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Change of Heart
Patrick Corman, loner, ex muscle for a call girl service, struggles to stay alive and care for his institutionalized daughter. But the danger isn't coming from the streets. He needs a heart transplant. He's shocked when a mysterious benefactor offers him 'the deal of a lifetime'. With only months to live, even after reading the small print, he sees it as a solution to his problems. Still reeling from the murder of her husband, reporter Katherine Alderson meets Patrick. She is curious at first, but eventually attracted to this tough, street hustler who will do anything to protect his daughter. Afraid to endanger their relationship, she keeps secret what she always knew about his transplant. But Patrick has his own secret, hidden in the deal and the small print he agreed to. Neither is aware that someone has delved into their lives, and is using them as pawns for his own personal gain. Threatened by people from Patrick's past and his new benefactor, they band together, fighting to stay alive.
- GenresSuspense
302 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2016
About the author
Daniel Side
8 books6 followersMy first book was co-authored with my cousin at age eighteen, written on two old typewriters using carbon paper. An English mystery novel, he wrote one chapter, I wrote the next, usually late on a Friday night. It was a sure fire scheme (one of many) to make us a lot of money. Surprisingly enough, the offers didn’t roll in. Go figure. But I guess it was the first feeble start of my writing career.
Put that career on hold for 20 years. With my wife and three boys I was busy with a teaching career, writing and directing school plays, building our log home and restoring a classic mustang. For car enthusiasts – a 69 Mach 1.
I had always been a science fantasy fan, cutting my teeth as a youngster on the likes of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Andre Norton and Albert Otis Kline among others. Although I continued to read the new fantasy authors, (really enjoyed the early Terry Brooks), as the genre evolved, I tired of gnomes, elves, magic and “the evil dread growing in the west – or north”. As an answer to my problem, I wrote what I felt was the perfect science fantasy adventure – for me. And so my writing career had its second start.
Since then I have continued with a variety of projects. I have taken courses at The Humber School for Writers and Sheridan College, and have continued to, as my site tagline suggests, “write novels that this author would like to read”. I hope you enjoy them too.
Put that career on hold for 20 years. With my wife and three boys I was busy with a teaching career, writing and directing school plays, building our log home and restoring a classic mustang. For car enthusiasts – a 69 Mach 1.
I had always been a science fantasy fan, cutting my teeth as a youngster on the likes of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Andre Norton and Albert Otis Kline among others. Although I continued to read the new fantasy authors, (really enjoyed the early Terry Brooks), as the genre evolved, I tired of gnomes, elves, magic and “the evil dread growing in the west – or north”. As an answer to my problem, I wrote what I felt was the perfect science fantasy adventure – for me. And so my writing career had its second start.
Since then I have continued with a variety of projects. I have taken courses at The Humber School for Writers and Sheridan College, and have continued to, as my site tagline suggests, “write novels that this author would like to read”. I hope you enjoy them too.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 28, 2022
A totally unique twist on black market transplant organs!
Patrick Corman’s checkered past might give anyone second doubts about his character but there certainly isn’t any doubt that he loves his institutionalized daughter and will do anything he can to ensure her continued care, no matter the cost … literally and figuratively. When a mysterious benefactor offers him the deal of a lifetime that will guarantee his daughter’s care for the rest of HER life, even if the fine print in that very dubious contract may cost him HIS life, he jumps at the chance!
Meanwhile, under the guise of the suspense thriller’s almost mandatory secondary plot line, journalist Katherine Alderson’s husband is brutally murdered (for no apparent reason) and Katherine consents to allow his heart to be used as a transplant for a medically compatible recipient. Of course, it doesn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out that the eligible recipient is none other than the aforementioned Patrick Corman. That said, we all know that Sherlock Holmes would have been very quick to say, “The game is afoot”! Someone is pulling the strings, someone deep into the nefarious game of the black market for organ transplants, and Patrick and Katherine are in a fight to save their lives and the lives of the poor daughter who would have no way of knowing what is happening around her
Two things set Daniel Side’s CHANGE OF HEART apart from the clutter of the very crowded suspense thriller genre. The first is the WOW! factor that readers will experience as they begin to understand Daniel Side’s creation of the bad guy’s unique and bizarre motives for some pretty nasty crimes. The second is the author’s informative, educational, and quite compelling description of the process of heart transplant surgery and their complicated post-operative treatment requirements. And, although it’s hardly a unique idea, CHANGE OF HEART also riffs convincingly on the oft-repeated theme of the corrupt nature of so many self-entitled politicians and the creation of that corruption by the possession of political position and power.
Definitely recommended. I look forward to reading more by this new Canadian author.
Paul Weiss
Patrick Corman’s checkered past might give anyone second doubts about his character but there certainly isn’t any doubt that he loves his institutionalized daughter and will do anything he can to ensure her continued care, no matter the cost … literally and figuratively. When a mysterious benefactor offers him the deal of a lifetime that will guarantee his daughter’s care for the rest of HER life, even if the fine print in that very dubious contract may cost him HIS life, he jumps at the chance!
Meanwhile, under the guise of the suspense thriller’s almost mandatory secondary plot line, journalist Katherine Alderson’s husband is brutally murdered (for no apparent reason) and Katherine consents to allow his heart to be used as a transplant for a medically compatible recipient. Of course, it doesn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out that the eligible recipient is none other than the aforementioned Patrick Corman. That said, we all know that Sherlock Holmes would have been very quick to say, “The game is afoot”! Someone is pulling the strings, someone deep into the nefarious game of the black market for organ transplants, and Patrick and Katherine are in a fight to save their lives and the lives of the poor daughter who would have no way of knowing what is happening around her
Two things set Daniel Side’s CHANGE OF HEART apart from the clutter of the very crowded suspense thriller genre. The first is the WOW! factor that readers will experience as they begin to understand Daniel Side’s creation of the bad guy’s unique and bizarre motives for some pretty nasty crimes. The second is the author’s informative, educational, and quite compelling description of the process of heart transplant surgery and their complicated post-operative treatment requirements. And, although it’s hardly a unique idea, CHANGE OF HEART also riffs convincingly on the oft-repeated theme of the corrupt nature of so many self-entitled politicians and the creation of that corruption by the possession of political position and power.
Definitely recommended. I look forward to reading more by this new Canadian author.
Paul Weiss
February 9, 2017
Daniel Side has great attention to detail and makes everything from the setting, to the characters feel very real. It makes for a wonderfully written and very suspenseful novel.
Daniel manages to take the reader through a barrage of other emotions besides the typical and they will find themselves submerged in the world and feeling every single things that happens to Patrick and Katherine.
The suspense was well done and kept me on the edge of my seat. Along with descriptions that were vivid and a plot that was well paced. The characters were charismatic and drew the reader in.
Daniel manages to take the reader through a barrage of other emotions besides the typical and they will find themselves submerged in the world and feeling every single things that happens to Patrick and Katherine.
The suspense was well done and kept me on the edge of my seat. Along with descriptions that were vivid and a plot that was well paced. The characters were charismatic and drew the reader in.
February 11, 2017
I really loved the fact that this novel emulated its book cover.
Be prepared to go on a thrill ride. There are so many twists and turns and Daniel Side does an amazing job of keeping his reader on the edge of their seat. The plot flowed smoothly and quickly, I was never bored and furiously flipping pages.
The characters are well developed and I enjoyed their interactions and relationships with each other. Romantic Suspense is a balancing act and I think Daniel Side nailed it!
Be prepared to go on a thrill ride. There are so many twists and turns and Daniel Side does an amazing job of keeping his reader on the edge of their seat. The plot flowed smoothly and quickly, I was never bored and furiously flipping pages.
The characters are well developed and I enjoyed their interactions and relationships with each other. Romantic Suspense is a balancing act and I think Daniel Side nailed it!
April 20, 2017
I received a print copy of Change of Heart from author Daniel Side for review.
Having recently read The Reedsmith of Zendar from Mr. Side, I looked forward to checking out Change of Heart. Though not a fantasy like the first book, Change of Heart shows me the range and talent that Daniel Side brings to his work.
Change of Heart is a contemporary thrill ride that fights pigeon-holing into a particular genre. It is, at least to me, an action story. But the argument can easily be made that it is a political, medical, organized crime and even a romantic, thriller. Heavy emphasis on thriller no matter where you categorize it.
Our hero, Patrick is a guilt ridden father trying to do the right thing despite his associations with the less than savory elements of society. He makes a deal with the Devil (actually a politician; same thing) to provide long term medial care for his daughter.
Our heroine, Katherine is an investigative journalist trying to make a difference.
How they get thrown together is the crux (and therefore a spoiler) of the story. They have to contend with a sociopath politician, a cougar drug dealer, and all of their minions. And, they don't particularly trust each other.
Needless to say, our hero is more than well prepared to take care of himself, and our heroine is, when it counts, no pushover either. The romance that eventually blossoms between them is hampered by secrets they keep from each other. Secrets that would be to you, prospective reader, spoilers so don't ask me I won't tell.
Change of Heart does take a bit too long for me to get to the action, but when it does, hang on. It is a wild ride that will not disappoint action fans. Patrick and Katherine are caught between two organizations; one criminal, one political (same thing), who are ostensibly working together, but really not so much. The twists and turns come rapid fire turning the plot on dime repeatedly. Not much predictable here.
Change of Heart by Daniel Side has graphic violence, somewhat graphic sex, and enough action and intrigue to keep the reader hooked until the surprising, and very satisfying, conclusion. In short (yeah I know, too late for that) a very good read indeed. Enjoy!
Mike
Having recently read The Reedsmith of Zendar from Mr. Side, I looked forward to checking out Change of Heart. Though not a fantasy like the first book, Change of Heart shows me the range and talent that Daniel Side brings to his work.
Change of Heart is a contemporary thrill ride that fights pigeon-holing into a particular genre. It is, at least to me, an action story. But the argument can easily be made that it is a political, medical, organized crime and even a romantic, thriller. Heavy emphasis on thriller no matter where you categorize it.
Our hero, Patrick is a guilt ridden father trying to do the right thing despite his associations with the less than savory elements of society. He makes a deal with the Devil (actually a politician; same thing) to provide long term medial care for his daughter.
Our heroine, Katherine is an investigative journalist trying to make a difference.
How they get thrown together is the crux (and therefore a spoiler) of the story. They have to contend with a sociopath politician, a cougar drug dealer, and all of their minions. And, they don't particularly trust each other.
Needless to say, our hero is more than well prepared to take care of himself, and our heroine is, when it counts, no pushover either. The romance that eventually blossoms between them is hampered by secrets they keep from each other. Secrets that would be to you, prospective reader, spoilers so don't ask me I won't tell.
Change of Heart does take a bit too long for me to get to the action, but when it does, hang on. It is a wild ride that will not disappoint action fans. Patrick and Katherine are caught between two organizations; one criminal, one political (same thing), who are ostensibly working together, but really not so much. The twists and turns come rapid fire turning the plot on dime repeatedly. Not much predictable here.
Change of Heart by Daniel Side has graphic violence, somewhat graphic sex, and enough action and intrigue to keep the reader hooked until the surprising, and very satisfying, conclusion. In short (yeah I know, too late for that) a very good read indeed. Enjoy!
Mike
November 6, 2019
A thrilling, suspenseful, drama - sure to be a winner!
A fine read! Katherine Alderson is the daughter-in-law of the DA, Kenneth Alderson. She had married Jake Alderson only 6 months ago. Katherine is a newspaper reporter and is keen on making a name for herself by exposing top drug kingpins. Kenneth, as DA, is also working with the war on drugs. So I guess it should be no surprise when Katherine comes home some night and her husband is dead.
Meanwhile, we meet Patrick Corman - a taxi driver who sells pirated videos out of the trunk of his cab. He is a type of modern-day Robin Hood. His daughter, Jenny, is in a care home and he religiously pays for the home and visits her religiously. His life IS Jenny. Yet, prior to 15 years ago, Patrick was deep into the drug trade with drug mogul Miranda Denette.
We also meet other well-developed characters and eventually, we see how all interconnect.
A thrilling story with a masterful plotline! Great story!
Many Thanks to Daniel Side and NetGalley for a great read!
A fine read! Katherine Alderson is the daughter-in-law of the DA, Kenneth Alderson. She had married Jake Alderson only 6 months ago. Katherine is a newspaper reporter and is keen on making a name for herself by exposing top drug kingpins. Kenneth, as DA, is also working with the war on drugs. So I guess it should be no surprise when Katherine comes home some night and her husband is dead.
Meanwhile, we meet Patrick Corman - a taxi driver who sells pirated videos out of the trunk of his cab. He is a type of modern-day Robin Hood. His daughter, Jenny, is in a care home and he religiously pays for the home and visits her religiously. His life IS Jenny. Yet, prior to 15 years ago, Patrick was deep into the drug trade with drug mogul Miranda Denette.
We also meet other well-developed characters and eventually, we see how all interconnect.
A thrilling story with a masterful plotline! Great story!
Many Thanks to Daniel Side and NetGalley for a great read!
June 24, 2018
My husband received "Change of Heart" by Daniel Side, for review. He thought I might like reading it too. Hubby was right. I really enjoyed reading this book. It had action, suspense, romance, thrills, good/bad guys and gals and just plain bad guys and gals and just innocent good guys and gals - all the stuff that makes a good read. The writing is of an adult theme and easy to read. There's enough descriptive writing to visualize, but not so much to take away from the action and suspense. Around the middle of the book, it became difficult to put down. Toward the end, I was up half the night reading and couldn't stop until I forced myself to turn out the lights. Some language, but not at all excessive - appropriate for realism. Speaking of realism, the heroes of the story definitely are not goody two-shoes. They are basically decent people whose life circumstances makes them who they are and what they do to stay alive. I was able to guess correctly who was behind what most of the time, but I don't think the author gave it away until the appropriate time. The very ending had a nice surprise. I loved it!
March 29, 2019
Excellent story, well told. The characters are down to earth and realistic. Description are vivid and I had no problem picturing the scene in my mind. The story itself was unique and the reader is kept guessing until the end. I would recommend.
October 2, 2023
Change of Heart by Daniel Side.
Patrick Corman, loner, ex muscle for a call girl service, struggles to stay alive and care for his institutionalized daughter. But the danger isn’t coming from the streets. He needs a heart transplant. He’s shocked when a mysterious benefactor offers him ‘the deal of a lifetime’. With only months to live, even after reading the fine print, he sees it as a solution to his problem.
A good read. Likeable story and characters. Slow. 3*.
Patrick Corman, loner, ex muscle for a call girl service, struggles to stay alive and care for his institutionalized daughter. But the danger isn’t coming from the streets. He needs a heart transplant. He’s shocked when a mysterious benefactor offers him ‘the deal of a lifetime’. With only months to live, even after reading the fine print, he sees it as a solution to his problem.
A good read. Likeable story and characters. Slow. 3*.
January 17, 2017
Patrick Corman, loner, ex muscle for a call girl service, struggles to stay alive and care for his institutionalized daughter. But the danger isn’t coming from the streets. He needs a heart transplant. So when a mysterious benefactor offers him ‘the deal of a lifetime’, with only months to live, he doesn't hesitate. Unfortunately for Patrick, this is only the beginning of his problems.
A Change Of Heart is a really good thriller with a many layered plot that will keep you guessing till the end. Think The Wire meets Manchurian Candidate, with some Jason Bourne action thrown in for good measure. It's well paced with complex characters and all in all is very entertaining read. Daniel Side is definitely a writer i'd recommend.
A Change Of Heart is a really good thriller with a many layered plot that will keep you guessing till the end. Think The Wire meets Manchurian Candidate, with some Jason Bourne action thrown in for good measure. It's well paced with complex characters and all in all is very entertaining read. Daniel Side is definitely a writer i'd recommend.
January 13, 2017
These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...
This was a long, action filled, roller coaster of a twisted read and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Things aren't always what they seem and sometimes those closest to you are the ones you need to watch closer.
-The place is definitely different. Carpets, queen beds and card key locks. Definitely different.-
I didn't know the route this story was taking and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it did, I couldn't believe what was happening. Money and family don't necessarily make you a good person.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, and there were quite a few, but I understood and sympathized with the hero and heroine.
Take this journey to get the money and try to find your Happily Ever After.
This was a long, action filled, roller coaster of a twisted read and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Things aren't always what they seem and sometimes those closest to you are the ones you need to watch closer.
-The place is definitely different. Carpets, queen beds and card key locks. Definitely different.-
I didn't know the route this story was taking and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it did, I couldn't believe what was happening. Money and family don't necessarily make you a good person.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, and there were quite a few, but I understood and sympathized with the hero and heroine.
Take this journey to get the money and try to find your Happily Ever After.
February 11, 2017
Daniel Side has characterization down to a science. His characters really run the show and make the story so fun to read about.
This was a very action packed Suspense that definitely kept me flipping pages. There were surprises along the way that definitely shocked me. Anything but predictable.
Great pacing and a well written storyline. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
This was a very action packed Suspense that definitely kept me flipping pages. There were surprises along the way that definitely shocked me. Anything but predictable.
Great pacing and a well written storyline. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
February 6, 2017
Patrick Corman, poor guy...he is having a hard time just surviving and working to help his daughter who is institutionalized. Why is he struggling to survive? He needs a heart transplant. He is between a rock and a hard place. He wants his only concern to be for his daughter. That's his job as a father. But unfortunately he has to worry about himself as much as his daughter. Not a fun position to be in. But, he seems to get the deal of a life time. A life saver. And, with only an expected months to live, he grabs that lifeline. He's thinking all will be better with this. As the reader, I was waiting for the bomb to drop. And boy, did it.
Now that he grabbed his suppose lifeline, his luck only seems to get worse. This story will grip your heart because he is a father.
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
Now that he grabbed his suppose lifeline, his luck only seems to get worse. This story will grip your heart because he is a father.
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
April 5, 2017
A great suspenseful thriller! This novel is full of twists and turns, and kept me reading well into the night. I enjoyed Patrick and Katherine's growing relationship and the web of intrigue surrounding them and how they came to be together. I didn't see the end coming at all! I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes edge of your seat suspense reads.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews