What do you think?
Rate this book
Crooked Rock #1
Heartbeat Braves
There’s never a dull moment at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center.
Rayanne Larson knows firsthand the struggles of native people. Working at Crooked Rock gives her the chance to do good work for Indians living in the city. She has high hopes for the Center’s progress until its new leader hands her special project over to his underachieving—and distractingly sexy—nephew.
Henry Grant’s life is going just fine. Though he knows rez life, he’s always been an urban Indian. He has no interest in the Indian Center job his uncle pushes on him. That is, until he meets Rayanne. She’s attractive and smart, and like no woman he has ever met.
Rayanne is determined to keep her distance but when the Center faces a crisis, the two of them are forced to work together and she can no longer ignore the sparks between them.
This is book #1 in the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center series. It's not a true cliffhanger but there are unresolved story elements that continue in the next book.
Rayanne Larson knows firsthand the struggles of native people. Working at Crooked Rock gives her the chance to do good work for Indians living in the city. She has high hopes for the Center’s progress until its new leader hands her special project over to his underachieving—and distractingly sexy—nephew.
Henry Grant’s life is going just fine. Though he knows rez life, he’s always been an urban Indian. He has no interest in the Indian Center job his uncle pushes on him. That is, until he meets Rayanne. She’s attractive and smart, and like no woman he has ever met.
Rayanne is determined to keep her distance but when the Center faces a crisis, the two of them are forced to work together and she can no longer ignore the sparks between them.
This is book #1 in the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center series. It's not a true cliffhanger but there are unresolved story elements that continue in the next book.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2016
335 people are currently reading
1217 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Sanderson
6 books62 followersSupport a Native Author!
Crooked Rock Book #4
Urban Indian romance continues.
Book 4 is the story of Linda running out of options as the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center struggles to keep going. Arnie is distracted by his own troubles when his leadership is questioned. These two have never been able to figure out whether they're friends, colleagues, or something more and now they need each other more than ever before.
There's a sample first chapter from Book 1 Heartbeat Braves available at www.pamelasanderson.com.
Visit my website for links to a free teaser story about Arnie and Linda.
Book #1 was a Recommended Read from Dear Author - "...one of the best overall books I’ve read this year." - Jayne, Dear Author.
Book #3 was a Recommended Read from Dear Author - "What I’ve really loved about these books is that they are rooted in Native/Indian/Ind’n culture and traditions." Jayne, Dear Author.
About the Author
I'm a citizen of the Karuk Tribe. I've been a legal assistant specializing in tribal affairs for over twenty years. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, Bob. I am a Major League Soccer fan. My favorite food is freshly baked apple pie.
Crooked Rock Book #4
Urban Indian romance continues.
Book 4 is the story of Linda running out of options as the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center struggles to keep going. Arnie is distracted by his own troubles when his leadership is questioned. These two have never been able to figure out whether they're friends, colleagues, or something more and now they need each other more than ever before.
There's a sample first chapter from Book 1 Heartbeat Braves available at www.pamelasanderson.com.
Visit my website for links to a free teaser story about Arnie and Linda.
Book #1 was a Recommended Read from Dear Author - "...one of the best overall books I’ve read this year." - Jayne, Dear Author.
Book #3 was a Recommended Read from Dear Author - "What I’ve really loved about these books is that they are rooted in Native/Indian/Ind’n culture and traditions." Jayne, Dear Author.
About the Author
I'm a citizen of the Karuk Tribe. I've been a legal assistant specializing in tribal affairs for over twenty years. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, Bob. I am a Major League Soccer fan. My favorite food is freshly baked apple pie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 4, 2020
A native romance novel is not something I run into often. A little while ago I was talking with a friend about the importance of not always being “all up in our trauma,” as she put it, and I think this novel really helped me with that.
I’m reading some intense novels and this was a nice reprieve. It’s got the sexy romance factor but it’s not crazy steamy and sexual (something I personally appreciate because I am a romance novel noob haha.)
I felt the romantic developments were realistically paced and I really grew to care for the characters. While it’s a lighter read there were still elements that I appreciated, such as the struggles elders face in their daily lives and the importance of elders in native culture, as well as the adversities Indigenous folks face when striving to do crucial community work while living in the city.
This is the first book in a series of novels that are set at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Centre and I’m excited to read the rest. While I think Indigenous literature that deals with all of the trauma we’ve endured is essential and something I will never stop reading, I also think these types of novels are just as important and I’m so grateful there are more and more lighthearted Indigenous works available as well. May native writers expand to all genres. We have so much to say.
I’m reading some intense novels and this was a nice reprieve. It’s got the sexy romance factor but it’s not crazy steamy and sexual (something I personally appreciate because I am a romance novel noob haha.)
I felt the romantic developments were realistically paced and I really grew to care for the characters. While it’s a lighter read there were still elements that I appreciated, such as the struggles elders face in their daily lives and the importance of elders in native culture, as well as the adversities Indigenous folks face when striving to do crucial community work while living in the city.
This is the first book in a series of novels that are set at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Centre and I’m excited to read the rest. While I think Indigenous literature that deals with all of the trauma we’ve endured is essential and something I will never stop reading, I also think these types of novels are just as important and I’m so grateful there are more and more lighthearted Indigenous works available as well. May native writers expand to all genres. We have so much to say.
March 26, 2021
Note: After the liveshow discussion, I slightly lowered my rating to 4 stars (from 4.5), but I still think it's very good and want to read on in the series! Here is the live discussion with great insight from indigenous BookTubers: https://youtu.be/O9SXHi5TAlU
Heartbeat Braves is a sweet, slow-burn romance following Rayanne, a Native woman who works at a the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center, struggling to provide services with little space and less funding. So when one of the council members brings on his irresponsible nephew to do the job she should be doing, she is less than pleased. Even if he is attractive.
I love romance that combines a great relationship with important thematic content and this book does that wonderfully. It's a nuanced look at modern issues facing Native Americans, particularly in urban settings where they may have fewer services and less accessible community. Another major theme in this book is the complexities of the aging process and how to support elders you love while also respecting their autonomy. We also see the very real issues with microagressions and more overt racism, as it affects all different areas of life.
Henry is a bit all over the place and isn't sure what he wants from life or a job, but he does learn and grow and discover a lot about himself. He's not perfect, but he's determined to be a real partner to Rayanne who deserves someone with her level of competence. And I LOVE that the women in this book are so smart, strong and independent. The romance is slow to start (and note that it's closed door sex scenes), but I love how it develops. The banter and camaraderie between them is great and feels true to life. Overall this was a sweet, thoughtful book and I really want to continue with the series! The side characters are interesting and I'm looking forward to see them get their own HEAs as well. My main complaint is the ending feels a bit abrupt, but part of that I think is the way the series will go.
Content warnings include grief, racism, microagressions, talk of alcoholism and child neglect.
Heartbeat Braves is a sweet, slow-burn romance following Rayanne, a Native woman who works at a the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center, struggling to provide services with little space and less funding. So when one of the council members brings on his irresponsible nephew to do the job she should be doing, she is less than pleased. Even if he is attractive.
I love romance that combines a great relationship with important thematic content and this book does that wonderfully. It's a nuanced look at modern issues facing Native Americans, particularly in urban settings where they may have fewer services and less accessible community. Another major theme in this book is the complexities of the aging process and how to support elders you love while also respecting their autonomy. We also see the very real issues with microagressions and more overt racism, as it affects all different areas of life.
Henry is a bit all over the place and isn't sure what he wants from life or a job, but he does learn and grow and discover a lot about himself. He's not perfect, but he's determined to be a real partner to Rayanne who deserves someone with her level of competence. And I LOVE that the women in this book are so smart, strong and independent. The romance is slow to start (and note that it's closed door sex scenes), but I love how it develops. The banter and camaraderie between them is great and feels true to life. Overall this was a sweet, thoughtful book and I really want to continue with the series! The side characters are interesting and I'm looking forward to see them get their own HEAs as well. My main complaint is the ending feels a bit abrupt, but part of that I think is the way the series will go.
Content warnings include grief, racism, microagressions, talk of alcoholism and child neglect.
March 17, 2019
I’ve been looking for romance by and about Native Americans for a while now, and I was SO TICKLED to find Heartbeat Braves thanks to the Book Riot romance newsletter. It’s set at an urban Indian center and the heroine, Rayanne, has a passion for elder care and helping indigenous people who live in her city. Unfortunately, the center is chronically underfunded and struggling to get the momentum to complete projects. When a prominent board member hires his nephew Henry to fill a position Rayanne thought would be hers, Rayanne has to bite her tongue, swallow her pride, and help the clueless newbie in order to keep the center up and going. The thing is, Henry’s not a bad guy, and Rayanne’s enthusiasm for the work is contagious. Sparks will fly and people who need help will be served! Social justice + new love = an unstoppable combo.
April 9, 2021
.... *sigh*
When I first heard about this book, I was so happy to see a Native romance I ordered it right away. Another friend told me that it was great.
While I'm happy to see Natives being around each other in happy scenes, I shouldn't have to rely on this book for that. But, here we are...
The writing felt very flat for me, there wasn't much to go on how Rayanne or Henry looked other than they were good looking and young. Same with Tommy, Ester, Lydia, and Arnie. Are they in their 40s? 50s? How old is Margaret? I wanted a lot more description, there was SO MUCH DIALOGUE.
I related to Henry in the way that they really didn't give him much of a chance. Because he had a job from his uncle they resented his position. Yeah, I know it sucks when someone's cousin gets council/bia job or whatever, but at least try to be happy for the guy. Most of the Native men I know are working construction jobs, or they're going from job to job because of life events.
It's a gripe, but they talked about work, A LOT. I also felt Rayanne was so critical of Henry, even after they got together. Every time he brought up the Beat Braves she would cringe and try to shrug him off. With venues they were either 'too traditional' or 'too urban' I really just felt like although this story was about urban natives, I felt a lot of the uncomfortable judgement placed on urban natives. Also, I really wish that mention of the puppy eating joke from "plains Indians" wasn't in there, as a Lakota it was something thrown in my face by the white kids from school. I was not a fan of how "Indian" is put in this book so much, I prefer to be called "Native" even from other Natives. I wish we'd seen some of that cultural difference among Natives, both urban and on-rez, but I just felt judged a lot of the time.
I loved Rayanne's passion, but I felt she pushed off Henry's inquisitive nature for newbie pretentious attitudes.
I've read enough romance novels to know what I like to see in romances, vs what I don't. Fade to black/rushed sex is not one of them. Why are ya'll talking about work during sex? *exasperated sigh*
Some of the sexy talk felt so cheesy.
When I first heard about this book, I was so happy to see a Native romance I ordered it right away. Another friend told me that it was great.
While I'm happy to see Natives being around each other in happy scenes, I shouldn't have to rely on this book for that. But, here we are...
The writing felt very flat for me, there wasn't much to go on how Rayanne or Henry looked other than they were good looking and young. Same with Tommy, Ester, Lydia, and Arnie. Are they in their 40s? 50s? How old is Margaret? I wanted a lot more description, there was SO MUCH DIALOGUE.
I related to Henry in the way that they really didn't give him much of a chance. Because he had a job from his uncle they resented his position. Yeah, I know it sucks when someone's cousin gets council/bia job or whatever, but at least try to be happy for the guy. Most of the Native men I know are working construction jobs, or they're going from job to job because of life events.
It's a gripe, but they talked about work, A LOT. I also felt Rayanne was so critical of Henry, even after they got together. Every time he brought up the Beat Braves she would cringe and try to shrug him off. With venues they were either 'too traditional' or 'too urban' I really just felt like although this story was about urban natives, I felt a lot of the uncomfortable judgement placed on urban natives. Also, I really wish that mention of the puppy eating joke from "plains Indians" wasn't in there, as a Lakota it was something thrown in my face by the white kids from school. I was not a fan of how "Indian" is put in this book so much, I prefer to be called "Native" even from other Natives. I wish we'd seen some of that cultural difference among Natives, both urban and on-rez, but I just felt judged a lot of the time.
I loved Rayanne's passion, but I felt she pushed off Henry's inquisitive nature for newbie pretentious attitudes.
I've read enough romance novels to know what I like to see in romances, vs what I don't. Fade to black/rushed sex is not one of them. Why are ya'll talking about work during sex? *exasperated sigh*
Some of the sexy talk felt so cheesy.
December 23, 2016
One of the best romances I read this year. I fell hard for these characters, and felt so deeply for them. I was rooting for Rayanne and Henry, for the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center, for Linda and Arnie. I loved all the complexity in this story, the relationships, the humor, the depths of the conflicts with no easy answers, and how it sunk into details. The food descriptions made me so damn hungry. The central romantic relationship really felt earned; there was no instalove here. This book has so much that I love about romance in it. Heartbeat Braves is wonderful, and exactly what I needed at the end of a very hard week.
March 14, 2019
FINALLY! An #ownvoices romance with Native characters and intertwined storylines re: Native community issues, family and of course L-O-V-E! Highly highly recommend. I’ve already purchased the second in the series! Maybe a 2.5/5 on the steaminess scale.
July 8, 2018
There was a time in my life when I was not only deeply interested in „the cause“ of Native Americans, but also an active member of a Swiss NGO involved with them. Until I had my son it was among the most important things in my life. Which also means I read everything I could get my hands on about the subject, preferably written by Natives themselves. And as a women I was especially interested in the female viewpoint.
So finding this romance, written by a Native American women who writes about what she knows, and with a beautiful love story that works perfectly ... just wow. I am so happy to have found this, and will jump right into the next one!
This book is super authentic and does address so many things, without ever being preachy or infodumpy. Great stuff!
So finding this romance, written by a Native American women who writes about what she knows, and with a beautiful love story that works perfectly ... just wow. I am so happy to have found this, and will jump right into the next one!
This book is super authentic and does address so many things, without ever being preachy or infodumpy. Great stuff!
January 15, 2022
There was a lot going on in this book, and I think ultimately the romance was the part that felt the most rushed/didn't work as well for me. The idea of it was good, but it definitely needed more page space and development. This also felt a little bit more new adult than anything - Rayanne and Henry were both so young and really just out of school. So much of this was really about them discovering themselves.
April 19, 2019
What a refreshing and satisfying story. Featuring one of the sweetest beta male MCs I have read in a long time, Henry Grant is a recent college graduate trying to find his place in the world. Having lived on the rez, he is happier being an urban Indian. When Henry’s uncle forces him into a job at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center, he meets Rayanne Larson and feels lust at first sight.
Rayanne shares Henry’s attraction, but gets a shock when Henry is given her job organizing an arts festival for the Center. Rayanne has a dream of Indian people celebrating each other and giving Native American artists a chance to be seen. Rayanne is passionate about her job at the Center, providing elder care services, and helping improve life for Indians living in the city.
Rayanne is driven and motivated, and has put her work at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center before her personal life. Henry is laidback, floundering at finding a career/home, and has dreams of managing Beat Braves, a native rock band with a hip-hop influence.
Watching Rayanne and Henry fall in love is heartwarming. There is no insta-love, and their path to a future together is paved with plenty of pitfalls, but their love feels real and well earned. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Henry. When he falls for Rayanne, he falls hard, and his earnest looks and forlorn lovesick eyes are absolutely endearing. Highly recommend!
Author Pamela Sanderson is a citizen of the Karuk Tribe and lives in the Pacific Northwest. She is employed as a legal assistant working on behalf of Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
CW: racism, discussion of parents of with drug and alcohol addictions, ageism
Per author: “It's not a true cliffhanger but there are unresolved story elements that continue in the next book.”
Rayanne shares Henry’s attraction, but gets a shock when Henry is given her job organizing an arts festival for the Center. Rayanne has a dream of Indian people celebrating each other and giving Native American artists a chance to be seen. Rayanne is passionate about her job at the Center, providing elder care services, and helping improve life for Indians living in the city.
Rayanne is driven and motivated, and has put her work at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center before her personal life. Henry is laidback, floundering at finding a career/home, and has dreams of managing Beat Braves, a native rock band with a hip-hop influence.
Watching Rayanne and Henry fall in love is heartwarming. There is no insta-love, and their path to a future together is paved with plenty of pitfalls, but their love feels real and well earned. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Henry. When he falls for Rayanne, he falls hard, and his earnest looks and forlorn lovesick eyes are absolutely endearing. Highly recommend!
Author Pamela Sanderson is a citizen of the Karuk Tribe and lives in the Pacific Northwest. She is employed as a legal assistant working on behalf of Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
CW: racism, discussion of parents of with drug and alcohol addictions, ageism
Per author: “It's not a true cliffhanger but there are unresolved story elements that continue in the next book.”
January 29, 2017
This read like a libretto, all stage directions and dialogue but with no set dressing or actors to give it depth. I liked the cultural tidbits, but they weren't enough to make Henry or Rayanne feel like real people.
June 26, 2020
I was looking for to see how the culture and the identity of native americans would be represented in a contemporary setting, written by a native american author.
I think the idea of an Indian Center is actually a great one and it could be the perfect setting for interesting characters to meet, to interact.
However, the story was too much focused on the problems, on the less appealing aspects of how an organization is managed and the romance was definitely not romantic, to my POV.
I don't like to say it but the story was a little boring, somewhat depressing, even with the positive notes at the very end.
I think the idea of an Indian Center is actually a great one and it could be the perfect setting for interesting characters to meet, to interact.
However, the story was too much focused on the problems, on the less appealing aspects of how an organization is managed and the romance was definitely not romantic, to my POV.
I don't like to say it but the story was a little boring, somewhat depressing, even with the positive notes at the very end.
November 8, 2020
I picked this up to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Indigathon, and I'm so glad I did. What a cute story! I don't read a ton of romance novels so I can't really say how it compares to other romance novels but for someone who doesn't dive into the romance genre very often, this was very fun and very cute.
January 29, 2021
I'm about to break my own rule in regards to how I rate romances. Normally, I can't stand when the romance isn't front-and-center in any story that says it's a romance but the other storylines in Heartbeat Braves were so good that I still really enjoyed this.
There were three main storylines in Heartbeat Braves including the romance. The first focuses on the efforts of Rayanne, Linda, and the rest of the staff at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center as they try to save the center from being shut down. The center has encountered a lot of problems in the past year and the board has told the staff that they get one final chance to show that the center can make a difference in the community before it gets its funding pulled. Alongside this, one of the main characters, Henry, is sick of having his family meddle in his life. His uncle Arnie gets him a job at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center that Henry is determined to hate as it gets in the way of pursuing his job working as a band promoter. The final storyline focuses on the romance between Henry and Rayanne who are forced to work together at the Crooked Rock Urban Center.
I found all of the characters in Heartbeat Braves really compelling and was emotionally invested in all three storylines. The romance is sweet and relatively free from drama, which I found a really nice break from the romances I usually read. The ups and downs of the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center kept me hooked from the beginning. I also really loved that this was an #ownvoices story and learned a lot about some of the issues facing Native communities in urban areas.
Heartbeat Braves was a really entertaining read and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
There were three main storylines in Heartbeat Braves including the romance. The first focuses on the efforts of Rayanne, Linda, and the rest of the staff at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center as they try to save the center from being shut down. The center has encountered a lot of problems in the past year and the board has told the staff that they get one final chance to show that the center can make a difference in the community before it gets its funding pulled. Alongside this, one of the main characters, Henry, is sick of having his family meddle in his life. His uncle Arnie gets him a job at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center that Henry is determined to hate as it gets in the way of pursuing his job working as a band promoter. The final storyline focuses on the romance between Henry and Rayanne who are forced to work together at the Crooked Rock Urban Center.
I found all of the characters in Heartbeat Braves really compelling and was emotionally invested in all three storylines. The romance is sweet and relatively free from drama, which I found a really nice break from the romances I usually read. The ups and downs of the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center kept me hooked from the beginning. I also really loved that this was an #ownvoices story and learned a lot about some of the issues facing Native communities in urban areas.
Heartbeat Braves was a really entertaining read and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
dnf
November 24, 2019https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/11/...
DNF @ 26% (chapter 11) — I’m bummed about this, because this was going to be my November diversity read, and I was so excited because it’s an own voices book. And while I was finding it interesting to have an authentic look into Native Americans (or Indians as they call themselves in the book), it was other aspects that just had me losing interest. I thought about pushing through, but I have so many other books to read.
The problem with this one is that it was very dry reading. There wasn’t a lot of depth to each character, and at the time of DNF, I wasn’t liking either one of them that much. They came across very one-dimensional. And it wasn’t just the characters, the writing was also fairly shallow. It was all dialogue and action…I saw another reviewer mention it read like a script, and I can totally see that. I want to know what they’re each thinking and feeling a lot more. I want to see their connections to one another and other characters. And I just, personally, wasn’t getting that. Ah well.
DNF @ 26% (chapter 11) — I’m bummed about this, because this was going to be my November diversity read, and I was so excited because it’s an own voices book. And while I was finding it interesting to have an authentic look into Native Americans (or Indians as they call themselves in the book), it was other aspects that just had me losing interest. I thought about pushing through, but I have so many other books to read.
The problem with this one is that it was very dry reading. There wasn’t a lot of depth to each character, and at the time of DNF, I wasn’t liking either one of them that much. They came across very one-dimensional. And it wasn’t just the characters, the writing was also fairly shallow. It was all dialogue and action…I saw another reviewer mention it read like a script, and I can totally see that. I want to know what they’re each thinking and feeling a lot more. I want to see their connections to one another and other characters. And I just, personally, wasn’t getting that. Ah well.
July 10, 2017
Rayanne and Henry were a pleasant, challenging surprise for me both in the romantic roles they played and in the ways they seemed caught up in family and cultural ties. Definitely the book to pick up if you're looking for a refresher of a Romance when feeling a bit jaded by all the same old, same old.
This isn't your usual, white-bread, contemporary, here. There are both stylistic and content things in the book that are a bit challenging. Firstly, when talking about Romance, the elephant in the room is the steam level, right? I was disappointed in their very first kiss-encounter, it had none of the delicious, slo-mo build up I love so much. But then the somewhat more slow-paced and graphic foreplay (there's no actual on-screen panky going on) scenes I totally got the Romance fix I was looking for along with some laughs as Henry has trouble taking his shoes off and Rayanne has to ring out her Condom Treasure Box. Excellent dash of realistic self-awareness in both Henry and Rayanne as they face getting physical with each other that i appreciated.
And Henry is not an alpha male. He's Beta to the max. He's kind of homeless and teetering on top of loser territory, but somehow the book still makes him real and attractive and caring. It's interesting that Rayanne almost always has the upper hand in everything.
And then there's the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center itself, and the diverse NDN staff that works there. Sanderson herself is Karuk, and works in Indian affairs, and you can totally see the measured and sensitive way she approaches the self-deprecating jokes, the racist behaviors Henry has to deal with, and the differences in tribal customs that has Rayanne appreciating an elder singing at a drum circle even while acknowledging to herself that it isn't part of her family tradition.
Where the book shines is depicting the familial friction between Rayanne and a beloved Grandfather who's navigating the grey area of slowly becoming less able to care for himself, and Henry's constant pressure from his mother and Uncle Arnie (who is a POV character himself in some short segments that I guess are setting him up to be a main character in a later book) to be more conventionally successful.
Didn't like the cliffhanger at the end of the book about the fate of the Crooked Rock Center itself, but that's a personal taste issue :)
This isn't your usual, white-bread, contemporary, here. There are both stylistic and content things in the book that are a bit challenging. Firstly, when talking about Romance, the elephant in the room is the steam level, right? I was disappointed in their very first kiss-encounter, it had none of the delicious, slo-mo build up I love so much. But then the somewhat more slow-paced and graphic foreplay (there's no actual on-screen panky going on) scenes I totally got the Romance fix I was looking for along with some laughs as Henry has trouble taking his shoes off and Rayanne has to ring out her Condom Treasure Box. Excellent dash of realistic self-awareness in both Henry and Rayanne as they face getting physical with each other that i appreciated.
And Henry is not an alpha male. He's Beta to the max. He's kind of homeless and teetering on top of loser territory, but somehow the book still makes him real and attractive and caring. It's interesting that Rayanne almost always has the upper hand in everything.
And then there's the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center itself, and the diverse NDN staff that works there. Sanderson herself is Karuk, and works in Indian affairs, and you can totally see the measured and sensitive way she approaches the self-deprecating jokes, the racist behaviors Henry has to deal with, and the differences in tribal customs that has Rayanne appreciating an elder singing at a drum circle even while acknowledging to herself that it isn't part of her family tradition.
Where the book shines is depicting the familial friction between Rayanne and a beloved Grandfather who's navigating the grey area of slowly becoming less able to care for himself, and Henry's constant pressure from his mother and Uncle Arnie (who is a POV character himself in some short segments that I guess are setting him up to be a main character in a later book) to be more conventionally successful.
Didn't like the cliffhanger at the end of the book about the fate of the Crooked Rock Center itself, but that's a personal taste issue :)
Read
July 15, 2020Dry, boring, and I wanted for the book to work! You rarely see a romance book with native Americans in the forefront!
Dnf at 16%
Dnf at 16%
November 23, 2020
This was the group book for indigAThon 2020. I was looking forward to this and really wanted to like it. However, unfortunately this was dull and uneventful.
December 30, 2020
Workplace rivals-to-lovers romance, very heavy on the work part. Nepotism blech. Mostly fade-to-black sex scenes. Enjoyed it enough but probably won't read the rest of the series.
February 6, 2021
Too much nonprofit work, not enough romance. As a contemporary urban Native novel, it was okay!
September 19, 2021
My thoughts about this one are a bit odd. I really liked Rayanne, could tell she was smart and really wanted to do good in her job. I hated how she seemed to get the shaft when Arnie's nephew was hired into a job she should have gotten. Really got made as we got to know Henry and we see how aimless he is, bumping from thing to think, kinda like a pinball, while Rayanne is well qualified and so ready to do big things, given the chance. Henry really lost me when he went to talk to him mom, asking for help and she brought up the last time he left there and all the bad things he said as he left to go out in the world. I thought it was the right thing for the mom to say and was happy when she told him that he's old enough to take care of himself, which at 24 is true.
It didn't help that Linda drove me nuts too. She's the boss and you can tell she has a big heart and wants to much to do big things with the center, but her organization skills aren't there. Arnie described her perfectly when he said how in college she would stay up for 2 days studying then fall asleep during the exam. Rayanne, also had a great comment about how despite Linda was her mentor she was helping Linda more than Linda was helping her.
I really wanted to keep reading to see if the center would be successful or move into the new building, but between Henry and Linda I can't keep reading, they both drive me nuts.
It didn't help that Linda drove me nuts too. She's the boss and you can tell she has a big heart and wants to much to do big things with the center, but her organization skills aren't there. Arnie described her perfectly when he said how in college she would stay up for 2 days studying then fall asleep during the exam. Rayanne, also had a great comment about how despite Linda was her mentor she was helping Linda more than Linda was helping her.
I really wanted to keep reading to see if the center would be successful or move into the new building, but between Henry and Linda I can't keep reading, they both drive me nuts.
October 17, 2021
3.5 stars.
This was a book that I REALLY wanted to love, but ended up just liking. Rayanne is a working at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center (loved that!), and it's funding is based solely off of the contribution of local Tribes. They're struggling to keep their head above water from the first page, and their workplace struggles are a relevant storyline throughout the book. She's independent, and I really liked her character.
Henry's introduction is what rubbed me the wrong way. He's a college graduate yet comes across as a kid who doesn't know how to tie his own shoes. With the help of his uncle, he lands a job at the Center in the most nepotistic way possible. He's struggling to keep a house over his head, food in his pantry, and overall comes across as the kind of guy (and book hero) I would encourage everyone of my friends to run away from. That being said, he grew on me. His heart is in the right place, and slowly, that is brought out in this story. Can I understand what it's like being a struggling 20-something year old? Absolutely. Maybe there was a little too much realism in this book for me and I wanted a hero who had his sh!t together.
In regards to the romance, this was a closed-door romance. We don't see Henry and Rayanne do the deed on page, and that was a real shame. Rayanne is the type of heroine I love. Strong, independent, yet in need of some good loving. Her storyline, paired with the overall storyline of the Center, is what kept me reading. I desperately wish this author would have given the book more steam, but I know that's not everyone's preference.
This was a book that I REALLY wanted to love, but ended up just liking. Rayanne is a working at the Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center (loved that!), and it's funding is based solely off of the contribution of local Tribes. They're struggling to keep their head above water from the first page, and their workplace struggles are a relevant storyline throughout the book. She's independent, and I really liked her character.
Henry's introduction is what rubbed me the wrong way. He's a college graduate yet comes across as a kid who doesn't know how to tie his own shoes. With the help of his uncle, he lands a job at the Center in the most nepotistic way possible. He's struggling to keep a house over his head, food in his pantry, and overall comes across as the kind of guy (and book hero) I would encourage everyone of my friends to run away from. That being said, he grew on me. His heart is in the right place, and slowly, that is brought out in this story. Can I understand what it's like being a struggling 20-something year old? Absolutely. Maybe there was a little too much realism in this book for me and I wanted a hero who had his sh!t together.
In regards to the romance, this was a closed-door romance. We don't see Henry and Rayanne do the deed on page, and that was a real shame. Rayanne is the type of heroine I love. Strong, independent, yet in need of some good loving. Her storyline, paired with the overall storyline of the Center, is what kept me reading. I desperately wish this author would have given the book more steam, but I know that's not everyone's preference.
November 27, 2020
Heartbeat Braves is a rare book, a Mf romance that I don't instinctively hate. Now that leaves me more at a mild like but it's still very impressive. The tone of the book is very pleasant, while still including
conflict in the form of a poor-luck cultural center.The leads and most of the aurillary characters are fully developed with their own priorities and personalities, crucially for me, no one I'm expected to like goes through any behaving line an abusive
jerk phases. I can't claim to feel all that strongly about it, but I might read the next ones.
conflict in the form of a poor-luck cultural center.The leads and most of the aurillary characters are fully developed with their own priorities and personalities, crucially for me, no one I'm expected to like goes through any behaving line an abusive
jerk phases. I can't claim to feel all that strongly about it, but I might read the next ones.
February 28, 2022
Rep: Native American cast, Karuk mc
CWs: anti Indigenous racism
CWs: anti Indigenous racism
January 12, 2021
I was very excited to read an Indigenous romance and this did not disappoint. Heartbeat Braves centers around the Crooked Rock Community Center, where our heroine, Rayanne works. While there is a definite romance factor, this is really the story of the urban Indigenous community and the interlocking, intergenerational stories of the people involved in the Center, which is fighting to stay open, to offer connection, community and aid to the urban Indigenous population.
Smart, passionate and organized, twenty-something Rayanne is spearheading an arts and culture festival to commemorate the purchase of a new, larger building for the Center. The new Board liaison, Arnie, brings his nephew in to organize the event. A bit driftless after college, Henry manages his frieinds' band, The Heartbeat Braves, isn't sure what he wants to do with his life, and isn't sure he wants to work at the Center, especially when he seems to be taking away Rayanne's special project. But his mom and his uncle have given him an ultimatum, so he has to at least try. Rayanne starts out distinclty miffed that Henry is taking over her pet project, so she gives him the cold shoulder, despite their initial chemistry. Henry's dogged determination to do well, his knowledge of amazing affordable eateries, and his surprising skill in the kitchen eventually win her over. It doesn't hurt that he's cute, either.
There is great banter in this book. And the cast of characters is great. This is a story of community and family. The book spotlights a lot of urban Indigenous issues, from dealing with everyday microaggressions and uglier, more overt racism to the isolation and loneliness many in the community, especially the elderly, face. One of Rayanne's pet projects is delivering meals to the elderly, and Henry enjoys helping her. The building deal falls through, but Henry hs a brainstorm about a venue. They're able to pull off a smaller festival that brings together an elderly men's drum circle, a high school dance troupe and the Heartbeat Braves, and features some excellent urban Indigenous cuisine via local food trucks. This success convinces the Board to continue their funding as they look for a new space. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
CW: microaggressions and overt racism (racial slurs, aggressive ejection from former apartment), absent parents, maternal instability and addiction, threatened homelessness, burst pipes and building flooding, mold, disagreements, bureaucratic mess, friendly trash talk, sexual innuendo, safe sex on page (sex scenes fairly short).
Smart, passionate and organized, twenty-something Rayanne is spearheading an arts and culture festival to commemorate the purchase of a new, larger building for the Center. The new Board liaison, Arnie, brings his nephew in to organize the event. A bit driftless after college, Henry manages his frieinds' band, The Heartbeat Braves, isn't sure what he wants to do with his life, and isn't sure he wants to work at the Center, especially when he seems to be taking away Rayanne's special project. But his mom and his uncle have given him an ultimatum, so he has to at least try. Rayanne starts out distinclty miffed that Henry is taking over her pet project, so she gives him the cold shoulder, despite their initial chemistry. Henry's dogged determination to do well, his knowledge of amazing affordable eateries, and his surprising skill in the kitchen eventually win her over. It doesn't hurt that he's cute, either.
There is great banter in this book. And the cast of characters is great. This is a story of community and family. The book spotlights a lot of urban Indigenous issues, from dealing with everyday microaggressions and uglier, more overt racism to the isolation and loneliness many in the community, especially the elderly, face. One of Rayanne's pet projects is delivering meals to the elderly, and Henry enjoys helping her. The building deal falls through, but Henry hs a brainstorm about a venue. They're able to pull off a smaller festival that brings together an elderly men's drum circle, a high school dance troupe and the Heartbeat Braves, and features some excellent urban Indigenous cuisine via local food trucks. This success convinces the Board to continue their funding as they look for a new space. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
CW: microaggressions and overt racism (racial slurs, aggressive ejection from former apartment), absent parents, maternal instability and addiction, threatened homelessness, burst pipes and building flooding, mold, disagreements, bureaucratic mess, friendly trash talk, sexual innuendo, safe sex on page (sex scenes fairly short).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2022
3.5 stars I liked all of the characters a lot but this is not for you if you want just a plain romance. There was probably more time spent on the other goings' on with their job, coworkers, and families, etc. The romance itself was probably the least developed part of the book.
March 26, 2021
This was a solid start to a series. The banter and chemistry between the couple was off the charts cute in the second half of the book. There was many laugh out loud moments, this book kept me thoroughly entertained... however, I did have some issues with it...
The start of our protagonists relationship was very abrupt. They really didn’t have any thoughts about each other except for that first meeting where they found each other attractive. The rest of the time, she was mad he was hired on and she was overlooked for a position and he was following her lead because she knew what she was doing. There was no angst filled looks or accidental hand brushing to show the reader that’s where their relationship was going, so when they just start making out, out of the blue outside a dining hall, it was very sudden and weird. So their attraction could’ve been fleshed out a little. Also, there was no variety for the “he said she said” during heavy dialogue scenes. So lots of people are talking and it’s just page after page of “he said...” this “she said...” this “grandpa said...” this “Arnie said...” this making it very repetitive.
The book did end very abruptly without any resolution to the whole building situation and I am interested in our side characters so I will be continuing on with the series. Excited to see where it goes!
Link to the livestream on Bethany’s channel
https://youtu.be/O9SXHi5TAlU
The start of our protagonists relationship was very abrupt. They really didn’t have any thoughts about each other except for that first meeting where they found each other attractive. The rest of the time, she was mad he was hired on and she was overlooked for a position and he was following her lead because she knew what she was doing. There was no angst filled looks or accidental hand brushing to show the reader that’s where their relationship was going, so when they just start making out, out of the blue outside a dining hall, it was very sudden and weird. So their attraction could’ve been fleshed out a little. Also, there was no variety for the “he said she said” during heavy dialogue scenes. So lots of people are talking and it’s just page after page of “he said...” this “she said...” this “grandpa said...” this “Arnie said...” this making it very repetitive.
The book did end very abruptly without any resolution to the whole building situation and I am interested in our side characters so I will be continuing on with the series. Excited to see where it goes!
Link to the livestream on Bethany’s channel
https://youtu.be/O9SXHi5TAlU
January 7, 2018
I'm not much of a romance reader, but this was recommended to me by a friend, and I enjoyed it.
Loved that the characters were native. The Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center and all of its problems (funding, inexplicable red-tape, services, etc.) made for a realistic and interesting backdrop to the romance (& burgeoning romance). I liked the characters and found them well fleshed out. I especially liked how their lives weren't perfect and how the struggles they had didn't feel contrived. For example, one character is unceremoniously kicked out of his apartment, and then taunted with stereotypical Indian slurs while he has to demean himself by picking up his belongings from all over the yard. This felt real and heartbreaking and really made me care for the character and root for his success.
FYI: There are some sex scenes, but they are more fade to black. There are some more graphic-ish foreplay activities, so be warned if you like your romances squeaky clean. Cute, fun romance that feels more realistic and raw than most given the complex characters and their Native American issues. Recommend if you like stuff by Sophie Kinsella but would like to add some nice diversity to your reading pile.
Loved that the characters were native. The Crooked Rock Urban Indian Center and all of its problems (funding, inexplicable red-tape, services, etc.) made for a realistic and interesting backdrop to the romance (& burgeoning romance). I liked the characters and found them well fleshed out. I especially liked how their lives weren't perfect and how the struggles they had didn't feel contrived. For example, one character is unceremoniously kicked out of his apartment, and then taunted with stereotypical Indian slurs while he has to demean himself by picking up his belongings from all over the yard. This felt real and heartbreaking and really made me care for the character and root for his success.
FYI: There are some sex scenes, but they are more fade to black. There are some more graphic-ish foreplay activities, so be warned if you like your romances squeaky clean. Cute, fun romance that feels more realistic and raw than most given the complex characters and their Native American issues. Recommend if you like stuff by Sophie Kinsella but would like to add some nice diversity to your reading pile.
Read
November 12, 2018A warm and enjoyable contemporary romance that showcases its characters well-rounded lives. The romance between Rayanne and Henry is the book's focus, but their relationships with their families, co-workers, friends, and community--as well as their life goals in general--are not shoved to the sidelines, either. I thought the balance worked well, but I wouldn't recommend this to a reader wanting to read a very distilled romance.
One of the things I liked most about the protagonists was that they felt true to their age. They're both in their early twenties: they're adults, though they're still figuring that out, and they're still figuring out how to relate to their older family members.
Another thing I really liked: the humor! I laughed out loud a couple times. The protagonists and many of the secondary characters had good senses of humor, and it was easy to see how they all enjoy each other's company. They can tease each other and support each other, and I enjoyed that a lot. At the same time, this isn't a romantic comedy, and the characters have a lot of depth and serious stuff going on. The mix worked for me, and it contributed to the book's very realistic atmosphere.
One of the things I liked most about the protagonists was that they felt true to their age. They're both in their early twenties: they're adults, though they're still figuring that out, and they're still figuring out how to relate to their older family members.
Another thing I really liked: the humor! I laughed out loud a couple times. The protagonists and many of the secondary characters had good senses of humor, and it was easy to see how they all enjoy each other's company. They can tease each other and support each other, and I enjoyed that a lot. At the same time, this isn't a romantic comedy, and the characters have a lot of depth and serious stuff going on. The mix worked for me, and it contributed to the book's very realistic atmosphere.
January 31, 2019
This book struck me as more women's fiction than romance, in that workplace details and family/friend relationships were foregrounded rather than the primary love story. The book's slow pace caused me to put it down and read two other novels before picking it up again, and while I'm glad I gave it another chance, it still ended up being just an okay read for me. I actually really like reading about people being good at their jobs, but even my deep capacity for that was tapped out at all the information on running a struggling non-profit. One thing I really enjoyed was the dialogue: all of the assorted characters, not just the leads, had great, snappy lines that just sang. While I never really felt much heat between the hero and heroine (she was a whipsmart organizational dynamo, he...was not), their conversations about consent were fantastic: sly, sexy and realistic. This book might appeal to those looking for a leisurely read that's heavy on everyday work/life details and extremely light on romance, but it didn't work that well for me.
Read
December 5, 2024This particular book is an #ownvoices Native American romance. Would love to find more books like this!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Highlights
🌟 Banter not only between the hero and the heroine, but between them and the secondary cast as well.
🌟The characters felt like a tight-knit group/family. I really enjoyed what they feeling brought to the story.
🌟 Henry and Rayanne both went through a lot of growth, but I particularly enjoyed Henry’s character development. I enjoyed seeing a romance hero who didn’t “have it all together” right from the get go. It brought a certain level of vulnerability to his character as he faced his internal and external challenges.
🌟 Henry and Rayanne had such a loveable relationship and such good chemistry.
🌟The emphasis on community and community connections was super well done.
I’m definitely intrigued and invested enough that I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Highlights
🌟 Banter not only between the hero and the heroine, but between them and the secondary cast as well.
🌟The characters felt like a tight-knit group/family. I really enjoyed what they feeling brought to the story.
🌟 Henry and Rayanne both went through a lot of growth, but I particularly enjoyed Henry’s character development. I enjoyed seeing a romance hero who didn’t “have it all together” right from the get go. It brought a certain level of vulnerability to his character as he faced his internal and external challenges.
🌟 Henry and Rayanne had such a loveable relationship and such good chemistry.
🌟The emphasis on community and community connections was super well done.
I’m definitely intrigued and invested enough that I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews