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Hart of Seattle #1
Starting Over
Ella Martin was devastated by the events surrounding her divorce. Determined to start over, she relocates from New Jersey to Washington to be a photographer with her longtime friend, Renatta. Having been emotionally scarred by her ex-husband’s betrayal, Ella didn’t believe she would ever be able to trust another man again. Then she met Xavier Hart, a successful CEO of an investment firm. She soon discovers that she cannot resist the dangerously handsome Xavier. But her struggles with her intense jealousy and trust issues start to clash with his controlling tendencies. As their relationship develops, she discovers the reason for his controlling nature over her and his desperate need to keep her safe. When her ex-husband suddenly relocates to Washington, her past and present collide in a dangerous way.
507 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2013
22 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Maguire
4 books122 followersL. E. Maguire is an independent author who is a born and bred Jersey Girl currently living below the Mason-Dixon line.
She is an avid reader with a passion for romance novels. When she's not reading, you can usually find her writing.
Starting Over (Hart of Seattle, #1) was her first published novel on July 27, 2013. Her second novel, New Beginnings (Hart of Seattle, #2), is the second and final in the Hart of Seattle series, and was published on December 31, 2013. Her third release, unrelated to the first two, Picture Perfect, was published on April 7, 2015. Unthinkable was published on November 11, 2022.
She also has a special love for photography, football (sharing an equal passion for both the NY Giants and the Seattle Seahawks), and all things vampire.
You can get in touch with her through her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lemaguireauthor or through email at LEMaguireauthor@gmail.com.
She is an avid reader with a passion for romance novels. When she's not reading, you can usually find her writing.
Starting Over (Hart of Seattle, #1) was her first published novel on July 27, 2013. Her second novel, New Beginnings (Hart of Seattle, #2), is the second and final in the Hart of Seattle series, and was published on December 31, 2013. Her third release, unrelated to the first two, Picture Perfect, was published on April 7, 2015. Unthinkable was published on November 11, 2022.
She also has a special love for photography, football (sharing an equal passion for both the NY Giants and the Seattle Seahawks), and all things vampire.
You can get in touch with her through her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lemaguireauthor or through email at LEMaguireauthor@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 15, 2014
This is the first book that I have read my Ms. Maguire and I am hands down a fan!!! This book was FANTASTIC from page one. The epilogue has left me craving more of Ella, Xavier, and Stephen's story.
This story has made me feel every emotion out there....Pain, grief, first true love, happiness, heart-breaking sadness to just name a few. This story is very well written and tells a very powerful tale of broken hearts, love at first sight, and so much more!!
Ella Martin is such an AMAZING character. She is filled with so much spunk and personality. A true Jersey Girl ;-)
I had mixed emotions about Xavier Hart in the beginning. There was something a little off about him. But, as I read more of his story. I completely understood him and fell in love with him. He is so much more then a a sexy billionaire in a suit.
This is a book that will make you feel and leave you chomping at the bit until you can finish the story with Book Two - New Beginnings.
Well Done Ms. Maguire. I look forward to reading more from you in the very near future.
This story has made me feel every emotion out there....Pain, grief, first true love, happiness, heart-breaking sadness to just name a few. This story is very well written and tells a very powerful tale of broken hearts, love at first sight, and so much more!!
Ella Martin is such an AMAZING character. She is filled with so much spunk and personality. A true Jersey Girl ;-)
I had mixed emotions about Xavier Hart in the beginning. There was something a little off about him. But, as I read more of his story. I completely understood him and fell in love with him. He is so much more then a a sexy billionaire in a suit.
This is a book that will make you feel and leave you chomping at the bit until you can finish the story with Book Two - New Beginnings.
Well Done Ms. Maguire. I look forward to reading more from you in the very near future.
Read
December 5, 2014Find full review here: http://slitsread.wordpress.com/2013/0...
OMG I COULD NOT FINISH THIS BOOK! I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE ANNOYED BY A HEROINE! SHE IS 35 AND REFERS TO HERSELF AS MIDDLE AGED, APPARENTLY THE ONLY THING STOPPING HER FROM LIKING ANOTHER FEMALE CHARACTER IS HER GORGEOUS LOOKS! I COULD GO ON AND ON! XAVIER WHY DO YOU LIKE HER?!!! WHY WOULD ANYONE LIKE HER?!!
ELLA I am sorry but...
SO GOODBYE! SHALL NOT BE FINISHING THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU!
OMG I COULD NOT FINISH THIS BOOK! I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE ANNOYED BY A HEROINE! SHE IS 35 AND REFERS TO HERSELF AS MIDDLE AGED, APPARENTLY THE ONLY THING STOPPING HER FROM LIKING ANOTHER FEMALE CHARACTER IS HER GORGEOUS LOOKS! I COULD GO ON AND ON! XAVIER WHY DO YOU LIKE HER?!!! WHY WOULD ANYONE LIKE HER?!!
ELLA I am sorry but...
SO GOODBYE! SHALL NOT BE FINISHING THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU!
Want to read
July 29, 2013
Ella Martin was devastated by the events surrounding her divorce. Determined to start over, she relocates from New Jersey to Washington to be a photographer with her longtime friend, Renatta. Having been emotionally scarred by her ex-husband’s betrayal, Ella didn’t believe she would ever be able to trust another man again. Then she met Xavier Hart, a successful CEO of an investment firm. She soon discovers that she cannot resist the dangerously handsome Xavier. But her struggles with her intense jealousy and trust issues start to clash with his controlling tendencies. As their relationship develops, she discovers the reason for his controlling nature over her and his desperate need to keep her safe. When her ex-husband suddenly relocates to Washington, her past and present collide in a dangerous way.
I don't know about you, but this sounds pretty good to me. And i'm super excited!
OH AND GOOD NEWS GUYS! IT'S LIVE ON AMAZON NOW!!!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6SBWYU
SO QUICK! GO GRAB A COPY!
And also! Thru a lot of facebook-stalking, which i do not normally always do, I've discovered that Starting Over would only be available for Kindle and the Kindle App, but it will also be available through iTunes for iBooks and CreateSpace as a paperback. Sooooooooo, I guess i might just be getting mine in paperback after all then. Wooooot woot!
Still not intrigued yet to buy this book? Well, you can read Chapter 1-3 on the author's facebook page to get a sneak-peek!
Here's the link for Chapter 1 :
https://www.facebook.com/notes/lori-e...
I can't wait to read this book soon! Because I know I'm already slowly falling in love with this author's work.
Oh and Xavier Hart too ;-)
August 8, 2013
OMG!!!! I can't wait for the next installment! I absolutely LOVED this book! I liked that it didn't have the detailed sex scenes in it as most of the books written today have. I liked the sex was implied and we could make of it what we wanted. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the books loaded with sex, but this was a nice change from what everyone else is writing. And I enjoyed the twists that I didn't see coming. Still wondering how Devlin fits into all of this. Hmmmmm . . . The best is that Ella is a Jersey Girl! Love her attitude. Don't mess with a Jersey Girl! The book was GREAT!!! I'm looking forward to 'New Beginnings'. Thank you Lori! Keep them coming!
August 17, 2013
Um... Uhhhh... This book tried but definitely did not deliver anything. No angst... too much lovey dovey crap... are these characters 35 or 12... Why is this book 6 bucks... Relationship moved way too quick... Way too long with no substance... Was this a walking advertisement for products and restaurant... Didn't find a point in the first book why would I read the second...
August 11, 2013
This is my wife's book, i read every version of this book from the start.
November 2, 2014
** I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review for a upcoming blog tour **
I loved and hated this book. The thing that I hated the most was Ella and her constant jealousy and whiny attitude, I sometimes forgot she was a 35 year old grown woman.
So now that the negative is out the way I loved this book. The whole love at first sight by meeting on a plane then another chance meeting at a restaurant leading to them falling in love was different.
The relationship did move a helluva fast - like really really fast - that sometimes I forgot the time frame was weeks when in most relationships it would have been months.
Ella as a character was jealous to the point that I cringed at some parts and felt like saying "really!?" She was married for 16 years where as Xavier had never been married so it was going to be obvious that he would have several ex-girlfriends..... Not to Ella and that took a bit of the enjoyment from the story.
Xavier is my new book boyfriend- not only is he an insanely hot alpha male and rich CEO but he is closer to my age! Now I don't feel so bad lusting over him. He is also a true romantic and clearly loves Ella dearly but he is also jealous and over protective.
The story line involving Ella's ex gave the element of drama that added to the tension throughout.
All in all a good first book.
5 stars
I loved and hated this book. The thing that I hated the most was Ella and her constant jealousy and whiny attitude, I sometimes forgot she was a 35 year old grown woman.
So now that the negative is out the way I loved this book. The whole love at first sight by meeting on a plane then another chance meeting at a restaurant leading to them falling in love was different.
The relationship did move a helluva fast - like really really fast - that sometimes I forgot the time frame was weeks when in most relationships it would have been months.
Ella as a character was jealous to the point that I cringed at some parts and felt like saying "really!?" She was married for 16 years where as Xavier had never been married so it was going to be obvious that he would have several ex-girlfriends..... Not to Ella and that took a bit of the enjoyment from the story.
Xavier is my new book boyfriend- not only is he an insanely hot alpha male and rich CEO but he is closer to my age! Now I don't feel so bad lusting over him. He is also a true romantic and clearly loves Ella dearly but he is also jealous and over protective.
The story line involving Ella's ex gave the element of drama that added to the tension throughout.
All in all a good first book.
5 stars
October 28, 2014
Ella Martin is ready for a fresh start. A new beginning that will erase the past 16 years of marriage to an unfaithful and verbally abusive douche. Her friend Renatta offers her just that when she asks Ella to move to Seattle and help her with her photography business. Xavier Hart has suffered more loss in the last few years than most will in a lifetime. Being a wealthy man he has to guard his heart against women who only want him for his money or social status. Ella is a breath of fresh air for him the moment he sees her on the plane he knows he has to see her again. Ella has never been so pulled towards another human being in her life. Just having finalized her divorce Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome is a shock to her libido and one she is not sure she is ready for. Xavier is determined to get to know Ella and breach the walls she has built around her heart. The relationship between these two is explosive. Tempers flare, psychos come out of the wood work trying to break these two apart. Will their new found feelings survive all that is thrown at them?
October 27, 2014
I received this for an honest review. This was an enjoyable read for me. I thought it was well done. I fell in love Xavier and Ella's relationship.
Ella has recently divorced her husband of 16 years because he has spent the last 2 years cheating on her. She has decided to move from New Jersey to Seattle to start over. On the flight over she sits next and meets Xavier and fate keeps throwing them together. Xavier is instantly attracted to Ella and wants to take care of her.
This is an enjoyable read one that I am glad I got to read. This book has a nice mix of romance and a little suspense. And of course that wonderful ALPHA male in Xavier that we all love. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
Ella has recently divorced her husband of 16 years because he has spent the last 2 years cheating on her. She has decided to move from New Jersey to Seattle to start over. On the flight over she sits next and meets Xavier and fate keeps throwing them together. Xavier is instantly attracted to Ella and wants to take care of her.
This is an enjoyable read one that I am glad I got to read. This book has a nice mix of romance and a little suspense. And of course that wonderful ALPHA male in Xavier that we all love. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
August 13, 2013
I had a general idea of what I wanted to say in this review but after finishing this book I am simply exhausted. The heroine made me cringe every page with her incessant whining, obnoxious jealousy, overdone insecurities and overall bitchy disposition. The prose was interesting but was not executed correctly so instead the "voice" of the h came off as a new adult instead of a 30+ (35?).
I got to the point where every single page was a struggle and I am sincerely disappointed because I believed I was going to like it by the blurb. Keep in mind this is my personal opinion. Others may find something they like.
Simply: Not Good
I got to the point where every single page was a struggle and I am sincerely disappointed because I believed I was going to like it by the blurb. Keep in mind this is my personal opinion. Others may find something they like.
Simply: Not Good
August 18, 2013
I loved this book. The people who talk about it being whiny have obviously never been through a painful divorce and cannot relate. I loved the "love at first site" feeling. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want that whether it exists or not. I loved this book with the twists and turns and the people who didn't are probably trying to do too much living through books instead of having a real life anyway. I can't wait for the next one!!
November 8, 2014
Going through something like losing your first love is never easy. But when you meet a hot alpha male, it certainly makes it better. There are curves and twist in this one, so hang on for the ride! Well written and the story was delivered with an ending that leaves you wanting the next book in the installment.
August 13, 2013
I thought the book was amazing. Found it difficult to put down. Love the way the author ended the book... Makes me anxious for the next!
September 3, 2013
This author is very green, there is no sex she just skips those scenes, they Fell in love immediately, and the jealousy is ridiculous. I hope she reads reviews and gets better with her next book.
October 27, 2013
I enjoyed this book and will have my review soon while on the book tour!
February 13, 2014
4 1/2 stars
November 19, 2014
This was a good read! I really liked the storyline. Hot Ceo's Love them. I can't wait to read the next book!
September 6, 2022
*****I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
We first meet Ella, a 35 year old woman who moves to Seattle after a nasty divorce from her dick of a husband, Stephen. Her main goal is to focus on her new life, in a new town, and start over. But never did she expect to meet Xavier, a sexy and smoldering CEO of an investment firm.
For one reason or another, this story did not connect well with me. I could understand the concept and the hidden plot that the author was going for. But, it just didn't sit right. I enjoyed Xavier's personality more than Ella's. I could understand her hesitation to fully invest herself in a new relationship, but some things were just a little too immature for her age.
The story was just okay for me. I felt it to be too rushed and very repetitive at times. The unnecessary drama seemed to be just a "filler" in a sense. I would have loved to see more of a developing storyline and key into each character separately. I think that the author has potential so with just some more work on the plot and character development, the next in the series will be better.
We first meet Ella, a 35 year old woman who moves to Seattle after a nasty divorce from her dick of a husband, Stephen. Her main goal is to focus on her new life, in a new town, and start over. But never did she expect to meet Xavier, a sexy and smoldering CEO of an investment firm.
For one reason or another, this story did not connect well with me. I could understand the concept and the hidden plot that the author was going for. But, it just didn't sit right. I enjoyed Xavier's personality more than Ella's. I could understand her hesitation to fully invest herself in a new relationship, but some things were just a little too immature for her age.
The story was just okay for me. I felt it to be too rushed and very repetitive at times. The unnecessary drama seemed to be just a "filler" in a sense. I would have loved to see more of a developing storyline and key into each character separately. I think that the author has potential so with just some more work on the plot and character development, the next in the series will be better.
May 11, 2018
I just could not get into this book. The writing was a little weird and I hated the heroine. I have never disliked a H so much. She did not act 35 years old to me. The whole book I was thinking the X deserved way better then her and so it made it hard for me to like this story. I wont be continuing to book two.
May 13, 2023
No sugar coating - Possibly one of the worst books I've ever read.
November 3, 2014
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters Ella and Xavier, October 16, 2014
This review is from: Starting Over (Hart of Seattle) (Volume 1) (Kindle)
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters Ella and Xavier. Meeting on the airplane was unique and I loved the "love at first sight" or sizzle as in their case. I believe this was the author's first novel and the writing was not as polished or free flowing as in the second novel. Reminded me of the Fifty Shades series, but with no actual love scenes written about. Easily a romance or beach read, the second book New Beginnings, was more involved and descriptive.
"The guy just oozed sex appeal. My skin tingled in response."
"He turned me over so I was facing away from him so he could wrap himself around me. I loved how he snuggled up to me, how his warm body pressed tightly against mine. I loved how well we fit together. I loved that I was getting a second change. A fresh start! I've never felt so cherished. I've never felt so loved. I've never felt so safe."
A book I was happy to have been given to read and review and thoroughly enjoyed!
This review is from: Starting Over (Hart of Seattle) (Volume 1) (Kindle)
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters Ella and Xavier. Meeting on the airplane was unique and I loved the "love at first sight" or sizzle as in their case. I believe this was the author's first novel and the writing was not as polished or free flowing as in the second novel. Reminded me of the Fifty Shades series, but with no actual love scenes written about. Easily a romance or beach read, the second book New Beginnings, was more involved and descriptive.
"The guy just oozed sex appeal. My skin tingled in response."
"He turned me over so I was facing away from him so he could wrap himself around me. I loved how he snuggled up to me, how his warm body pressed tightly against mine. I loved how well we fit together. I loved that I was getting a second change. A fresh start! I've never felt so cherished. I've never felt so loved. I've never felt so safe."
A book I was happy to have been given to read and review and thoroughly enjoyed!
October 26, 2014
*****I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
We first meet Ella, a 35 year old woman who moves to Seattle after a nasty divorce from her dick of a husband, Stephen. Her main goal is to focus on her new life, in a new town, and start over. But never did she expect to meet Xavier, a sexy and smoldering CEO of an investment firm.
For one reason or another, this story did not connect well with me. I could understand the concept and the hidden plot that the author was going for. But, it just didn't sit right. I enjoyed Xavier's personality more than Ella's. I could understand her hesitation to fully invest herself in a new relationship, but some things were just a little too immature for her age.
The story was just okay for me. I felt it to be too rushed and very repetitive at times. The unnecessary drama seemed to be just a "filler" in a sense. I would have loved to see more of a developing storyline and key into each character separately. I think that the author has potential so with just some more work on the plot and character development, the next in the series will be better.
We first meet Ella, a 35 year old woman who moves to Seattle after a nasty divorce from her dick of a husband, Stephen. Her main goal is to focus on her new life, in a new town, and start over. But never did she expect to meet Xavier, a sexy and smoldering CEO of an investment firm.
For one reason or another, this story did not connect well with me. I could understand the concept and the hidden plot that the author was going for. But, it just didn't sit right. I enjoyed Xavier's personality more than Ella's. I could understand her hesitation to fully invest herself in a new relationship, but some things were just a little too immature for her age.
The story was just okay for me. I felt it to be too rushed and very repetitive at times. The unnecessary drama seemed to be just a "filler" in a sense. I would have loved to see more of a developing storyline and key into each character separately. I think that the author has potential so with just some more work on the plot and character development, the next in the series will be better.
May 19, 2016
I think it would have been a 4 or 5 star if it didn't drag on like it did. I had some problems with the herion, she is 35 but acts like she is 12, Labor day isn't in August its in September and the ending I am not sure if I want to read the second book because it basically gives away what is to come. I think more intimacy was in order to but not just the foreplay of it. I love Xavier thou, he doesn't seem to be to overbearing and loved how he treats a lady. All relationships go thru stuff but the jealousy and they way she acts is over the top. I don't know, I usually don't leave reviews but I had to get my thoughts out on this one.
August 17, 2013
Overall, it's an ok book. The heroine had some major flaws that I couldn't stand: jealousy and meekness to name two prominent ones.
I think Maguire should have worked more on building the beginnings of the relationship. The instant attraction thing is a very tough pill to swallow.
The lines Xavier says are very, very cheesy at times. Even too cheesy for me, and I like cheesy!
At the end of the day, I am left thinking, "What was the point of this book?" It didn't end, but moved to a continuation of the same drama that dominated the first book. Why?
I think Maguire should have worked more on building the beginnings of the relationship. The instant attraction thing is a very tough pill to swallow.
The lines Xavier says are very, very cheesy at times. Even too cheesy for me, and I like cheesy!
At the end of the day, I am left thinking, "What was the point of this book?" It didn't end, but moved to a continuation of the same drama that dominated the first book. Why?
December 27, 2014
This book is entertaining to say the least. I found it hard to believe that the behaviors exhibited in this book belonged to fully grown 35yr olds. I think the only person who came across as realistic was Renatta. As for Xavier, for someone who was "overprotective" of Ella, in my opinion let the ball drop occasionally with security. I thought Ella to be very fickle. For someone who was married for 16yrs, I sure wasn't able to tell or almost believe it. Great attempt. These styles of books are my kind of reads, will probably read book two, just to see what happens.
October 29, 2014
While I wasn't too thrilled with the way the main character whines a bit, the story overall was enjoyable. Xavier of course it the hot alpha male and hey, who doesn't love that? L.E. Maguire delivers a well written love story that is filled with pain, hurt, loss, and love. Getting over your first love is never easy, especially when it involves divorce. But finding someone who you click with right off could be just the cure, or it could be what keeps you in limbo. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to see the conclusion of Ella, Xavier, and Stephens story! ~Chell
October 28, 2014
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
What a love story!! Xavier loves hard and it is so romantic!!!!
Almost five stars for me. Why not give that extra star? Ella for starters. I didn't enjoy the hurtful things she said during her overreacting times. She flies off the handle about everything!!!! It was too much. I found her selfish at times.
Sex... I wanted some details!!! Not everytime, but give me something.
What a love story!! Xavier loves hard and it is so romantic!!!!
Almost five stars for me. Why not give that extra star? Ella for starters. I didn't enjoy the hurtful things she said during her overreacting times. She flies off the handle about everything!!!! It was too much. I found her selfish at times.
Sex... I wanted some details!!! Not everytime, but give me something.
April 10, 2015
This could have been so much better had it been edited down quite a bit. I found my self skimming through chapters trying to get to some kind of development in the story. The pace was far too slow and frustrating. Ella's immature behaviour got really old really fast, it was far too repetitive. Will I read the next book? Yes. I liked it enough to want a conclusion.
August 16, 2013
Minus 0, complete and utter crappy melodrama, saturated with the twists and turns usually reserved for a soap opera with the most annoying, illogical TSTL heroine and cardboard, exaggerated villain, twirling mustache included.
October 30, 2013
So there's jealous and then there's completely off your rocker. This girl is so irrational Im surprised her family, friends,or significant other hasn't had her institutionalized or in some kind of therapy! For the love of all that is holy she needs some major help!!!!! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews