Review: Still Beating - Jennifer Hartmann

Review: Still Beating - Jennifer Hartmann - December 2020

Earlier this year, I decided to dive into Jennifer Hartmann's catalog, and three books later, I'm completely captivated by her fearless approach to storytelling. Still Beating represents everything I've come to love about Hartmann's work—her unflinching exploration of dark themes wrapped in the kind of raw, emotional romance that defined the golden era of New Adult fiction circa 2012-2013.

The premise is immediately gripping: Cora attends her sister Mandy's birthday celebration, where tension crackles between her and Dean Asher, Mandy's fiancé of fifteen years. Their love-hate dynamic has simmered for years, creating an undeniable chemistry that neither can acknowledge. When a seemingly innocent favor—Dean rescuing Cora after she loses her wallet—turns into their worst nightmare, the story takes a brutal turn that will test every boundary you thought you had as a reader.

What follows is three weeks of unimaginable horror as Earl Hubbard, "The Matchmaker," subjects them to physical, mental, and sexual torture in his basement prison. Jennifer Hartmann doesn't shy away from the graphic reality of their ordeal, and readers should be prepared for detailed depictions of sexual abuse and trauma. This isn't gratuitous violence—it's an unflinching examination of how extreme circumstances can forge unbreakable bonds while simultaneously destroying everything you thought you knew about yourself.

The real story begins after their escape. Jennifer Hartmann masterfully explores the aftermath of trauma, showing how Cora and Dean struggle to readjust to a world that feels foreign and hostile. Their shared experience has created an intimacy that transcends their previous antagonistic relationship, but it also complicates everything—Dean is still engaged to Cora's sister, and the guilt, survivor's remorse, and newfound feelings create an emotional minefield that's impossible to navigate cleanly.

The forbidden romance element adds layers of complexity that elevate this beyond typical trauma bonding narratives. Can you love someone after sharing the worst moments of your life? How do you explain feelings born from horror to family members who can never truly understand what you've endured? Jennifer Hartmann doesn't provide easy answers, instead allowing her characters to stumble through their healing process with realistic messiness.

The connection to her other works, particularly the mention of Oliver Lynch from Lotus, creates a satisfying sense of continuity for readers familiar with Jennifer Hartmann's universe. It's these small touches that demonstrate her commitment to crafting an interconnected world of broken characters finding their way to redemption.

Still Beating isn't for everyone—it requires emotional fortitude and an appreciation for dark romance that doesn't apologize for its intensity. But for readers seeking stories that challenge conventional boundaries while delivering genuine emotional payoff, Jennifer Hartmann continues to prove she's a master of her craft. 

This bookstagram gift from @BookieBron couldn't have been more perfectly chosen, and I'm already eager to tackle the remaining Jennifer Hartmann novels on my shelf.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/44UUGoe