually was a bit boring. I hate silly misunderstandings, so I wasn't hoping for that, but these guys never had even a disagreement! It felt unnatural and too smooth.
I also had an issue with how the story was written. I have a pet peeve with stories that seem to just meander on with no story arc. I like there to be some structure to a story, not just a series of events with no tension or buildup or form. This novella sort of wandered through a period of about a year without much happening. There was hooking up and piano playing, but it wasn't enough to keep my attention.
I feel almost bad giving this book just a middling rating because the characters were so sugary sweet. I liked the MCs, but I wasn't engaged enough in their story. I wanted more depth and it just wasn't there for me.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
This book was perfectly fine. Fine. But was I the only one feeling underwhelmed here? I'm all for fluffy stories with virgins and hooking up with your boarding school roommate, but I think there has to be a little bit more substance for me.
Part of my issue is that I feel like I've read this story or close to it before. Daddy issues, distant parents, pursuing your dreams, coming out... I can't shake the feeling of familiarity from the story. If you are going to write a novella about some topics that are pretty common in M/M, I think you have to do SOMETHING to spice things up.
Harrison and Levi have good chemistry, I guess, but there relationship was so drama-free that it actually was a bit boring. I hate silly misunderstandings, so I wasn't hoping for that, but these guys never had even a disagreement! It felt unnatural and too smooth.
I also had an issue with how the story was written. I have a pet peeve with stories that seem to just meander on with no story arc. I like there to be some structure to a story, not just a series of events with no tension or buildup or form. This novella sort of wandered through a period of about a year without much happening. There was hooking up and piano playing, but it wasn't enough to keep my attention.
I feel almost bad giving this book just a middling rating because the characters were so sugary sweet. I liked the MCs, but I wasn't engaged enough in their story. I wanted more depth and it just wasn't there for me.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
February 12, 2021
Oh, I am so throwing a tantrum because I want a Levi so bad🖤
I actually didn't care for the clichè parts because this book made me cry for the entire 167 pages except for the first few beginning pages.
I picked up this book today out of nowhere because the internet was down early morning and I wanted to read something light and fluffy. This book IS fluffy. But light? It may be considered light and romantic. But this is one book which made me cry continuously till the end.
No.
This is not a sad book.
No.
No one dies in this book.
No.
No abuse (physical or mental or any kind of abuse) or anything like that.
No.
Nothing that would break anyone's heart. Maybe a few parts where it depicts parent-child relationships.
Yes. That! And the contrast in that between the families of Levi and Harrison.
I can relate so much with Harrison's family. And I really love Levi's family.
The romance is sparkling.
I cried because the writing hit me. With every page. Nothing lyrical. Nothing quotable. Nothing literary. But it made me actually reach my innermost thoughts and emotions.
(I was crying so hard at times that I had to put down the book so many times in between and make tea or watch youtube videos to calm myself down. Never have I ever experienced this except for some very sad obvious books.)
I am so glad the romance between the two MCs didn't come out as cheesy or cringy. Everything freaking worked in this book. Like freaking everything. And it's so rare to come across a young adult romance to be this freaking good to read. I won't say it's perfect or the ultimate read for me. But yes, I will say this book is the one which made me feel like home when I didn't want to be with anyone.
The character development is really strong and good. The chemistry between the characters are strongly defined and has the realistic feels. This is one of those books which you actually feel for real what the characters feel. The emotions in the dialogues were just spot-on.
Never have I ever been this grateful with a morning which started with some bad internet.
I still need a Levi 😭
I actually didn't care for the clichè parts because this book made me cry for the entire 167 pages except for the first few beginning pages.
I picked up this book today out of nowhere because the internet was down early morning and I wanted to read something light and fluffy. This book IS fluffy. But light? It may be considered light and romantic. But this is one book which made me cry continuously till the end.
No.
This is not a sad book.
No.
No one dies in this book.
No.
No abuse (physical or mental or any kind of abuse) or anything like that.
No.
Nothing that would break anyone's heart. Maybe a few parts where it depicts parent-child relationships.
Yes. That! And the contrast in that between the families of Levi and Harrison.
I can relate so much with Harrison's family. And I really love Levi's family.
The romance is sparkling.
I cried because the writing hit me. With every page. Nothing lyrical. Nothing quotable. Nothing literary. But it made me actually reach my innermost thoughts and emotions.
(I was crying so hard at times that I had to put down the book so many times in between and make tea or watch youtube videos to calm myself down. Never have I ever experienced this except for some very sad obvious books.)
I am so glad the romance between the two MCs didn't come out as cheesy or cringy. Everything freaking worked in this book. Like freaking everything. And it's so rare to come across a young adult romance to be this freaking good to read. I won't say it's perfect or the ultimate read for me. But yes, I will say this book is the one which made me feel like home when I didn't want to be with anyone.
The character development is really strong and good. The chemistry between the characters are strongly defined and has the realistic feels. This is one of those books which you actually feel for real what the characters feel. The emotions in the dialogues were just spot-on.
Never have I ever been this grateful with a morning which started with some bad internet.
I still need a Levi 😭
November 28, 2015
After not having much luck with any of the books I read this week, Exchange of Hearts was the cure to my reading blues. We have to young adults on the cusp of adulthood. Harrison, a talented piano player who feels forced to follow in his father's footsteps and become a doctor. Levi is an English exchange student that helps Harrison come into his own.
There was so much to love about this book. Some of my highlights:
*Levi. He was loving and loyal.The way he was there for Harrison every step of the way... Sigh. If he weren't so young, I'd add him to my book boyfriend collection. LOL
*Harrison. He was endearing, and I just loved watching his character grow.
*Levi's family. They were loving parents who loved their children unconditionally.
*It was low angst and feel good.
*The story had a nice steady flow.
*This book was surprisingly steamy. I thought I was going to read a YA book, but I would classify this one more as New Adult.
I'll admit all their obstacles wrapped up easily, but my fluffy heart loved it. In a world so full of chaos and hardships, it's nice to see everything work out.
NR Waker has managed to deliver another great story. It's about family, loyalty, forgiveness and having the courage to follow your dreams. 4.5 Stars.
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews.
November 21, 2021
Reread: 4.5 stars
I've been wanted to reread this one since I read it two months ago. It's just the perfect lenght to read in one sitting before going to bed with the hugest smile on your face and a warm, happy heart. Just want to add to my review that everyone deserves a mom like Levi's. She is precious.
"It's okay if he stays here, isn't it, Mum? He can't stay with me, can't he?"
She turned back to the screen, looking me up and down. "You look like you need feeding up, love," she said with a nod.
Levi's mom hugged me fiercely. "You okay, love?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
She held my arms and tilted her head. "Not real close to your parents, are you?"
"No."
"You know, raising kids isn't that hard", she said with a shake of her head. "Just have to feed them every now and then and let them know they're loved."
•───── ─────♡───── ─────•
Exchange Of Hearts is a sweet MM romance between two beautiful eighteen-year-old men.
I truly don’t know how N.R. Walker does it, but she always manages to nail her stories. I loved the characters, the way the family aspect was treated and the dynamics between the main couple. It was cute, heart-warming and everything I want in a romance, somehow condensed in less than two hundred pages. I can’t believe I was going to skip this one for being too short and young adult. It’s not YA, but new adult/adult and the length is perfect. True, I wanted more, but because we readers never want to say goodbye to a couple we love, not because the story felt incomplete. I understood Harrison and Levi like I’d known them forever and I know I’ll come back to them some day.
I truly recommend to give it a try if you are looking for something short and sweet, yet original and difficult to forget.
"I love you. Two four seven, three six five."
I've been wanted to reread this one since I read it two months ago. It's just the perfect lenght to read in one sitting before going to bed with the hugest smile on your face and a warm, happy heart. Just want to add to my review that everyone deserves a mom like Levi's. She is precious.
"It's okay if he stays here, isn't it, Mum? He can't stay with me, can't he?"
She turned back to the screen, looking me up and down. "You look like you need feeding up, love," she said with a nod.
Levi's mom hugged me fiercely. "You okay, love?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
She held my arms and tilted her head. "Not real close to your parents, are you?"
"No."
"You know, raising kids isn't that hard", she said with a shake of her head. "Just have to feed them every now and then and let them know they're loved."
•───── ─────♡───── ─────•
Exchange Of Hearts is a sweet MM romance between two beautiful eighteen-year-old men.
I truly don’t know how N.R. Walker does it, but she always manages to nail her stories. I loved the characters, the way the family aspect was treated and the dynamics between the main couple. It was cute, heart-warming and everything I want in a romance, somehow condensed in less than two hundred pages. I can’t believe I was going to skip this one for being too short and young adult. It’s not YA, but new adult/adult and the length is perfect. True, I wanted more, but because we readers never want to say goodbye to a couple we love, not because the story felt incomplete. I understood Harrison and Levi like I’d known them forever and I know I’ll come back to them some day.
I truly recommend to give it a try if you are looking for something short and sweet, yet original and difficult to forget.
"I love you. Two four seven, three six five."
April 15, 2018
N.R. Walker books never fail me. I can’t believe I hadn’t read this one yet. Levi and Harrison were adorable together.
May 18, 2016
3.5 stars
Sweet, heartwarming and smile-inducing YA.
"Two four seven, three six five."
Sweet, heartwarming and smile-inducing YA.
September 16, 2021
3.5 stars ⭐️ This is a beautiful and heartwarming story about two boys! ❤️
July 5, 2017
This is a beautiful HEA romance.
The MCs are 18 years old when they meet. They live thousands of miles apart. Levi is a 3 month exchange student at Harrison's school. They move seemlessly from roommates to friends to lovers.
Levi has a strong supportive family. Harrison has the opposite. Levi gives Harrison the reason and the support to stand up for what he wants of his life.
I could clearly feel the love radiating from these two. I wish for everyone to find their Levi.
The MCs are 18 years old when they meet. They live thousands of miles apart. Levi is a 3 month exchange student at Harrison's school. They move seemlessly from roommates to friends to lovers.
Levi has a strong supportive family. Harrison has the opposite. Levi gives Harrison the reason and the support to stand up for what he wants of his life.
I could clearly feel the love radiating from these two. I wish for everyone to find their Levi.
May 2, 2017
Review @STRW
This is going down as one of my favorite Y.A/N.A books ever. N.R. Walker has gold on her hand. No angst!!!! I deserve some of that. From beginning to end I was sucked into this story. I really really love Levi & Harrison. Goodness, why does she do this to us? Did you really have to make it a novella? I kept looking at the page percent, like please don't reach 100% pretty please with a cherry on top.
Harrison is a brilliant, 18 yr old living in Sydney Australia, he is picked to room with a student on the study abroad program. In walks the most loving guy ever!! Levi is everything I wish I had at 18. He is definitely up there with Charlie & Travis, and Thomas & Cooper. I didn't want these two to end at all.
I really love the devotion that these young guys seemed to have towards one another. I like that Harrison stands up for himself, he knows what it's like to fall in love, and be in love at a young age. Levi's family is how a family is suppose to be towards their kin. N.R. Walker has managed to pack some a powerful love story in these little amount of pages. I hope that she decides to revisit these two soon, and maybe we can get a full length novel! I want it please.
This is going down as one of my favorite Y.A/N.A books ever. N.R. Walker has gold on her hand. No angst!!!! I deserve some of that. From beginning to end I was sucked into this story. I really really love Levi & Harrison. Goodness, why does she do this to us? Did you really have to make it a novella? I kept looking at the page percent, like please don't reach 100% pretty please with a cherry on top.
Harrison is a brilliant, 18 yr old living in Sydney Australia, he is picked to room with a student on the study abroad program. In walks the most loving guy ever!! Levi is everything I wish I had at 18. He is definitely up there with Charlie & Travis, and Thomas & Cooper. I didn't want these two to end at all.
I really love the devotion that these young guys seemed to have towards one another. I like that Harrison stands up for himself, he knows what it's like to fall in love, and be in love at a young age. Levi's family is how a family is suppose to be towards their kin. N.R. Walker has managed to pack some a powerful love story in these little amount of pages. I hope that she decides to revisit these two soon, and maybe we can get a full length novel! I want it please.
June 9, 2017
4.5 Stars
I ate this up! Exchange of Hearts is now firmly cemented among some of my favourite YA/NA books within the M/M genre.
The story follows Harrison Haddon, a senior at a prestigious boarding school in Sydney. His parents have been shockingly absent from his (and his sisters) lives, but present enough to lay pressure on Harrison regarding his post-high school career options. Harrison dreams of being a classical pianist, but his father, the renowned cardiac surgeon, expects Harrison to follow in his footsteps with a career in medicine. Harrison resigns himself to his fate, unwillingly to speak up and fight for what he wants, until he meets Levi Aston, who slowly but surely helps build the confidence in Harrison that he needs to stand up to his father and chase his dreams for his own happiness.
Levi is an exchange student from London, staying at Harrison’s school and dorming with Harrison for just three quick months. But a lot can happen in three months, and the boys quickly spark up an easy friendship that inevitably transforms into a strong attraction and an even stronger emotional connection. They share everything together, including a lot of firsts. Their blossoming relationship is sweet and intimate, but an expiration date looms over both boys’ as they begin to dread Levi’s unavoidable departure.
Needless to say, Harrison and Levi fall head over heels in love anyway. Levi’s sudden presence in Harrison’s life opens up new possibilities for a future Harrison has only dared to imagine. With Levi’s encouragement and support, Harrison applies for a position at one of London’s most respected music colleges. If he gets accepted maybe his professional dreams can become a reality, and getting to be wherever Levi is only adds to the perfectness of the potential situation.
Harrison and Levi’s story was so very sweet and romantic. There was some light angst, but most of it came from outside the relationship itself and centred more around Harrison’s strained relationship with his parents. I believe Walker does this kind of family drama really well, having loved a similar kind of father/son dynamic in her recent story Switched. I love that she was able to make the reader still root for the parents to change their ways and support their child, instead of simply making them unlikable villains within the story. In contrast to Harrison’s complicated parents, Levi’s parents were a god damn dream. I adored his mother to absolute pieces.
This wasn’t a perfect story by any means. Some things didn’t make sense to me and there were a handful of happy fixes to some complicated situations that I’m just not sure I bought, realistically speaking. Ultimately, though, I’ll take all these problems and happily accept them for a story that gave me lots of joy and even brought a few tears to my eyes on occasion.
Exchange of Hearts is an instant favourite for me. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
I ate this up! Exchange of Hearts is now firmly cemented among some of my favourite YA/NA books within the M/M genre.
The story follows Harrison Haddon, a senior at a prestigious boarding school in Sydney. His parents have been shockingly absent from his (and his sisters) lives, but present enough to lay pressure on Harrison regarding his post-high school career options. Harrison dreams of being a classical pianist, but his father, the renowned cardiac surgeon, expects Harrison to follow in his footsteps with a career in medicine. Harrison resigns himself to his fate, unwillingly to speak up and fight for what he wants, until he meets Levi Aston, who slowly but surely helps build the confidence in Harrison that he needs to stand up to his father and chase his dreams for his own happiness.
Levi is an exchange student from London, staying at Harrison’s school and dorming with Harrison for just three quick months. But a lot can happen in three months, and the boys quickly spark up an easy friendship that inevitably transforms into a strong attraction and an even stronger emotional connection. They share everything together, including a lot of firsts. Their blossoming relationship is sweet and intimate, but an expiration date looms over both boys’ as they begin to dread Levi’s unavoidable departure.
Needless to say, Harrison and Levi fall head over heels in love anyway. Levi’s sudden presence in Harrison’s life opens up new possibilities for a future Harrison has only dared to imagine. With Levi’s encouragement and support, Harrison applies for a position at one of London’s most respected music colleges. If he gets accepted maybe his professional dreams can become a reality, and getting to be wherever Levi is only adds to the perfectness of the potential situation.
Harrison and Levi’s story was so very sweet and romantic. There was some light angst, but most of it came from outside the relationship itself and centred more around Harrison’s strained relationship with his parents. I believe Walker does this kind of family drama really well, having loved a similar kind of father/son dynamic in her recent story Switched. I love that she was able to make the reader still root for the parents to change their ways and support their child, instead of simply making them unlikable villains within the story. In contrast to Harrison’s complicated parents, Levi’s parents were a god damn dream. I adored his mother to absolute pieces.
This wasn’t a perfect story by any means. Some things didn’t make sense to me and there were a handful of happy fixes to some complicated situations that I’m just not sure I bought, realistically speaking. Ultimately, though, I’ll take all these problems and happily accept them for a story that gave me lots of joy and even brought a few tears to my eyes on occasion.
Exchange of Hearts is an instant favourite for me. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
November 16, 2015
Cute. Perfect for a lazy day or to to soothe your nerves after an angstier read. Just what I needed today. But I had no doubt bc NR Walker never fails me.
November 14, 2015
3.5 stars
Walker is one of those authors I HAVE to read. And there isn't a book yet that I haven't enjoyed. Exchange of Hearts is no exception. This is definitely a fluffier, lighter one of Walker's books, so I suggest grabbing this one when you're coming off of a book hangover.
Harrison and Levi meet at an Australian boarding school. Levi is finished his London schooling and takes advantage of a 3 month abroad program before college starts. These two become roommates and begin a relationship. But they know 3 months is all they have. Or is it?
Harrison's father has always put pressure on him to become a doctor, just like himself. But Harrison has always wanted to study music and play piano. Levi just may inspire Harrison to show his father that dreams can come true.
This one will give you a sweet tooth! It was easy, breezy. Nothing wrong with that, but I personally like some grit, some angst, some drama. Harrison and his father were the only problems in the whole book. But it's Walker, so you know the flow was smooth and flawless.
Walker is one of those authors I HAVE to read. And there isn't a book yet that I haven't enjoyed. Exchange of Hearts is no exception. This is definitely a fluffier, lighter one of Walker's books, so I suggest grabbing this one when you're coming off of a book hangover.
Harrison and Levi meet at an Australian boarding school. Levi is finished his London schooling and takes advantage of a 3 month abroad program before college starts. These two become roommates and begin a relationship. But they know 3 months is all they have. Or is it?
Harrison's father has always put pressure on him to become a doctor, just like himself. But Harrison has always wanted to study music and play piano. Levi just may inspire Harrison to show his father that dreams can come true.
This one will give you a sweet tooth! It was easy, breezy. Nothing wrong with that, but I personally like some grit, some angst, some drama. Harrison and his father were the only problems in the whole book. But it's Walker, so you know the flow was smooth and flawless.
dnf-not-4-me
February 20, 2017I'm going to pass on this one for the sole reason that the MCs are teens. I love me some NR Walker but just can't do the YA thing.
January 24, 2019
This was adorable. A wonderful feel-good story that just made me happy.
May 29, 2023
4.5 stars
Sometimes I just really want to read a romance that's low angst. If it's full of lots and lots of firsts? Even better.
Harrison is 18 and in his last semester at his boarding school in Sydney. He's in the closet and being bullied by some of the other boys at school. He's also being pushed by his father into entering medical school when his passion is to be a concert pianist.
When Levi arrives on a three month exchange from London, he becomes Harrison's roommate. There's a bit of a meet cute and an instant attraction between the boys. Levi's got the confidence that Harrison aspires to, he's got the supportive family (who he's out to) and he's going to be able to pursue the career he's passionate about.
They become close friends which gradually turns into more. I loved how they cared about each other so much from the beginning and that everything in their relationship progresses so naturally. And I especially loved watching all of their firsts.
I also loved that the foundation of love that they created felt like one that would last a lifetime.
If there's any criticism here, it's that the romance came a little too easily and there weren't any big struggles between Harrison and Levi. But I liked that. It wasn't as if they didn't have other struggles (especially Harrison). He had to figure out how to pursue the career he wanted - to the disappointment of his family - and he had to come out to his family.
So maybe not everyone will love this, but I do recommend for those who like their romances low angst, with lots of firsts and with a coming of age feel.
Sometimes I just really want to read a romance that's low angst. If it's full of lots and lots of firsts? Even better.
Harrison is 18 and in his last semester at his boarding school in Sydney. He's in the closet and being bullied by some of the other boys at school. He's also being pushed by his father into entering medical school when his passion is to be a concert pianist.
When Levi arrives on a three month exchange from London, he becomes Harrison's roommate. There's a bit of a meet cute and an instant attraction between the boys. Levi's got the confidence that Harrison aspires to, he's got the supportive family (who he's out to) and he's going to be able to pursue the career he's passionate about.
They become close friends which gradually turns into more. I loved how they cared about each other so much from the beginning and that everything in their relationship progresses so naturally. And I especially loved watching all of their firsts.
I also loved that the foundation of love that they created felt like one that would last a lifetime.
If there's any criticism here, it's that the romance came a little too easily and there weren't any big struggles between Harrison and Levi. But I liked that. It wasn't as if they didn't have other struggles (especially Harrison). He had to figure out how to pursue the career he wanted - to the disappointment of his family - and he had to come out to his family.
So maybe not everyone will love this, but I do recommend for those who like their romances low angst, with lots of firsts and with a coming of age feel.
December 18, 2015
For someone who wants to make a living with his hands you'd think he'd have more respect for his body. Just saying.
Fine story but with most NA I read it just didn't really grab my attention.
Fine story but with most NA I read it just didn't really grab my attention.
March 3, 2017
Fluffy, fluffy, todo sale muy perfecto. Vamos, que es la Walker... Pero, si estás en el mood, muy agradable de leer. Qué bonito es enamorarse.
April 30, 2020
Super Sweet & Fluffy!
Is this book realistic? No.
Does it resolve the conflicts out MCs face easily? Yes.
Wait.
Let me correct that. Only one MC has “issues,” the other is picture perfect.
Did I care about any of this? No.
This book was warm and bright with a dash of family angst—and it worked for me. It made me feel good. It made me smile. It made me feel 4 star feelings.
My rec? Yes—especially if YA/NA is your jam.
Is this book realistic? No.
Does it resolve the conflicts out MCs face easily? Yes.
Wait.
Let me correct that. Only one MC has “issues,” the other is picture perfect.
Did I care about any of this? No.
This book was warm and bright with a dash of family angst—and it worked for me. It made me feel good. It made me smile. It made me feel 4 star feelings.
My rec? Yes—especially if YA/NA is your jam.
November 29, 2015
3.5 Stars
A sweet as your favorite candy, low-angst read. I will admit, I would have liked a touch more conflict, but I thoroughly enjoyed Harrison and Levi.
A sweet as your favorite candy, low-angst read. I will admit, I would have liked a touch more conflict, but I thoroughly enjoyed Harrison and Levi.
July 7, 2017
N.R. Walker, you can do no wrong!!!!
I loved everything about this book.
I loved everything about this book.
December 13, 2015
4.5 Stars
At last! The N.R. Walker that I loved emerged once again <3
I almost lost faith in her works since all that I have read after her RDH Series did not really work for me. But this! This one resonated all the things that I love from her. Sweet, overflowing love, just the right angst and great sex escapade :P
But I guess a few critical points though: Her stories are a bit "Disney Princess" like, in a sense that the "Happily Ever After" seems unrealistic. Don't get me wrong, I love Levi and Harrison, but 3 months of knowing each other isn't enough to declare a person as your "soulmate." I dunno, it's just too good to be true.
Also, the love triangle could've been played a little more. Carson is such an interesting character which could've been explored more.
However, I don't care that much. N.R. Walker is my go-to author whenever I finished books that are too angsty for comfort. As an author, this might be something she should think about to challenge herself more, but as a reader, I selfishly liked her low-angst style of hers so, I am hands down to this issue.
LOVE IT! <3
P.S. "Then I looked at him, really looked at him" <-- N.R. Walker trademarked line LOL. Whenever I read this phrase (which is a constant among her books) it reminded me that I am reading her book hahaha!
At last! The N.R. Walker that I loved emerged once again <3
I almost lost faith in her works since all that I have read after her RDH Series did not really work for me. But this! This one resonated all the things that I love from her. Sweet, overflowing love, just the right angst and great sex escapade :P
But I guess a few critical points though: Her stories are a bit "Disney Princess" like, in a sense that the "Happily Ever After" seems unrealistic. Don't get me wrong, I love Levi and Harrison, but 3 months of knowing each other isn't enough to declare a person as your "soulmate." I dunno, it's just too good to be true.
Also, the love triangle could've been played a little more. Carson is such an interesting character which could've been explored more.
However, I don't care that much. N.R. Walker is my go-to author whenever I finished books that are too angsty for comfort. As an author, this might be something she should think about to challenge herself more, but as a reader, I selfishly liked her low-angst style of hers so, I am hands down to this issue.
LOVE IT! <3
P.S. "Then I looked at him, really looked at him" <-- N.R. Walker trademarked line LOL. Whenever I read this phrase (which is a constant among her books) it reminded me that I am reading her book hahaha!
January 13, 2019
Light, sweet, fluffy, the sex left to your imagination (and I have quite a good imagination thank you very much...😉), this story of two 18 year olds - piano prodigy Harrison from Australia and architectural student Levi from London - at boarding school in Australia filled me with pleasure cos for once...just for freaking once, it wasn't Levi's parents that were cold, remote and detached, but Harrison's. Score for the wonderful English parents, yay 😁!! Even Harrison's ex, Carson, turned out to be quite a good guy in the end.....4.5 stars from me. Thank Nic.
February 21, 2016
Cute in the life is perfect and everything will work out kind of way.
Not the norm for high school if my memory serves me correctly.
Still, an easy and lovely story of it all working out just as it should, meetings of fate and following your dreams.
Perfect when you need a dose of perfect, and honestly, who doesn't at times?
Not the norm for high school if my memory serves me correctly.
Still, an easy and lovely story of it all working out just as it should, meetings of fate and following your dreams.
Perfect when you need a dose of perfect, and honestly, who doesn't at times?
May 7, 2017
Loved! ♥
I'm so glad for had read this book. It was just what I needed.
The story was light, sweet, hopeful and made me smile... :)
I loved Levi and Harrison together. I loved Levi's family. And I loved seeing Harrison fighting for what he wanted.
The writing was amazing and it didn't surprise me.
Recommend!
I'm so glad for had read this book. It was just what I needed.
The story was light, sweet, hopeful and made me smile... :)
I loved Levi and Harrison together. I loved Levi's family. And I loved seeing Harrison fighting for what he wanted.
The writing was amazing and it didn't surprise me.
Recommend!
January 12, 2018
4 Stars
Sweetly romantic, with just the right amount of spice & angst for a coming-of-age story.
Sweetly romantic, with just the right amount of spice & angst for a coming-of-age story.
December 9, 2018
5 stars. Don’t know how I never read this one before. It was exactly perfect for me. It’s like NR Walker knows exactly what I need.
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