Durante siete años, Jasper Elliot se sintió traicionado y solo cuando su hermano salió de su casa. Cuando un visitante inesperado se presenta y las voces de la verdad de por qué dejó a su hermano, Jasper se enfrentaba a una decisión que cambiaría el curso de su vida. Al llegar a El Rancho Montaña Hart no sólo no van las cosas la manera que él esperaba también, pero él también encontró algo que él pensó que nunca lo haría.
Seth Hart tenía un secreto, que tenía cicatrices de su cuenta. Para mantener en secreto su seguridad, nunca le fecha y siempre se aseguró de no tener su corazón en cuestión. Con la llegada de Jasper, las resoluciones de Seth voló por la ventana. En el instante en atracción Seth sentía por Jasper era estimulante, pero también le daba miedo. Justo cuando las cosas empezaron a ir mejor que nunca esperó que Seth, su pasado alcanza a ellos.
¿Será su desgarro por delante de ellos separados o traerá secreto de Seth más cerca juntos?
Leiland's reading list is exemplary of the evolution of erotic romance. Initially, Leiland began reading Harlequin Romance and Silhouette Desire but later transitioned to Silhouette Nocturne. But after reading the first M/M erotic romance, tons of M/M material soon followed. As an avid reader, Leiland decided one day to take a stab at writing a book. These days, when not writing something new, Leiland can be found reading a steamy romance (shifters are a fav!), taking the pet dog for a walk or watching movies such as A Walk to Remember.
A Loving Hart is book two of Leiland Dale’s Heart of the Mountain series, beginning precisely where When the Bluebird Calls concludes. The central characters from book one are secondary in the sequel and only play a minor role in the story. A Loving Hart focuses upon Jasper Elliot, brother to Greg who was the love interest in the first book.
Jasper arrives at the Mountain Hart Ranch, which is an all-male, all-gay, small-town Montana horse ranch, after his father rejects him and kicks him out of his home upon discovering his sexual orientation. The ranch is owned and operated by Seth Hart who had acquired it several years prior and has allowed it to become a safe haven for gay men who have been unable to find acceptance and happiness within their own families and communities.
When Jasper first lays eyes upon Seth, there is an instant attraction, and he senses that these feelings are mutual. Although Seth is initially very guarded and hesitant, Jasper begins to realize that Seth has taken a keen interest in him. It becomes confusing to Jasper when Seth pulls back a bit, and this apparent reluctance on Seth’s part sends mixed signals to Jasper, who is becoming all-but obsessed with his new boss.
It is early one morning when Seth finds Jasper asleep in the barn and tries to gently awaken him that they share their first kiss. Things do not immediately heat up for the couple, though, for Seth cannot bring himself to a point of trusting Jasper enough to reveal a startling secret from his past. Seth had previously experienced rejection and harsh judgment when he’d allowed himself to trust another like this, and he’s terrified that Jasper will ultimately reject him as well.
Eventually Seth must face his fears and find the courage to be honest about his identity, while Jasper must examine his own heart and determine whether or not he is open-minded enough to accept the shocking paranormal nature of Seth’s secret.
Having now experienced several of Leiland Dale’s stories, I’m finding myself becoming a bigger fan of his with every read. I enjoy his writing style immensely, and it seems to me that he’s getting better with every piece he publishes. His material is now much more carefully edited, and his love scenes are even hotter than before.
The paranormal element within this story was a huge shock to me, for in the first book of the series there did not even seem to be a hint that the series would head in this direction. Although initially I was a bit flabbergasted, I felt that the twist was unique enough to make it intriguing. I also particularly appreciated the fact that the erotic content was progressive. There was only one climactic scene toward the end of the story when the couple finally consummated their relationship, and it tied in with the big revelation. Had the author gone another route and laced the story with torrid, passionate sex scenes, it would have lessened the impact of the beautiful moment shared by the protagonists at the end.
As is typical with Leiland Dale’s stories, the reader is left with some plaguing questions. Where will the series go from here? What will become of the situation with Seth’s ex-lover Wayne, who makes a brief foreshadowing appearance and is not heard from thereafter? Will Greg and Jasper’s tyrannical and controlling father reemerge in a future episode? Will the frisky ranch hands who have their eye on Jasper throughout the story create problems which could jeopardize Jasper and Seth’s happiness?
I guess we will have to wait for book three in order to find out all these answers. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to future installments.
Wonderful book which picks up right where When the Bluebird Calls left off, with Seth meeting Jasper. Seth has a secret, which was not what I was expecting but works wonderfully. Jasper has issues with trust after being lied to by his father for years. This book has a bit of drama, an old fashioned romance and some hot sex, but is not overdone. Mr Leiland Dale does some wonderful work that is a true pleasure to read
This story had one hellova twist that knocked me on my arse. I never saw this coming and then... Whoop there it is! A refreshing read. Different from what I'm used to with this type of shifter. Leiland's story here teased me into wanting to attempt another shifter book just like this one and check it out. Maybe. Perhaps. Who knows. :snickering:
A very smooth, sultry all out romantic and tender love story which rocked for a sequel.
Leiland, buddy, did I detect something sneaky going on between Jeremy and Deputy Stevenson? Hot! Or did I detect something in the midst between Wayne and Zach? Mint! This has interesting potential. I can just see it now, but you probably already know this.
I must give Leiland my congrats and thanks for the spiritual lift I needed and at a time it was needed.
This is a wonderful and enjoyable story. It was wonderful and touching watching the romance bloom between Seth and Jasper. And Seth secret was nice and Jasper handled it great. I loved it. Really well done Leiland!! who do you have in mind for book 3? maybe Zach and Wayne?? hmmm.. Wayne will need to do some groveling... I hope there will be another in this series.
This second book in the series goes off in a total other direction and leaves an open ending that I hope means we are going to see more of this world - although it's been quite a while since this one was published and the author has gone on to some other series, so I'm not sure.
In the opening of this book, Devon wants to do something really nice for Greg after all he's done for Devon after the trials from the first book. Greg regrets very much that he never got to say goodbye to his younger brother Jasper as he was run off his family's ranch by his father and a shotgun when he found out Greg was gay. Devon decides to go and find Jasper and tell him the truth and see if he can get the two brothers together. Well, turns out Jasper (while skeptical at first) has been told that Greg just took off so he's been angry for those 7 years. Devon convinces Jasper that Greg did not leave of his own volition and when Jasper confronts his father and confesses that he too is gay, he gets run off the property as well - but Devon is waiting to take him to Greg.
Greg and Jasper are over the moon to be reunited. The Jasper meets Seth, the ranch owner and once again, sparks fly. They are obviously very attracted to each other, but Seth tried to keep some distance. Seth has a secret that has ruined his life in the past once he shared it and he couldn't bear it if Jasper found out his secret and rejected him as well. Just as Jasper and Seth are getting closer, Jasper and Greg's father comes to confront them and take Jasper home. The father ends up shooting both Greg and Seth. Jasper is beside himself with worry and stays with Seth when he gets home from the hospital. Things seem to be moving along well and Seth wants to tell Jasper his secret when a blast from the past shows up at his door.
I don't want to spoil the rest of the story, but the secret is quite a big one. You'll just have to read the story to find out what it is and how it affects the relationships in the book :)
For once I was glad that a book was short. A Loving Hart, book two in the Heart of the Mountain series, is, minus the paranormal aspect, a good love story. If that were all the book was I would be happy. But...why
This book begins almost immediately after where When the Bluebird Calls left off, so I recommend reading it first.
I admit that as much as I enjoyed the first book, this one revolving around Seth and Jasper was by far my favorite. The book has a lot to recommend it. The characters are likable, the plot is well focused on them and their relationship, the flow is smooth and there are enough twists to keep it interesting...and trust me at least one just about knocked me out of my chair.
I don't know what Ms. Dale has planned for the next release as there were a couple of plot threads...one major...that were left dangling for the future. I look forward to the next release.
This is one of those books that you read and wonder what is going on until it is right in your face. I loved that! I loved the first book, but this one was the best for me. I loved the relationship between Jasper and Seth. Seth truly finds that love that he so obviously deserves. Jasper gets a life that he has dreamed of and the love of his brother that he thought he loved. I couldn't have asked for a better read.
Okay book. Not exciting, not too boring either. Can't recommend it. The paranormal aspect was a welcome difference to the first one in the series. But half way through the book I could predict exactly how everything was going to go down, all the way down to the ex boyfriend and the other MC's father.
Oh kudos, Leiland Dale! I found this book to be a highly enjoyable read! It left me with a sense of peace and hope, for really we all have skeletons in our closets and are looking for someone who can love and accept us as is and that is really what this story is about.
This is a love story pure and simple. Strip away all the paranormal elements and you get a sweet love story and a mending of a broken heart. The paranormal part was just icing on the cake. Can't wait for the next installment.
I'm wondering what the animal/shifter/paranormal thing added to this book? and the answer to me is nothing. I really didn't like that aspect. There is also some unfinished busines in this book with the ex of Seth. Why mention him and let him show up if you don't follow up on that?