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At the Heart of the Stone

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Dreams are the perfect shelter for our fantasies, safe havens to step inside without changing our daily lives. For Lark Braithwaite, all that is about to change. During the last six months, Lark has dreamt of a mysterious Irish lover, who knows what she wants, and gives her exactly what she needs. In her waking life in busy London, things aren’t as ideal, as her long-term relationship with Charles, her controlling fiancé, has hit a dry spell.

When Lark is called home to Oregon for her father’s funeral right in the middle of a high-stakes corporate merger, she heads back to face the demons from her past. What she doesn’t expect is to meet her dream lover in the flesh. Niall O’Hagan steps straight out of her fantasies and right into her life, and the powerful connection they share rocks her foundation. Although she's dealing with the bitterness of being betrayed by Charles and his jealousy, Niall soon stirs Lark’s awareness of the superficiality of her existence and reawakens not only her sexuality, but her soul.

486 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2016

4 people are currently reading
671 people want to read

About the author

Roxanne D. Howard

12 books744 followers
Roxanne D. Howard is a U.S. Army veteran, and a Columbia College alumni. She loves to read poetry, classical literature, and Stephen King. Roxanne resides in the western U.S., and when she's not writing, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, children, and furry companions. Roxanne loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

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5 stars
53 (51%)
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31 (30%)
3 stars
8 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for CoffeeTimeRomance andMore.
2,046 reviews160 followers
September 8, 2016
This story was so much more than the typical erotic story and I loved every part of it. Yes the love scenes were smoking hot, and I mean “omg” hot, but the romance and story itself stole the show for me. Niall’s tender care of Lark was marvelous, he coaxed the real Lark out, showing her what love really was and how holding a grudge is basically pointless. This book is one of those rare erotic books that,along with having intense, delectable sex scenes, also come with a beautiful romance with fully developed characters and an enticing plot full of twists and turns. I highly recommend it!
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,138 followers
July 15, 2019
I love a good steamy romance and When You Close Your Eyes has it in spades. The best part, though, isn't the steamy scenes but the story itself. The steamy scene balance the drama and tension perfectly. This is my first book by Roxanne D. Howard but it won't be my last. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N
Profile Image for Sheila.
541 reviews
January 15, 2019
This book was different, and I enjoyed it. Lark began having hot dreams about a man, that she didn't even know. It wasn't her fiancé, Charles. This is the beginning, and it only gets better. When I finished, I felt like I didn't want it to end. This is a must read! I look forward to reading more from Roxanne.
Profile Image for Parker.
116 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2016
Lark is a powerful woman in the corporate world, living in London with her fiancé of five years she has it all. Recently Lark has been having hot dreams about a mysterious man who make her feel alive and its making her question if she really does have it all.
Whilst in the middle of a huge business deal Lark receives devastating news and has to return home immediately. While there not only does she have to face her demons from the past but she also meets the man of her dreams literally.
Niall is an estate attorney helping to settle the will of a dear friend when his world is turned upside down. The daughter of his late friend has come home and she makes him remember what it feels like to be alive. The only problem is when her fiancé turns up.
This is one of the best romance novels I have read for a long time and I found myself stating up way too late to finish it. Lark is a woman who has lost her way, she thinks she has it all but when she meets Niall everything changes. I loved the development of Lark from a woman stuck in a rut to a strong, independent woman in control. The relationship between Lark and Niall is passionate yet sensual and the sex scenes are very well written.
Niall is what every male lead should be strong, caring and passionate. He is very well developed and I felt as if I knew him by the end of the book. I also love an Irish accent.
Roxanne Howard does a fantastic job of engaging you from the start and you cannot put it down. The plot is beautifully written with some great twists that kept me totally engrossed until the last word.
This is a great romance with a fresh plot line. There are hot sex scenes, out of the blue twists and a HEA what else could anyone want. I will happily recommend this book and I’ll be looking out for future releases.
Independent Reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock On
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
840 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2019
This book was so GREAT! One of those stories that has you asking yourself what you are destined for and just what do you deserve? Is it your real life? or is it your dream life, and which one is the truth? In your dream life, you get exactly what you want, and in your real life, not so much! Then, one day, your dream life turns into reality! This story stirs every emotion in your body as you follow Lark's trials and tribulations to embrace the life that she wants and deserves, but at what expense? Tons of heat and love, a serving of betrayal, and lots of suspense that will keep you flipping the pages of your Kindle until you get to the end. The only thing missing for me was more, more, more! I didn't want it to end. A different kind of story that you'll be super glad you took a chance on!
4,643 reviews
February 25, 2021
Roxanne Howard wrote a book that truly sets itself aside from what I've read in the past. I can't wait to read more of this writer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout/ Hidden Arc and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dawn West.
538 reviews43 followers
October 25, 2016


**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for honest review.**

And now I have a new book boyfriend!



Oh, Niall! How my heart pitter-patters just for you. My poor husband was thoroughly ignored while I escaped into Oregon and met this amazing Irish lad. I am still smiling!

Lark receives a phone call at the worst of times, informing her that her estranged father has died and she needs to come as quickly as possible. Her destination happens to be an ocean (and continent) away from her new life in London. But Lark manages to pull herself together just in time for a plane ride to Oregon.

Upon returning to her childhood home, Lark tries to reconnect with her family and put her father to rest. However, the strangest thing happens when she has a spicy dream and wakes to find that the object of her slumbering affection is standing before her. And Niall is more than willing to bring Lark's fantasies to life.

It's just too bad that Lark is already engaged, lives on a completely different continent, wants nothing to do with Oregon, and has some serious daddy issues to resolve. Even the patient Niall has his work cut out for him, but he feels a connection to Lark that he can't ignore and he refuses to let her sabotage her own future out of guilt or fear.

This was a great book. There was very little for me to dislike and whole lot for me to love. Niall was humorous, caring, and determined. Lark faced strife from her past and her present and I was easily able to connect with her struggle. The secondary characters added depth and a few surprises along the way.

Also, this was one insanely steamy read! I lost count of the number of love scenes. Between the fantasy/dream sequences and the real life rendezvous, I was fanning myself for hours as I read this book.



In closing...
I can't believe the story is over and Niall is gone! I will definitely be re-reading this one in the future. Five amazing suns!

Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2016/10/review-tour-at-heart-of-stone-by.html
Profile Image for Diane.
Author 4 books48 followers
September 17, 2017
London fiancée Lark Braithwaite should be dreaming of her beloved and their new life together - not some sultry Irish stranger. But in reality, her betrothed, Charles, is already controlling and less desirable than the stranger in her erotic dreams: a fact that puts the damper on her marriage ideals.

At the Heart of the Stone traces the evolution of her mysterious dreams and how they juxtapose with the difficult realities in her life, bringing her to a slow, simmering reality that what she's experiencing with Charles is less than she might hope for.

As a busy businesswoman, Lark doesn't have time to make her dreams a priority until something changes, and suddenly she's called home to Oregon to attend her father's funeral; there to meet the elusive, passionate man in those dreams, handsome stranger Niall O’Hagan, in person.

Though it should be mentioned that At the Heart of the Stone is filled with graphic sexual scenes, these are part of a greater plot's appeal; not the heart of the story. Forced to confront family relationships and issues of the past, evidence of long-distance infidelity, and the rising need not only for a special, different kind of lover but the kind of lasting relationship that forces her to be more open and honest overall, Lark discovers that everything is changing in her life.

At the Heart of the Stone employs a combination of sexual power and emotional growth to fuel its special brand of intimacy and revelation, following Lark's progression and growth not only sexually and emotionally, but as a more engaged, active participant in life.

Opening her heart to Niall involves more than being exceptionally candid - it requires the kind of maturity Lark never experienced with Charles, and comes with a new set of decisions. Her journey brings readers along for a heady ride into these revised possibilities, creating a story that is high-powered on more than one level.

Sexually erotic, emotionally compelling, and spiced with evolving passion, At the Heart of the Stone is recommended reading for anyone who likes their romance stories steamy and powerful.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,046 reviews154 followers
October 28, 2016
Heart melting, soul stirring magic that takes over and consumes the very existence that Lark had thought she wanted but dreamed was possible. This was that one romance that could and would take you to the brink and show you what you have been missing. It gives the possibility of finding what you thought you had but was only in the dreams you cultivated in the night.

Lark had her plate and hands full with a high-powered job, a selfish, self-consumed fiancé, and then her father’s death. What she didn’t know was that there was something special waiting for her on the other side of the pond. Heading back home was not something she was looking forward to, but do it she would. To her deep, desperate surprise her dreams were living and there for the taking.

Niall was male hotness personified. He was all that any woman could desire and expect for herself and the rest of her life. He was strong, passionate, intoxicating, caring, engaging, had an accent. There was more to him.

Howard did not disappoint me. I was so caught up and affixed on my path to finishing but then I did not want to lose out on Niall. Lark and Niall were both well developed, well written character that held so much with the coming together. I was not wanting to put it down.

Looking for a romance that will take you in. The passion on the pages that will engage your desires and spur you dreams. Pick up a copy and read At the Heart of the Stone.
72 reviews21 followers
January 28, 2019
WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES IS ANOTHER EXCELLENT BOOK BY ROXANNE D. HOWARD. BY FAR, THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF HERS. I REALLY LOVE THE STORY LINE AND CHARACTERS. LARK AND NIALL ARE BOTH STRONG AND COMPLEX CHARACTERS. BOTH WERE EFFECTED BY TRAUMATIC EVENTS THAT CHANGED THEM SOME HOW. BOTH ARE SCARED OF TRULY CARING ABOUT SOMEONE AND LETTING THAT PERSON IN THEIR LIFE. NIALL AND LARK FIND EACH OTHER IN THEIR DREAMS. THERE ARE NO LIMITS AND NOTHING CAN STOP THEIR LOVE AND PASSION IN THEIR DREAMS. THEN LARK'S FATHER DIES AND SHE RETURNS TO OREGON FOR HIS FUNERAL. SHE HAS TO FACE HER DEMONS AND PAST. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SHE MEETS THE MAN OF HER DREAMS? LARK IS SHOCKED AND SURPRISED AND COMPLETELY TAKEN OFF GUARD WITH HIS PRESENCE. WILL THEY FIND THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER?

WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES IS SUCH A ROMANTIC LOVE STORY THAT WILL LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE. THE STORY IS SO VERY EMOTIONAL AND FULL OF SO MUCH PASSION AND LOVE. I REALLY LOVE LARK AND NIALL TOGETHER. I LOVED HOW THEY MEET IN THEIR DREAMS AND THEN IN PERSON. FROM THE FIRST MOMENT THEY MEET, THERE IS SO MUCH MAGIC AND CHEMISTRY. LARK AND NIALL ARE DESTINED TO BE TOGETHER. WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES IS SUCH A WELL WRITTEN STORY. THE AUTHOR DID A WONDERFUL JOB WITH THE STORY AND CHARACTERS. IF YOU ARE HOPELESS ROMANTIC OR BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT AND TRUE LOVE, THIS BOOK WILL DEFINITELY MAKE YOU A BELIEVER EVEN MORE.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
July 14, 2017
At the Heart of the Stone will captivate you from the beginning. It's strong, passionate and romantic.
Lark is a confident, intelligent, sexy woman in the corporate world. She's been engaged to Charles for almost six years. For the past six months though, Lark has had dreams of a mysterious man in her sleep. He seems to care about her deeply and he has helped her to open up sexually.
Charles is as sexy as a male model. He's arrogant, power hungry and a twat. He also works with his fiance but at a higher level. Charles thinks they have it all but do they?
Larks rushes back to the states by herself  to reunite with her family after hearing the news of her father's death. Later when Charles arrives, his secret past is slowly revealed and all hell breaks loose.
Niall is Lark's fathers estate attorney and a family friend. His Irish charm will melt your heart. He's loving, caring and so compassionate.
Once Lark realizes this is the man of her dreams, things start to get wild.
Lark's erotic dreams of her mysterious man are sensual and hot but not over the top.
The author has wtitten an beautiful love story with a twist. Sometimes we don't know others as well as we think we do.
I would definitely recommend this book!
I'm volunteering an honest review for an advance reader's copy.
Profile Image for MaLoBe.
484 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2019
Beautiful, bittersweet story about true love and special connection

That story is different to the others I've read so far. It gave me the feeling that souls can connect and if there is someone destined for us we will find our way to that somebody. It was bittersweet. No sugarcoating. It is slow burn with precisely though through story line. Characters are very well developed and I could easily connect with them. There's perfect hero, perfect villain anti-hero and confused heartbroken heroine who needs to reconcile her past. Current events doesn't make it easy for her and she is conflicted. Reading it I didn't feel angst the plot was moving on smoothly and when I thought there is nothing else to surprise me suddenly twist that left me shocked. The ending of the book was another surprise. I very much enjoyed this story and will for sure read more books of this author because of the writing style and the way the story was delivered.
Profile Image for Ida Jolley.
739 reviews17 followers
November 3, 2017
Do dreams really come true? I would say yes for this couple. Lark has a job she loves in London but comes home to Oregon and meets Niall. Even though she is engaged to Charles back in London, she keeps having dreams about a mystery man. It becomes apparent that this man is Niall. Lark and Niall start becoming closer and Charles doesn’t like it one bit and he starts to become aggressive and angry with the situation. Lark sees a new side to him and realizes he isn’t the man she thought he was and finds out he also has lied to her about things she just can’t forgive him for. Things heat up and she breaks up with him but he tries to force her to come to him. But Niall has other plans to win her over. It’s a perfect love story and I fell in love with this couple and I know other readers will too. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,171 reviews11 followers
February 21, 2020
5 Stars for When You Close Your Eyes
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own!

Roxanne D Howard is a new author for me & I’ve now added her to my TBR authors !

I was drawn to this book by the hot cover as well as the brief synopsis!!

Lark has a lover that comes to her in her dreams & it’s not her fiancé Charles. Circumstances surrounding the death of her father who she has been estranged from for many years brings her back to Portland , OR for the services.

This book has a great plot & great characters! When Niall appears - the family lawyer he is immediately drawn to Lark. What plays out is having a dream become reality as these two work towards an eventually HEA!!

Great book
Read in almost one sitting !!
Profile Image for Karinosa.
682 reviews11 followers
February 5, 2019
Lark and Nial and Charles...hmmm....This read was well paced and it read well. The scenes were hot and very much frustratingly good. You will see what I mean! I felt this book and their characters. They were strong minded and stayed their courses. This is a good read and I enjoyed it. Is there a second to this book?? I am curious as to the ending. Well, it is a good reAd!!

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. The opinions are solely my own. Thank you Net Galley!!
Profile Image for Lori Amey.
425 reviews14 followers
December 15, 2018
This book was like no other, I've ever read before. Lark is living two lives. One in real life and one through her dreams. This book is filled with love, lust, mystery, suspense and lots of sexy times. My emotions were all over the place and I had no idea what would happen next. When I was finished reading, I couldn't think of nothing else but this book. You don't want to miss out on reading this story.
10.9k reviews125 followers
January 29, 2019
This is the 4th book I've read written by Roxanne Howard; she has done an great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
21 reviews
January 29, 2019
A sexy, romantic slow burn to keep you warm on a winter night. Niall is hotter than hell, both in Lark's dreams and in-person. This book is unique and well-written. It is not a fast-paced read, but more of a slow climb to an extremely satisfying conclusion. I dislike it when authors wrap up a story too tightly and I really appreciate that this author left us with a HEA that leaves room to daydream.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ali Marquez.
3 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2019
This book was an emotional roller coaster. I felt anger, embarrassment, hope frustration and blushing happiness all in the one night it took me to read the whole book. It only took one night because I couldn't put it down. I can officially say I have a new book boyfriend and Niall is all mine ladies so BACK OFF!.....just kidding, enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is Niall and lark . I received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
January 31, 2019
I loved this book! Roxanne D. Howard writes stories that pull me in and hug me like a warm blanket. I have yet to read one of her books that I do not love. In this book we go on a journey with Lark in her dreams and then into reality. Lark has been dreaming about a mysterious Irish man and then finds the real man back in Oregon. This is a beautifully written story with dreamy twists, a jealous ex and a love story with a great HEA. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
441 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2019
I loved this sexy story with great characters, romance and intrigue. She lived in London and had a fiance who was chating on her. She had to return to Oregon when her father got ill. She had been having erotic dreams of an Irish man and when she got to Oregon she met him in the flesh. They are great for each other. I look forward to reading more books from this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Erica Lynn.
Author 29 books243 followers
February 23, 2016
This book was wonderful! Roxanne D. Howard does such an amazing job of making the reader feel like they are in the scene.
Her characters are so relatable, and you root for them as they navigate their way through emotional situations and circumstances.
I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this author!
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
January 29, 2019
Dreams become reality
Great book! For Lark, her dreams seem to have become a reality as she comes face-face with a man she has been dreaming about. This has mystery, emotion, drama and steamy scenes. It’s easy to read and follow, an overall great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
3,016 reviews30 followers
June 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the dreaming before they met. I always wish that happened to me. Lark and No all were so good together and had great chemistry.
This was a really good book. Cannot wait to read another.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,164 reviews
January 26, 2019
What a unique and interesting read. Lark has a second life going on in her dreams. Very different and entertaining. Really enjoyed this from beginning to end. Will be reading more from this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elaine Swinney.
2,210 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2019
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this book and I chose to review it. It is well written and worth your time. It has some twists and turns. I don't do spoilers so you will have to get the book to find out what it is. Give this one a chance, I think you will enjoy it!
5,644 reviews
April 26, 2019
Ms. Howard, where have you been? I'm so glad I have found you! What a wonderful book! I enjoyed every single page! Loved the plot. "Sleeping" with a "dreamy" man! What could be better? Travelling to Oregon and meeting him? Just loved it! And, yes, loved Niall!
Profile Image for Justen Perkins.
321 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2019
What a steamy romance. I loved reading this book and seeing where it took me from the first page to the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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