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Cambio Springs #3
Waking Hearts: A Cambio Springs Mystery
She gave up on dreams. He never gave up on her.
Fox shifter Alison Smith gave up on happy endings when her ex-husband walked out, but that didn't mean she was allowed to give up on happy. With four growing kids, Allie is determined to look on the bright side and carry on. Luckily, Allie has the best friends a girl could ask for. Especially a certain quiet bear who's always been her rock. Oliver Campbell knows what it means to be patient. But twenty years of wanting one unavailable woman may have pushed him to the edge. With Allie working every night at his bar, their friendship has begun to fracture. Then old ghosts offer one more kick to the little family that's already down. Allie's ex-husband may be gone, but his actions are haunting his family. With danger licking the borders of Cambio Springs, the bear and the fox will have to work together. And twenty years of unspoken passion may finally come to light. WAKING HEARTS is a contemporary fantasy romance novel in the Cambio Springs Mysteries series by Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries and the Irin Chronicles.
Fox shifter Alison Smith gave up on happy endings when her ex-husband walked out, but that didn't mean she was allowed to give up on happy. With four growing kids, Allie is determined to look on the bright side and carry on. Luckily, Allie has the best friends a girl could ask for. Especially a certain quiet bear who's always been her rock. Oliver Campbell knows what it means to be patient. But twenty years of wanting one unavailable woman may have pushed him to the edge. With Allie working every night at his bar, their friendship has begun to fracture. Then old ghosts offer one more kick to the little family that's already down. Allie's ex-husband may be gone, but his actions are haunting his family. With danger licking the borders of Cambio Springs, the bear and the fox will have to work together. And twenty years of unspoken passion may finally come to light. WAKING HEARTS is a contemporary fantasy romance novel in the Cambio Springs Mysteries series by Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries and the Irin Chronicles.
334 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2015
483 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
83 books6,264 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
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January 14, 2024
REREAD UPDATE 1/14/23: I’m not sure why I didn’t elaborate on this in my original review, but it was definitely an issue this time.
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
FINE. I admit it. As much as I love Elizabeth Hunter's ELEMENTAL series, I think I love CAMBIO SPRINGS more.
B/c shifters vs. vampires.
*whispers* Shifters win every, single time.
And Cambio Springs, California is full to bursting of shifters. In SHIFTING DREAMS, we met Jena Crowe and the people who occupied her world. In DESERT BOUND, we observed the tumultuous courtship of Teodora (Ted) Vasquez and Alex McCann.
But we also watched Oliver Campbell silently bury his feelings (as he's done for the last twenty years) for Allie Smith as she struggled to take care of her four children while her fifteen year marriage to (assclown) Joe circled the drain.
It burrrrrrrned.
And as painful--especially, in the glow of Ted and Alex's newfound happiness--as it was to watch Allie's life finish its decent into chaos when Joe (assclown that he is) finally walked out his family, a flame of hope was kindled.
A hope that was realized in WAKING HEARTS. *flails*
You guys . . . this might be the best one yet.
You: But you've rated all of them 4.0 stars.
Me: Yes, I know.
You: Sooooo . . . how is this one better?
Me: I liked the relationship development in this one more than the others. BUT. There was a major shift in the story arc, and Bad Guy felt like a placeholder used to introduce Big Bad (HA!) Guy.
He was blandly nefarious, and, like his appearance, wholly forgettable. But I'm hopeful the new development is a sign of at least several more installments. *crosses fingers*
On to the good stuff!
It's been about a year since Assclown Joe left, and Allie is struggling. Not only did he leave her to raise their four children by herself, but soon after his departure, Allie discovered they were 60k in credit card debt, mostly from a gambling habit he'd kept hidden.
WHAT . . . the hell?
So she's working two jobs, barely scraping by, exhausted . . . lonely . . . stressed . . . She's near her limit when she receives the news that a body was found in the desert outside of Vegas, and based on the pawn shop receipt found in a jeans pocket (for an heirloom bowie knife that belonged to their oldest son), authorities believe it's Assclown Joe.
So she's FREE.
Finally, finally free of that wretched man.
And this is one of my favorite parts--we knew Ollie was in love with Allie based on what we saw in DESERT BOUND, but what about Allie? As unhappily married as she was, she wasn't the type to stray. She obviously valued his friendship, but beyond that . . .?
*is merciless* Read it and find out.
SIDE NOTE: how perfect is Ollie as the name of a bear shifter?
Despite my MEH feelings over this installment's Bad Guy, he served his purpose admirably: pushing Ollie and Allie together more quickly and more permanently than would've happened otherwise, while also showcasing Ollie's extreme Alpha Male awesomeness. *swoons*
Ollie is my favorite type of Alpha Male, and this type, for unfathomable reasons, is the most rare: the Good Guy Alpha.
The Good Guy Alpha has all the basic traits of an alpha--the overwhelming maleness, the protectiveness, the loyalty, the aggression--but he's also kind, patient, intuitive, and GOOD.
And 110% SAFE. Which may sound boring, but absolutely is not (b/c ALPHA), and it's also exactly what Allie needs.
I swooned over and over and over again. I'm still swooning. I'll probably be swooning tomorrow as well.
And just like last time, Hunter stealthily built the foundation for what will come next, leaving us ravening for CAMBIO SPRINGS #4. *waves at Sean* *stares hoping for a flash of FANG*
SO. Climb on board the Hunter train, destination Cambio Springs. Like men in uniform? Shifting Dreams is the book for you! Ruthless businessmen? Desert Bound has your name on it. Tattooed bar owners as intimidating as they are ALL THE GOOD THINGS? You, my friend, will love Waking Hearts . Tickets are more than affordable (b/c independently published), so what are you waiting for? Highly recommended.
My other reviews for this series:
Long Ride Home: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs #0.5)
Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs, #1)
Five Mornings: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs, #1.5)
Desert Bound (Cambio Springs, #2)
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
FINE. I admit it. As much as I love Elizabeth Hunter's ELEMENTAL series, I think I love CAMBIO SPRINGS more.
B/c shifters vs. vampires.
*whispers* Shifters win every, single time.
And Cambio Springs, California is full to bursting of shifters. In SHIFTING DREAMS, we met Jena Crowe and the people who occupied her world. In DESERT BOUND, we observed the tumultuous courtship of Teodora (Ted) Vasquez and Alex McCann.
But we also watched Oliver Campbell silently bury his feelings (as he's done for the last twenty years) for Allie Smith as she struggled to take care of her four children while her fifteen year marriage to (assclown) Joe circled the drain.
It burrrrrrrned.
And as painful--especially, in the glow of Ted and Alex's newfound happiness--as it was to watch Allie's life finish its decent into chaos when Joe (assclown that he is) finally walked out his family, a flame of hope was kindled.
A hope that was realized in WAKING HEARTS. *flails*
You guys . . . this might be the best one yet.
You: But you've rated all of them 4.0 stars.
Me: Yes, I know.
You: Sooooo . . . how is this one better?
Me: I liked the relationship development in this one more than the others. BUT. There was a major shift in the story arc, and Bad Guy felt like a placeholder used to introduce Big Bad (HA!) Guy.
He was blandly nefarious, and, like his appearance, wholly forgettable. But I'm hopeful the new development is a sign of at least several more installments. *crosses fingers*
On to the good stuff!
It's been about a year since Assclown Joe left, and Allie is struggling. Not only did he leave her to raise their four children by herself, but soon after his departure, Allie discovered they were 60k in credit card debt, mostly from a gambling habit he'd kept hidden.
WHAT . . . the hell?
So she's working two jobs, barely scraping by, exhausted . . . lonely . . . stressed . . . She's near her limit when she receives the news that a body was found in the desert outside of Vegas, and based on the pawn shop receipt found in a jeans pocket (for an heirloom bowie knife that belonged to their oldest son), authorities believe it's Assclown Joe.
So she's FREE.
Finally, finally free of that wretched man.
And this is one of my favorite parts--we knew Ollie was in love with Allie based on what we saw in DESERT BOUND, but what about Allie? As unhappily married as she was, she wasn't the type to stray. She obviously valued his friendship, but beyond that . . .?
*is merciless* Read it and find out.
SIDE NOTE: how perfect is Ollie as the name of a bear shifter?
Despite my MEH feelings over this installment's Bad Guy, he served his purpose admirably: pushing Ollie and Allie together more quickly and more permanently than would've happened otherwise, while also showcasing Ollie's extreme Alpha Male awesomeness. *swoons*
Ollie is my favorite type of Alpha Male, and this type, for unfathomable reasons, is the most rare: the Good Guy Alpha.
The Good Guy Alpha has all the basic traits of an alpha--the overwhelming maleness, the protectiveness, the loyalty, the aggression--but he's also kind, patient, intuitive, and GOOD.
And 110% SAFE. Which may sound boring, but absolutely is not (b/c ALPHA), and it's also exactly what Allie needs.
I swooned over and over and over again. I'm still swooning. I'll probably be swooning tomorrow as well.
And just like last time, Hunter stealthily built the foundation for what will come next, leaving us ravening for CAMBIO SPRINGS #4. *waves at Sean* *stares hoping for a flash of FANG*
SO. Climb on board the Hunter train, destination Cambio Springs. Like men in uniform? Shifting Dreams is the book for you! Ruthless businessmen? Desert Bound has your name on it. Tattooed bar owners as intimidating as they are ALL THE GOOD THINGS? You, my friend, will love Waking Hearts . Tickets are more than affordable (b/c independently published), so what are you waiting for? Highly recommended.
My other reviews for this series:
Long Ride Home: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs #0.5)
Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs, #1)
Five Mornings: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs, #1.5)
Desert Bound (Cambio Springs, #2)
February 25, 2016
I stand by my earlier statement: IF YOU AREN'T READING ELIZABETH HUNTER THEN YOU ARE GOING TO DIE UNHAPPY AND ALONE!!!
Cheese and crackers, I loved this book.
This is the story of Ollie and Allie and Penny. Penny is in love with Ollie and Allie. She can't stop thinking about them...
Seriously, let me start from the beginning.
I don't read paranormal. I just don't. It's not my bag. I've never been able to suspend reality enough to connect with shifters and vampires and the like. But there's just something SO REAL about Elizabeth Hunter's writing.
Waking Hearts is no different, but it *is* special. And it's special because of Ollie and Allie's life long (basically) relationship. He's They've both made mistakes (giant errors in judgement). They're flawed, 3 dimensional characters (possibly 4 dimentional, since they're shifters), and I found myself consumed by their story.
The mystery portion was enthralling as well. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say this was one of those rare books where I didn't know 20% in how it would end.
Thank God for Elizabeth Hunter and her smart, engaging, romantic, suspenseful, brilliant story telling.
Keeping it real: I'm already re-reading it.
Now... when is the next book coming out?!?!?! #readerproblems
Cheese and crackers, I loved this book.
This is the story of Ollie and Allie and Penny. Penny is in love with Ollie and Allie. She can't stop thinking about them...
Seriously, let me start from the beginning.
I don't read paranormal. I just don't. It's not my bag. I've never been able to suspend reality enough to connect with shifters and vampires and the like. But there's just something SO REAL about Elizabeth Hunter's writing.
Waking Hearts is no different, but it *is* special. And it's special because of Ollie and Allie's life long (basically) relationship. He's They've both made mistakes (giant errors in judgement). They're flawed, 3 dimensional characters (possibly 4 dimentional, since they're shifters), and I found myself consumed by their story.
The mystery portion was enthralling as well. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say this was one of those rare books where I didn't know 20% in how it would end.
Thank God for Elizabeth Hunter and her smart, engaging, romantic, suspenseful, brilliant story telling.
Keeping it real: I'm already re-reading it.
Now... when is the next book coming out?!?!?! #readerproblems
November 9, 2016
Ok, I am pretty impressed with Elizabeth Hunter's writing.
I think this is the best one in the series for now, I absolutely loved the two MC!
And I laughed a lot more than I expected. And the story was captivating and the plot, fun.
So yeah, this one is definitely worth giving a try (whether you've read the other books in the series or not. It's a fun, light, cute, interesting shifter story.
I think this is the best one in the series for now, I absolutely loved the two MC!
And I laughed a lot more than I expected. And the story was captivating and the plot, fun.
So yeah, this one is definitely worth giving a try (whether you've read the other books in the series or not. It's a fun, light, cute, interesting shifter story.
Read
July 21, 2016IT'S ALIVE!
Waking Hearts is now available!
Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsAmazon
Paperback: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsPaperback
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsGR
Pinterest: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsPinterest
Waking Hearts
When everything you’ve longed for is standing right in front of you, would you find the courage to chase it when you’ve given up on dreams?
I have been waiting a long LONG time to write Ollie and Allie's story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I'm not playing any games, Ollie. The book just doesn't come out until November.
UPDATE: But you can now read the first chapter for free on my blog! Check it out: http://elizabethhunterwrites.com/book...
Waking Hearts is now available!
Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsAmazon
Paperback: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsPaperback
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsGR
Pinterest: http://tinyurl.com/WakingHeartsPinterest
Waking Hearts
When everything you’ve longed for is standing right in front of you, would you find the courage to chase it when you’ve given up on dreams?
I have been waiting a long LONG time to write Ollie and Allie's story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I'm not playing any games, Ollie. The book just doesn't come out until November.
UPDATE: But you can now read the first chapter for free on my blog! Check it out: http://elizabethhunterwrites.com/book...
October 28, 2023
Waking Hearts by Elizabeth Hunter
Cambio Springs #3. Paranormal shifter mystery and romance. Best read as part of the series.
Four kids, two jobs and a pile of debt keeps fox shifter Alison Smith busy. She ties to stay positive and is grateful for her best friend and boss, Oliver Campbell. When trouble from the ex husband threatens the family, Ollie, a bear shifter, is more than happy to step in and help.
Friends to lovers troupe after a slow burn start for the couple, which is prompted by danger that Ollie won’t ignore. I loved his support with the children and their trust in his presence. I’m not fond of snakes and this storyline didn’t help with that. 🤣 Bear shifter Ollie can be fierce, but is almost teddy bear when it comes to Allie and her kids.
Glad I read this prior to the next book in the series. It helps in the overall story arc.
Cambio Springs #3. Paranormal shifter mystery and romance. Best read as part of the series.
Four kids, two jobs and a pile of debt keeps fox shifter Alison Smith busy. She ties to stay positive and is grateful for her best friend and boss, Oliver Campbell. When trouble from the ex husband threatens the family, Ollie, a bear shifter, is more than happy to step in and help.
Friends to lovers troupe after a slow burn start for the couple, which is prompted by danger that Ollie won’t ignore. I loved his support with the children and their trust in his presence. I’m not fond of snakes and this storyline didn’t help with that. 🤣 Bear shifter Ollie can be fierce, but is almost teddy bear when it comes to Allie and her kids.
Glad I read this prior to the next book in the series. It helps in the overall story arc.
November 24, 2015
I’ve said before that Elizabeth Hunter is a master storyteller. She knows how to roll out a story, how to connect the dots. Here she is also a master weaver, interconnecting the relationships in Cambio Springs. There is definitely a family flair. Not surprising, considering that Cambio Springs is one of the few retreats where shifters can openly be themselves. The town consists of clans of differing shifters keeping the town’s secret. Lives are laced together - like the story of Oliver Campbell and Alison Smith.
Oliver and Allison have known each other since they were kids. He is a bear shifter and she is a fox. He has admired her from afar but has been too shy to show his interest. She has always considered him her best friend, but never really thought of him as anything more until recently. After her marriage falls apart, and her husband abandons her with four children, Alison struggles to make it work. Of course, Ollie is there for her, but this time he finally lets her know how he feels. It’s such a lovely destined-to-be-together story. It feels especially so because these are two genuinely nice characters. There is still drama and lots and lots of heat (afterall, she is a fox and they need a lot of touch), but neither character needs redemption, has a personality flaw, or is broken. They both are good, kind characters that deserve each other, and it works. Best line: "Respect the lingerie, bear."
I also enjoyed the family dynamics. Alison has four children that contribute another level of cuteness as well as family drama. We run the gamut with a bit of teenage angst thrown in with youthful temper tantrums. With large clans, there is an extensive extended family, all of whom have opinions and advice for Ollie and Alison. However, they also provide love and support as needed. This is what community is all about.
But this is not merely the story of family of shifters, there is a menace behind the scenes. Alison’s family is being targeted and it is somehow connected to her ex-husband. There are more and more people with eyes on this community. As the mystery unravels, it feeds into the greater concern about the economic growth of the town driven by the new incoming hotel and spa. Will the clans be able to keep the secret of the shifters with the influx of outside visitors? Will their sanctuary be destroyed? Because it is so easy to care about these characters, their stress is my stress.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I love the ease in which I can connect to the characters. I find this story emotionally satisfying. I have already read it twice. Enough said.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Oliver and Allison have known each other since they were kids. He is a bear shifter and she is a fox. He has admired her from afar but has been too shy to show his interest. She has always considered him her best friend, but never really thought of him as anything more until recently. After her marriage falls apart, and her husband abandons her with four children, Alison struggles to make it work. Of course, Ollie is there for her, but this time he finally lets her know how he feels. It’s such a lovely destined-to-be-together story. It feels especially so because these are two genuinely nice characters. There is still drama and lots and lots of heat (afterall, she is a fox and they need a lot of touch), but neither character needs redemption, has a personality flaw, or is broken. They both are good, kind characters that deserve each other, and it works. Best line: "Respect the lingerie, bear."
I also enjoyed the family dynamics. Alison has four children that contribute another level of cuteness as well as family drama. We run the gamut with a bit of teenage angst thrown in with youthful temper tantrums. With large clans, there is an extensive extended family, all of whom have opinions and advice for Ollie and Alison. However, they also provide love and support as needed. This is what community is all about.
But this is not merely the story of family of shifters, there is a menace behind the scenes. Alison’s family is being targeted and it is somehow connected to her ex-husband. There are more and more people with eyes on this community. As the mystery unravels, it feeds into the greater concern about the economic growth of the town driven by the new incoming hotel and spa. Will the clans be able to keep the secret of the shifters with the influx of outside visitors? Will their sanctuary be destroyed? Because it is so easy to care about these characters, their stress is my stress.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I love the ease in which I can connect to the characters. I find this story emotionally satisfying. I have already read it twice. Enough said.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
November 24, 2015
4.5 Potent Stars! When I was offered an ARC of Waking Hearts, I had yet to start this series. I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter's Irin Chronicles and knew I couldn't go wrong with any book/series written by her, so I said Yes and then immediately purchased the previous short stories & books in the Cambio Springs series . . . and binge read my way through them. What an awesome and unique PNR series! I was hooked right away with the intriguing and touching short story, Long Ride Home, and fell in love with the special characters and desert town in Shifting Dreams. Now, after catching up in the series and finishing Waking Hearts, I am left eagerly anticipating the release of the next book.
Waking Hearts is the story of Allie Smith, a 34-year-old fox shifter with 4 kids, 2 jobs, and a mountain of debt left by her husband who walked out on her one night as she was serving her special meatloaf dinner, and Ollie Campbell, a grizzly bear shifter who has loved Allie from afar for 20 years but missed his chance to claim her because he waited too long to speak up. With her husband out of the picture (much more to that story), the sexual chemistry ignites, fueled by Ollie & Allie living and fighting side by side and by the coming full moon which sends a shifter's libido raging out of control. Allie is afraid to risk their friendship on a relationship that might end with another man walking away from her. Ollie worries about stepping over a line as he assumes the role of family protector and cares for Allie & her children.
Normally, a very patient, kind, quiet grizzly, Ollie is now edgy, grumpy, out of patience, and out of time. The bearded giant of a man/bear with his tattoos & gorgeous hard body has become very possessive, protective, and proprietary over Allie & her family. When ghosts from her husband's past bring predators to her door, Ollie roars in and shows just how badass an enraged grizzly bear can be. It's now or never. This powerful, potent, prime bear is ready to make his move.
Allie is a proud, spunky, and surprisingly strong-willed woman/fox who is tired of depending on others. It takes everything she has left in her to feed, clothe, and care for her children and keep a roof over their heads. She knows what it feels like to be left holding the bag (or meatloaf!) and resolves to never put her heart or the hearts of her children on the line again. Even so, Allie struggles to fight her attraction to a certain gorgeous bear, thinking herself ridiculous in entertaining the thought that Ollie would give her a second glance. She's seen the women he's attracted to and knows she doesn't fit the bill. But when danger threatens Allie & her kids, Ollie steps up in a big way. Will Allie find the courage to take a chance with this magnificent creature and claim him as her own?
The suspense ramps up as a deadly danger comes crawling into Cambio Springs. Ollie, Allie, and their shifter friends and family clans must unite to fight off a dominant enemy with powers that equal or exceed their own. The mystery of who/what/when builds anticipation and anxiety as this story plays out. Someone knows their secrets, someone can get through their defenses, someone can destroy the town and everyone in it. The extent and depth of this plot line blew me away as this story builds layer upon layer all the way to the explosive, blockbuster climax.
Waking Hearts is an intriguing, suspenseful, beautiful read. Hunter's special way of writing love scenes, while certainly hot & erotic, honors the once in a lifetime kind of love. I like that we get to experience these two characters getting to know each other as more than friends, dancing back and forth, exploring deeper feelings. The slow burn makes the rewards so much sweeter in the end! While Waking Hearts is certainly different than other books/series I've read by Hunter, it's every bit as captivating, enthralling, and bewitching in its own unique way. I was swept away by the intensity of both the character relationships and the plot line. Beautifully written, Waking Hearts is a Page Burner! A Must Read! One for my Favorites Shelf!
*Many thanks to the author for an ARC of Waking Hearts. It was my pleasure to read & review it.
Read full review at Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
Waking Hearts is the story of Allie Smith, a 34-year-old fox shifter with 4 kids, 2 jobs, and a mountain of debt left by her husband who walked out on her one night as she was serving her special meatloaf dinner, and Ollie Campbell, a grizzly bear shifter who has loved Allie from afar for 20 years but missed his chance to claim her because he waited too long to speak up. With her husband out of the picture (much more to that story), the sexual chemistry ignites, fueled by Ollie & Allie living and fighting side by side and by the coming full moon which sends a shifter's libido raging out of control. Allie is afraid to risk their friendship on a relationship that might end with another man walking away from her. Ollie worries about stepping over a line as he assumes the role of family protector and cares for Allie & her children.
Normally, a very patient, kind, quiet grizzly, Ollie is now edgy, grumpy, out of patience, and out of time. The bearded giant of a man/bear with his tattoos & gorgeous hard body has become very possessive, protective, and proprietary over Allie & her family. When ghosts from her husband's past bring predators to her door, Ollie roars in and shows just how badass an enraged grizzly bear can be. It's now or never. This powerful, potent, prime bear is ready to make his move.
Allie is a proud, spunky, and surprisingly strong-willed woman/fox who is tired of depending on others. It takes everything she has left in her to feed, clothe, and care for her children and keep a roof over their heads. She knows what it feels like to be left holding the bag (or meatloaf!) and resolves to never put her heart or the hearts of her children on the line again. Even so, Allie struggles to fight her attraction to a certain gorgeous bear, thinking herself ridiculous in entertaining the thought that Ollie would give her a second glance. She's seen the women he's attracted to and knows she doesn't fit the bill. But when danger threatens Allie & her kids, Ollie steps up in a big way. Will Allie find the courage to take a chance with this magnificent creature and claim him as her own?
The suspense ramps up as a deadly danger comes crawling into Cambio Springs. Ollie, Allie, and their shifter friends and family clans must unite to fight off a dominant enemy with powers that equal or exceed their own. The mystery of who/what/when builds anticipation and anxiety as this story plays out. Someone knows their secrets, someone can get through their defenses, someone can destroy the town and everyone in it. The extent and depth of this plot line blew me away as this story builds layer upon layer all the way to the explosive, blockbuster climax.
Waking Hearts is an intriguing, suspenseful, beautiful read. Hunter's special way of writing love scenes, while certainly hot & erotic, honors the once in a lifetime kind of love. I like that we get to experience these two characters getting to know each other as more than friends, dancing back and forth, exploring deeper feelings. The slow burn makes the rewards so much sweeter in the end! While Waking Hearts is certainly different than other books/series I've read by Hunter, it's every bit as captivating, enthralling, and bewitching in its own unique way. I was swept away by the intensity of both the character relationships and the plot line. Beautifully written, Waking Hearts is a Page Burner! A Must Read! One for my Favorites Shelf!
*Many thanks to the author for an ARC of Waking Hearts. It was my pleasure to read & review it.
Read full review at Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
December 3, 2015
There are many talented authors and then there are a few super-talented ones who make you wonder if they sold their soul to the devil because everything they write is just that fantastic. They write paranormal stories that feel real and that make you miss the world and the characters that the pages brought to life.
Elizabeth Hunter proves with "Waking Hearts" yet again that she is one of those extraordinary authors.
I have read every single book that she has published and every single one of them was a 5+ star read. She's that good.
And just like her other books, "Waking Hearts" made me want to live in the story, to be friends with the characters and to fall in love with the heroes.
It's purely breath-taking how she manages to balance love, romance, steam, suspense in an enticing mix that is beautifully written.
"Waking Hearts" felt like home. It's hard to explain, but it's one of those books that just made me feel good. It brought a smile and it brought tears, stealing away a part of my heart with finesse.
It's just the right amounts of everything. Not over the top, subtly mixing fantastical elements with everyday life. It's freakin' addictive.
And Ollie plays a big role in that too. One of my favorites in the "Cambio Springs" series, I was so excited to finally read the bear shifter's story. And he's surpassed my expectations.
Ollie is a kind, calm and reserved man, with a fiercely protective, loyal and loving side.
He's sweet and caring, while still being all man. All beardy, muscled, burly, tattooed, hairy man. I might have drooled once. Or twice. Or a lot. He's too hot for his own good.
Strong, self-confident and secure in who he is without being a controlling, possessive jerk, he's what women's dreams are made of.
His quiet demeanor isn't just for show. He isn't broody or grumpy, he's just quiet and observant.
And he's been observing Allie and her marriage for fifteen years, his feelings for her never wavering.
Now that her husband has left, it's time for Ollie to stop watching and wishing and to finally act. It's time to step up to the plate.
And damn, he sure does. He not only takes care of Allie, but also of her four children without any hesitation. He loves them unconditionally, not having any issues about the kids being another man's. He treats them as his own and helps them and Allie through the hard times they are going through.
He's a good guy and that makes him really sexy.
Allie is one lucky woman. And it's about time this poor girl has some luck as fate likes to kick her even when she's already down.
Despite her crappy marriage, a disappearing husband, debt, four kids, two jobs and danger looming around the corner, she still manages to be kind, sweet and optimistic. She always puts her kids first and is happily helping out others, no matter how tough her situation is. She's a bit of a superwoman, despite her petite build.
Her animal might be just a tiny fox, but that doesn't make her any less ferocious.
She doesn't play games, speaks her mind and is learning to stand up for herself again now that her marriage has ended. And she's learning to let others help. Especially bears that would move mountains for her.
After initial hesitancy, she slowly starts to believe that she can have good things in her life and that she deserves them.
Ollie and Allie's love story starts out slow, sweet and tender. It was really heart-warming and there were many sighs on my part.
Then their relationship turned more heated and intense and I was a little jealous of Allie. Okay, I was very jealous.
There also were twists and turns, mysteries and suspense that kept me at the edge of the seat.
And when I finally got to the end, I wanted to cry because the story was finished and now I have to wait again for the next book.
One more things needs to be said besides the obvious that you should read this book, the whole series, anything Elizabeth Hunter wrote.
And this one thing is the fact that baffles me with every single book I read by this amazing author.
The sex scenes - they are scorching hot, yet so freakin' classy. I've never read any other author who manages to write sex scenes that aren't x-rated, but are sexier than anything else I've read. Elizabeth Hunter creates this kind of magic.
5+ can-Ollie-be-my-own-personal-teddy-bear stars.
Elizabeth Hunter proves with "Waking Hearts" yet again that she is one of those extraordinary authors.
I have read every single book that she has published and every single one of them was a 5+ star read. She's that good.
And just like her other books, "Waking Hearts" made me want to live in the story, to be friends with the characters and to fall in love with the heroes.
It's purely breath-taking how she manages to balance love, romance, steam, suspense in an enticing mix that is beautifully written.
"Waking Hearts" felt like home. It's hard to explain, but it's one of those books that just made me feel good. It brought a smile and it brought tears, stealing away a part of my heart with finesse.
It's just the right amounts of everything. Not over the top, subtly mixing fantastical elements with everyday life. It's freakin' addictive.
And Ollie plays a big role in that too. One of my favorites in the "Cambio Springs" series, I was so excited to finally read the bear shifter's story. And he's surpassed my expectations.
Ollie is a kind, calm and reserved man, with a fiercely protective, loyal and loving side.
He's sweet and caring, while still being all man. All beardy, muscled, burly, tattooed, hairy man. I might have drooled once. Or twice. Or a lot. He's too hot for his own good.
Strong, self-confident and secure in who he is without being a controlling, possessive jerk, he's what women's dreams are made of.
His quiet demeanor isn't just for show. He isn't broody or grumpy, he's just quiet and observant.
And he's been observing Allie and her marriage for fifteen years, his feelings for her never wavering.
Now that her husband has left, it's time for Ollie to stop watching and wishing and to finally act. It's time to step up to the plate.
And damn, he sure does. He not only takes care of Allie, but also of her four children without any hesitation. He loves them unconditionally, not having any issues about the kids being another man's. He treats them as his own and helps them and Allie through the hard times they are going through.
He's a good guy and that makes him really sexy.
Allie is one lucky woman. And it's about time this poor girl has some luck as fate likes to kick her even when she's already down.
Despite her crappy marriage, a disappearing husband, debt, four kids, two jobs and danger looming around the corner, she still manages to be kind, sweet and optimistic. She always puts her kids first and is happily helping out others, no matter how tough her situation is. She's a bit of a superwoman, despite her petite build.
Her animal might be just a tiny fox, but that doesn't make her any less ferocious.
She doesn't play games, speaks her mind and is learning to stand up for herself again now that her marriage has ended. And she's learning to let others help. Especially bears that would move mountains for her.
After initial hesitancy, she slowly starts to believe that she can have good things in her life and that she deserves them.
Ollie and Allie's love story starts out slow, sweet and tender. It was really heart-warming and there were many sighs on my part.
Then their relationship turned more heated and intense and I was a little jealous of Allie. Okay, I was very jealous.
There also were twists and turns, mysteries and suspense that kept me at the edge of the seat.
And when I finally got to the end, I wanted to cry because the story was finished and now I have to wait again for the next book.
One more things needs to be said besides the obvious that you should read this book, the whole series, anything Elizabeth Hunter wrote.
And this one thing is the fact that baffles me with every single book I read by this amazing author.
The sex scenes - they are scorching hot, yet so freakin' classy. I've never read any other author who manages to write sex scenes that aren't x-rated, but are sexier than anything else I've read. Elizabeth Hunter creates this kind of magic.
5+ can-Ollie-be-my-own-personal-teddy-bear stars.
November 6, 2015
I have been trying to put on my "professional reviewer" hat more in 2015 and not give away as many 4 and 5 Star reviews as I have in the past. I am an easy reviewer, give me a good story and I can forgive almost anything but give me a good story and then make it into a great story and we end up with Waking Hearts in this case.
Needless to say this is going to be one of those 5 Star reviews that is honestly earned BUT in my opinion you cannot really enjoy this at the 5 Star level without reading the preceding books. You can skip the novellas if you wish (not my choice but will not damage the continuity) but I DO HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read the short story that precedes this series called "Long Ride Home: A Cambio Springs Short Story", 99 cents and 41 pages long and my example to authors of how you really can pack a ton of emotion into a few pages if you have talent.
OK, now that I have wasted 2 paragraphs without really talking much about Waking Hearts much let us move along, this is a story that has been in the background of this series since book 1 and everybody in town knew that Allie and Ollie (wonder if Elizabeth Hunter realized how these shortened nicknames were gonna sound) were meant for each other .... except for the two people involved (love is blind takes on a whole new meaning).
The bumbling, stumbling love story with a MUCH darker background plot interspersed with about the perfect amount of humor just never allows you to get bored. There is always either the 2 main characters stumbling over each other, or some bit of action, or Ollie working his way into the hearts of the reader and Allie by just being himself.
Things have a way of working themselves out in these books but after the plots for this book were taken care of we are left with a alluring hook (albeit somewhat dark) for the next book and a romantic couple that has a lot of humorous possibilities :)
Bottom Line: 5 Stars, great story, warm, funny, suspenseful, and just plain entertaining. Highly recommended.
Needless to say this is going to be one of those 5 Star reviews that is honestly earned BUT in my opinion you cannot really enjoy this at the 5 Star level without reading the preceding books. You can skip the novellas if you wish (not my choice but will not damage the continuity) but I DO HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read the short story that precedes this series called "Long Ride Home: A Cambio Springs Short Story", 99 cents and 41 pages long and my example to authors of how you really can pack a ton of emotion into a few pages if you have talent.
OK, now that I have wasted 2 paragraphs without really talking much about Waking Hearts much let us move along, this is a story that has been in the background of this series since book 1 and everybody in town knew that Allie and Ollie (wonder if Elizabeth Hunter realized how these shortened nicknames were gonna sound) were meant for each other .... except for the two people involved (love is blind takes on a whole new meaning).
The bumbling, stumbling love story with a MUCH darker background plot interspersed with about the perfect amount of humor just never allows you to get bored. There is always either the 2 main characters stumbling over each other, or some bit of action, or Ollie working his way into the hearts of the reader and Allie by just being himself.
Things have a way of working themselves out in these books but after the plots for this book were taken care of we are left with a alluring hook (albeit somewhat dark) for the next book and a romantic couple that has a lot of humorous possibilities :)
Bottom Line: 5 Stars, great story, warm, funny, suspenseful, and just plain entertaining. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2015
I wish I could articulate just how much I enjoyed Waking Hearts, because I love this series, and Waking Hearts was the best story yet.
Allie's husband, Joe, is finally out of the picture, but he's left his family in dire straights and Allie is struggling, and things are only going to get worse. Fortunately, Ollie has her back and he's there for her and her kids when more of Joe's troubles end up on their doorstep.
I just loved the leads: Fox shifter mother of four Allie's - whose life has been rough for a while, but who has managed to retain her optomistic nature - and bear shifter Ollie - who has secretly loved Allie forever. I liked how everyone prods Ollie to pursue what he's always wanted with Allie even though the timing isn't perfect. II especially loved Ollie with Allie and with her kids - he really is my dream hero - protective and supportive and so head over heals for his heroine.
As always, the supporting cast and all the wonderful family and friend connections bring Cambio Springs to life. And I was happy that Hunter pulled some new threads to carry the series forward beyond the initial friend group - the next pairing looks to be very entertaining.
ARC courtesy of the author, release date 11/24
Allie's husband, Joe, is finally out of the picture, but he's left his family in dire straights and Allie is struggling, and things are only going to get worse. Fortunately, Ollie has her back and he's there for her and her kids when more of Joe's troubles end up on their doorstep.
I just loved the leads: Fox shifter mother of four Allie's - whose life has been rough for a while, but who has managed to retain her optomistic nature - and bear shifter Ollie - who has secretly loved Allie forever. I liked how everyone prods Ollie to pursue what he's always wanted with Allie even though the timing isn't perfect. II especially loved Ollie with Allie and with her kids - he really is my dream hero - protective and supportive and so head over heals for his heroine.
As always, the supporting cast and all the wonderful family and friend connections bring Cambio Springs to life. And I was happy that Hunter pulled some new threads to carry the series forward beyond the initial friend group - the next pairing looks to be very entertaining.
ARC courtesy of the author, release date 11/24
December 1, 2015
LOVED it! This is my favorite of her series because I'll talk about it in my review at the Book Nympho:
http://thebooknympho.com/2015/11/waki...
Love it. Love it. Love it. I think this is my favorite series of her series. Why? They are all well-written and most of her books are 5 star reads for me. I confess I have not read all of the original Elemental series YET. The other books are perhaps more adult, or complex or darker?
Anyway, Cambio Springs is comfort. It has family and close friends, big families, small town, romance, mystery and action. And my other favorite? HUMOR. “I’m shocked. So shocked.” Snickers. Maybe that’s it – it has more humor. And this series is more PNR (paranormal romance), while the others are maybe more UF (urban fantasy). I usually think I like UF more.
The stories are about a small town full of shifters. As far as they know, they are the only shifters on earth. In this story, Ollie has his chance with the woman he has loved since high school. He’s loved her for about 20 years. I love these two people. Allie is so strong, SO strong and light. I don’t know how she manages so much. Ollie is Mr. Strong and Silent. They’ve always been attracted and liked each other. They work together at Ollie’s bar, The Cave.
I love the way they treat each other. I love the way they all support each other, the families and friends. Each character is real to me, including the children. I love the distinct qualities of each of the shifter families. I love seeing all the people from all the books and getting to know more about a couple and their families than the peek from earlier books.
Highly recommended. Waking Hearts is the ultimate comfort for me. Do read the books in order to experience all the relationships, connections and inside jokes. It lays the groundwork for some great stories to come but not in a cliffhanger way.
Books in the series:
Shifting Dreams
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Desert Bound
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
giggle worthy quote:
But now…
“What if she does end up having a rebound relationship, huh? You think you’re going to be able to handle seeing her go out with another guy under your nose?”
Ollie knew the answer to that. He’d go insane. But he also didn’t know what to do about it. He couldn’t think of a way to broach the topic without coming across as a presumptuous asshole.
Morning, Allison. I’ve been in love with you for about twenty years now. Would you like to go out for coffee? Or maybe just marry me and put me out of my misery?
http://thebooknympho.com/2015/11/waki...
Love it. Love it. Love it. I think this is my favorite series of her series. Why? They are all well-written and most of her books are 5 star reads for me. I confess I have not read all of the original Elemental series YET. The other books are perhaps more adult, or complex or darker?
Anyway, Cambio Springs is comfort. It has family and close friends, big families, small town, romance, mystery and action. And my other favorite? HUMOR. “I’m shocked. So shocked.” Snickers. Maybe that’s it – it has more humor. And this series is more PNR (paranormal romance), while the others are maybe more UF (urban fantasy). I usually think I like UF more.
The stories are about a small town full of shifters. As far as they know, they are the only shifters on earth. In this story, Ollie has his chance with the woman he has loved since high school. He’s loved her for about 20 years. I love these two people. Allie is so strong, SO strong and light. I don’t know how she manages so much. Ollie is Mr. Strong and Silent. They’ve always been attracted and liked each other. They work together at Ollie’s bar, The Cave.
I love the way they treat each other. I love the way they all support each other, the families and friends. Each character is real to me, including the children. I love the distinct qualities of each of the shifter families. I love seeing all the people from all the books and getting to know more about a couple and their families than the peek from earlier books.
Highly recommended. Waking Hearts is the ultimate comfort for me. Do read the books in order to experience all the relationships, connections and inside jokes. It lays the groundwork for some great stories to come but not in a cliffhanger way.
Books in the series:
Shifting Dreams
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Desert Bound
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
giggle worthy quote:
But now…
“What if she does end up having a rebound relationship, huh? You think you’re going to be able to handle seeing her go out with another guy under your nose?”
Ollie knew the answer to that. He’d go insane. But he also didn’t know what to do about it. He couldn’t think of a way to broach the topic without coming across as a presumptuous asshole.
Morning, Allison. I’ve been in love with you for about twenty years now. Would you like to go out for coffee? Or maybe just marry me and put me out of my misery?
December 2, 2015
4.5/5
I am quietly in love with this series, peeps. Miss Hunter manages to blend a small town contemporary romance with cozy mystery and urban fantasy, and it all works really, really well together.
Allie's character had a sh*tty start in life as we all know by now. She got pregnant from her high school sweetheart, married young and had 3 kids altogether while her husband slowly self-destructed and took her along for the ride, destroying her self-esteem and happy, sunny nature while at it.
Ollie is this amazing grumpy bear with tough exterior, a biker's bar and a tattooed, delicious body, who's been secretly and deeply in love with Allison all his life while being her best friend and supporting her in every way in the meantime.
He is desperate for Allie to finally see him in a new light and when circumstances throw them together and force them to work as a team investigating her husband's murder, he uses every trick in the book to conquer her heart, and it's unbearably sweet! *pardon the pun*
I loved how Elizabeth really brought these two's animal natures into their characters. Ollie has distinct bear traits: he is extremely patient and is determined to wait for the perfect time to make his move even if he is wrong. He is stubborn and slow to get angry, but when he is enraged it will also take him awhile to calm down and see reason. Allie is fierce and cunning, territorial and flirty as a fox. I could practically imagine her bushy tail up in the air trotting in front of the bear. *grinning* She is lightning fast and has a temper.
Allie's kids is another major attraction of the book - they are adorable and slightly heartbreaking because you can see the individual effect their father's abandonment and death had on them all.
At last, the plot itself carries the suspense well and surprises the hell out of the reader with the expansion of the world-building in the end of the book. I, for one, am so looking forward to see what happens next in Cambio Springs universe. Heartily recommended.
I am quietly in love with this series, peeps. Miss Hunter manages to blend a small town contemporary romance with cozy mystery and urban fantasy, and it all works really, really well together.
Allie's character had a sh*tty start in life as we all know by now. She got pregnant from her high school sweetheart, married young and had 3 kids altogether while her husband slowly self-destructed and took her along for the ride, destroying her self-esteem and happy, sunny nature while at it.
Ollie is this amazing grumpy bear with tough exterior, a biker's bar and a tattooed, delicious body, who's been secretly and deeply in love with Allison all his life while being her best friend and supporting her in every way in the meantime.
He is desperate for Allie to finally see him in a new light and when circumstances throw them together and force them to work as a team investigating her husband's murder, he uses every trick in the book to conquer her heart, and it's unbearably sweet! *pardon the pun*
I loved how Elizabeth really brought these two's animal natures into their characters. Ollie has distinct bear traits: he is extremely patient and is determined to wait for the perfect time to make his move even if he is wrong. He is stubborn and slow to get angry, but when he is enraged it will also take him awhile to calm down and see reason. Allie is fierce and cunning, territorial and flirty as a fox. I could practically imagine her bushy tail up in the air trotting in front of the bear. *grinning* She is lightning fast and has a temper.
Allie's kids is another major attraction of the book - they are adorable and slightly heartbreaking because you can see the individual effect their father's abandonment and death had on them all.
At last, the plot itself carries the suspense well and surprises the hell out of the reader with the expansion of the world-building in the end of the book. I, for one, am so looking forward to see what happens next in Cambio Springs universe. Heartily recommended.
November 28, 2015
“I love you,” he said simply. “I don’t remember a time I haven’t loved you, Allison Smith.”
**
Allie Smith thought that if they ever found Joe her life would get back to some sense of normal. At least she hoped it would. Never did she imagine the hell she would find her family and herself in- all thanks to him and his shady past. But when Ollie steps in, stress soon fades and life becomes a bit more tolerable. At least a little bit.
I cannot believe how much the overall arc of the story has evolved over the last few books. We've gone from learning about the residents of Cambio Springs in the first book to each book linking together in one way or another. And this one just added the intrigue and suspense even more; really upping the ante. It pulls a bunch of old characters back in and even a few new ones. It has you wondering if maybe you knew the answers all along and just didn’t realize it. I love a book that has me thinking the whole way through.
And I wish I could say that I loved one book over the other in this series, but it is just not possible. Each book offers something wonderful that the reader grabs on to and remembers long after the book is done. Well, that is how it was for me. I think back to certain characters or certain scenes and remember the feelings that book gave me. But I will say that this book was something special to me. I adored Ollie so very much. There is something about a big, burly guy with a heart of gold that has me melting.
When asked what one of my favorite shifter books or series is, this series is the first to come to mind. Hunter nailed the shifter/ supernatural genre when she took this project on. It's magical. It's fantastic. It's hot and romantic. I cannot get enough. 5 Stars!
**
Allie Smith thought that if they ever found Joe her life would get back to some sense of normal. At least she hoped it would. Never did she imagine the hell she would find her family and herself in- all thanks to him and his shady past. But when Ollie steps in, stress soon fades and life becomes a bit more tolerable. At least a little bit.
I cannot believe how much the overall arc of the story has evolved over the last few books. We've gone from learning about the residents of Cambio Springs in the first book to each book linking together in one way or another. And this one just added the intrigue and suspense even more; really upping the ante. It pulls a bunch of old characters back in and even a few new ones. It has you wondering if maybe you knew the answers all along and just didn’t realize it. I love a book that has me thinking the whole way through.
And I wish I could say that I loved one book over the other in this series, but it is just not possible. Each book offers something wonderful that the reader grabs on to and remembers long after the book is done. Well, that is how it was for me. I think back to certain characters or certain scenes and remember the feelings that book gave me. But I will say that this book was something special to me. I adored Ollie so very much. There is something about a big, burly guy with a heart of gold that has me melting.
When asked what one of my favorite shifter books or series is, this series is the first to come to mind. Hunter nailed the shifter/ supernatural genre when she took this project on. It's magical. It's fantastic. It's hot and romantic. I cannot get enough. 5 Stars!
May 7, 2020
Waking Hearts by Elizabeth Hunter is the one book in this series that filled me with emotions - laughter, adoration of swoon worthy Alpha males, admiration of the strong and determined women who are the Alphas' mates and fear for all of their safety. Ollie and Alison are so perfect together that my heart hurt for them in this book as their time had finally arrived. Murder, twists, in-depth character development, friendship and romance kept me turning the pages. And the epilogue has me craving Sean's story.
November 4, 2015
I must confess...Waking Hearts is my far my favorite book in the Cambio Springs series. I loved what Elizabeth Hunter did with this story, and that's saying something because I quite enjoyed Shifting Dreams and Desert Bound.
In Waking Hearts we finally see Oliver 'Ollie' Campbell and Alison 'Allie' Smith get their happily ever after. Allie and Ollie have been friends since they were younger and Ollie has loved her for just as long. Unfortunately young Ollie was a bit reserved, and he missed his opportunity to capture a teenage Alllie's heart. Consequently, Joe Russell swooped in and stole the heart of the only girl Ollie loved. Fast forward fifteen years and four children later, Allie and Joe are in a loveless marriage, and the man who used to love her has become insensitive and mean. So much so that he walks out on Allie and their children, leaving her saddled with his gambling debt and sole responsibility for their children. But good fortune is on Allie's side because she is surrounded by 'people' who adore her and her children. And Ollie is the first person in that line. Ollie recognizes that this is his time to be with Allie but it's never THAT easy in Cambio Springs because along with his debt, Joe leaves a huge mystery behind. A mystery that puts Allie and her children at risk. Things literally become a race against the clock as Ollie, Allie, and Allie's 'people' work to unravel the mystery.
Hunter did an exceptional job crafting this well-paced, mysterious paranormal romance. This story contained equal elements of both that kept it captivating from beginning to end. The romantic tension between Allie and Ollie was quite palatable but I loved the fact that they didn't just jump into a romance right off the bat. The slow burn was brilliant! It allowed the reader to see Ollie's heart with Allie and her children. The bear shifter was both cuddly when he needed to be but a fierce protector, too.
Beyond the romance, I seriously enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns in the mystery of the story. The mystery connects all the books in the series, but we get a few more pieces of the puzzle with the addition of new sinister characters, and underlying plot, and other unexpected...let's just call them "surprises." The end of the story quite nicely sets the foundation for the next book in the series ㅡ by hinting at the characters and providing a small glimpse into the continued mystery.
I've said it before and it's something that I'll definitely repeat, Hunter has amazing ability to translate a complicated plot into a most enjoyable read. I'm never disappointed reading her books.
In Waking Hearts we finally see Oliver 'Ollie' Campbell and Alison 'Allie' Smith get their happily ever after. Allie and Ollie have been friends since they were younger and Ollie has loved her for just as long. Unfortunately young Ollie was a bit reserved, and he missed his opportunity to capture a teenage Alllie's heart. Consequently, Joe Russell swooped in and stole the heart of the only girl Ollie loved. Fast forward fifteen years and four children later, Allie and Joe are in a loveless marriage, and the man who used to love her has become insensitive and mean. So much so that he walks out on Allie and their children, leaving her saddled with his gambling debt and sole responsibility for their children. But good fortune is on Allie's side because she is surrounded by 'people' who adore her and her children. And Ollie is the first person in that line. Ollie recognizes that this is his time to be with Allie but it's never THAT easy in Cambio Springs because along with his debt, Joe leaves a huge mystery behind. A mystery that puts Allie and her children at risk. Things literally become a race against the clock as Ollie, Allie, and Allie's 'people' work to unravel the mystery.
Hunter did an exceptional job crafting this well-paced, mysterious paranormal romance. This story contained equal elements of both that kept it captivating from beginning to end. The romantic tension between Allie and Ollie was quite palatable but I loved the fact that they didn't just jump into a romance right off the bat. The slow burn was brilliant! It allowed the reader to see Ollie's heart with Allie and her children. The bear shifter was both cuddly when he needed to be but a fierce protector, too.
Beyond the romance, I seriously enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns in the mystery of the story. The mystery connects all the books in the series, but we get a few more pieces of the puzzle with the addition of new sinister characters, and underlying plot, and other unexpected...let's just call them "surprises." The end of the story quite nicely sets the foundation for the next book in the series ㅡ by hinting at the characters and providing a small glimpse into the continued mystery.
I've said it before and it's something that I'll definitely repeat, Hunter has amazing ability to translate a complicated plot into a most enjoyable read. I'm never disappointed reading her books.
February 18, 2024
Second Read: February 2024: 4 stars
Honestly, it is VERY RARE for me to do re-read, and the increase the star rating on the second time around (usually I lower it down). But after I re-read book #1 and #2, I appreciated the progress of Ollie and Allie's relationship better.
YES, I still thought Ollie's reason sound stupid at first, but I could understand his POV. Also Allie's reason for thinking the way she was... I could also understand. But when they got together, they were wonderful. And the kids love Ollie anyway. AND I actually had TEARS when Allie read Joe's letter.
Furthermore, I got to remember the things that made me a bit lost in book #4 (because it took 9 years in between book #3 and #4) ... the appearance of Lobo, the death of Joe, Sean ...
Yep, reading it the second time is better. So 4* it is...
--------------------------------------------
First Read: July 2015: 3 stars
After reading about Ollie (and his more-than-fifteen-years-old love towards Allie) in the previous book, Desert Bound, I was so sure that this would be a winner. I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories ... and Ollie & Allie have known each other for two decades!!
Unfortunately, I spent a lot of time being frustrated over how long it was for the two of them to make a move!! Ollie thought that with Joe (Allie's husband) being dead, Allie would need time to mourn; he thought it was the wrong timing, and he didn't want to be rebound guy. While Allie thought that she had too many baggage, being a widow with four kids, so she wanted Ollie to have a better, more amazing woman that she was. MY GOD YOU TWO!! I wanted so badly to go inside these pages, locked Ollie and Allie in a steel-room to talk things out. Even their friends think they were being idiots
Hmphs.
Well, at least they came to their senses half-way. Still it went a bit too long for my preference. I was getting impatient with them. Then they had to work out the answer on why Joe was murdered. The story went pretty fast after that. In fact, the ending went a bit too fast with one week later, six months later, two months later segment.
I liked the kids -- thought they were adorable. But they couldn't really save the adults being stupid. Which was why I could only give this my 3-stars okay rating for now.
That Epilogue is promising though. Sean Quinn, the snake ... with . Sounds like it is going to be hilarious in a way.
Honestly, it is VERY RARE for me to do re-read, and the increase the star rating on the second time around (usually I lower it down). But after I re-read book #1 and #2, I appreciated the progress of Ollie and Allie's relationship better.
YES, I still thought Ollie's reason sound stupid at first, but I could understand his POV. Also Allie's reason for thinking the way she was... I could also understand. But when they got together, they were wonderful. And the kids love Ollie anyway. AND I actually had TEARS when Allie read Joe's letter.
Furthermore, I got to remember the things that made me a bit lost in book #4 (because it took 9 years in between book #3 and #4) ... the appearance of Lobo, the death of Joe, Sean ...
Yep, reading it the second time is better. So 4* it is...
--------------------------------------------
First Read: July 2015: 3 stars
After reading about Ollie (and his more-than-fifteen-years-old love towards Allie) in the previous book, Desert Bound, I was so sure that this would be a winner. I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories ... and Ollie & Allie have known each other for two decades!!
Unfortunately, I spent a lot of time being frustrated over how long it was for the two of them to make a move!! Ollie thought that with Joe (Allie's husband) being dead, Allie would need time to mourn; he thought it was the wrong timing, and he didn't want to be rebound guy. While Allie thought that she had too many baggage, being a widow with four kids, so she wanted Ollie to have a better, more amazing woman that she was. MY GOD YOU TWO!! I wanted so badly to go inside these pages, locked Ollie and Allie in a steel-room to talk things out. Even their friends think they were being idiots
Hmphs.
Well, at least they came to their senses half-way. Still it went a bit too long for my preference. I was getting impatient with them. Then they had to work out the answer on why Joe was murdered. The story went pretty fast after that. In fact, the ending went a bit too fast with one week later, six months later, two months later segment.
I liked the kids -- thought they were adorable. But they couldn't really save the adults being stupid. Which was why I could only give this my 3-stars okay rating for now.
That Epilogue is promising though. Sean Quinn, the snake ... with . Sounds like it is going to be hilarious in a way.
October 27, 2023
Wow, I'm loving this series! The townspeople are very interesting. There always is some danger or suspense going on. And you learn enough about secondary characters to be excited when it is their turn to be MCs.
Ollie and Allie's story is sweet. He's been pining since high school and her deadbeat husband just recently left. Her kids are cute, but act like kids - getting into fights and stuff. I like that Ollie and Allie take it slow and he trusts her to do what is needed.
This time we learn of a new danger coming and I really hope there are more books in the series as I really want to read Sean's story.
Ollie and Allie's story is sweet. He's been pining since high school and her deadbeat husband just recently left. Her kids are cute, but act like kids - getting into fights and stuff. I like that Ollie and Allie take it slow and he trusts her to do what is needed.
This time we learn of a new danger coming and I really hope there are more books in the series as I really want to read Sean's story.
June 4, 2017
I liked this, a lot. A little romance, a little mystery, and a heck of a good book. Allie and Ollie’s story has been a long time coming, and it was worth the wait. The mystery of Joe’s murder and the really bad guys he had gotten himself involved with has helped to open a new plotline arc for the series in the form of an insidious threat to the shifter community. Can't wait to see what comes next. Oh, and I love how this series involves children and revolves around clan/family.
On a side note, I believe this is the most sexy romance Hunter has written to date. Hope the sexy continues for Sean's story.
On a side note, I believe this is the most sexy romance Hunter has written to date. Hope the sexy continues for Sean's story.
October 23, 2023
Another great installment in this series! Loved it!! Allie and Ollie are perfect for each other! ❤️ Still a mystery hanging with Lobo and I really want to read Sean's story. So glad it’s finally here!
November 16, 2016
3.75 stars
December 30, 2019
I'm surprised with how much I liked this one! The hero and heroine were just awesome and I loved the development of their friendship-turned-more. He was so protective, yet not in a pain-in-the-arse kind of way. I also liked that not only was the romance great, it actually had a plot. And a great one at that! I liked that she was a fox...that was pretty awesome - and yes, she has 4 kids to her ex, but I don't mind that at all. It's a nice change from the 'hero' always having kids to another woman.
This was a 4 solid star read for me :)
This was a 4 solid star read for me :)
March 19, 2023
Loved the H, a sweet bear who has loved the h from afar for years. Now she needs time to grieve with her children, and makes sure she knows she is loved. I really liked their protective nature and how they worked together. Great mystery continues in the next installment.
December 2, 2015
Waking Hearts is the third book in the Cambio Springs series and it is by far the best book Ms. Hunter has written so far in the series as well as with all her other books. Generally I am very Ms. Hunter biased and I worship the ground that she walks on. I would recommend reading the first books in the series.
The heroine Allie Smith was left by her husband Joe, high and dry with four kids. In the previous books we see the trouble that they are having. Allie is a fox shifter and requires a lot of touch to keep her fox happy. Joe was denying her that.
Joe has been missing for about a year now. Allie wants to serve him the divorce papers until a body turns up dead. The plot thickens with debt and what with Joe’s gambling addiction it isn’t rosy.
Ollie Campbell is a bear shifter and the protector of their home town Cambio Springs. I frigging adore Ollie. He is tough but gooey in the inside. He does a lot for everyone and not himself. He keeps all the curious stares away and diverts them to more interesting places. He and Alex (book 2) are out on the odds of the Resort that is being built.
I adored Ollie. He has been in love with Allie for 15 years old. He was amazing, Allie always had feelings for Ollie but Joe and being true to her husband where more important. They get together after a year and sparks fly. Ollie loves Allie’s children as much as if they were his own.
Ms. Hunter knows her craft and I love her storytelling there are no open questions and she is an awesome world builder. The overall plot develops so much and the ending with what is going on with Lobo and that SPOILER there are more shifters out there.
I loved the ending of Sean and his meeting and that Sean will be getting his book.
The heroine Allie Smith was left by her husband Joe, high and dry with four kids. In the previous books we see the trouble that they are having. Allie is a fox shifter and requires a lot of touch to keep her fox happy. Joe was denying her that.
Joe has been missing for about a year now. Allie wants to serve him the divorce papers until a body turns up dead. The plot thickens with debt and what with Joe’s gambling addiction it isn’t rosy.
Ollie Campbell is a bear shifter and the protector of their home town Cambio Springs. I frigging adore Ollie. He is tough but gooey in the inside. He does a lot for everyone and not himself. He keeps all the curious stares away and diverts them to more interesting places. He and Alex (book 2) are out on the odds of the Resort that is being built.
I adored Ollie. He has been in love with Allie for 15 years old. He was amazing, Allie always had feelings for Ollie but Joe and being true to her husband where more important. They get together after a year and sparks fly. Ollie loves Allie’s children as much as if they were his own.
Ms. Hunter knows her craft and I love her storytelling there are no open questions and she is an awesome world builder. The overall plot develops so much and the ending with what is going on with Lobo and that SPOILER there are more shifters out there.
I loved the ending of Sean and his meeting and that Sean will be getting his book.
May 14, 2019
The story of Allie and Ollie, two people meant to be together who finally get their happy ending.
Allie, whose abusive husband left her, is a single mother of four and is working two jobs to make ends meet and deal with the huge debt he left behind. One of those two jobs is as a waitress at Ollie's bar, where she tries her best to hide her crush on him, afraid of ruining their friendship.
Ollie, who has been in love with her since they were kids, is still biding his time before making his move, afraid that she's not ready yet for another relationship, especially since her deadbeat ex can't be found to be served with the divorce papers.
When he turns up dead, Allie is finally free of him, but still has to clear up one last mess he left behind - . Ollie is there for her, as always, and this time things between them change for the better, bringing them close and making them both happy.
A sweet story about unrequited love that is finally reciprocated and a much deserved second chance at love. There is no official announcement yet about a next book, but the epilogue foreshadows Sean, the snake clan's new leader's story. I'm looking forward to it!
Previous book reviews:
✦ Desert Bound (Cambio Springs #2)
✦ Five Mornings (Cambio Springs #1.5)
✦ Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs #1)
✦ Long Ride Home (Cambio Springs #0.5)
Allie, whose abusive husband left her, is a single mother of four and is working two jobs to make ends meet and deal with the huge debt he left behind. One of those two jobs is as a waitress at Ollie's bar, where she tries her best to hide her crush on him, afraid of ruining their friendship.
Ollie, who has been in love with her since they were kids, is still biding his time before making his move, afraid that she's not ready yet for another relationship, especially since her deadbeat ex can't be found to be served with the divorce papers.
When he turns up dead, Allie is finally free of him, but still has to clear up one last mess he left behind - . Ollie is there for her, as always, and this time things between them change for the better, bringing them close and making them both happy.
A sweet story about unrequited love that is finally reciprocated and a much deserved second chance at love. There is no official announcement yet about a next book, but the epilogue foreshadows Sean, the snake clan's new leader's story. I'm looking forward to it!
Previous book reviews:
✦ Desert Bound (Cambio Springs #2)
✦ Five Mornings (Cambio Springs #1.5)
✦ Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs #1)
✦ Long Ride Home (Cambio Springs #0.5)
December 16, 2015
This was wonderful!
I had started - and put down - two books in two days. And then I flipped a little further back in my kindle library and realized I'd been saving Waking Hearts for a time when I could set aside enough hours to devour it. So I opened it and started reading.
And I loved it.
The writing is strong and lush and full of the style and grace that sets Elizabeth Hunter's work apart. And the characters are ... Elizabeth Hunter characters - which is to say they feel like real people, people you'd choose to know, people in your family, people you'd fall in love with. I loved Allie's devotion to her kids, I loved that the kids each has their own personality, I loved that Allie has people, and I LOVED Ollie.
I was looking for a feel-good Holiday book, and despite the fact that it has nothing to do with snow or the holidays at all, it has everything to do with love and family and generosity of spirit.
You don't have to read the first two books in the series to pick up Waking Hearts. But you can be very sure you'll want to read them when you're done with it.
I had started - and put down - two books in two days. And then I flipped a little further back in my kindle library and realized I'd been saving Waking Hearts for a time when I could set aside enough hours to devour it. So I opened it and started reading.
And I loved it.
The writing is strong and lush and full of the style and grace that sets Elizabeth Hunter's work apart. And the characters are ... Elizabeth Hunter characters - which is to say they feel like real people, people you'd choose to know, people in your family, people you'd fall in love with. I loved Allie's devotion to her kids, I loved that the kids each has their own personality, I loved that Allie has people, and I LOVED Ollie.
I was looking for a feel-good Holiday book, and despite the fact that it has nothing to do with snow or the holidays at all, it has everything to do with love and family and generosity of spirit.
You don't have to read the first two books in the series to pick up Waking Hearts. But you can be very sure you'll want to read them when you're done with it.
November 26, 2015
Very good addition to the series. Good action and a likeable couple.
I only have a few Goodreads friends, but I think many of them would like this small town of shapeshifters and friends series. There are few to no typos. (Yeah!!) As an established author, Ms. Hunter knows her craft.
I didn't read Book 2, but I wasn't a bit lost by skipping a book. Not that the story was re-hashed in this one whatsoever, but I suppose that whatever happened besides Dr. Ted and Alex getting together and the death of Marcus didn't carry over in a continuing storyline for this book.
This one left us with a continuing storyline and possibly a new romance, if not exactly a cliffhanger.
I would recommend that readers start the series with the novella... I liked it a lot. I just wasn't into the irritating Dr. Ted and Alex couple in Book 2, so I skipped that because I just don't like bickering couples. Your mileage may vary.
I only have a few Goodreads friends, but I think many of them would like this small town of shapeshifters and friends series. There are few to no typos. (Yeah!!) As an established author, Ms. Hunter knows her craft.
I didn't read Book 2, but I wasn't a bit lost by skipping a book. Not that the story was re-hashed in this one whatsoever, but I suppose that whatever happened besides Dr. Ted and Alex getting together and the death of Marcus didn't carry over in a continuing storyline for this book.
This one left us with a continuing storyline and possibly a new romance, if not exactly a cliffhanger.
I would recommend that readers start the series with the novella... I liked it a lot. I just wasn't into the irritating Dr. Ted and Alex couple in Book 2, so I skipped that because I just don't like bickering couples. Your mileage may vary.
March 31, 2016
Good Story
This is the third novel in the Cambio Springs series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books but this one fell just a little short for me. Elizabeth Hunter is a great storyteller. Her books are a little mystery, a little paranormal, a little romance, and great characters. Waking Hearts had all the ingredients to make it a 4-5 star rating but the heroine just fell flat for me.
Allie is a single mother with four children, two jobs, a huge debt leftover from her deadbeat husband, and she whines that she is worried she is not a good mother. Her martyr complex was just a little over the top for me.
Overall the story was still good and I look forward to the next book. I would recommend this book and the series. Enjoy!
This is the third novel in the Cambio Springs series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books but this one fell just a little short for me. Elizabeth Hunter is a great storyteller. Her books are a little mystery, a little paranormal, a little romance, and great characters. Waking Hearts had all the ingredients to make it a 4-5 star rating but the heroine just fell flat for me.
Allie is a single mother with four children, two jobs, a huge debt leftover from her deadbeat husband, and she whines that she is worried she is not a good mother. Her martyr complex was just a little over the top for me.
Overall the story was still good and I look forward to the next book. I would recommend this book and the series. Enjoy!
December 19, 2023
The last 94% of the book almost won me over. But no, I'm still unyielding about not liking the HEA of Allie, who has such a tough life of a destitute mom with 4 kids and her hero Ollie, who took 20 years to start their courtship. As a whole though, this is another winning installment in the series.
I'm definitely looking forward to Book 4! Sean & Juni will have a wonderful adventure together.
I'm definitely looking forward to Book 4! Sean & Juni will have a wonderful adventure together.
January 6, 2024
Loving this series
Clever, imaginative, full of dramas as the good guys battle the bad, and yet also beautifully romantic this series has been a delight. This one is Ollie and Allie’s story, a bear and a fox, and it has been sweet, sexy and enjoyable.
I accidentally read Dust Born, book 4 in the series before this one but even so following this has been easy and if anything it has sent me back to read the last book again. A testimony to reading pleasure.
Hunter writes about family not just shapeshifters and it is difficult not to feel envy for those who live in the Cambio Springs world even with knowing the size of the snake population.
A very good read.
Clever, imaginative, full of dramas as the good guys battle the bad, and yet also beautifully romantic this series has been a delight. This one is Ollie and Allie’s story, a bear and a fox, and it has been sweet, sexy and enjoyable.
I accidentally read Dust Born, book 4 in the series before this one but even so following this has been easy and if anything it has sent me back to read the last book again. A testimony to reading pleasure.
Hunter writes about family not just shapeshifters and it is difficult not to feel envy for those who live in the Cambio Springs world even with knowing the size of the snake population.
A very good read.
November 12, 2017
What can I say? This book was AWESOME! Woo, I love me some Ollie! However, I love both Ollie and Allie character's included the action plots! Allie can be too nice but at the same time she does have a mouth and isn't afraid to speak her mind! Her kids are cute and love the role Kevin plays! It's not good to leave us hanging at the end however my curiosity is piqued! Can't wait for the next book! Sean and Juni, mmm...
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