It Takes Heart by Tif Marcelo
Heart Resort series #1. Contemporary romance with extended family dynamics. Second chance, sibling best friend troupes. Filipino-American culture. Alternating chapters from Brandon and Geneva.
Brandon returns to his family’s private resort in the Outer Banks to help win repairs from hurricane damage. Brandon will have to work with Geneva as the designer though their past is a bit rocky.

Lots of family dealings and angst. Brandon and Geneva have a lot to work on emotionally. I wasn’t happy with their lying to each other but of course, they resolve their differences. Slow start with focus on family at heart with plenty of cultural add-ins. ( )

I am being very generous giving this book 4 stars. I started reading in a MONTH ago and finished 4 other books between. It is well written but I just couldn't get into the story. It just didn't grab my attention enough for me to read it for very long......basically, one chapter and I would start reading another book.
I wish the author had put a glossary of Filipino words at the front.
Plot: The Puso family run a resort together to help struggling couples. The irony is that they all are having relationship issues.
I have read another of Marcelo's books and enjoyed it; however, I will not continue reading this series. ( )

I received an ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a solid second chance romance and start to a new series.

First off, I really enjoyed seeing all the Filipino culture. I am half Filipino myself so it was so amazing seeing the representation. From the Filipino names of the tiny homes to a discussion on “Filipino time,” there was so much culture woven throughout the book. Additionally, the family dynamic of the Puso family was very typical of a Filipino family. Side note, I loved that the resort was named Heart Resort because their last name, Puso, is Tagalog for heart. That was very clever.

I also liked “cozy” feeling of the storyline. The plot was so family oriented and you could tell there was a lot of love between the family members themselves and their friends.

My biggest issue with this book is the pacing. The book dragged in parts, mainly in the beginning and middle. There wasn’t a whole lot happening besides set up for future books in the series (i.e. relationship issues for Brandon’s other siblings). At times there was little focus on Brandon and Geneva’s romance. Towards the end the book finally picked up speed and became more exciting.

Overall, I can tell this will be an amazing series. This book just fell a little short on Brandon and Geneva’s story. ( )

Brandon and Geneva have known each other forever. Geneva is best friends with his sister. So, these two do everything they can to keep their past romance, which crashed and burned, a secret. But, when they come together for a family business venture…the chemistry is just too much to hide!

There is just something about Tif Marcelo’s characters. They are always just a bit more unique than you expect. And this story is no different. I adore Brandon. He has family issues and he is trying so hard to fit back in where he belongs. Then there is Geneva. She is hardworking but a tad bit insecure about herself.

These two characters get together…after a few hits and misses…and they end up helping each other see their real potential.

I just love a story which is truly inspiring and encouraging! Need a quick, easy, heartwarming read…THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the author for a honest review. ( )

Thank you to the author for this ARC.

I really liked the plot of this book once I started it. However, once I got into it I knew where it was going and decided not to finish it. ( )