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Hero's Heart Series #1
Opening Hearts
Pregnant and alone at 35!
Jessalyn O'Donnell returns from her best friend's wedding with a surprise of her own. She knows how it happened -- three sex-filled nights with a smokin' hot guy, known only as Sam -- but she has no way to get in touch with him.
When smokejumper Sam Ricci returns to his hometown after the annual firefighting season ends, he has no plans for fatherhood. His lifestyle is too risky, and he loves his job -- almost as much as he loves women. Everything changes when he runs into Jessalyn again and discovers her plans for single parenthood.
Sam doesn’t want to be tied down. Jessalyn would rather go it alone than deal with an absent husband. So why, when a twist of fate brings them together again, does it feel so right?
Jessalyn O'Donnell returns from her best friend's wedding with a surprise of her own. She knows how it happened -- three sex-filled nights with a smokin' hot guy, known only as Sam -- but she has no way to get in touch with him.
When smokejumper Sam Ricci returns to his hometown after the annual firefighting season ends, he has no plans for fatherhood. His lifestyle is too risky, and he loves his job -- almost as much as he loves women. Everything changes when he runs into Jessalyn again and discovers her plans for single parenthood.
Sam doesn’t want to be tied down. Jessalyn would rather go it alone than deal with an absent husband. So why, when a twist of fate brings them together again, does it feel so right?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2015
475 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Iona Findley
7 books28 followersIona Findley embarked on her career as a romance writer with her very first words, "love, love, love," which she carefully dictated to her mother. Despite spurious rumors, probably the work of a jealous sibling, that her words might actually have been, "lub, lub, lub," (surely not!) or even "blub, blub, blub" (horrors!), Iona pursued a vocation in romance writing with enthusiasm. Writing fulltime now Iona fulfils the promise of her early words crafting intriguing novels of "love, love, love."
For a complete listing of books, and news about upcoming releases visit IonaFindley.com. For readers who would like to contact Iona directly—please do! Iona can be reached via email at IonaFindley@gmail.com. She also loves to connect with readers via Facebook and Twitter.
For a complete listing of books, and news about upcoming releases visit IonaFindley.com. For readers who would like to contact Iona directly—please do! Iona can be reached via email at IonaFindley@gmail.com. She also loves to connect with readers via Facebook and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 2, 2017
I will be honest with you but there was something in this book that didn't sit well with me. I don't know if it was the plot or Jessalyn the main character but there were moments where I had to put the book down and wait for a while before continuing on. This is an Adult Contemporary that came up on an Instafreebie deal. I do love firefighters in a book but Sam for me was a bit... naïve. There wasn't a cliffhanger ending which was a good thing but sadly, I won't be continuing with the series.
January 7, 2016
It was so difficult to like this. The time line was completely off and the pregnancy development was totally unrealistic. I mean at 2 months pregnant she was 'obviously pregnant' (she would barely be showing by that point, at most she'd look bloated but definitely not pregnant) and managed to get a perfect scan and find out the sex (this doesn't happen until around 4 or 5 months). Plus all of the romantic getting to know each other and falling in love parts that actually make a good romance novel were completely missed so you didn't develop any feeling for the characters at all. I hate leaving bad reviews but I'm so annoyed that I wasted my time with this one.
April 3, 2017
I’m so glad I found this book, and it’s FREE on amazon. It’s a very funny story and excellent dialogue and I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. This is one you do not want to miss.
Jessalyn O’Donnell goes on a cruise and meets Sam Ricci. It’s been five long years without a man, and this smokin’ hot guy is just what she wants. She enjoys three fantastic nights filled with the best sex of her life. Since it’s only a fling, she only knows his first name. She never expects to see him again.
Sam Ricci is single, loves women and risks his life four months of the years as a Smokejumper. Normally, he’s a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy, but he can’t get the gorgeous red-haired Jessalyn out of his mind. Fire season is over and he’s home helping his brother in his remodeling business. Imagine his surprise when their new client is none other than the woman he can’t forget and she’s pregnant!
Neither of them know where this circumstance will lead them. As they traverse these unchartered seas, will it be possible to turn their fling into a permanent arrangement for their unborn child?
Wow, this was such a great read. Along with plenty of humor, there’s a lot of emotion and a good deal of action. The plot is fantastic, and the pacing is great. The chemistry between Jessalyn and Sam is off the charts.
Jessalyn’s character has a quirky side and was a true delight. I loved her from the start. She takes her lemons and turns them into lemonade. I loved that she was a bit of a cougar in the sense that she is thirty-five to Sam’s twenty-seven. That added a nice twist to their romance.
Sam is the typical young, carefree guy, not ready to settle down with one woman. I loved his confusion when he can’t forget Jessalyn. At first, he’s shocked and not too happy to learn he’s the father of Jessalyn’s baby, but he quickly mans up and accepts responsibility. He’s even willing to give up the career he loves if it will help him win her love.
I highly recommend Opening Hearts to all who enjoy a great romance with plenty of sparkling dialogue, great characters, and strong emotion. This is the first book in a series and can’t wait to read the next one. Happy reading!
Jessalyn O’Donnell goes on a cruise and meets Sam Ricci. It’s been five long years without a man, and this smokin’ hot guy is just what she wants. She enjoys three fantastic nights filled with the best sex of her life. Since it’s only a fling, she only knows his first name. She never expects to see him again.
Sam Ricci is single, loves women and risks his life four months of the years as a Smokejumper. Normally, he’s a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy, but he can’t get the gorgeous red-haired Jessalyn out of his mind. Fire season is over and he’s home helping his brother in his remodeling business. Imagine his surprise when their new client is none other than the woman he can’t forget and she’s pregnant!
Neither of them know where this circumstance will lead them. As they traverse these unchartered seas, will it be possible to turn their fling into a permanent arrangement for their unborn child?
Wow, this was such a great read. Along with plenty of humor, there’s a lot of emotion and a good deal of action. The plot is fantastic, and the pacing is great. The chemistry between Jessalyn and Sam is off the charts.
Jessalyn’s character has a quirky side and was a true delight. I loved her from the start. She takes her lemons and turns them into lemonade. I loved that she was a bit of a cougar in the sense that she is thirty-five to Sam’s twenty-seven. That added a nice twist to their romance.
Sam is the typical young, carefree guy, not ready to settle down with one woman. I loved his confusion when he can’t forget Jessalyn. At first, he’s shocked and not too happy to learn he’s the father of Jessalyn’s baby, but he quickly mans up and accepts responsibility. He’s even willing to give up the career he loves if it will help him win her love.
I highly recommend Opening Hearts to all who enjoy a great romance with plenty of sparkling dialogue, great characters, and strong emotion. This is the first book in a series and can’t wait to read the next one. Happy reading!
February 10, 2017
2.5 stars
March 18, 2017
It was one of these books that you read just for fun. To avoid bothering while you wait for something.
May 20, 2015
This was a great debut read from this author. I loved the characters. Sam was a smoke jumper, something of a ladies' man, and not looking for anything serious in his life. A risk taker, he lived for his job. Jessalyn was older than him, a successful business owner, and most of the time quite level headed. When she goes on a cruise where her best friend is getting married, she meets Sam. The two of them have a good time talking, flirting and indulging in a brief fling that ends when Sam is called out on a job. Neither Sam nor Jessalyn figure on seeing one another again, although they can't stop thinking about each other. When Jessalyn discovers she's pregnant, she has no way of contacting Sam as she doesn't even know his last name. Imagine her surprise when she opens the door to the contractor she hired and finds Sam and his brother, Marcus, standing there. At first Sam doesn't want anything to do with being a father, mainly because he's stunned at the unexpected turn his life has taken. However, it doesn't take long for him to change his tune once he sees an ultrasound of his son. So heartwarming and emotionally touching. The end was so tense but leaves you sighing. Totally unexpected but had me on pins and needles and made me cry. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
April 25, 2019
Overall, an unsatisfactory read. Once I reached the 50% mark I began to skim pages. This is a book dealing with serious topics at a superficial level. The story is as one dimensional as the characters.
Life-changing decisions are seemingly made with less thought than choosing what meal to order in a restaurant. Seriously. Our heroine is worried about the volume of food she is eating and this topic was given about the same coverage as her decision to give her child the hero's surname even though she knows little about him and they are only beginning to date. This plus other oddities in the story make it impossible to take this book with the level of seriousness and drama I assume the author was aiming for.
Life-changing decisions are seemingly made with less thought than choosing what meal to order in a restaurant. Seriously. Our heroine is worried about the volume of food she is eating and this topic was given about the same coverage as her decision to give her child the hero's surname even though she knows little about him and they are only beginning to date. This plus other oddities in the story make it impossible to take this book with the level of seriousness and drama I assume the author was aiming for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2015
The whole book just felt off
I typically like books about unexpected pregnancy and than guy and girl fall in love but this book just felt off. Some of the dates and facts didn't match up. There wasn't much chemistry between the couples. I was not fond of how it was written. And lots of things that were hard to believe, like in the beginning her waiting for two hours in her OB office cause he was in an emergency C-section. I work for an OB office and you reschedule appointments not make people wait over two hours. Not sure I will keep reading this series.
I typically like books about unexpected pregnancy and than guy and girl fall in love but this book just felt off. Some of the dates and facts didn't match up. There wasn't much chemistry between the couples. I was not fond of how it was written. And lots of things that were hard to believe, like in the beginning her waiting for two hours in her OB office cause he was in an emergency C-section. I work for an OB office and you reschedule appointments not make people wait over two hours. Not sure I will keep reading this series.
August 1, 2015
While the concept of this book was good and I didn't mind reading it I just couldn't get past that it felt like it was the authors first book and she is in high school! It wasn't the worst book I've ever read but it was just to vague!! There was hardly ever any details... At the end she has a complication with her pregnancy; well why did she need surgery, what happened to her body that actually needed surgery!!! It was just a basic book for a quick read just don't expect you to be to moved by this book! It was free so that's good but I have no desire to read this author again!
July 23, 2015
What a phenomenal book!
Jessalyn O'Donnell runs an Internet company from home, a very successful business. Sam Ricci is a hot shot, a seasonal firefighter, a smokejumper. He is also five years younger than Jessalyn. Jessalyn and Sam meet on a cruise. Jessalyn is on the cruise for her best friend Sadie's wedding while Sam is there for some firefighting training. They see each other in one of the ships lounges the attraction is very intense. So intense they make love forgetting about in protection. Several weeks after the cruise Jess discovers that she is pregnant. She decides to raise the baby on her own because she does not know how to get a hold of Sam. She hires a company to do a remodel on her second bedroom, which is now her office lo and behold, Sam is one of the contractors. Sam is awestruck when he finds the woman that he has not been able to forget since the cruise even more shocking to see that she is pregnant. He does not take it well to find out he is going to be a father. After Sam's shell shock wears off, he starts to have second thoughts. One day on the job, he needs a pen. While looking for one he sees the ultrasound photos of the baby. He does a total 180, he really does want to be a father. The problem now telling Jess he was an idiot. I am not going to describe any more, or give any spoilers. I will say this is a wonderful read.
This is a great story of two people falling in love the author does a phenomenal job telling the story the emotional roller coaster during the pregnancy and the birth of the baby. Ms. Findley makes you feel all the emotions that these two people are going through. A book that takes me on a emotional roller coaster ride is one of the characteristics that make me love a good book.
Thank you Ms. Findley, for the free copy of this book, I have definitely found another offer to follow I love your work,
Thank you for reading my review. Please go out and buy this book you really will enjoy it if you like contemporary romance. Best part, this book is a standalone book, but it is also part of a series. More books to love by Ms. Findley!
Jessalyn O'Donnell runs an Internet company from home, a very successful business. Sam Ricci is a hot shot, a seasonal firefighter, a smokejumper. He is also five years younger than Jessalyn. Jessalyn and Sam meet on a cruise. Jessalyn is on the cruise for her best friend Sadie's wedding while Sam is there for some firefighting training. They see each other in one of the ships lounges the attraction is very intense. So intense they make love forgetting about in protection. Several weeks after the cruise Jess discovers that she is pregnant. She decides to raise the baby on her own because she does not know how to get a hold of Sam. She hires a company to do a remodel on her second bedroom, which is now her office lo and behold, Sam is one of the contractors. Sam is awestruck when he finds the woman that he has not been able to forget since the cruise even more shocking to see that she is pregnant. He does not take it well to find out he is going to be a father. After Sam's shell shock wears off, he starts to have second thoughts. One day on the job, he needs a pen. While looking for one he sees the ultrasound photos of the baby. He does a total 180, he really does want to be a father. The problem now telling Jess he was an idiot. I am not going to describe any more, or give any spoilers. I will say this is a wonderful read.
This is a great story of two people falling in love the author does a phenomenal job telling the story the emotional roller coaster during the pregnancy and the birth of the baby. Ms. Findley makes you feel all the emotions that these two people are going through. A book that takes me on a emotional roller coaster ride is one of the characteristics that make me love a good book.
Thank you Ms. Findley, for the free copy of this book, I have definitely found another offer to follow I love your work,
Thank you for reading my review. Please go out and buy this book you really will enjoy it if you like contemporary romance. Best part, this book is a standalone book, but it is also part of a series. More books to love by Ms. Findley!
May 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is Iona Findley’s first book in the “Hero’s Heart” series and I will be looking for the next two in the series. It is written from a third person’s perspective and flows effortlessly through the chapters.
The way the author chose to begin her book was interesting. The exact particulars of how Sam and Jessalyn meet and spend their time together on the cruise is left mostly to our imagination. Iona gives the reader enough information to connect with Sam and Jessalyn quickly. I liked that Jessalyn seemed down to earth and established as a woman with her own career and life. Her life changes in an instance.
Their chance reunion has changed both of them forever. I liked the fact that Sam and Jessalyn acted like adults, putting the needs of their unborn child before their own. They both are strong characters who are also are both receptive to love and their impending addition. The two of them seem determined to make their relationship work and grow.
I believe in true love. I want happy endings. This book will have you pulling for Jessalyn and Sam, wanting everything to be ok.
It is a sweet love story. Perfect for a summer read on the beach.
This is Iona Findley’s first book in the “Hero’s Heart” series and I will be looking for the next two in the series. It is written from a third person’s perspective and flows effortlessly through the chapters.
The way the author chose to begin her book was interesting. The exact particulars of how Sam and Jessalyn meet and spend their time together on the cruise is left mostly to our imagination. Iona gives the reader enough information to connect with Sam and Jessalyn quickly. I liked that Jessalyn seemed down to earth and established as a woman with her own career and life. Her life changes in an instance.
Their chance reunion has changed both of them forever. I liked the fact that Sam and Jessalyn acted like adults, putting the needs of their unborn child before their own. They both are strong characters who are also are both receptive to love and their impending addition. The two of them seem determined to make their relationship work and grow.
I believe in true love. I want happy endings. This book will have you pulling for Jessalyn and Sam, wanting everything to be ok.
It is a sweet love story. Perfect for a summer read on the beach.
May 28, 2015
3.5 stars
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
When I read the summary for this book I was intrigued. I don't know what it is, but there is something about unplanned pregnancies and how the couple deals with that that piques my interest.
At the beginning of this book, Jessalyn and Sam were little more than strangers. I enjoyed the build up at the beginning of the story. The author didn't rush to get them together as a couple. I was, however, a little disappointed in the fact that once they were together the author seemed to skip over some scenes which I thought were pretty important like her meeting his family. Whether or not this was done to make a specific word count I don't know.
There were a few editing issues, but nothing major. And aside from the skipping of the family scenes I mentioned, the book flowed well. I enjoyed the set up, and for the most part, the execution, as well.
This is the first book in a series and I will most likely be checking out the next book. I recommend this story for those readers looking for a heartwarming modern day romance.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
When I read the summary for this book I was intrigued. I don't know what it is, but there is something about unplanned pregnancies and how the couple deals with that that piques my interest.
At the beginning of this book, Jessalyn and Sam were little more than strangers. I enjoyed the build up at the beginning of the story. The author didn't rush to get them together as a couple. I was, however, a little disappointed in the fact that once they were together the author seemed to skip over some scenes which I thought were pretty important like her meeting his family. Whether or not this was done to make a specific word count I don't know.
There were a few editing issues, but nothing major. And aside from the skipping of the family scenes I mentioned, the book flowed well. I enjoyed the set up, and for the most part, the execution, as well.
This is the first book in a series and I will most likely be checking out the next book. I recommend this story for those readers looking for a heartwarming modern day romance.
December 12, 2016
This was just an okay book for me and not one I would fancy rereading at a later date.
***2.5 Stars***
I have to be honest and say that throughout the book I just kept waiting for something of significance to jump out at me and, in my opinion, it never did. It left me with a blah feeling and I had trouble believing the big turn around in the hero and the sincerity was lacking.
Even though they had no plans to see each other after the cruise, I felt a bit betrayed by the hero when he went and found a red headed green-eyed gal at a party to hook up with because she kind of reminded him of the heroine. He was told to stay clear of her because she had stalker-ish tendencies in relationships but he wouldn't listen and just had to bed her...while the heroine who was crazy about him was home alone carrying his child with no way to contact him. I'm sorry, but regardless this type of thing leaves a very foul taste in my mouth.
Would I recommend? Let's just say I wouldn't read it again if I had know.
***2.5 Stars***
I have to be honest and say that throughout the book I just kept waiting for something of significance to jump out at me and, in my opinion, it never did. It left me with a blah feeling and I had trouble believing the big turn around in the hero and the sincerity was lacking.
Even though they had no plans to see each other after the cruise, I felt a bit betrayed by the hero when he went and found a red headed green-eyed gal at a party to hook up with because she kind of reminded him of the heroine. He was told to stay clear of her because she had stalker-ish tendencies in relationships but he wouldn't listen and just had to bed her...while the heroine who was crazy about him was home alone carrying his child with no way to contact him. I'm sorry, but regardless this type of thing leaves a very foul taste in my mouth.
Would I recommend? Let's just say I wouldn't read it again if I had know.
January 22, 2017
A chance meeting on a cruise ship leads to three days of incredible sex for Jessalyn, a businesswoman, and Sam, a smokejumper (a specialized firefighter) in this contemporary romance.
Neither gets the other's last name before getting separated, but green-eyed Jess gets more than she bargained for. When she returns home to Brooklyn, she finds she is pregnant. Determined to raise this baby alone, she hires a contractor, Marcus Ricci, to remodel her home to accommodate a nursery.
His employee is his brother, Sam. More than a little surprised when they next meet, both Sam and Jessalyn find that the chemistry is still there. Neither has forgotten the other, but what next for the pair. What does Sam think about the pregnancy? Will Jess go it alone, raising the baby on her own, or will they get together again?
Loved the choice of baby name: Matthew
What-the-tuck trends basically just the green eyes of Jess, and oft-used word: hormones (thanks to Elyse).
Neither gets the other's last name before getting separated, but green-eyed Jess gets more than she bargained for. When she returns home to Brooklyn, she finds she is pregnant. Determined to raise this baby alone, she hires a contractor, Marcus Ricci, to remodel her home to accommodate a nursery.
His employee is his brother, Sam. More than a little surprised when they next meet, both Sam and Jessalyn find that the chemistry is still there. Neither has forgotten the other, but what next for the pair. What does Sam think about the pregnancy? Will Jess go it alone, raising the baby on her own, or will they get together again?
Loved the choice of baby name: Matthew
What-the-tuck trends basically just the green eyes of Jess, and oft-used word: hormones (thanks to Elyse).
July 28, 2015
Wonderful Book!!
I can't imagine giving this book anything less than 5 stars, I would give it more if I could. This book was a great story of a love found but not realized at first.
When Jessalyn and Sam first met it was just a casual cruise fling but neither could forget the other. Then they meet again a couple of months later, Jessie is pregnant and Sam is the brother of the contractor she hires to remodel her house. Sam is not ready to be a dad or to settle down, Jessie isn't looking for marriage. Can love overcome both their doubts and ideas?
I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.
I can't imagine giving this book anything less than 5 stars, I would give it more if I could. This book was a great story of a love found but not realized at first.
When Jessalyn and Sam first met it was just a casual cruise fling but neither could forget the other. Then they meet again a couple of months later, Jessie is pregnant and Sam is the brother of the contractor she hires to remodel her house. Sam is not ready to be a dad or to settle down, Jessie isn't looking for marriage. Can love overcome both their doubts and ideas?
I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.
January 30, 2017
I do not know why I thought this was going to be a Christian novel it def is not a Christian novel
July 17, 2017
I first got this book AGES ago as a good old freebie and the first time reading it I loved it.
Probably about a year later and here I am reading this book again. I still thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the writing wasn't bad, however some things did come to my attention that kind of bugged me. The biggest thing was the pregnancy itself, the timeline is just WAY off.
Sam see's Jessalyn and instantly see's that she is pregnant, however skip forward a week and she is telling her family because she has hit the 3 month mark who haven't seemed to notice at all. I know all women are different whilst some do have a tiny little belly at the 3 month mark the book made it seem like she was at a more 16-20 week belly.
Unless I have read it wrong she found out the sex of her baby at the 3 month mark, whilst I know they CAN tell at about 14 weeks (3D scans ect) I know many doctors generally wont confirm the sex until at least 16 weeks.
Its was little bits and pieces like this all throughout the book that made me kind of step back a little bit and really think about how good this book actually is.
If you can get past a few little factual errors, the story line is actually pretty fun and easy to read. All of the characters are pretty likeable and both Jessalyn and Sam both have moments that you just want to slap the back of their heads like any good novel should have.
Parts of the story did feel like they could of been extended whilst other parts did feel drawn out but in all honesty, for a free book, this was pretty damn good.
Probably about a year later and here I am reading this book again. I still thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the writing wasn't bad, however some things did come to my attention that kind of bugged me. The biggest thing was the pregnancy itself, the timeline is just WAY off.
Sam see's Jessalyn and instantly see's that she is pregnant, however skip forward a week and she is telling her family because she has hit the 3 month mark who haven't seemed to notice at all. I know all women are different whilst some do have a tiny little belly at the 3 month mark the book made it seem like she was at a more 16-20 week belly.
Unless I have read it wrong she found out the sex of her baby at the 3 month mark, whilst I know they CAN tell at about 14 weeks (3D scans ect) I know many doctors generally wont confirm the sex until at least 16 weeks.
Its was little bits and pieces like this all throughout the book that made me kind of step back a little bit and really think about how good this book actually is.
If you can get past a few little factual errors, the story line is actually pretty fun and easy to read. All of the characters are pretty likeable and both Jessalyn and Sam both have moments that you just want to slap the back of their heads like any good novel should have.
Parts of the story did feel like they could of been extended whilst other parts did feel drawn out but in all honesty, for a free book, this was pretty damn good.
August 13, 2022
An ok book but with one annoying peeve of mine. It's a surprise pregnancy and she has months to get use to the idea. When Sam finds out his immediate reaction is essentially I'm not ready to be a dad. Jessalyn holds it against him. For Pete's sake lady! You need to give him more than 2 minutes. You've had months. Ok I pretty much hated her for that. Another thing that was evident the author didn't allow us to see much of their getting to know each other and falling in love. She just told us it was happening and the characters would list attributes of the other they liked or disliked. In Jessalyn's case she listed a bunch of negatives about Sam, including, impulsiveness, reckless, immature, and hot-headed behaviors because of his job (he's a smoke jumper wild fire firefighter). None of the narratives within the book depicted these as an accurate description of Sam so I'm dumbfounded as to where Jessalyn got them from.
As for positives, it's short, free, quickly read, with some interesting characters (I liked Charles and Marcus), and a certain sweetness to the overall story. There was an added bit where Sam went on a search and rescue mission and Jessalyn and the baby were in peril. The tension was an added bonus but in truth could have been utilized better. It was all wrapped up too quickly, to be honest.
Epilogue...HEA... the End.
As for positives, it's short, free, quickly read, with some interesting characters (I liked Charles and Marcus), and a certain sweetness to the overall story. There was an added bit where Sam went on a search and rescue mission and Jessalyn and the baby were in peril. The tension was an added bonus but in truth could have been utilized better. It was all wrapped up too quickly, to be honest.
Epilogue...HEA... the End.
December 22, 2025
Jessalyn O’Donnell is 35 years old and now finds herself pregnant and without a partner. She got involved with a man, Sam, on a cruise ship that she was on for her best friend, Sadie, wedding. When she books a contractor to renovate her house she doesn’t realize that, Marcus Ricci was related to Sam, who she had had hot sex with while on that wedding cruise. So when Sam showed up to her apartment, because he helps his brother during the winter time, they were both surprised. But Sam was more surprised because he noticed the baby bump on Jess. When he confronts her to find out if the baby is his he is very rude and Jess takes affront to his attitude and tells him she doesn’t need his help she is fine on her own. Sam takes that as a relief but when his mother finds out about Jess and his rudeness to her, she forces Sam to go apologize. His apology is accepted but when he asks for more Jessalyn has problems of going there with him because of his job as a smoke jumper and his reputation as a playboy too. In the end things are settled but things happen that you not sure where the story is going to go. I liked the story overall and it is an intriguing story overall.
March 22, 2020
This is another free book I got from Amazon. The premise of a surprise baby is interesting for me.
We have Sam, a 27 year old smokejumper and Jessalyn, a 35 year old single woman. They met on a cruise and had a short fling, nothing serious. They only knew each other's first name. But then, Jessalyn found out she was pregnant.
The story revolves around the couple's struggles to compromise and plan out what happens next. This, I think, is my first read where the female lead is older than the guy. It is quite refreshing that Jessalyn is somehow more tethered and a bit more mature than Sam.
It did open my eyes on the fact that guys gets cold feet too. And that not everyone wants to get married and live happily ever after, like in fairy tales. Haha.
The struggles are real. I felt connected on the couple. I do love how it ended but I wanted a bit more. It was a good and realistic read. 👍
We have Sam, a 27 year old smokejumper and Jessalyn, a 35 year old single woman. They met on a cruise and had a short fling, nothing serious. They only knew each other's first name. But then, Jessalyn found out she was pregnant.
The story revolves around the couple's struggles to compromise and plan out what happens next. This, I think, is my first read where the female lead is older than the guy. It is quite refreshing that Jessalyn is somehow more tethered and a bit more mature than Sam.
It did open my eyes on the fact that guys gets cold feet too. And that not everyone wants to get married and live happily ever after, like in fairy tales. Haha.
The struggles are real. I felt connected on the couple. I do love how it ended but I wanted a bit more. It was a good and realistic read. 👍
January 4, 2018
Heya,
Opening Hearts is an easy hearfelt story about taking risks, trusting others and self-sacrifice. This is a cute little story about the changes that can happen in life and the good things that come out of them. I would recommend this story if you are looking for something easy and laid back to read. If you’re looking for rainy day stories, this is definitely something to curl up with. With few risque parts, the author joins a soft romance with a firey passion. It’s a story where love knows no bounds and despite the dangers of life and fear of the unkown there is always a bright side. The plot is well rounded and steady through the story.
Happy Reading!
Opening Hearts is an easy hearfelt story about taking risks, trusting others and self-sacrifice. This is a cute little story about the changes that can happen in life and the good things that come out of them. I would recommend this story if you are looking for something easy and laid back to read. If you’re looking for rainy day stories, this is definitely something to curl up with. With few risque parts, the author joins a soft romance with a firey passion. It’s a story where love knows no bounds and despite the dangers of life and fear of the unkown there is always a bright side. The plot is well rounded and steady through the story.
Happy Reading!
November 20, 2016
A Feel-Good Story
It's wonderful reading about a realistic live story with a sensible leading lady who doesn't do silly things just to make the plot jerk forward. The H is incredibly lovable and the supporting characters are just as real and likeable. It all sounds pretty boring and nice huh... BUT that's where the author's skill comes in. The ability to craft a story without excessive drama that pulls readers completely in and makes them devour every word all the while giving them the warm fuzzies - Ms Findley got that in spades!
It's wonderful reading about a realistic live story with a sensible leading lady who doesn't do silly things just to make the plot jerk forward. The H is incredibly lovable and the supporting characters are just as real and likeable. It all sounds pretty boring and nice huh... BUT that's where the author's skill comes in. The ability to craft a story without excessive drama that pulls readers completely in and makes them devour every word all the while giving them the warm fuzzies - Ms Findley got that in spades!
November 26, 2017
Pleasantly surprising
Picked this up as a freebie. Quick read, interesting story and characters. I would likely read more by this author. The ending came a bit abruptly. I feel the beginning drug on a little longer than necessary. Would have liked to know more about them and why she changed her mind so easily.
Picked this up as a freebie. Quick read, interesting story and characters. I would likely read more by this author. The ending came a bit abruptly. I feel the beginning drug on a little longer than necessary. Would have liked to know more about them and why she changed her mind so easily.
August 6, 2024
Opening Hearts
This was a heartwarming love story between Jessalyn and Sam. The two meet on a cruise ship headed to Belize for her friend’s wedding. They enjoy each other’s company until Sam is called away for a jump. Sam was a smoke jumper. The two did not get each other’s last name and felt that they’d never see each other again. Loved it.
This was a heartwarming love story between Jessalyn and Sam. The two meet on a cruise ship headed to Belize for her friend’s wedding. They enjoy each other’s company until Sam is called away for a jump. Sam was a smoke jumper. The two did not get each other’s last name and felt that they’d never see each other again. Loved it.
April 11, 2018
An easy, relaxing read. I enjoyed reading unexpected pregnancy and this book delivered on the romance and pregnancy bit. A holiday quick read romance that I’m sure anyone would love. It’s a standalone serial which makes it even more appealing.
May 26, 2019
Loved it
Great realistic romance with not a hint of billionaire dom messing up the proceedings. So refreshing and sweet with grown people but not ultra serious still some fun sassyness great book. My first by this author but def not my last... now bring on jake
Great realistic romance with not a hint of billionaire dom messing up the proceedings. So refreshing and sweet with grown people but not ultra serious still some fun sassyness great book. My first by this author but def not my last... now bring on jake
January 3, 2020
Everything works out in the end
Except it doesn't not in real life. If you think a human reaction isn't to be angry at your partner, then you don't know human reactions. It was a little too Hallmark for me. I liked the Italian bit, it was the only thing that rang true.
Except it doesn't not in real life. If you think a human reaction isn't to be angry at your partner, then you don't know human reactions. It was a little too Hallmark for me. I liked the Italian bit, it was the only thing that rang true.
November 19, 2022
I really like this book and enjoyed it very much too!
Things are bit hectic at times but, they finally got each other because of the cute baby boy awww!
Looking forward to read the book series soon…
Things are bit hectic at times but, they finally got each other because of the cute baby boy awww!
Looking forward to read the book series soon…
August 7, 2018
A fast paced short story that really made me smile. This finishes at 89% on the kindle with a HEA.
September 10, 2018
A five-day fling on a cruise, with Sam. So hot she never got his last name, but it didn't matter. Their relationship had an ending date, for both of them. And then, just for him.
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