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Carved Wooden Heart
A sexy encounter with a talented native artist, a broken heart, and a knight in shining armor are just the beginning in this passionate erotic romance. Dani Stone never expected to fall in love with carver Jesse Wolf Carver. She certainly didn't foresee the results of her intense one night stand with the sexy hunk. From the wealth of New York City to a small southern community, follow Dani as she journeys the winding path fate has laid out for her.
583 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2016
2 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Horton-Newton
26 books130 followersElizabeth Horton-Newton has been called the Seductress of Suspense because she draws readers into her stories, builds the suspense, and just when the solution seems to be obvious, she pulls the rabbit out of the hat and reveals a dark truth. Her lifelong interest in the Kennedy assassination conspiracy resulted in her first novel, "View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale". With the release of her second book, "Riddle", she once again tackles a social issue; the illegal adoption of First Nations babies separated from their families. Small town prejudices against people of color and "outsiders" result in a unique friendship between two young people. Weaving a romantic thriller around the issues, she creates rich characters in all her writing, drawing the reader into their lives. With her education in Criminal Psychology, Sociology, and Media Communications she offers a unique insight into how criminals think and how society responds to their crimes. Volunteering in local Domestic Violence groups in her hometown, she likes to confront social problems in her stories. Elizabeth currently lives in a 100-year old haunted house with her husband, writer Neil Douglas Newton, and her dog, Scout (named for a character in "To Kill a Mockingbird"). Not limited to a single genre, she has written erotic romance, "Carved Wooden Heart" (with the mysterious Starla Hartless), and the suspenseful "Stolen Gypsy", as well as novelettes through Electric Eclectic Books. She is currently working on a new novel, "Blood on Murder Highway", loosely based on the murders and disappearances of indigenous women in the Pacific Northwest. Her new crime noir novella will be available winter 2019. When she isn't writing she is usually traveling or taking photographs and often both simultaneously. For more information, check out her website at bit.ly/homeEHN or read her blog, Between the Beats, at elizabethnnewton.com/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 9, 2017
"Sizzling"
Another top-notch story from Elizabeth Horton-Newton. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Riddle' which straddled the crime thriller, romantic suspense genres, and have caught up with her short stories dotted around in various anthologies. There doesn't seem to be much this writer can't turn her hand to; and with great success. When you can keep coming up with great characters, in totally believable situations and settings, it's not hard to see why this author is so readable. We all love a good love story, and we hope for the happy ending. The skill of the special author is to take you on a journey with subtle twists and turns so you never quite know whether you'll arrive at your preferred destination, but you can't stop reading until you find out.
Another top-notch story from Elizabeth Horton-Newton. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Riddle' which straddled the crime thriller, romantic suspense genres, and have caught up with her short stories dotted around in various anthologies. There doesn't seem to be much this writer can't turn her hand to; and with great success. When you can keep coming up with great characters, in totally believable situations and settings, it's not hard to see why this author is so readable. We all love a good love story, and we hope for the happy ending. The skill of the special author is to take you on a journey with subtle twists and turns so you never quite know whether you'll arrive at your preferred destination, but you can't stop reading until you find out.
November 27, 2017
A sweet romance
Though rather long and drawn out, this was a cute romance that left me smiling. Cutting the excessive action details would have made it a shorter and more concise read, though I wouldn't have minded hearing a bit more about Jesse's life in those lost five years. Dani's character was quite real and three dimensional. She made mistakes, grew a little, made a few more mistakes, and still kept her head, and that had me rooting for her.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read.
Though rather long and drawn out, this was a cute romance that left me smiling. Cutting the excessive action details would have made it a shorter and more concise read, though I wouldn't have minded hearing a bit more about Jesse's life in those lost five years. Dani's character was quite real and three dimensional. She made mistakes, grew a little, made a few more mistakes, and still kept her head, and that had me rooting for her.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read.
September 3, 2017
Definitely an original more contemporary take on a romance novel . Complex ,flawed ,characters and a read till the end realistic storyline make this worthwhile of your time . I read it in one sitting and I suggest you do too. You can see the plot taking place in your head as you go .So open your heart to this Carved Wooden Heart and enjoy !
July 6, 2019
Carved Wooden Heart has become another of my favorite books and yes I’ve read it multiple times. I can’t get enough of this story and hope that the authors will consider writing a sequel although I doubt they could top this one!
Dani meets Jesse, a native artist with issues and romance quickly follows. Of course love isn’t easy and Dani’s heart is broken. Dani is a very strong woman and faces all the complications of life head on.
I am totally drawn into Dani’s story right from the start. I find Jesse very attractive and I can understand how things could get out of control so fast, even though it was obviously not the way Dani usually behaved. Love can make us do things we would normally consider crazy and there is no doubt that Dani was in love.
Dani’s choices were never easy but always seemed right. Her journey was full of highs and lows. We follow her through what feels like a lifetime but is really only a few years. So much happens and though she falls in love again her time with Jesse always haunts her.
This book is a romance story but its also a story of life, choices, heartache and joy.
A book you’ll have a hard time putting down.
Dani meets Jesse, a native artist with issues and romance quickly follows. Of course love isn’t easy and Dani’s heart is broken. Dani is a very strong woman and faces all the complications of life head on.
I am totally drawn into Dani’s story right from the start. I find Jesse very attractive and I can understand how things could get out of control so fast, even though it was obviously not the way Dani usually behaved. Love can make us do things we would normally consider crazy and there is no doubt that Dani was in love.
Dani’s choices were never easy but always seemed right. Her journey was full of highs and lows. We follow her through what feels like a lifetime but is really only a few years. So much happens and though she falls in love again her time with Jesse always haunts her.
This book is a romance story but its also a story of life, choices, heartache and joy.
A book you’ll have a hard time putting down.
May 5, 2023
I had intended on giving this book 3 stars because it is by no means exceptional in terms of execution, plot, or characterisation. However, I changed my mind and bumped it up to 4 stars because in spite of that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I found that the short chapter lengths and overall flow of the book made for breezy reading, and I was unable to put the book down and became engrossed in Dani's (the MC's) life.
The kindle version which I read could benefit from a thorough edit as I came across many errors, some I was able to overlook but others I found distracting as I had to reread the lines to figure out what was supposed to be written. The formatting was a little off, too on the chapter headings, which made them harder to read.
I don't know if the book benefits from there being two authors involved, or if it hinders it in some way. I got the sense that the duties of writing sex scenes was divided, as the language used shifted in tone. Some sex scenes were treated more tenderly with flowerly more metaphorical language, while others were starker and more direct. I'm left wondering which version gives me the ick more - ones that reference turgid members and moist cores, or those that reference the penis and clitoris as if somehwere during reading I accidentally opened up a biology text book.
Also, there were times I felt that events in plot were slightly contradicted due to the dual authorship. But there was an overal cohesion and I'm nitpicking at this point.
I did find the character of Dani engaging and realistic, however she seemed to find herself the love interest of three men who were willing to give her everything, despite there being no evidence in her characterisation to suggest she was anything other than average. Perhaps her appeal was intangible, and that's not easily conveyed through writing... I guess she's the kind of woman you just have to know, to know.
I found Jesse to be the most realistic portrayal of a man, as he was more than willing to get his, and satisfy himself. The other men in Dani's life came across as pure fantasy. How many men do you know willing to give and give both sexually, financially, and emotionally with nothing in return? Perhaps this is why the almost rape scene was hurridly introduced towards the end.
If it sounds like I'm being critical, I suppose I am, but I really did enjoy reading this book, and found myself shouting out while reading, as I became emotionally invested and eager to see the happy resolution, and I wasn't disappointed.
I stumbled upon this book while searching for content related to Eric Schweig. (One of my favourite actors). I learned about his mask carving, and then discovered this book with loose ties to him. The mask image on the cover being an image of one of his masks. Turns out the author (Horton Newton) has some previous interaction with him, which she has detailed in interviews online.
While reading the book I could see the parallels between Eric and Jesse, to the point I was convinced the author was emotionally invested in some way. And honestly, who can blame her? He seems to be a very interesting, strong, and beautiful soul, and this book (in part) seems to be a tender tribute.
I found that the short chapter lengths and overall flow of the book made for breezy reading, and I was unable to put the book down and became engrossed in Dani's (the MC's) life.
The kindle version which I read could benefit from a thorough edit as I came across many errors, some I was able to overlook but others I found distracting as I had to reread the lines to figure out what was supposed to be written. The formatting was a little off, too on the chapter headings, which made them harder to read.
I don't know if the book benefits from there being two authors involved, or if it hinders it in some way. I got the sense that the duties of writing sex scenes was divided, as the language used shifted in tone. Some sex scenes were treated more tenderly with flowerly more metaphorical language, while others were starker and more direct. I'm left wondering which version gives me the ick more - ones that reference turgid members and moist cores, or those that reference the penis and clitoris as if somehwere during reading I accidentally opened up a biology text book.
Also, there were times I felt that events in plot were slightly contradicted due to the dual authorship. But there was an overal cohesion and I'm nitpicking at this point.
I did find the character of Dani engaging and realistic, however she seemed to find herself the love interest of three men who were willing to give her everything, despite there being no evidence in her characterisation to suggest she was anything other than average. Perhaps her appeal was intangible, and that's not easily conveyed through writing... I guess she's the kind of woman you just have to know, to know.
I found Jesse to be the most realistic portrayal of a man, as he was more than willing to get his, and satisfy himself. The other men in Dani's life came across as pure fantasy. How many men do you know willing to give and give both sexually, financially, and emotionally with nothing in return? Perhaps this is why the almost rape scene was hurridly introduced towards the end.
If it sounds like I'm being critical, I suppose I am, but I really did enjoy reading this book, and found myself shouting out while reading, as I became emotionally invested and eager to see the happy resolution, and I wasn't disappointed.
I stumbled upon this book while searching for content related to Eric Schweig. (One of my favourite actors). I learned about his mask carving, and then discovered this book with loose ties to him. The mask image on the cover being an image of one of his masks. Turns out the author (Horton Newton) has some previous interaction with him, which she has detailed in interviews online.
While reading the book I could see the parallels between Eric and Jesse, to the point I was convinced the author was emotionally invested in some way. And honestly, who can blame her? He seems to be a very interesting, strong, and beautiful soul, and this book (in part) seems to be a tender tribute.
April 25, 2025
Carved Wooden Heart has become another of my favorite books and yes I've read it multiple times. I can't get enough of this story and hope that the authors will consider writing a sequel although I doubt they could top this one!
Dani meets Jesse, a native artist with issues and romance quickly follows. Of course love isn't easy and Dani's heart is broken. Dani is a very strong woman and faces all the complications of life head on.
I am totally drawn into Dani's story right from the start. I find Jesse very attractive and I can understand how things could get out of control so fast, even though it was obviously not the way Dani usually behaved. Love can make us do things we would normally consider crazy and there is no doubt that Dani was in love.
Dani's choices were never easy but always seemed right. Her journey was full of highs and lows. We follow her through what feels like a lifetime but is really only a few years. So much happens and though she falls in love again her time with Jesse always haunts her.
This book is a romance story but its also a story of life, choices, heartache and joy.
A book you'll have a hard time putting down.
Dani meets Jesse, a native artist with issues and romance quickly follows. Of course love isn't easy and Dani's heart is broken. Dani is a very strong woman and faces all the complications of life head on.
I am totally drawn into Dani's story right from the start. I find Jesse very attractive and I can understand how things could get out of control so fast, even though it was obviously not the way Dani usually behaved. Love can make us do things we would normally consider crazy and there is no doubt that Dani was in love.
Dani's choices were never easy but always seemed right. Her journey was full of highs and lows. We follow her through what feels like a lifetime but is really only a few years. So much happens and though she falls in love again her time with Jesse always haunts her.
This book is a romance story but its also a story of life, choices, heartache and joy.
A book you'll have a hard time putting down.
April 14, 2021
This is a captivating read. The passion, falling in love, the trials and tribulations that life kept throwing at our heroine were narrated brilliantly. This story has structure, the different threads and relationships are handled with expertise. The first person p.o.v. drives the narrative fluidly. The sex scenes are hot and one can't help but find whoever the heroine attractive, the reader routing for her to be happy with. In my humble opnion, the wordage could be tightened a tad, but that's only because I wanted to know how it concluded. The characters were well drawn and to a reader who has no knowledge of any of the locations mentioned, they were very authentic and made me want to go there.
This, my third book by this author, has been a well-worth-it read just as the previous ones were. If you like a well-written, good-feel story and a romantic one at that, then I heartily recommend this.
This, my third book by this author, has been a well-worth-it read just as the previous ones were. If you like a well-written, good-feel story and a romantic one at that, then I heartily recommend this.
January 29, 2017
Elizabeth Noreen Newton at her best! Another cracking romantic story full of adventure, love, humour, heartache and strength. I like Dani’s strength, she knows what she wants no matter what…..
Romantic tips in abundance! Elizabeth Noreen Newton doesn’t rush her love scenes, exactly how it should be. Carved Wooden Heart is a memorable love story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Romantic tips in abundance! Elizabeth Noreen Newton doesn’t rush her love scenes, exactly how it should be. Carved Wooden Heart is a memorable love story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 4, 2017
Loved this book , one of the best romance novels I've read this year
March 6, 2017
Daniella is a young woman just beginning to find her way in life. Jesse is an artist haunted by personal demons. When Dani's work brings them together, a brief interval of passion leads to feelings deep enough to last a lifetime. But fate is a fickle thing, and a series of chance events soon forces them apart. But, sometimes, seemingly harmless actions can have lasting consequences, and life doesn't always lead us along the road we thought it would.
I enjoyed this book. It's a contemporary romance that reminded me of the style of an Olivia Goldsmith novel. As a transplanted New Yorker, myself, I found the Manhattan setting nostalgic. The description of the scenes was detailed enough that I could almost smell the street-cart food and hear the taxi horns blaring. The characters are interesting and complex enough to keep you interested in their stories. And the love scenes are hot enough to keep romance fans happy. All-in-all, a fun story. Five stars.
I enjoyed this book. It's a contemporary romance that reminded me of the style of an Olivia Goldsmith novel. As a transplanted New Yorker, myself, I found the Manhattan setting nostalgic. The description of the scenes was detailed enough that I could almost smell the street-cart food and hear the taxi horns blaring. The characters are interesting and complex enough to keep you interested in their stories. And the love scenes are hot enough to keep romance fans happy. All-in-all, a fun story. Five stars.
December 2, 2016
Having already enjoyed some of Elizabeth Horton-Newton's writing (the intense thriller Riddle and her fascinating short story Old Habits in Twisted Tales), I was rather intrigued to see how she would handle the genre of romance (with elements of erotica). Starla Hartless remains a mystery to me, but this partnership might prove quite successful in this genre.
Not usually an avid reader of romance/erotica, I read the book with curiosity, comparing at first with other works by E. Horton-Newton. The writing is easy to follow and has a steady flow to it. The timeline and subplots all fit nicely as we follow Dani through her love life and professional growth, sometimes going topsy-turvy in comparison to the traditional romance ways (she both meets and loses the passionate lover in the first part of the book, but read on for more surprises). You will enjoy reading about how she grows as a person, about her friendships and family ties, and of course, the steamy bedroom scenes, if you are a fan (quite hot, though never vulgar). There is passion, lust, skin, heat, but also emotion and tenderness.
However, what I find the greatest value in this book are the characters who evolve over time, following the romance stereotype to a certain point, yet preserving a believable feel to them, which makes you root for them or against them. The contrast between the men in Dani's life is really interesting to observe, and your preconceptions of them change throughout the book as the subplots entangle and resolve. Dani, the heroine, grows through the story, from the naive young journalist who falls head over heels for a hunk, to the responsible, strong and decisive woman. Jesse is intriguing, too, and I bet romance fans will go crazy over the wild artist that he is. Doug is such a promising man who genuinely loves Dani and saves her in her hardship (not liking the mistakes he made out of that love though;). Brandon will keep the readers' interest in suspense (avoiding spoilers) and Dylan - he is just a treasure. My absolute favourites are the side characters - Dani's gynaecologist, Kelly, Milagro, Kathryn, and Dani's parents who made me smile, chuckle and even tear up by the end of the story. The authors must have had so much fun weaving their scenes into the mix.
I am absolutely certain Carved Wooden Heart will provide romance fans with all the elements they expect, and then some, including the wonderful scenery and amazing dream houses in the wilderness. Your very own jacuzzi house in the mountains, to share with the love of your life? Oh come on, who'd say no to that!?
Not usually an avid reader of romance/erotica, I read the book with curiosity, comparing at first with other works by E. Horton-Newton. The writing is easy to follow and has a steady flow to it. The timeline and subplots all fit nicely as we follow Dani through her love life and professional growth, sometimes going topsy-turvy in comparison to the traditional romance ways (she both meets and loses the passionate lover in the first part of the book, but read on for more surprises). You will enjoy reading about how she grows as a person, about her friendships and family ties, and of course, the steamy bedroom scenes, if you are a fan (quite hot, though never vulgar). There is passion, lust, skin, heat, but also emotion and tenderness.
However, what I find the greatest value in this book are the characters who evolve over time, following the romance stereotype to a certain point, yet preserving a believable feel to them, which makes you root for them or against them. The contrast between the men in Dani's life is really interesting to observe, and your preconceptions of them change throughout the book as the subplots entangle and resolve. Dani, the heroine, grows through the story, from the naive young journalist who falls head over heels for a hunk, to the responsible, strong and decisive woman. Jesse is intriguing, too, and I bet romance fans will go crazy over the wild artist that he is. Doug is such a promising man who genuinely loves Dani and saves her in her hardship (not liking the mistakes he made out of that love though;). Brandon will keep the readers' interest in suspense (avoiding spoilers) and Dylan - he is just a treasure. My absolute favourites are the side characters - Dani's gynaecologist, Kelly, Milagro, Kathryn, and Dani's parents who made me smile, chuckle and even tear up by the end of the story. The authors must have had so much fun weaving their scenes into the mix.
I am absolutely certain Carved Wooden Heart will provide romance fans with all the elements they expect, and then some, including the wonderful scenery and amazing dream houses in the wilderness. Your very own jacuzzi house in the mountains, to share with the love of your life? Oh come on, who'd say no to that!?
December 23, 2016
In love with Jesse.
Not only is Jesse Native American, he's a relatable character, which means he's gorgeous, flawed, and makes the ups and downs that he goes through and is put through so believable. Poor Dani finds her true love then loses him, and life slips slowly downhill from there as she goes from one trial to the next until she's back where she should have always been. A long read but it wasn't long enough. I hated for the story to end. Great job, ladies. Book 2 anyone?
Not only is Jesse Native American, he's a relatable character, which means he's gorgeous, flawed, and makes the ups and downs that he goes through and is put through so believable. Poor Dani finds her true love then loses him, and life slips slowly downhill from there as she goes from one trial to the next until she's back where she should have always been. A long read but it wasn't long enough. I hated for the story to end. Great job, ladies. Book 2 anyone?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews