Review: Behold My Heart by Ronica Black

Overview
Behold My Heart is a touching romance novel by Ronica Black that centers on themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery. The story follows Alora Anders, a renowned artist whose life is upended as she begins to lose her sight due to a degenerative eye disease. As her independence slips away, Alora is forced to hire a live-in assistant—Bodie Banks, an aspiring young sculptor who’s trying to find her own place in the art world.

What Works Well
Emotional Depth: The relationship between Alora and Bodie forms the emotional core of the novel. The gradual trust and affection that develops as they navigate the challenges brought by Alora’s condition is handled with sensitivity.

Character Development: Alora’s journey from anger and desperation to acceptance and hope is compelling. Bodie’s own struggles lend authenticity, making her more than just a supporting character.

Artistic Setting: The world of painting and sculpture is woven into the narrative, bringing creative energy and a unique backdrop to the romance.

Reader Impressions
Readers appreciate the poignant exploration of vulnerability and change. The novel stands out for its portrayal of disability—Alora’s vision loss is depicted with realism, never glossed over or melodramatic. The chemistry between the leads grows slowly, making their eventual connection feel earned rather than rushed.

A Few Drawbacks
Some may find the pacing deliberate, especially in the early chapters, as Alora struggles with her new reality.

Those looking for high drama or heavy external conflict may find the focus on internal growth and relationship-building a bit subdued.

Final Thoughts
Overall, Behold My Heart is a tender and absorbing read, ideal for those who enjoy character-driven romance with a strong emotional arc. Ronica Black handles sensitive themes with nuance, delivering a story about loss, hope, and the courage to let love in

This was an enjoyable story, and the characters were well written and somewhat likable. This was a enemies to lovers story that I found slow in some places,, and drama filled in other places. This was an interesting book to me it's about two people dealing with heart breaking circumstances in their lives and trying to come to terms with those circumstances, all while trying to navigate their tumultuous relationship. I enjoyed reading this story, the author is one that I've read before, and she never disappoints. I will definitely be on th lookout for more books by this author.

Behold My Heart by Ronica Black is a tender and uplifting romance that explores love, self-discovery, and the unexpected paths that bring people together. At its core, the novel follows two individuals who are each grappling with their own sense of loss and directionlessness, only to find solace and purpose in one another.

Black’s storytelling is heartfelt and genuine, capturing the emotional vulnerability of her characters with warmth and subtlety. The romance that unfolds feels organic and sincere, offering moments of quiet beauty alongside meaningful character growth. What makes this story especially memorable is how it portrays love not just as a romantic connection, but as a catalyst for healing and transformation.

Behold My Heart is a charming and emotionally rich read that celebrates the power of connection and second chances. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected relationships lead to the most profound changes.

This was a lovely story with depth, heart and soul. Ronica Black has written a wonderful story that will live on in your mind beyond its final words. Behold My Heart is the unusually beautiful love story of Alora & Bodie. The two women appear to incredibly different but ultimately compliment one another in the very best of ways.

Alora is a largely successful artist. She has dedicated her life to her craft and career and has experienced a great deal of success professionally. However, her passion and commitment towards her profession has left room for little else and she struggles with personal connections of the emotional variety. When she begins to lose her vision she realizes that she will need help in order to continue her life’s work. Without art she is lost. But the idea of needing help is quite difficult for her.

This untenable life circumstance coupled with a mostly solitary professional life has turned her into a grump. She is unhappy with her circumstances and takes it out on the world. She accepts that without help she will be unable to make art & decides to hire a young woman. She hires Bodie, a young starving artist as her assistant and helper. Bodie has certainly been kicked in the ass by life, time and time again. She has cared for her mom and has experience as a caregiver as well as being an artist herself…not to mention she needs the work. She is perfect for the role. For Bodie she approaches the caregiver role with an open mind and is a bit intrigued at the opportunity to work with a pretty famous artist.

These two women embark on a push & pull journey whereby they find within each other what is missing in themselves. It is not an easy or uncomplicated journey but certainly rewarding. The characters are deep & soulful and a joy to get to know. This book is a wonderful example of what you could find if you get out of your own way. I will say, the story was a bit Alora centric and I would have enjoyed reading more about Bodie. She was a truly unique and amazing young woman whose kindness and resilience was admirable. However, I was happy to follow along on their path toward find love in one another. It was a satisfying and rewarding wlw story and I would recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books & author Ronics Black for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

3.5 but rounded up because I was compelled to keep reading. This isn't a feel good book but it does have a happy ending. It's not insta love although it is insta attraction. I felt the expression of that attraction was a bit sudden and a wee bit off but as a plot device it worked. As I say, I found something compelling about the book, and there’s been a fair few recently I have enjoyed but they have not had the “compulsion” to read just another chapter before giving in to real life!.

Alora Ander’s is a known and successful painter. Her works collect top dollar. But when she learns that her headaches are actually a symptom of a degenerative eye disease things in her life have to change. Her artist teaching friend suggests Bodie Banks, one of her students, as a live-in caregiver for the artist. But things don’t start off smoothly. Alora is still dealing with anger and depression over her diagnosis and she doesn’t trust easily.

I love the premise for this but wasn’t as thrilled with the characters. So much of the focus is on Alora, and how this is impacting her, it makes the book feel more like women’s fiction. Of course I understand that she is angry and concerned about making a living. It would be hard to downsize and give up your fancy cars. But she was seldom kind to Bodie. And Bodie’s character is sort of a doormat. She took care of her mother and sacrificed so her sibling didn’t have to. And now she is doing it again. The dog was a nice addition to the plot. But once there is the beginning of a romance the story comes to an abrupt end. I wasn’t convinced the pair would be together for the next few months let alone for a HEA.

Whether true or not, I don’t know, but artists are frequently stereotyped as being driven by their emotions and this story and the artists depicted in it certainly were. For better or worse, in grief and in joy, emotions were the primary driver of actions and sciences throughout this novel and it was definitely a (relatable) emotional rollercoaster. This novel will suck you in and remind you of the power of friendship and empathy and I would easily recommend it to someone looking for such a book.

The main character in this book is quite unlikeable, she is an artist who is losing her sight, which is obviously devastating but she is unbelievably awful to those closest to her. It makes it quite tricky to care about her and stay with the book, but I’m glad that I did. The story arc of Bodie a woman grieving for her mum who also sculpts was wonderfully uplifting. She grows, finds her independence and deserves more than the rushed ending.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

Alora Anders is a sort after painter... her work is renowned but soon she gets the news that is devastating for herself and her self confidence she has a degenerative eye disease and will lose her sight....

when the times comes for her to have help around the house she doesnt cope well with the news but with mutliple accidents she recognises that she does need some form of help

bodie banks her life just hasnt gone the way she wanted.... she helped care for her mom as she was dying and she had helped raise her siblings she hadnt quite finished her art degree and she taught sculptor .... but at the moment she was lost

so when the opportunity came to earn a bit more money looking after her favourite artist she jumped at the chance....

but after the first meeting with alora she wasnt that impressed... and walked away....

but the phone call offering her the job was a surprise what she hadnt expected was to actually like alora even with her prickles and her judgement.....

but life was about to get cruel for alora.... and bodie had an idea if only alora would accept that help

an enjoyable read that kept me reading right to the end....this one had all the moments you want in a book

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Alora is living her dream as world famous artist but learns that she has degenerative eye condition which means she losing her sight and she is devastated because now she has to rely on someone help and that’s something she has to get use to because she independently. Bodie is a artist also but let her dream go to be a caregiver for her mother who recently passed away from a friend she meets Alora who is reluctant for help but knows she needs it they both have been struggling to move forward but can they both realize they can give each other so much. I like that the romance was secondary and it’s focus on acceptance learning to let people in and that although you may lose something, something good always comes if you open to it.

By the time I was two chapters into Behold My Heart, I just knew that I was going to really enjoy this story but could also tell that it wasn't going to be a smooth ride. It was evident that there was a lot of pain behind both characters’ pasts, and I was really looking forward to watching them come out the other side. Ronica Black delivers a beautiful story of resilience and the power of following your heart.

Alora Andres and Bodie Banks are living two very different lives. Alora, is a world-famous artist who is leading her dream life producing works of art that are highly sought after the world over.....until she finds out that she is going to lose her sight due to a degenerative eye condition. Meanwhile, Bodie is a struggling artist who has let her artistic dreams go while serving as a caregiver to her family, in particular her disabled mother who has recently passed away. Both women are struggling to find their way forward when they are bought together by a suggestion from a mutual friend that Bodie might be the perfect person to support Alora as a live-in caregiver. However, their first meeting is anything but smooth with Alora's aloof, rude, angry and anything but welcoming manner.

I really enjoyed watching the two women come together in a way that they could end up supporting and encouraging each other. The question is whether they can realise that have so much they can give to each other before Alora's anger, frustration and fear leads her to push Bodie away completely. This was definitely a story of give and take from both sides. It was fascinating to watch the tension build between the two women as Alora tries to fight her new reality and her need to let go of her past hurts while Bodie has to learn to stand up for her own needs and dreams.

If you are looking for a story that will take you on a rollercoaster journey of emotions then this is likely to be a book for you.

I am grateful to Ronica Black, Bold Storkes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of Behold My Heart and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

‘Behold My Heart’ by Ronica Black is a slow-burn, character-driven romance that focuses on real-life challenges, emotional growth and dealing with a loss and disability.

Alora Anders, driven and resilient, yet stubborn, well-established artist quickly begins to lose her vision. She's devastated, especially as her condition starts to affect her beloved art. As her life is falling apart, one piece after another, she spirals into depression. The suggestion that she hire a live-in caregiver only worsen her emotional state. She doesn’t want help, nor does she trust that anyone would come into her life with pure intentions. Despite her resistance, her best friend insists it's necessary for her well-being, and after many discussions, Alora finally agrees to hire a younger woman, Bodie Banks.


Bodie is a struggling sculptor, hoping to connect with a fellow artist and draw inspiration from the experience. However, those hopes are dashed the moment she meets Alora, who’s rude, angry and clearly doesn’t want her there.

The characters are well-developed and engaging. The plot explores the emotional and mental challenges of a sudden disability, highlighting the struggles of acceptance and adjustment. The book brilliantly conveys those difficulties. The story also consists of thropes like age-gap, ice-queen, opposites attract and financial disparity.

The story, while beautifully written, the romance part of it feels secondary to the emotional journey. The pacing and development of the main characters' relationship was quite slow, and at times Alora and Bodie felt more like close companions than lovers. There were multiple moments where the angst could’ve been used to strengthen their dynamic and chemistry.

That said, I really enjoyed the book. It’s a slightly heavier read, but filled with care, understanding and growth. It held my attention from the first page to the very end.

I definitely recommend the book, especially to those who enjoy strong character development and don’t necessarily need steamy sapphic scenes to feel fulfilled by a romance.

I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Ronica is one of my favorite authors. I've been hooked since reading Wild Abandon and I've read every book she has penned.. Behold My Heart is a slow burn romance as well reknown artist Alora is losing something very precious, her vision.. Bodie a upcoming artist who just recently suffered the loss of her mom and decides to accept a job as a live in help for Alora. Ronica takes us on a journey as Alora deals with loss, friends, finding hope and strenght. I thought the story was well and recommend.

Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

An artist is losing her sight. The story details how she comes to terms with it, the lows, the highs. How she deals with friends, lovers.
I felt some if the grammar was a bit off but I don't know if that's because I'm British and this is an American writer and they do say we're separated by a common language. Otherwise it was a well written book and I quite enjoyed it.

This book delves into the grieving process one deals with once they receive a diagnosis for something that cannot be cured. This is a compassionate book about an artist, Alora, that is dealing with once they receive such diagnosis. Also, when she has to have someone assist her with daily living activities and angry that she cannot do things she once could independently. The person she hires to assist her, Bodie, tries her best to allow Alora to be independent, but Alora is having difficulty allowing help and the stirrings of feelings for Bodie. Bodie also has feelings for Alora.
The ups and downs the two have to deal with seems very realistic as well do the characters.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Overcoming loss and finding love
Alora, a reknowned painter, is well-to-do but is slowly losing her vision; Bodie, a sculptor and caregiver, has not much and just lost her mother. Fate (or rather Alora‘s best friend) bring them together when Bodie moves in as Alora‘s caregiver.
Ronica Black captured very well the many losses of Alora: her passion in painting, her material security, her place in the world and its consequences: rage, despondence, depression. Bodie in comparison doesn‘t have much and despite everything is in a much happier place. I enjoyed the slow development of the story and the slow burn unfolding between the two main characters.
The story and the smooth writing captured my attention.The end was a bit abrupt though.

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

Age age, disability, kind of slow burn. Double POV.

Alora Anders is an eclectic, famous painter, losing her vision. Bodie Banks is a bereaved caregiver and a talented sculptor. Alora needs a live-in caregiver and Bodie needs inspiration and a change in pace. Except Alora isn't what Bodie expected.

I was attracted by the description, but found the story too one-sided, mostly focusing on Alora's breakdown due to her vision loss. Though Bodie was also set up with her own flaws, she just whisks through her issues. (And I know I'm going to sound like a jerk saying this, but...) It felt as though Bodie's struggles were undermined by Alora's depression.

A redeeming factor was the depiction of depression onset was apt. No over the top drama, but a silent, gradual slide implied between the lines and confirmed by supporting characters. Feels realistic, at least in my experience.

Overall, pacing was slow initially but the all-is-lost arc and resolutions felt a little forced, which made the ending feel a little abrupt.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC!

This is a touching story about love, strength, and finding hope again. Alora is a famous painter losing her sight, and as her world starts to fall apart, Bodie, a young artist, is hired to help her. There’s a clashing of wills to begin with but slowly, that shifts into a heartwarming bond. It was an interesting read, 4 stars.

I have read a few of this authors books and have found them enjoyable. Behold my heart deals with the devastating issue of an artist starting to lose her vision. The author dealt with Alora's frustrations well. Fellow artist Broadie who has been dealing with death of a parent takes on the roll of Alora's carer with a lot of hurt and anger passing between them before they admit to one another they have feelings for each other.
Thankyou for advanced copy

Alora is a well known painter and has always enjoyed the life she has, but her vision is going and there's nothing she can do about it. Swallowing her pride, she ends up having to hire someone to help with her impaired vision.

Bodie is a struggling young artist and looking to better her life. She ends up accepting a job as a live in caregiver for Alora, and hopes it will be good for her to learn from a fellow artist. Instead, Alora is nothing like she hoped it would be.

I've enjoyed most of Black's books, but this one fell short. It's a massive slow burn with very little spice which Black is known for and the story abruptly ended after MC's finally get together. It was a big let down.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.