Kaleidoscope Hearts MP3 CD – Unabridged, May 3, 2016

Kaleidoscope Hearts is an emotional brother’s best friend/second chance romance with intriguing characters. I first read this series several ago, and have reread it now as a refresher. Elle and Oliver’s connection is evident and intriguing from the beginning, but his handling of it and the constant back and forth is exhausting and annoying, to be honest. My heart broke for Elle on more than one occasion. Sometimes it gets tiresome when characters in books refuse to communicate with each other! While I really enjoyed the emotional storylines, the angst, and the passion when it happened, some of it was just slow moving and I was left with questions about Wyatt. I’m just not sure how I feel about him. But, thanks to Oliver’s choices, he was a part of Elle’s story. The secondary characters really kept the story moving with their witty banter and interesting back storylines being set up. I also loved the premise of the kaleidoscope hearts that Elle made and how she uses those to help the kids at Oliver’s hospital, then how Oliver eventually pays homage to that. Overall, it’s a great, emotional love story.

The cover of Kaleidoscope Hearts was the catalyst to make me want to read this book but the blurb and the author were what made me one-click this on release day. I couldn’t imagine passing up a book by Claire Contreras because God knows how much I loved her Darkness series (to this day, it has to be one of my favorites) and of course I love any sort of second chance romances. Throw into the mix, a secret affair with her big brother’s best friend; well, I was all in at that point.Kaleidoscope Hearts will definitely warm your heart and make you feel like a million butterflies are fluttering their graceful wings all around your stomach. Claire Contreras does an extraordinary job, creating both a remarkably emotional storyline and mixing it alongside a sort of lightness that came in the form of quick and witty banters and the fun flirtatious nature of the male and female protagonists. I was kept on my toes the entire time, not knowing exactly where she would take her characters.Estelle (I love how uncommon the name is by the way!) and Oliver’s (love this name even more because it’s my son’s name!) play the ultimate cat and mouse game dating back from years on end. The start to their blooming relationship, taking it from being his best friend’s little sister to the alluring grown up version that makes his pants strain is tumultuous and tricky to say the least. Being pressured to only be a big brother figure, never to cross the line of anything but, poses a dilemma from the get go, stifling any chance of a romantic relationship between them. This becomes the beginning of a long tug-of-war of want and can’t want situation between Estelle and Oliver.I felt Estelle’s growing frustration and I felt the heaviness around her, settling in some ways in some parts of her life for mediocre because the one thing and the one person she really wanted was unattainable. I thought the author did a great job vocalizing this in the book without being so blatant about it. The subtle confessions, at times hesitantly said and most times bravely uttered by Estelle. In many ways, Estelle’s character impressed me. I loved how she took her time dealing with her loss, not once feeling guilt or shame over it amidst all the outside noise from family and friends. To me it showed real courage and I love that about heroines. I have to be honest and say that there were those few times that I wanted to proverbially kick her leg under the make believe table and tell her to speak up and voice out her expectations and her needs from Oliver. But in hindsight I also understand the kryptonite effect Oliver had over her. Oliver, the ultimate playboy whose world was turned upside down the moment he laid eyes on Estelle that one fateful night on the roof. Emotions and wants that he had no idea what to do with. Having been emotionally bruised up from his own parent’s decisions early in his childhood, he became stunted in the romantic relationship department, instead focusing all of his energy on his academics. Now a successful doctor, he begins to realize how much is missing from his existence when Estelle once again steps back into his life. The fear was so evident in his character. There were many times when he would take such huge leaps forward but then take those infuriating steps back. I got it, I got why he was so adamant in trying to keep Estelle away but what made me incredibly uneasy was how easy the words of promises came out of his mouth, but hardly showed it in action. Oliver in a lot of times was a man of words but lacked in action. I wanted to reach into my Kindle and slap him silly. So I’m sure you’re asking, “Does he redeem himself?” and my answer to that is a definite yes. You as a reader sees his growth and you can’t help but feel aglow by it.Kaleidoscope Hearts goes beyond the usual romance story; though yes, of course the majority of it is. But this book also sends such a strong message about how short life is and how we should begin to live the lives that we truly want, the life we deserve. Whether that be confronting our past ghosts in order to move forward or realizing that what is in front of us is good too. The love and support of family and lifelong friends also a constant theme in the book and that was something I greatly enjoyed. So if you’re looking for an angst driven love story entwined with tons of flirty, light banter then this one is for you. Claire Contreras’ writing is steady and strong, definitely one not to disappoint.

3.5 StarsI went into Kaleidoscope Hearts with huge expectations. I'm not even sure why. But for some reason, between the cover (gorgeous) and the synopsis (so good) and the reviews, I had it in my mind that it was going to be one of those books that just blew me away and I would totally love it. I realize it's not fair to go into any book with those kind of expectations. That's not allowing the book to stand on its own and be judged for what it is. Instead I'm now trying not to judge it against what I expected/wanted it to be.Kaleidoscope Hearts is the story of Estelle (Elle) and Oliver. Oliver is best friends with Elle's older brother, Vic, and has been a part of Elle's life since childhood. As they mature there are mutual feelings of attraction but both consider a relationship impossible, mainly because Elle is "Vic's little sister" and therefore off-limits. Several encounters over the years meant they both maintained that connection despite moving in separate ways. Now Oliver is back in Elle's life and she is conflicted by her feelings for him. Does she accept that any chance they had has passed and the timing was never right, or does she take yet another chance on the man she never forgot?Elle and Oliver both had qualities that I liked but I also found them both to be plenty frustrating at times. Particularly Elle. Despite the fact that it had been years since they first connected (9 years, I think?), Elle continued to judge Oliver by the person he was then. It was as if he was unable to be all that she wanted when he was a young man of only 19-20 and she continued to hold that against him even now, when he is a 28 year old man. As if it were unthinkable that he could possibly have changed at all. She was certainly in a different place in her life at that point, but I felt she continued to judge Oliver so harshly. There was also a maturity (or, rather, immaturity) issue with Elle. This was a woman in her early/mid 20's but some of her actions smacked of a teenager. She would do/say things specifically to make Oliver jealous... and then be surprised or angry when he got jealous. It just smacked of high school antics/drama and gave their relationship a one-step-forward-two-steps-back feel. Lastly, Elle was possibly the most obtuse character ever when it came to Oliver's feelings for her. Here was a man who was actively pursuing her, was plainly interested, was crazy about her and wasn't quiet about it, but Elle always seemed confused about his feelings for her. I understand that some of that could be because of their history together, but come on... this guy was knocking himself out to spend time with her and make her happy, begging her for "just one date." Does he need to hire a skywriter? I often felt like Elle ran hot and cold with Oliver and it was frustrating at times.As for Oliver, my only real issue were his continual feelings of not being good enough for Elle. Lines like 'that made me want to be a better man for her, even though I knew I couldn't' or 'she looked at me like I was somebody, even though I knew I wasn't' left me a little confused. I didn't feel it was adequately explained why Oliver felt that way. Besides that, it was impossible not to fall for such a charmer. :)"We live in a galaxy of our own. Where the storms pass, and the light fades, and everything ceases to exist except for us."With all that being said, I don't mean it to sound like I didn't like Kaleidoscope Hearts. I did enjoy this story and was definitely pulling for Oliver and Elle. I think it would have been easy for Contreras to make Elle bitter and cynical after what she experienced but she never resorted to that. Elle's grief and feelings of acceptance and moving forward rang completely true and never felt false or rushed. I loved the ease that was between Oliver and Elle (when she wasn't doubting his feelings for her). They were friends and so much more. With shared childhood memories, they were able to tease and bicker like the friends they were, but there was also amazing chemistry. I also loved how open they could be with one another, especially when they had their dates where they asked each other question after question. There shared things with each other that they shared with no one else. I loved seeing them connect like that.Kaleidoscope Hearts was a sweet/sexy second-chance romance. I will definitely read more by Contreras because her writing is beautiful. And when I do, I will go into it with reasonable expectations.

I ADORED this book!20% in and I was already getting butterflies in my stomach and my skin was rippling with the chemistry between Elle and Oliver.Told in dual POVs, we get to see key moments – conversations, kisses, hook-ups - in Elle and Oliver’s relationship from teenagers through to adults, spanning about ten years, as well as the present day events unfolding.Oliver is Elle’s brother, Victor’s best friend. He is almost like another member of the family. However, by 16, Elle has blossomed into a beautiful young woman and Oliver starts seeing her in a completely different light. The biggest problem is that Victor has already dictated a hands-off policy where his sister and best friends are concerned.So begins a series of clandestine and passionate meetings through the years. Oliver is a known-player and commitment-phobe. He has his future planned and love doesn’t play a part in his immediate future. His fierce desire for Elle wars with his ambitions and his loyalty towards Victor. However, no matter how many times he leaves Elle, he always thought of her as his and believed that one day they might be together. His dreams are broken when Elle becomes engaged but the sudden death of her fiancé opens the door for Oliver again but can Elle, in spite of her irresistible attraction to him, put her shattered heart on the line, again?This was such a wonderful book! I loved the plot, the sentiments, the words, the kaleidoscope hearts! The ending was so beautiful!!! Thoroughly, thoroughly recommend!

I love claire contreras, she is one of my authors. This book not disappoint, I loved it. The thing with Claire's writing is it is real not all hearts and flowers slush but believable bittersweet romances with characters you can't help but fall in love with no matter how damaged. Elle is a young woman who has been through hell, trying to pick up her life and carry on after such tragedy. As the story unfolds it seems she never ever got over her 1st one true love who has turned up again after 2 years. The connection they have is undeniable but trust is thin and can share Elle risk her heart again? It made me cry, laugh and swoon (Oliver is hot) A heartfelt story with an amazing HEA xxxx

I can't remember last time I cried so early into a story, Elle's story broke my heart into a million pieces, just like her kaleidoscope hearts. The devastation that Elle feels is incredible well written that I felt every bit of pain and anguish. It's a great story of love, strength, grieve, self discovery and self worth, friendship, growing up and understanding what life is all about and how regardless of how much we plan things don't always work out that way. Claire is a wonderful author but I feel this is one of her best books, maybe because of all the things going on in her life at the time, this book felt very real.

I loved this book. From the first page I fell in love with Elle and her story. It drew me in and I wanted to know more about her. I also wasn't sure where it was going at first, which was another reason for me to love it. I had to know more.This first love, second chance love story was beautifully written with a wonderful cast of supporting characters. I fell in love with Oliver completely and loved that he got to tell some of the story too.The whole thing left me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a thirst for more. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Such a beautiful heart felt emotional read. A story of loss and long standing love written so beautifully. I just devoured this read and can’t wIt for the next