Two strangers escaped to the heart of Ecuador to make the world a better place, having sworn off the possibility of love… until disaster brings them together. Jane Russell is certain she’s had enough heartbreak for one lifetime, and love is the last thing on her mind when she arrives in Ecuador to study the cats on the local jaguar preservation. Devon McAlister, the wealthy and handsome son of a well-known corporate mogul, has broken his share of hearts, but he found a new purpose in life when he opened a fair trade rose plantation in Ecuador. When the jaguar preservation comes under attack by what appears to be a group of angry locals, Jane’s search for the missing animals leads her to Devon’s backyard. As they sort through the destruction, an unexpected visit by a charming yet secretive U.S. senator reveals the identity and motives of the attackers to be much more sinister than she could have ever imagined. Through it all, Jane finds her desire for Devon growing stronger. But will she ever be able to trust him enough to truly love?
Heather Huffman is a multi-genre author with publications in contemporary romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, and even a new cozy mystery line launching summer 2021. Quirky, optimistic, and a bit of a wanderer, Huffman cares deeply about causes pertaining to social justice and women's issues and has spent the past decade working with various charities that fight poverty, empower women, and fight human trafficking. At the center of her world are her three grown sons, her Australian Shepherd, and a spoiled puppy she shares entirely too many pictures of. Learn more at heatherhuffman.com.
Absolutely loved this one. Heather scores again. I will say the message was there and received. Jane Russell moves to Ecuador to write about Jaguars. She is interested in the preservation and breeding of these animals. Already there in Ecuador is Devon McAllister, who is hot, rich and the son a well to do American. He is unlike his greedy father, he starts his business opening a fair trade rose plantation in the fertile soils of Ecuador.
Not giving away anything but the jaguars get some attention from a bad ass and then these two highly focused people become involved in a ring on deceit. Both are scared and need to learn to trust again.
This book was a very different setting. What I LOVE about Heather (I have an author crush on her) is that she brings to light issues that we are not aware of. A lot of us buy roses but do we know that Ecuador has some of the best? No, like I had no idea there were preserves for jaguars there. Very enlightening and a pleasure to read.
The good news is she has written several other books so new readers can get their fill.
I absolutely loved this book. Heather Huffman pulls me in with every one of her novels, because they're all so refreshingly different! Roses in Ecuador is a beautiful story of love, loss and hope. This book captured me right from the start, and didn't let go until the end.
Roses in Ecuador follows Jane Russell as she strives to save the jaguar preservation she loves so much. Her journey leads her right into the path of Devon McAllister, the owner of the rose plantation next to the preservation. Against all odds, they decide to team up in order to save the jaguars. Along the way, however, they can't stop their feelings for each other from getting in between their goal.
I connected with Jane immediately; she's practically impossible to like. Strong, determined, stubborn, and an animal lover - how can you not love her? She grows a lot over the course of the novel, and learns to open up to people. Especially Devon. Jane's had her heart broken once, and she now guards it behind walls so thick that no one except Devon has managed to shatter them. Jane's love and concern for the jaguars is really admirable, and the lengths she goes to, to save them, are incredible.
Devon is, in my mind at least, perfect! Even though he has a reputation of being a womanizer, he's a changed man now, and he desperately wants Jane to see that. He's so very kind and compassionate throughout the book, I almost had tears in my eyes in some scenes! He's also incredibly romantic; he even named a rose after Jane! I loved how protective he was of her, despite the fact that she's perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Devon and Jane have a lot of ups and downs in this book, but the fact that they got past all of that shows how powerful their love is. Here are a couple of quotes that I really loved from this book. The first one is said by Devon, the second by Jane.
“You’ve been the ray of sunshine in my dark world. You’re what gives me hope that it’s not all pointless.”
“I didn’t know how my world could ever be right again. But I’ve decided the darkness doesn’t get to win. I’m not going to let it. I’m going to enjoy this place of joy we’re in now, but when the darkness returns, I’ll remind myself to hope. Because if it looks like darkness is winning, that just means the story isn’t over yet.”
Heather's writing truly is beautiful. I can't get enough of it! Roses in Ecuador was filled with action and suspense, as well as a lot of romance and humour, too. There was a great balance. What I love most about Heather's books are her characters. They're all so unique and inspirational.
The minor characters were exceptional as well. We get to meet Alex (Devon's sister) and her husband Daniel, who make a reappearance in this book from Ring of Fire. I haven't read that one yet, but I am definitely going to, after seeing Alex and Daniel in Roses in Ecuador. Alex seems like just the kind of protagonist I'd love, and I'm desperate to read about how Alex and Daniel got together!
I'm a sucker for happy endings, and Roses in Ecuador does not disappoint! Even though there are dark parts in the book, Jane and Devon manage to overcome it and get their happy ending, at least for now. That doesn't mean there wasn't loss, though. Because there was, and some parts were heartbreaking to read. But that's what makes the book so amazing - that you can move on even if you've gone through some really bad stuff.
All in all, I loved this book. I think it's my favourite book by Heather Huffman so far. But I still have to check out some of her previous ones! Roses in Ecuador will make you laugh, cry, and swoon, and you'll love every second of it. I read this book in one go, and I literally could not put it down until I finished. It's perfectly paced, with just enough suspense to make you desperate to know what happens. My highlight, of course, was Devon, and I think that's enough reason to want to read this book! I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a great action and romance novel. Heather Huffman has created yet another masterpiece, and she's already made her way to the top of my favourite adult author list!
A beautiful woman and a handsome man both not looking for love. A jacguar refuge and a rose plantation in the jungle. Who knew this combination could be as exciting as this story is. And like all Heather Huffman books you meet old friends and make new ones.
Jane and Devon are an awesome couple and you will love this romantic and suspenseful story, that also has laugh out loud moments. I have now read this book 3 times, thats right 3 times. I just cannot tell you how wonderful this book. I consider it a must read, and an old friend, I know I will read this book over and over again.
Don't stop with just this book read all of Heather's books you will not be dissappointed.
After a chance meeting in the village with Devon McAlister (one of two neighbors the preserve has), Jane becomes somewhat mesmerized by this man, whose reputation proceeded him, and Devon unsure as to why this woman is consuming his every waking thought. He is a business mogul, who runs a large scale rose plantation but all the same he was known to be a player, an “unrepentant heartbreaker” as Jane puts it herself. She tells herself to steer clear, but is it as simple as that?
Will both Jane and Devon be able to let love penetrate the protective barrier they have spent years building around their hearts? Will they find out who is behind the attacks? If they do will they wish they hadn’t? With the possibility of involvement of drug lords and Hezbollah, will the jaguar preserve be restored? Will there be anyone left standing to rebuild it? How much involvement will the young Eduardo have in the final outcome?
Roses in Ecuador is a beautifully written book that greatly highlights the plight of slavery in the drug world along with exposing how terrorists are utilising these avenues to further their own agendas. I think that Ms Huffman has a great talent of being able to infuse a love story with real life issues and leave you wanting to do more to aid in the cause. Her characters are strong and believe in something bigger than what they can see in front of them. Not only do they believe in it they try to make the world better with their workings; whether it be Devon with his workers in the plantation, caring for them, ensuring they have all they need and are healthy, or Jane endeavouring to return a species to its original habitat and help to rebalance nature. For me, Jane and Devon’s journey make me reflect on my life and look at all of which I have to be grateful for.
Heather Huffman has been a guest on my blog for several times. She has become one of my favorite writers. I always admire her strong female characters.
Jane Russell tried to escape from a relationship that broke her heart. She had always tried to make the world a better place. A former teacher, now she fights for preservation of wild cats in Ecuador. She puts all her strength to save a mother cat and her cubs. Fighting for their life, she meets Devon. Devon, who grows roses, who fights against drug smuggling and human trafficking. Are there sparkles in the air? Can he help Jane to trust people again? To trust in love again?
Jane’s character was a little bit complicated. She was a strong woman, but life had punished her and she locked herself in the shell. In order to escape from her previous life, she ran all over to Ecuador. But her kindness and good personality found their way to come out again. Saving the wild cats proved that.
Devon was also hiding himself into the shell. After his mother left him and his sister and remarried, he doesn’t trust women anymore. He plays the role of a macho guy, but that is just the cover. Underneath, there is someone who wants to love and be loved.
I absolutely adore Jane and Devon. And not just them. There are also Alex, Devon’s sister and Cody, his best friend.
Roses in Ecuador is not just a love story. It is a story for preservation of the wild life, for stopping the child slavery, for fighting against human trafficking. It’s a story for faith in life and love. Well written with vivid descriptions, I placed myself there while reading. Some very serious subjects were touched in this story, followed by some very comic situations. That’s why I love Heather Huffman’s writing. It’s not just a love story, it’s not too serious, nor too comic at all. Her stories are full of everything. This excellent story is a real page-turner.
Roses in Ecuador opens with a young boy performing his job of spying on a Jaguar preservation. It’s clear that Eduardo has scruples about his occupation, and that alone had me hooked from page 1. I was intrigued by Eduardo’s character, and itching to know who hired him, and why they would want to spy on a Jaguar preservation.
When we first meet Jane Russell she is feistily refuting the attentions of the local playboy Devon McAllister, but when the preservation is attacked by angry locals she’s forced to accept his assistance. The plot thickens when the same “angry locals” turn out in force to help search for the missing Jaguars. If they’re not behind the attack, then who is, and why are they willing to kill Jane in the process?
With the whodunit suspense, and the constant “will they, won’t they” tension between Jane and Devon, I finished the novel in two sittings (*ahem* so much for exam revision). I rooted for the feisty & strong, yet vulnerable Jane as a realistic character, although if truth be told I did want to elbow her aside – hell if she’s dithering about Devon, I’ll have him!
I hunted for a criticism of this book, and it turned out to be a compliment in that I wanted to know more about Eduardo’s character. One scene (I’ll call it the espionage scene to avoid spoilers) seemed a trifle rushed to me as I wanted a bit more of a blow-by-blow account, but overall the novel didn’t suffer for it.
Apparently Heather was once told that there was no market for novels which touch on the dark side of life, but are humorous love stories. I’m relieved she didn’t let that stop her as the mixture of suspense, romance, gritty content and moments of lighter relief are exactly what I want from of a book.
Disclaimer: I was sent an electronic advanced reader copy of Roses in Ecuador to review, but the opinions given are, as always, entirely my own.
Despite a few (2 or 3) misspelled words (e.g., bought should be bout), Heather Huffman did it again! I have been a fan of Heather since I read one of her books (I think it's Jailbird) & is always anticipating to read the next one. What I love about Heather's books is she incorporates her advocacy(ies) in her stories without pushing hard & without losing the storyline. Her books opened my eyes to the problems of human trafficking, prostitution, slavery among others. I love that her stories are not just another run-of-the-mill romance story.
In Roses in Ecuador she tackled the issues of preservation of endangered species (jaguars), giving laborers equal treatment & fair wages, free trade, child labor, slavery, human trafficking & even drug trafficking. But these issues didn't confuse or deter from the story between Devon & Jane but rather enhanced it. I love how she build up the relationship between these two from beginning to end. There's tension, attraction, distrust, humor, fear, suspense, of course there's love at the end. I also like how the main characters interact with the minor characters. Each minor character played a vital role & are unforgettable. There's Eduardo, Cass, Pablo & Lucia, Aldo & Maria, Alex & Daniel, Lani & the twins, Cody, the antagonist Javier, even Atlas & Robin. I love the familial relationship between Devon & Alex. Just like true siblings, they bicker but support & love each other.
Kudos to Heather for this another well written story. It's balanced (there's romance, humor, action, suspense, current/important issues) & just paced right. I can't wait to read Cody's story, Fool's Game!
Loved Jane and Devon's story. Ecuador brings solace to both Jane and Devon's lives. For Jane, it is a new start to escape the heartbreak of her former life. For Devon,it is a chance to cultivate beauty with his rose plantation. Once their paths cross there is no denying the instant attraction. Jane's life is solely dedicated to the jaguar preserve and when not only her life, but the animals' safety is threatened Devon does not hesitate to help. Devon is handsome, weathly and known for his playboy ways. He is instantly drawn to Jane. Jane is beautiful and guarded and with her instant attraction to Devon she knows her heart will not survive another heartbreak. The story flowed wonderfully i really enjoyed the progression of Jane and Devon's relationship. Jane was a great, strong, independent female character. She fought for the animals she loved. Devon realized early on Jane was different from all his other conquests and he did not hesitate to let her know. I loved their witty banter and how finally they both let their guard down and accepted their love for each other.
Heather introduces us to Jane Russell, who is working and living on a jaguar preserve. She is brought together with Devon McAllister through a twist of events. There's conflict, there's humor and like the rest of her books, you find a deeper message that ties into the human trafficking awareness the author has focused on.
Like her other books, Roses in Ecuador is reads easily. The story flows well, the dialogue doesn't lag and there's no shortage of suspense, comedy or romance. They are fresh and filled with experience that brings an enriching depth to the story. Even on my second read through of the book I didn't want to put it down until I read the very last page.
Start with this book, or go back and grab them all. While they are not a series ,there is carryover of characters which will endear them to you, and leave you eager to get glimpses of them in the other books.
If you are looking for a book that is filled with romance, comedy and a little mystery this book is for you! I was fortunate to receive this book as an Advanced Reader. It is a truly amazing book. Like all Heather's books it was an easy read that sucks you right into the plot. Heather does an amazing job of educating the reader about real world problems through a romantic story line. I have read all of Heather's books, and this was one of my favorites thus far! If you have not read any of Heather Huffman's other books I highly recommend checking them out today, you will not be disappointed!
Another good romantic suspense book from Heather Huffman. I liked the backdrop of the rose plantation and jaguar preserve in Ecuador. This book ties in (as in we see characters from) with "Ring of Fire" and "Fool's Game", and I liked seeing those characters again.
Jane was pretty dedicated to the jaguar preserve, but I liked how her friends tried to get her to have a bit more of a social life. Enter Devon! Devon was a pretty awesome guy, and I think Jane gave him too hard of a time about being a "player". He didn't really come across that way at all.
This was pretty matched on romance and suspense, I'd say 60/40. I look forward to whatever Ms. Huffman writes next.
This book has it all: romance, suspense, and humor. It is a fun read that also shines a light on issues that one might not think about under normal circumstances. I loved the characters Jane and Devon and their fun back-and-forth banter. There were so many funny one-liners. A wonderful combination of sweet, funny, and thought-provoking with suspense mixed in. Highly recommend.
This wasn't my favorite of Heather Huffman but it was still an emotional rollar coaster of a ride while reading it. There is the typical love story that shouldn't happen but it does while there is mass craziness going on around them. This seems to be the theme in almost all of her books. It was still a good read and it still tugged at my heart while reading it at times. Another great book!
This was a good story but I felt like the author could have given it more depth. It left me wanting more. I like the characters but I just needed to know them on a deeper level.