His Heart's Desire

Loving Hearts #1

by Julianna Douglas

Two best friends find a fairy-tale love in this emotional and sweetly sensual contemporary romance.

Rebecca Anderson always dreamed of happily-ever-afters, but those dreams were shaken when she had to leave vet school to nurse her dying mother. They were completely shattered when her boyfriend betrayed her in the cruelest possible way. Crushed and lonely, Becca seeks out the one person she knows she can trust–her best friend, Ethan.

Successful CEO Ethan Montgomery has loved Becca since the day he met her while volunteering at a local animal shelter. Seeing her emotionally broken on his doorstep stirs his protective instincts. He tenderly cares for her, but knows that Becca will need time and space to heal her battered heart.

When Becca realizes that the white knight of her fantasies has been right in front of her this whole time, she begins to dream again of her future–one that includes Ethan. But their undeclared love is put to the test when Ethan's wealth and power, as well as a woman from his past, threaten to tear them apart. Will a surprise invitation from Ethan finally fulfill all of Becca's romantic fantasies and prove that only she is...His Heart's Desire?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

388 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2014

About the author

I'm a hopeless romantic and believer in fairy tales. Even as a little girl, my fondest dream was to find a Prince Charming who would sweep me off my feet. I'm happy to report I've been married to him for twenty-five years. Although I've been an avid reader since I was two years old, I never envisioned myself as a writer until 2009. Now I feel like I've finally found my life's passion. The muses keep the ideas flowing faster than I can put them on the page. I hope that my readers will love my characters and stories every bit as much as I've loved creating them.

I currently live in hot, sunny Phoenix, Arizona with my husband and three mischievous cats. In addition to writing, I enjoy reading, hanging out on GoodReads, surfing the web, watching TV or movies, book shopping, and feeding my insatiable thirst for knowledge.

I love to hear from my readers. You can contact me at my website or via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest where my username is AuthorJuliannaD.

I strongly believe in giving back to the community, and that's why a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each of my books will be donated to charity. For more information on which charities I'm supporting, please visit the charities page of my website.

Reviews

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

His Heart’s Desire is Julianna Douglas’ contemporary romance/new adult debut novel. It’s a sweet, romantic, steamy (but not erotic) story of friends taking a chance on becoming much more.

Description…

Rebecca Anderson always dreamed of happily-ever-afters, but those dreams were shaken when she had to leave vet school to nurse her dying mother. They were completely shattered when her boyfriend betrayed her in the cruelest possible way. Crushed and lonely, Becca seeks out the one person she knows she can trust–her best friend, Ethan.

Successful CEO Ethan Montgomery has loved Becca since the day he met her while volunteering at a local animal shelter. Seeing her emotionally broken on his doorstep stirs his protective instincts. He tenderly cares for her, but knows that Becca will need time and space to heal her battered heart.

When Becca realizes that the white knight of her fantasies has been right in front of her this whole time, she begins to dream again of her future–one that includes Ethan. But their undeclared love is put to the test when Ethan's wealth and power, as well as a woman from his past, threaten to tear them apart. Will a surprise invitation from Ethan finally fulfill all of Becca's romantic fantasies and prove that only she is...His Heart's Desire?

My thoughts…

This really is a sweet story. I enjoyed getting to know Becca and Ethan and watching their relationship grow as they overcame the obstacles standing in their way – Becca’s stubbornness in not wanting to accept Ethan’s help, and Lindsay’s bitchfest and constant maneuverings to steal Ethan from Becca. While I do like some relationship drama in my reading, the Lindsay level of drama annoyed me to no end and I could have done with less of that. In fact, it's one of those things that can ruin any story for me, that's how much I dislike it.

It started a little slow, in my opinion, and there were things that could have been left out which would have allowed the story to flow at a more comfortable pace. That said, I did enjoy His Heart’s Desire. The writing, in my opinion, was fairly well done without an overabundance of glaring mistakes inherent in debut novels, which made me very happy!

The bottom line…

Though not without some flaws, Ms. Douglas has quite a knack for telling a story. I'd even venture to say that with a bit more experience under her belt she has the potential to be an amazing author. I’m looking forward to finding out what she’ll do next!

In the interest of full disclosure…

The author and I have been Goodreads friends for a long time before she became published, and when she asked me to read and review the book I declined based on that friendship. Although I organized a Buddy Read in the Happily Ever After Cafe here on Goodreads, and the author generously provided Smashwords codes to those who wanted to participate in the read, I purchased my copy from Amazon and have given it an honest review.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I’ve been friends with the author on Goodreads for several years (before she became a published author). I respect her as a human being, her tastes in books and her thoughtful manner of expressing herself on the books she reads, and now I can add that I respect her as an author.

When she asked me to beta read her novel last year, I said yes. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read “His Heart’s Desire” in its pre-publication form, and I am happy to write a review for it and recommend it to romance novel lovers.

My Review:

If you’ve been reading romance more than fifteen years, you might be experiencing a longing for the “Good Old Days” when stories were genuinely romantic, and not just an over-emphasis on graphic sex with just enough declaration of love to classify as romance novels. Books that made you feel strongly and made the hours pass away rapidly while you read them. If that is the case, you will probably love this book.

“His Heart’s Desire” does read like a fairy tale come true, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I like angsty stories where the heroine has had a tough life, and her dreams come true in more ways than one. In this case, it’s not just getting her prince, but it’s getting a chance to live a life of purpose and fulfillment she always wished for.

Becca made with friends with a guy named Ethan, not knowing that he was impressively wealthy and powerful in his own right. She liked his personality and they bonded over their love of animals. She had no idea that he had fallen head over heels for her, and nursed a long simmering affection for her that she was oblivious to. Becca always knew a guy like Ethan was way out of her league, but she loved spending time with him, and he was one of the few people in the world she felt she could trust and feel safe with.

Ethan loves everything about Becca. He just wants her to be happy. When her mother’s death leads to a colossal mistake, he’s there to pick up the pieces and help Becca rebuild her life after the tragedy and betrayal she suffers. He makes every day a day of joy and simple pleasures, but has to be careful not to trespass on Becca’s long-held belief in self-sufficiency. Becca could never imagine that a man like Ethan could love her that way, but it’s up to Ethan to convince her otherwise.

Ethan is a bonafide Prince Charming, and in the best way possible. He’s not the boring kind of prince that makes me long for a bad boy or a hero to make your heart beat faster. No, he’s the strong, masculine, endearing and exciting, kind of prince who saves the day by loving his heroine genuinely and steadfastly. As you can guess, I loved him. He’s just the right guy for a sweet, somewhat naïve and unworldly young woman like Becca. These two make sense together.

I liked that their relationship is based on the rock-solid foundation of friendship and respect. Becca hasn’t had a lot of reason to open up to people and trust them, but Ethan proves he’s worthy of it. While they have a few bumps in the road, they don’t spoil the story or seem like they are manufactured just to fit the romance novel formula. Instead, their relationship feels genuine.

The sensuality is perfectly tailored to this novel. The love scenes are well-written, steamy and emotional. The best combination for this reader. I like that Ethan respects Becca’s values and her past hurts and he also has a desire to treat her like she's the woman he's been waiting his whole life for. It shows in his every interaction with her. When they consummate their relationship, it feels right.

Overall, the secondary characters are fairly well developed and add to the novel. Lindsay’s character was a bit too ‘evil ex’ for my tastes, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. Ethan’s family dynamic makes sense for his character (shows his values and why he's the man he is), and the tidbits about his siblings make me curious to read more about them. My favorite secondary character is Edna’s Becca’s older neighbor. She’s like a adoptive grandmother and a very good friend to the orphaned, lonely Becca, and she adds some comic relief with some of her dialogue.

His Heart’s Desire is an excellent first novel. It showcases strong writing talent and it is well edited. It's also very emotional and romantic (which is just what this reader loves in her romance novels) It’s nothing less than I would expect from Julianna. She’s a promising writer, and I’m excited to read more books by her.

I recommend this book to true romantics. Becca’s a sweetheart and Ethan truly is a to-die-for hero. I enjoyed reading this immensely.

Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.

[Delores Goodrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
Sigh of longing. How I wish I'd met a man like hero Ethan Montgomery! What's not to love about a hero who rescues his best friend again and yet again? Author Douglas has told this story in such as way the reader doesn't just read, but is drawn in to feel the deep emotion running through the pages as she turns them.
Rebecca Anderson knows the real way for a woman to live her life, first setting goals, then living on a tight budget, and putting in the long hours of work needed to achieve them. Then, as so often happens in real life, she sets her goals aside temporarily in order to care for her mother in the woman's final illness. But life doesn't stand still in place waiting. Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles to return to her educational goal after her mother's death, she doggedly refuses to let go her dream and keeps on working toward it.
Author Julianna Douglas pulls the reader deep into this emotion-filled tale as bit by bit wealthy hero Ethan learns to understand the differences in their views toward achievements between himself and the woman he loves. Can they find a middle ground?
Every woman who as a child loved the Cinderella story of finding her Prince Charming will enjoy this beautifully-told tale.
-Delores Goodrick Beggs

[Julianna]

I'm the author of this book, so I don't feel like it's my place to rate and review it. (Of course, I love it!;-)) I'll leave that up to my readers.

This is an emotional best friends to lovers contemporary romance that has a new adult vibe. My heroine, Becca, is a 24-year-old vet student, although my hero, Ethan, is a bit older at 30. After living inside my head for over five years, Ethan and Becca have become like family to me. Theirs is a sweet, fairy-tale romance with a healthy helping of sensuality.

I hope my readers will come to love my characters as much as I do and enjoy going on this emotional and deeply romantic journey with them as they discover a true love that was right in front of them all the time.

Happy Reading! And may all my readers find their own HEA!

[Addison Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read for a girl's night in, and a great beginning for her debut novel. Very character driven, so if you enjoy those stories, then you'll love this. Rebecca is a wounded young woman who experienced near date-rape directly after burying her single mother. Ethan is her best friend who wishes for more, but is afraid to risk pushing limits and ending their friendship altogether. It is a story about two people learning to move beyond the harsh circumstances and people in their lives and negotiating a romantic relationship with each other. Very well done. Looking forward to reading more of her work!

[Lisa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★½✩ Sweet NA romance. Very good for a debut novel. I'll definitely watch this author.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Anderson runs to Ethan Montgomery when her boyfriend breaks her. Becca put off veterinarian school when her mother became ill. On the day of her funeral Becca runs to her boyfriend's arms and he takes her virginity. Then she discovers he only dated her to get it and win a contest. Ethan has been in love with Becca from day one but circumstances prevented him from declaring how he felt.

I think the story started off fine but was a little slow going at first. But it sped up and ended up being a sweet and enchanting friends to lovers story. I know this is the first book for this new author and I think she has lots of potential and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Ipshita · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★½

The plot seemed predictable and slow at first, but I really like the theme of one friend being in love with the other for along time. I loved Ethan, he is sweet, caring and so very protective of Becca. However, I just could not come to like Becca. There's a fine line between being naive and stupid, and she appeared closer to the latter one to me. Other than that, it was pretty good for a debut novel.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good friends to lover book and this one was most enjoyable. Ethan was the perfect hero - sweet, sentimental, caring and loyal to those he loved. Rebecca has had a hard life, struggling to make ends meet, always putting those she loves before her own needs. To me this is a Cinderella story, which at times reminded me of the film 'Pretty Woman', especially when Ethan intended to spoil Becca.I enjoyed the book and recommend it to people who love romance books.

[Livia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the pre-chapter 1 quote!

“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” -Aristotle

Format read: Unabridged Audiobook
Narrated by: Melissa Sternenberg
Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
Release Date: 11-04-16
Publisher: Julianna Douglas
Writing style: Third Person POV
Cover design: I really love this cover tons! It’s simply beautiful, and I love the pose the cover models are in. It had even more significance to me after I finished the novel and made me smile at how accurately it represents the feeling I got from reading the cute epilogue.
Dual format read – Yes or No?: Although I own the e-book, I didn’t have time to go back and highlight any passages in it.
Ratings
Overall ★★★☆☆
Performances ★★★★☆
Story ★★★☆☆

Audible Review Title: “A sweet, hometown cozy romance!”

Would you try another book from Julianna Douglas and/or Melissa Sternenberg?
I’m not sure if I would try another novel by Julianna Douglas because her storytelling style isn’t one I read much anymore. I am glad that I finally gave one of her novels a try though after having her on my radar for quite a while courtesy of her blog and our mutual love of the paranormal vampire Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward.

As for the narrator, Melissa Sterneberg, I would definitely give another audiobook of hers a try. I liked her voice and acting choices quite a bit.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
I don’t really have any criticism on the story because I know there is an audience for it. It was well-written and will appeal to readers who enjoy a sweet romance with racy thoughts, mild drama, a slow burn sexual tension and a traditional resolution.

What does Melissa Sternenberg bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
I thought she animated the characters well and made the novel more of a quick read for me than if I had read it with my own eyes. My e-book reading speed has diminished drastically in general for all story genres and tropes. So, it was actually a relief to have a talented narrator keep me invested in the story’s outcome.

Did His Heart’s Desire inspire you to do anything?
No, but I didn’t expect it to do so.

Any additional comments?
I really loved the hero Ethan. I love the alpha male trope under the right circumstances. In this case, it was refreshing to have a hero who was genuinely a nice guy instead of one who started out as an alpha jerk that had to be inspired by the heroine to reveal his inner good guy.

[Christina Boronkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was graciously given the chance to read this book and I finally sat down to read it. I love this book, i smiled, laughed and cried a little through the whole thing. I loved how Ethan and Becca took things slow, grew the friendship until things could change. This is the type of love i seek yet havent found. I loved how everything and everyone was interwoven and just made things great to read about. I cant wait to read the other books.

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first novel by this prolific reviewer turned writer. It's no surprise this woman knows her romance; she also knows how to put words together to paint the pictures she wants her readers to see. I was taken back to the days when I devoured Harlequin romances at the rate of about one a day, with the heat turned up a notch or two.

As for negatives, I felt Ethan was too good to be true, but what woman wouldn't want a man like that crazy in love with her? I actually disliked Becca at times because she was despondent, depressed or crying for much of the story. She did finally find her backbone, which was a relief. I also thought she was a bit naive for a 21st century woman, though I am not criticizing her morals (or Ethan's, for that matter).

All in all, there is great potential in this writer and I expect she will mature and improve with each new book. In the meantime, if you're in the mood for a sweet romance with a fair share of spice as well, give this story a shot. A solid 3.5 stars which I rounded up because the writer and I go way back here at goodreads (though I am not sure she remembers).

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it held my interest. I began to get a little annoyed towards the end by the going back and forth. I just wanted them to put their feelings out there and let the cards fall where they may! I would recommend. I also would enjoy seeing follow up stories centered around Alex and Nathan.

[Amanda Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Julianna Douglas, and it was great. It's a very sweet romance about two best friends that realize they are both in love with each other. It has a very twists that were differently. Ethan is such a sweet caring guy that is a very rare breed. I loved how protective he was over Becca and did everything he could to make her happy. Becca struggled with alot of upsets right in the beginning of the story and I truly felt sadness for her. But in the end, she gets her happy after ever. Great book, very excited to read the next in the series about Alex and hoping Nathan gets his own story.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Hearts Desire is a modern day Cinderella tale where the wealthy Ethan admires an woos the beautiful Becca. They have been best friends for 2 years but Ethan wants so much more. As Becca survives her daily life of losing her mom, working two jobs and the "boyfriend" from hell Ethan is always in the background saving her. Her Hearts Desire is beautifully written by Julianna Douglas. This simple emotional true love story will touch your heart strings as Ethan and Becca find their way through the misunderstandings if two young lovers afraid let their true feeling be know. A beautiful book.

[Wendy Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, innocent Becca has had a hard life. Leaving vet school to take care of her sick mother while working to make ends almost meet, has only been bearable because of Ethan, her best friend. On the worst day of her life, they both realize the feeling they have for the other is much more than friendship. They have to overcome their fears, misunderstanding and outside interference if they want their fairy tale ending.
This book has all the feels, tenderness, heart-break, hope and especially love. This slow journey builds throughout the book and ends perfectly. Definitely worth a read.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca and Ethan have been best friends. Becca has had a rough go of it and Ethan is always there to support her and help her get back on her feet. This is a story of two friends who deny their feelings until it's almost too late. I loved Ethan and couldn't;t wait to find out what happened at the end. Such a great, heart warming read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Becca are best friends. But, when something horrible happens to Becca Ethan realizes he wants more and so does she but each one is afraid to tell the other for fear of ruining the friendship. This is my first read from this author and I absolutely loved this story. The characters are amazing. It has it all. Romance, friendship, a snotty chick, even animals! Can't wait to read more!

[Samantha Lundergn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a sweet friends to lovers story. I can definitely relate to the main female protagonists stubbornness as that is a trait I share with her. I found her best friend/lover to also be pretty likeable for the most part. The only real issue I had was that it starts a little slow. I do plan to read the next book in the series.

[Depi · Rating 2 out of 5]

1 1/2 stars, boring story, boring characters, boring end. The story goes like.. money, money, money, and money again. Sorry

[Frida · Rating 1 out of 5]

1,5 stars. Boring characters, boring story.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting for Love
Becca Anderson and Ethan Montgomery have been best friends since the day they met volunteering at a local animal shelter. Becca is a struggling student and waitress and Ethan is the CEO of a large, successful business. Their financial and social differences have never been an issue for them. When Becca hits her emotional rock bottom after the death of her mother she turns to Ethan for support- which he is more than happy to give. Ethan has always felt something more than friendship towards Becca but always felt like saying something to her could put their amazing friendship in jeopardy. When Becca realizes Ethan is everything she’s ever looked for in a man she starts to wonder if their relationship could be more. But before Becca can truly think about a new romantic relationship she has to get herself back on her feet. She wants Ethan to help her do that emotionally but she does not want to take the financial support he is offering her. For the first time ever their differences may be too much for them to overlook and may jeopardize true happiness for both of them.

I enjoyed this story and these characters immensely. The plot had just enough twists and turns to keep it interesting without getting drawn out and redundant. I have read many a romance where the plot has centered on a couple in love with each other where neither wants to be the first to admit it. Too many of those stories are drawn out, frustrating, and anti-climactic when the friends do confess their love. This story was none of those things. The author does a great job of creating obstacles and helping the reader understand each character’s reasons for not wanting to share their love. But when Ethan decides he has had enough and he is going to get his woman he holds nothing back. He is still fearful that Becca might reject him, but he believes they can be happy together and is not going down without a fight- a very romantic fight!

I enjoyed the characters and felt that their personalities were developed well. They both had strong beliefs, a few flaws and a well-developed love for one another. There was an adequate amount of back story used to explain why Becca was hesitant to accept Ethan’s financial assistance and Ethan’s drive to help Becca in any way possible. The cast of supporting characters enhanced the plot and the development of the main characters. Becca’s friend and neighbor and Ethan’s family all want to see Ethan and Becca find their happiness- either because of or in spite of their own history with love. With this cast of characters the story is bound to be enjoyable. This is a great story for the hopeless romantic.

Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars.

Rebecca Anderson always dreamed of happily-ever-afters, but those dreams were shaken when she had to leave vet school to nurse her dying mother. They were completely shattered when her boyfriend betrayed her in the cruelest possible way. Crushed and lonely, Becca seeks out the one person she knows she can trust–her best friend, Ethan.

Successful CEO Ethan Montgomery has loved Becca since the day he met her while volunteering at a local animal shelter. Seeing her emotionally broken on his doorstep stirs his protective instincts. He tenderly cares for her, but knows that Becca will need time and space to heal her battered heart.

In fact, His Heart's Desire is all about Ethan trying to win Becca's heart. Ethan has got to be one of the sweetest men EVER for he's ready to do practically everything in order to wait for Becca. In order to be sure that Becca's ready and no longer grief-stricken after her mother's death, no longer mortified about her latest boyfriend...

“One of these days, Buddy, she's going to be mine. I just need to keep telling myself to be patient for now, right?”

Ethan's way too good for his own good, but at the same time Becca's a really good, if somewhat naive and shy person as well. In that way, the two make a perfect couple. The couple you want to root for, but occasionally find that the two should get their feelings out in the open way sooner. YET I love that Ethan waited a whole YEAR before saying anything to Becca about his feelings, but when he did. Boy, does that man have some style or what?! He says that he's not a romantic, but I think he is.

Lately, I've been reading a lot more romance novels, but a lot of the heroes in them are not all that and I don't really find myself loving them, but Ethan came pretty darn close for me to start loving him. Maybe he was a bit too good for that...

Anyways, I'd recommend this book to people who like:
- Simple yet lovable heroes and heroines.
- Couples who start out as friends, but eventually become a loving coupe. Couples who really know each other.
- Books with happy endings

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I had my issues with this romance. But that was very personal, just because Ethan is so so so NOT my kind of man. I started out liking him but that rapidly changed. I simply can't stand those condescending man with there "oh, little girlie, don't you stress out your pretty little head, I will take care of you from now on, I know better anyway, and I don't care one fig for your wishes, your emotions or your stupid pride. I know what is good for you and I will give you that if you like it or not. So you'd better show some joy and thankfulness for the things you told me not to do for you but I did anyway, behind your back." I'm one of those girls that need an eye-to-eye relationship where both are equal and act accordingly. So if you are like me easily riled up by men like him, you might not enjoy the book (and yes, I know I exaggerate but there you go: strong emotions in the reader are a sure sign of a talented author and a good story!).

But I know there are lots of girls out there dreaming of a prince or millionair to take care of everything for them and enjoy living in a golden cage and that's totally okay for me. Those will absolutely adore this love story.

That being said, I like Julianna Douglas' style of writing. She draws you in and keeps you entertained and her love scenes are always tasteful. You know where the story is going but still there are some unexpected twists along the way and the side characters are very interesting, especially the "evil woman" (very cool, very manipulativ, very dislikable!) and my personal favorit Alex. She's a true hero in my eyes and I would love to read more about her!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

His Hearts desire is only a three point five star read.

The story was very predicable over all and tends to drag.

First, you meet Becca a young lady who is broken, and because of that brokenness came a cross as a weak person overall. Then we meet Ethan her night in shining armor. Every young girl likes to read about the night in shinning armor coming to save the damsel in distress.

I loved these types of stories when I was much young. Over all it’s a well written story with some errors of missing words in sentences and your mind inserts them as you read or reread as in my case.

You can feel the emotional connection between these two from the start which is great to a point. Ethan is very protective of Becca, and at times comes across as to protective to let her make her own decisions.

Will I recommend this book to others? Y if they are between the age of 18-25, anyone older might be like me and feel the story is to predicable and not as enjoyable.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very enjoyable romance novel. Ethan and Becca, best friends, come to realize that they are in love with each other, but are unsure if the other person feels the same way and so they are afraid to share their feelings, not wanting to risk their friendship if the feeling is one-sided. Add in a scheming rich girl trying to claim Ethan and experiences from Becca's past making her question the sincerity of Ethan's financial generosity towards her (he is rich and feels a need to help those in need, she is definitely not rich and is in financial need) and you get all the elements necessary for a story of star-crossed (want-to-be) lovers. Ethan and Becca are likeable characters that the reader will become invested in and want to see find love together. There is even a storyline inside the story involving romance novels and fantasies that will bring a smile to romance novel lovers.

I received a copy of the eBook from Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute friends to lovers story that follows Rebecca Anderson and Ethan Montogomery as they overcome their insecurities and feelings for each other. Generally, I don't go for these types of stories but I'm glad I gave this one a chance. It's a very classic damsel in distress and knight in shining armor story. I absolutely loved Ethan (I wish men like him existed..shhh don't tell my husband). Becca was a cute and naive young lady that kind of drove me nuts at times but I got over it. The only reason for my 3 star rating instead of 4 is that alot of it was long-winded. The back and forth 'he/she loves me, he/she loves me not" got tedious after a while but I guess that's what makes it so believable because it's as if you're talking to an indecisive person.

Anyway, cute story. If you're looking for a simple and sweet read, this is a good book to read. I'll be starting the next one, Heart of the Season, in the next couple days :)

[Jossilynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is not the type of romance I typically read, I found myself being drawn back to the book again and again over the two days it took me to read it.

The good points:
1. The book captivated my attention from the beginning.
2. It was very well written and the characters stayed true to themselves.
3. His Heart’s Desire reminded me of what it was like to be young and still believe in Prince Charming.

The not-so-good points:
1. Plainly put, I wanted more SEX.
2. The main male character, Ethan, is too perfect in an almost annoying way. I’m a fan of flaws, so perfect is a turn-off for me.
3. The justice done to the two villains, Jay and Lindsey, was not as satisfying as I was hoping it would be.

[Dhara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a signed copy of this book as part of the First Reads program. It came with a bookmark and a lovely message from the author. Being a sucker for fairy tales, I thought this book would be a nice read. And it was! It sort of reminds me of a modern day Cinderella story. Ethan is soo....sigh.. swoonworthy..the things he does for Becca and the extent he goes for her is very endearing. Sometimes I felt like shaking the two of them because they can be pretty dense. There were a few scenes towards the end that were a little too racy for me but other than that, it's a sweet and happy ending type story.

[Laney Shupe · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - His Heart's Too Melodramatic

I'm sorry but I couldn't get past the exaggerated drama in this story. I plodded through three chapters and while I understand the girl's angst (her mom just died and she lost her virginity to a douche of a boyfriend), I think it's overdone.

Here are four examples from the FIRST PARAGRAPH:
- the painful memories "sliced through her like a knife"
- "sobs wracked her body"
- "descended into the depths of despair"
- "anguished voices in her head"

If you're into melodrama you might like this book. The rest of us should find something else to read.

~ I received a review copy of this book from Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review ~