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Winter Hearts
This Winter Heart
Santa Fe, The Republic of New Texacali, 1870
Eight years ago, Ophelia Leonides's husband cast her off when he discovered she was not the woman he thought she was. Now destitute after the death of her father, Ophelia is forced to turn to Dario for help raising the child she never told him about.
Dario is furious that Ophelia has returned, and refuses to believe Arthur is his son—after all, he thought his wife was barren. But to avoid gossip, he agrees to let them spend the holidays at his villa. While he cannot resist the desire he still feels for Ophelia, Dario despises himself for being hopelessly in love with a woman who can never love him back.
But Dario is Ophelia's emotions are all too human, and she was brokenhearted when he rejected her. Unsure if she can trust the man she desperately loves, she fears for her life, her freedom and her son if anyone else learns of her true nature...
30,000 words
Eight years ago, Ophelia Leonides's husband cast her off when he discovered she was not the woman he thought she was. Now destitute after the death of her father, Ophelia is forced to turn to Dario for help raising the child she never told him about.
Dario is furious that Ophelia has returned, and refuses to believe Arthur is his son—after all, he thought his wife was barren. But to avoid gossip, he agrees to let them spend the holidays at his villa. While he cannot resist the desire he still feels for Ophelia, Dario despises himself for being hopelessly in love with a woman who can never love him back.
But Dario is Ophelia's emotions are all too human, and she was brokenhearted when he rejected her. Unsure if she can trust the man she desperately loves, she fears for her life, her freedom and her son if anyone else learns of her true nature...
30,000 words
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2011
1 person is currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
P.G. Forte
69 books143 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author PG Forte inhabits a world only slightly less strange than the ones she creates. Filled with serendipity, coincidence, love at first sight and dreams come true.
Originally a Jersey girl, and forever a California girl at heart, PG currently resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country where she continues to write contemporary and paranormal romance in a variety of sub-genres. The common thread linking them together? Her stories are always centered around themes of friendship, family, and heartfelt feelings.
Even the vampires? Yes. Especially the vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 12, 2020
I found this a harsh story the first time around, but after re-reading it, I still find her injuries hard to read about, but overall it's a great story.
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A short steampunk story about a mechanical woman (Ophelia) who falls in love with her father/creator's apprentice (Dario) and they marry. This happened before the story.
Now it is 8 years later...
I loved the premise. Love between a human and a machine/AI in a time when a mechanical person is property, having no rights of their own. So when her father dies, she needs protection for herself and her child. A miracle child, who Dario won't accept is his. He kicked her out 8 years ago when he discovered that she wasn't actually human. So he needs to decide now if she does have feelings or is it a case of anthropomorphism.
There are a few brief flashbacks interspersed throughout the story that are particularly damning to Dario's prejudice. And Dario struggles quite convincingly with what to believe. Eight years ago he kicked her out, but he also stopped living himself.
But he is so harsh to her, even going so far as to threaten kicking her out again but keeping their child.
Then when he finally realizes he is wrong, he is deliciously remorseful and the grovel is quite long. I just wish she hadn't had to be so injured for him to realize the truth. I think that was a big part of why I gave this less stars the first time 'round.
Safety is good
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A short steampunk story about a mechanical woman (Ophelia) who falls in love with her father/creator's apprentice (Dario) and they marry. This happened before the story.
Now it is 8 years later...
I loved the premise. Love between a human and a machine/AI in a time when a mechanical person is property, having no rights of their own. So when her father dies, she needs protection for herself and her child. A miracle child, who Dario won't accept is his. He kicked her out 8 years ago when he discovered that she wasn't actually human. So he needs to decide now if she does have feelings or is it a case of anthropomorphism.
There are a few brief flashbacks interspersed throughout the story that are particularly damning to Dario's prejudice. And Dario struggles quite convincingly with what to believe. Eight years ago he kicked her out, but he also stopped living himself.
But he is so harsh to her, even going so far as to threaten kicking her out again but keeping their child.
Then when he finally realizes he is wrong, he is deliciously remorseful and the grovel is quite long. I just wish she hadn't had to be so injured for him to realize the truth. I think that was a big part of why I gave this less stars the first time 'round.
Safety is good
December 14, 2011
This novella from A Clockwork Christmas doesn’t really have a whole lot to do with Christmas, but it certainly gives a steampunk twist to secret baby romances. Eight years previously, Ophelia’s husband threw her out after learning the shocking truth that she was not human, but a mechanical creation housed in a human shell. The death of the man she considers her father has put Ophelia in grave danger; if her secret is discovered, she could be declared to be “nothing more than a piece of unclaimed property, or ever worse perhaps part of her father’s estate.” She has no option but to turn to Dario. She also has a surprise for him: the son she was carrying when she left.
This happens to be a flavor of angsty goodness I’m particularly fond of: the badly behaving hero who has to suffer oceans of remorse for hurting the heroine. Dario believes Ophelia to be a “thing,” incapable of emotions, and the fact that he still has unwanted feelings for her makes him especially cruel:
"'You gave me everything I wanted, all my heart desired -- only none of it was real. If that's not a betrayal, I don't know what is.'
'Betrayal!' She almost spat the word out. 'And... and... how was it not real, pray tell. In what way did I ever play you false?'
'It was not real because you are not real."
Of course, this makes Dario's eventual realization that she does have feelings, indeed shows far truer love than he, the "real" person ever had, even more gut-wrenching.
The science behind the story is pretty dubious, even for steampunk, and there are any number of plotholes, but the poignancy of the situation brought tears to my eyes.
(reviewed from an e-arc provided by netGalley)
This happens to be a flavor of angsty goodness I’m particularly fond of: the badly behaving hero who has to suffer oceans of remorse for hurting the heroine. Dario believes Ophelia to be a “thing,” incapable of emotions, and the fact that he still has unwanted feelings for her makes him especially cruel:
"'You gave me everything I wanted, all my heart desired -- only none of it was real. If that's not a betrayal, I don't know what is.'
'Betrayal!' She almost spat the word out. 'And... and... how was it not real, pray tell. In what way did I ever play you false?'
'It was not real because you are not real."
Of course, this makes Dario's eventual realization that she does have feelings, indeed shows far truer love than he, the "real" person ever had, even more gut-wrenching.
The science behind the story is pretty dubious, even for steampunk, and there are any number of plotholes, but the poignancy of the situation brought tears to my eyes.
(reviewed from an e-arc provided by netGalley)
December 20, 2011
When the death of her father leaves her destitute Ophelia has no choice but to turn to her estranged husband Dario for help raising their son. Ophelia never stopped loving Dario but when he discovered her secret he wanted nothing more to do with her. He didn't believe she could have children so when she shows up with seven year old Arthur is instincts are do deny that the child is his but it is impossible to ignore the resemblance between them. Can Dario forgive Ophelia for the secret she kept from him and is there any way they can save their marriage?
I'm not going to tell you Ophelia's secret because it would be a major spoiler but I have to say that the one problem I had with this novella was the fact that I didn't really understand quite what her father had done and I shared Dario's scepticism that she could have become a mother in the circumstances. If you can put that issue to one side though then This Winter Heart is an enjoyable story. Although it was easy to see why Dario was as upset by the revelation of Ophelia's secret as he was (I'd have felt exactly the same way if I was in his situation!) that doesn't excuse the way he is so cruel to her. There were a couple of times I wanted to slap him for the things he said to her and I really was starting to worry that they would never be able to work things out. However once he realises his mistake he works hard to convince Ophelia that he has changed and the couple are so cute together that you have to route for a happy ending. It is obvious that Dario loves his wife and was devastated by her deception so even though his behaviour was despicable it was fairly easy to forgive him.
I'm not going to tell you Ophelia's secret because it would be a major spoiler but I have to say that the one problem I had with this novella was the fact that I didn't really understand quite what her father had done and I shared Dario's scepticism that she could have become a mother in the circumstances. If you can put that issue to one side though then This Winter Heart is an enjoyable story. Although it was easy to see why Dario was as upset by the revelation of Ophelia's secret as he was (I'd have felt exactly the same way if I was in his situation!) that doesn't excuse the way he is so cruel to her. There were a couple of times I wanted to slap him for the things he said to her and I really was starting to worry that they would never be able to work things out. However once he realises his mistake he works hard to convince Ophelia that he has changed and the couple are so cute together that you have to route for a happy ending. It is obvious that Dario loves his wife and was devastated by her deception so even though his behaviour was despicable it was fairly easy to forgive him.
December 6, 2011
What would you do if what you thought was real was something different entirely? This is what Dario had to deal with eight years ago when he found out a secret about his wife Ophelia. So devastated by the secret he sent her away. Now after the death of her father she has no other choice but to return to Dario and beg for his help, for her and his son, which is is unaware of.
Ophelia's secret has put a huge wedge between the two of them, now she has added another by introducing him to his son which he thought was impossible. How can she have birthed a child? She was supposed to have been barren. Is this some kind of trick again? Dario is resistant to accept his son but he must for public appearance.
Dario quickly realizes that he still loves Ophelia now matter what, but he must steal his heart from her and raise his son cause only he can give his son what he needs... love. After much evaluation and heartache Dario realizes what a huge mistake he has made and strives to do everything in his power to make up for all his wrong doings, hurtful words, and mistrust.
This was a fantastic story with steampunk elements that didn't take away from the heart breaking story. PG Forte truly is a magnificent writer, she really understands how to build a world and transport you into her stories. She puts such emotion into her words and characters that she will have you crying just like I was. I highly recommend this story as well as the rest of the anthology "A Clockwork Christmas".
Ophelia's secret has put a huge wedge between the two of them, now she has added another by introducing him to his son which he thought was impossible. How can she have birthed a child? She was supposed to have been barren. Is this some kind of trick again? Dario is resistant to accept his son but he must for public appearance.
Dario quickly realizes that he still loves Ophelia now matter what, but he must steal his heart from her and raise his son cause only he can give his son what he needs... love. After much evaluation and heartache Dario realizes what a huge mistake he has made and strives to do everything in his power to make up for all his wrong doings, hurtful words, and mistrust.
This was a fantastic story with steampunk elements that didn't take away from the heart breaking story. PG Forte truly is a magnificent writer, she really understands how to build a world and transport you into her stories. She puts such emotion into her words and characters that she will have you crying just like I was. I highly recommend this story as well as the rest of the anthology "A Clockwork Christmas".
December 7, 2011
Ophelia Leonides finds herself destitute after her father’s death and forced to return to the husband who abandoned her in order to support their son, Arthur. Her husband, Dario, is part of a powerful family in the Republic of New Texacali after the Civil War, and is not at all inclined to help his estranged wife. Since he believed her to be barren, he’s even less likely to accept that Arthur’s his son, but the resemblance is undeniable. Can the marriage be saved, or will Dario refuse to accept his wife for what she is – a women with a heart and feelings.
I love reunion romances, so this was a winner for me. Once Ophelia’s dark secret is revealed, it’s very easy to see why Dario would have rejected her. The only problem I had with the novella has to do with Ophelia’s secret, which is only explained in a very vague sort of way. Steampunk technology doesn’t have to be completely explained for me (in fact, I’d prefer that it not be), but I was fairly puzzled over how Ophelia’s father had pulled off what he had. 4 out of 5
I received this novella for review from the publisher through NetGalley.
I love reunion romances, so this was a winner for me. Once Ophelia’s dark secret is revealed, it’s very easy to see why Dario would have rejected her. The only problem I had with the novella has to do with Ophelia’s secret, which is only explained in a very vague sort of way. Steampunk technology doesn’t have to be completely explained for me (in fact, I’d prefer that it not be), but I was fairly puzzled over how Ophelia’s father had pulled off what he had. 4 out of 5
I received this novella for review from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 5, 2012
Read and reviewed as part of the A Clockwork Christmas anthology; for the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Author’s Website: http://www.pgforte.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Winter Hearts series
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
While I’m not usually one for stories involving estranged lovers, I admit that the main plot was fascinating, and I loved the world that Ms. Forte created. The angst between the characters was delightful, and there was just enough heat to keep things interesting.
A solid 4/5 Stars, and I’m interested in seeing where the rest of the series takes us.
Author’s Website: http://www.pgforte.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Winter Hearts series
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
While I’m not usually one for stories involving estranged lovers, I admit that the main plot was fascinating, and I loved the world that Ms. Forte created. The angst between the characters was delightful, and there was just enough heat to keep things interesting.
A solid 4/5 Stars, and I’m interested in seeing where the rest of the series takes us.
December 17, 2012
The premise behind the story is interesting and the detailing very good, but what turned me off (ironically) was the formulaic love scenes. I'm beginning to see a pattern of mechanical writing. It's as if a number of intimate scenes are required and no matter what is going on, somehow they need to be jammed in the short story. I didn't find it romantic, but rather distracting and disturbing. Again, the descriptions resonated with modern romance novels and not altogether fitting with the time period. It just didn't seem to mesh for me. I found myself merely scanning and then flipping through to get back to the plot of the story. More of an 'ew' than an 'oh.'
December 7, 2011
Part of A Clockwork Christmas. Holy Crap, what a tearjerker! This was a ridiculously sweet love story about an automaton woman and her husband who had to come to terms with what that meant (or didn't mean). Even though I wanted to strangle Dario most of the time, I really liked this story and of course the wonderful-but-not-too-perfect-to-be-realistic ending.
December 27, 2019
What a heartbreakingly beautiful love story! I cried for her, even though I can totally understand him. But still... oh, so painful, oh so good!
March 24, 2013
My review courtesy of Fallen Angel Reviews:
Ophelia Leonides was madly in love with her husband, Dario, but when he learned an important truth of her life, he cast her out. So hurt was she, Ophelia never let Dario know about the son they had together, a son that should not have been possible. Now, eight years later, Ophelia finds herself tossed out once more and with nobody to turn to, she runs to Dario for help. But, Dario is cold and mistrustful of anything she says and Ophelia fears she may once again find herself destitute, or worse, without her son. Will she ever be able to convince Dario of the truth of her love, or will he forever see her as less than a woman?
After learning a startling truth about his wife, a secret that left Dario doubting her as a woman or her ability to love him in return, Dario threw Ophelia out of his home and out of his life. But, try as he might, he could never cast her out of his heart. When she returns eight years later with a son she claims is his, Dario thinks she's just telling him more lies; however, seeing her again and with her son is making Dario doubt everything he believed to be true. Is it possible he was wrong all along? Is she really capable of loving him as she says she does?
Once again, PG Forte has proven herself to be an amazing and inventive storyteller. This Winter Heart was a unique and compelling story about the power of love and the miracle of life. It did not matter one iota that this was a short story because what this story lacks in length, it makes up for in heart. The depth of feeling and the passion between Ophelia and Dario came through the pages and their pain felt absolutely real. They lost eight years when they could have been happily married and in love and that was truly heartbreaking. So much so, I found myself desperate for their happy ending. Enchanting and intriguing, This Winter Heart was a powerful and emotionally charged story that is sure to charm readers and leave them craving more.
Reviewed by: Tara
Ophelia Leonides was madly in love with her husband, Dario, but when he learned an important truth of her life, he cast her out. So hurt was she, Ophelia never let Dario know about the son they had together, a son that should not have been possible. Now, eight years later, Ophelia finds herself tossed out once more and with nobody to turn to, she runs to Dario for help. But, Dario is cold and mistrustful of anything she says and Ophelia fears she may once again find herself destitute, or worse, without her son. Will she ever be able to convince Dario of the truth of her love, or will he forever see her as less than a woman?
After learning a startling truth about his wife, a secret that left Dario doubting her as a woman or her ability to love him in return, Dario threw Ophelia out of his home and out of his life. But, try as he might, he could never cast her out of his heart. When she returns eight years later with a son she claims is his, Dario thinks she's just telling him more lies; however, seeing her again and with her son is making Dario doubt everything he believed to be true. Is it possible he was wrong all along? Is she really capable of loving him as she says she does?
Once again, PG Forte has proven herself to be an amazing and inventive storyteller. This Winter Heart was a unique and compelling story about the power of love and the miracle of life. It did not matter one iota that this was a short story because what this story lacks in length, it makes up for in heart. The depth of feeling and the passion between Ophelia and Dario came through the pages and their pain felt absolutely real. They lost eight years when they could have been happily married and in love and that was truly heartbreaking. So much so, I found myself desperate for their happy ending. Enchanting and intriguing, This Winter Heart was a powerful and emotionally charged story that is sure to charm readers and leave them craving more.
Reviewed by: Tara
August 9, 2016
# 45 of the 2015 Reading Challenge: "A book set during Christmas"
Okay, so I read it a bit outta season. In all honesty, Christmas was a minor element. I think I could count the number of scenes on one hand where the season/holiday was even discussed. That's not a big deal for me, personally. But if you're seeking a book to getting you "in the holiday spirit", just know that this isn't one of them. *Shrug* Since this is a novella, the few complaints I have are typical: story feels a bit rushed, ends too soon, etc. But, if you take it for what it is, it's pretty good!
I really liked the world the author created, and it felt authentic, not hastily mashed up with a few keywords. This is my first foray into the steampunk genre, so if a connoisseur is reading this and is thoroughly unimpressed, I cannot speak to him/her. I will say, however, that the writing of this author has piqued my interest to read more steampunk, so mission accomplished on that point!
The setting is December, 1870: "The majority [on the battered airship] were emigrants from the newly defeated Union. People who’d lost their homes or their livelihood in the chaos that had followed hard on the heels of the Confederate victory and who were now hoping for a fresh start in this burgeoning new country."
Since I'm a history major with a love for sci-fi, I think steampunk will be my new addiction. The alternate-history-plots are just too much to resist!
Okay, so I read it a bit outta season. In all honesty, Christmas was a minor element. I think I could count the number of scenes on one hand where the season/holiday was even discussed. That's not a big deal for me, personally. But if you're seeking a book to getting you "in the holiday spirit", just know that this isn't one of them. *Shrug* Since this is a novella, the few complaints I have are typical: story feels a bit rushed, ends too soon, etc. But, if you take it for what it is, it's pretty good!
I really liked the world the author created, and it felt authentic, not hastily mashed up with a few keywords. This is my first foray into the steampunk genre, so if a connoisseur is reading this and is thoroughly unimpressed, I cannot speak to him/her. I will say, however, that the writing of this author has piqued my interest to read more steampunk, so mission accomplished on that point!
The setting is December, 1870: "The majority [on the battered airship] were emigrants from the newly defeated Union. People who’d lost their homes or their livelihood in the chaos that had followed hard on the heels of the Confederate victory and who were now hoping for a fresh start in this burgeoning new country."
Since I'm a history major with a love for sci-fi, I think steampunk will be my new addiction. The alternate-history-plots are just too much to resist!
August 29, 2012
This is my first Steampunk story & enjoyed it.
PG Forte packed this novella with a lot of emotion, especially from Dario. I loved the hero of this book from the beginning. PG Forte delved into his internal turmoil realistically, and as the reader I felt his internal conflict, angst and his struggle with loving a woman, who he feels he cannot trust and accept. His wife, Ophelia is not who he thought she was when he married her--through no fault of her own--and it will have the reader wondering as well, if Dario should unleash his passion and give her unconditional love.
I also enjoyed the fantasy element, the historical setting and PG Forte's voice. She has a wonderful writing style. The scientific elements in the story didn't take away from the sexual tension or passion between the Dario and Ophelia. These elements added intrigue and suspense, especially during one scene, where the reader isn't quite sure if this will have a happy ever after ending or if this family can actually hold it together.
The internal and external conflicts are well drawn out in this story and the characters are unpredictable, and three-dimensional, which is why they worked so well in this story.
Intriguing, suspenseful, heartfelt love story.
PG Forte packed this novella with a lot of emotion, especially from Dario. I loved the hero of this book from the beginning. PG Forte delved into his internal turmoil realistically, and as the reader I felt his internal conflict, angst and his struggle with loving a woman, who he feels he cannot trust and accept. His wife, Ophelia is not who he thought she was when he married her--through no fault of her own--and it will have the reader wondering as well, if Dario should unleash his passion and give her unconditional love.
I also enjoyed the fantasy element, the historical setting and PG Forte's voice. She has a wonderful writing style. The scientific elements in the story didn't take away from the sexual tension or passion between the Dario and Ophelia. These elements added intrigue and suspense, especially during one scene, where the reader isn't quite sure if this will have a happy ever after ending or if this family can actually hold it together.
The internal and external conflicts are well drawn out in this story and the characters are unpredictable, and three-dimensional, which is why they worked so well in this story.
Intriguing, suspenseful, heartfelt love story.
August 29, 2012
Ophelia Winter's husband Dario Leonides cast her off eight years ago when he discovered she was not the woman he thought she was. Now Ophelia has returned to ask for his help raising their child Arthur -- a son he knows nothing about.
This steampunk novella packs a powerful emotional punch, featuring well-drawn characters who struggle with inner turmoil, secrets and heartbreak. Set in 1870 Santa Fe, the story follows this couple's bittersweet reunion and their journey to find answers. Is Ophelia capable of loving Dario? Can Dario love a woman he believes can't love him back? Can Ophelia forgive Dario for rejecting her? Will Dario accept Arthur as his son?
I enjoyed this author's writing style and the way she kept me guessing as to the final outcome. The love scenes were tender and passionate, adding suspense and contrast to the scenes featuring Dario and Ophelia's strong internal and external conflicts. I couldn't be sure of a happy ending, so this book was difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book for any fan of well-written romance!
This steampunk novella packs a powerful emotional punch, featuring well-drawn characters who struggle with inner turmoil, secrets and heartbreak. Set in 1870 Santa Fe, the story follows this couple's bittersweet reunion and their journey to find answers. Is Ophelia capable of loving Dario? Can Dario love a woman he believes can't love him back? Can Ophelia forgive Dario for rejecting her? Will Dario accept Arthur as his son?
I enjoyed this author's writing style and the way she kept me guessing as to the final outcome. The love scenes were tender and passionate, adding suspense and contrast to the scenes featuring Dario and Ophelia's strong internal and external conflicts. I couldn't be sure of a happy ending, so this book was difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book for any fan of well-written romance!
February 13, 2016
This was my first "steampunk" read and I must say that I truly enjoyed it! As a huge fan of sci-fi and paranormal as well as romance, this story was right up my alley! The delightful mix of the proper language of the era, the fantastic creations of one brilliant inventor and the altered historical events made for a quick, interesting read that is still full of emotion.
Olivia and Dario were deeply, irrevocably in love, that is until Dario discovers Olivia's true nature and rejects her, sending her away from him and their home. Eight years later, alone and destitute, Olivia must return to that home to seek assistance from Dario for herself and their son. A son that Dario never knew existed and in fact had been led to believe could never exist, given the fact that Olivia is not quite human...
Exceptionally well-written and edited, it was a breath of fresh air to read a story virtually free of those unfortunate and distracting errors that we all make. I really enjoyed this one. Highly recommended read!
Olivia and Dario were deeply, irrevocably in love, that is until Dario discovers Olivia's true nature and rejects her, sending her away from him and their home. Eight years later, alone and destitute, Olivia must return to that home to seek assistance from Dario for herself and their son. A son that Dario never knew existed and in fact had been led to believe could never exist, given the fact that Olivia is not quite human...
Exceptionally well-written and edited, it was a breath of fresh air to read a story virtually free of those unfortunate and distracting errors that we all make. I really enjoyed this one. Highly recommended read!
December 6, 2011
This was an amazing story. I read other reviews and I have to say that I am rather disappointed about the way many have viewed Dario. My heart broke for Dario from the very beginning. He was obviously in love with Ophelia from the very beginning. He did, however, question her ability to truly love him. To protect his own heart, he tried to continue rejecting Ophelia when she returned. But there was never any question in my mind that right from the start Dario was helplessly in love with Ophelia.
I love all of P.G. Forte books. Her work spans several different genres and her knowledge base is AMAZING! (Is there anything she doesn't know about?)
I highly recommend this novella and all of P.G. Forte's books! She is an amazing author.
November 6, 2012
While I haven't read that many steampunk stories, I really enjoyed how P.G. combined different genres to create this intriguing mix of historical romance and steampunk elements. I love anything that is different, and this story definitely is different.
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