Change of Heart

Change of Heart #1

by Scarlett Edwards, S.E. Edwards

Persevere. That's how I've gotten through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day--no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.Persevere, and survive.Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's about as much as I can ask for.Love? Hah. Don't talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.That's why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper. All expectations are thrown to the wind as I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his biggest one...

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, College, Mystery

180 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2013

About the author

I'm Scarlett Edwards.

I live near beautiful Seattle, Washington. I grew up reading all types of fantasy books before discovering the wonderful world of romances in high school.

Want to know when my next book comes out? Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a release:

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My Website: http://www.scarlettedwards.com

Reviews

[Ashleyjo · Rating 1 out of 5]

When the blurb tells you that the fMC's guiding words in life are "persevere" and "survive," it leads you to believe you'll be dealing with someone with some gumption; probable intelligence; and, at the very least, a brain in her f'ing head, right?

Hum, no.

Penny, AKA the dimnit fMC, allows pathological liar roommate (whom she'd only known a few weeks before moving out of state with) to steal from her, treat her as a maid, use rent money to buy drugs and get them evicted, etc etc etc.

Now she's homeless and set on getting drunk... If only she was old enough & hadn't been rude to the bartender. Not a good start for intelligence here. Anyway, enter Rich, AKA Jason Bourne/ Bear Grills/ Yogi Bear wanna be, to save the alcohol.

Rich flirts like a 12-year-old, tempts her with a bed, and tell her how beautiful she is. Bed for the night solved

Rich is just not my speed...



And when the dude asks this chick he's known for five minutes if she's on BC because he doesn't like to use condoms...



You'd think her mind might start waving...



Nope, but at least she lies and they use a condom. The damage is done, though, and now all I see is this dude in an STD clinic wondering how?!



Anyhow back to the *laughs* plot....

She awakens with thugs breaking down his door.



Still no^

They run. They hideout. He makes phone calls. She twiddles her thumbs and accepts his vague answers of 'they're bad guys. No cops. I will protect you because this was supposed to be a fuck and dump, but I kinda care if you get killed because last night was so special... Even if it can't ever happen again because I'm so complicated and you're so overwhelmed with your own shit like being homeless.'



Her: Oh, no my purse is at your apartment...



Him:



Well, let's go get it.

Me:




So, she's in lala land thinking shit like 'wow they carved "this is a warning" in the wall so they just have to be really, no really, bad guys... Like, no, these are seriously bad guys, not just your average everyday thugs' What? Everyday thugs don't have a knife? Can't spell "warning?" OMG what a twit.

Her: now, these 'bad thugs' have my wallet. Guess I'll follow Rich, the mfer they're after, around like a puppy.

I know this would so be my reaction if a one night stand got me mixed up with thugs that now might hung me down..

"You're sweet," I smile I don't know if it's the comfort of a full belly, or the feeling of being looked after that makes me do what I do next. I lean over, and give Rich a kiss on the cheek. He blinks, surprised, then clears his throat and looks away.

Again ..



Meanwhile,



Rich can predict a jogger coming around the building and all that other special Jason Bourne kinda attention to detail and deliver it in Yogi Bear fashion. Skills... Skills I tell ya. Bastard is throwing cell batteries out the window. He even knows how to whisper on a pay phone. Skills!

He's a really special mfer, too, cause he can also channel a little Bear.. Bear Grills, that is...



It's survival, right. So, he insists she eat a protein bar before she eats the pizza ...

I reach for the pizza, but he stops my hand with his. "Have one of these first," he says, handing me the candy bar. I give him a funny look, and he explains, "they're protein bars. I know they don't taste great, but they're the quickest way to get some good nutrition in you." "Thanks," I say unwrapping the bar. His concern for my diet is kind of sweet.

Moving along..

They've hidden, ate protein bars and pizza, and ultimately decided she needs to be stowed away safely in another state while he works things out.



BUT, before they can take off, they have to... ?!? Any guesses?!? Go back to his apartment again to get money he has hidden. Nah, I wouldn't have grabbed that the first time I went back or have any reservations about going back again if I'm trying to hide from thugs that just broke in there. Good bejewllezed Jesus figurines on a mafioso's Lincoln dash... It just doesn't get 'stupider' than this shit.

Im'a have to make my exit on that note. I just can't do TSTL that's open and serving donuts 24/7. << food analogy just for my girl, Bgurl;;)

Peace be with you...

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an action thriller with a heaping lot of sex thrown in for kicks. It works okay if you don't submit it to any undue scrutiny. Richard is a little too dreamy and broken. Penny is a little too dopey and broken. Richard's motivations can't withstand much scrutiny and Penny's inner turmoil likewise. If you give them both the benefit of the doubt, and maintain a relatively superficial understanding of what love is, you'll probably like the book alright.

A note about Steamy: This book is steamy. There are two highly explicit sex scenes and they do go on a bit. And in detail. Also: did I mention that Richard is improbably dreamy? No? Believe it.

[CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn, I'm exhausted after reading this book... There is a lot going on, a whole lot that I still don't know what's going on! And the story goes very fast, too fast. One other good thing is, she is not a runner, woohoo! She stays! Stupid but not irritating... And it is a cliffhanger... If its not, then I just went on a ride with no destination...

[Sorilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm pissed. Seriously, I'm pissed"
That's how this story started and this how I feel right now! Give me, Give me, give me NOW the next book like that, damn you, Amazon!

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a very hard time with this book. The hero did something so reprehensible and potentially dangerous that I just couldn't get past it and I don't know how Penny could either. The plot was convoluted, full of twists and turns in the worst possible way.

There is a sequel coming out later that I can't see myself reading.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope is a saucy lil' thang, "I appreciate the gesture, but I don't particularly like being called 'my girl.' Especially by someone I don't even know..." Rich he's a woman's dream, "hold on there, little lady. Nobody said anything about me sleeping with you. You've got to wine and dine me first," he jokes. "Impress me a little." An ingratiating smile spreads across his lips. "I'm not that easy." Penny is also a feisty thing, "well, let me see," I start. "I know nothing about what's going on. I'm stuck in a diner with a guy I barely know. Apparently we're on the run, but he's keeping me in the dark about everything. How do you think I'm holding up?" Rich is always the charmer, "I'm particularly proud of the lingerie I picked out. I got your size right, didn't I?" This book surprised me, by me actually enjoying it. Of course there was a cliffhanger I didn't like but it was just a mild one so I can deal with that.

[Cara Q · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible. The story line wasn't so bad, but the author failed to deliver any form of character development or create an type of emotions for us readers to feel. Everything moved so fast, so unorganized and was very ambiguous at every turn. This story really surprised me that there were any ratings above a two star. I finished the book, because I finish every book I start, but I really wish I didn't waste my money!

[Tia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The whole novel was officially worthless. When you get down to the end, you get a bit of a HEA but it doesn't finish off the story. What kind of crack pot wrote this?

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Greta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho voluto buttarmi di nuovo su Scarlett Edwards visto il piacevole romanzo letto qualche giorno fa Never Let Go e Change of Hearts mi ha lasciata un po' così. Storia carina, non mi era capitato di leggerne molte con questa trama e quindi non era qualcosa di già visto e rivisto, ma non mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui è stata impostata la storia, e sopratutto i personaggi. Il titolo italiano è "Ho cambiato idea", e andando avanti vi renderete conto a che cosa si riferisce, i protagonisti continuano a dire una cosa e poi a rimangiarsela. Si conoscono, fanno sesso e lui poi la porta via perchè in pericolo. Si innamorano, anche se durante la loro fuga non succede praticamente niente tra di loro ma lui continua ad insistere perchè lei se ne vada alla prima occasione, poi si rimangia tutto, poi le ridice di andarsene, poi si rimangia tutto. Lei uguale: "Me ne vado!" "no, resto!" "Me ne vado non posso stare qui!" "No devo restare e aiutarlo."
Insommma, dopo un po' giravo talmente tanto gli occhi al cielo che sembravo la bambina dell'esorcista.

[Dina Rivera · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where do I start.... How about at the beginning. I feel as if I was hosed. See I usually read the sample of a book before I purchase it, unless it's an author I know and love. Well this book starts off good and right where the sample cuts off it leaves you wanting to continue. Don't! Right after, the book takes an unexpected turn into BORING! It goes on and on and on and nothing happens except they are running from some thugs but it's stupid and they like each other but they don't want to be together. Ugh just thinking about it is frustrating. I am not gonna lie the only way I finished this book was because towards the middle I started skipping a bit in hopes of better content, it never came. Of course there is a sequel but I really don't think ill be reading it. :/

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great sophomore effort from Scarlett. I'm still partial to YOURS TO SAVOR. I think that one's plot was brilliantly realized. That's not to say this one wasn't. I just wasn't pulled into the story as much as I was with her first. I liked Penelope and Rich together. They had great chemistry and humor.

I'm gonna sit on this one for a while. Let it soak in. I think they're might be another book in this series. But I'm not sure.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally didn't expect this!
I didn't really like it .... Not something in particular but I just didn't get a pleasant reading experience from this book. And ofcourse it had to be a cliffhanger, that just did it for me. So not reading book nr 2!

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most I can say about this book is that the author shows potential with unique plot lines, but characterization is sorely lacking. These characters are barely tolerable, much less likeable. I won't be reading the sequel.

[Raisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich and Penny's story was one of a kind. But I wanted more of them. MORE!!!! >_<

[Yesi ~ LLL · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn't for me. Sorry. :( A whole lot of nothing happens and then it ends. I don't think I'll be reading book 2 even after the huge cliffhanger ending of this one.

[Becca Booksreview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny has had the worst night of her life, her Bestfriend/roommate Abby has gotten them kicked out of their apartment, and instead of paying the rent with the money that Penny gave her she bought drugs instead. Now Penny is sitting in a bar trying to figure out her next move. When she meets a sexy stranger who is giving her what she needs for a night... a place to stay. Penny hasn't had an easy life, she grew up never knowing her parents, lived in an orphanage till she was 18 and out of the system.

Richard is a sexy, good looking, rich guy that offers Penny a night to remember. Sure he wants her for sex but there is also another reason why he wants her. she is the answer to a problem that he has been having.

Penny doesn't know what love is, never having a family to fight with or for. she has never knows what love can do for her and just how much it can change her life. moving from LA to a oregan has proven to be a good move for her, but just starting her life there and already she is being uprooted again. She knows that she has these amazing feeling for Richard but she has to make him see that she isn't going to go away and fight for what they might have.

She is lied to, drugged, kidnapped, turned over to the bad guys, Rescued, and lead into the den of a jealous ex girlfriend. Richard is trying to keep her safe and alive along with his sister Min.

The character of Penny is well developed we really get to know her as a reader, I wish there was more of that with Richard. I want to know what he is thinking, want to know more about him, want to "hear" his voice and emotions when things are happening.

over all its a great story with an emotional ending that could have ended the book, but I am really glad it wasn't. The journey with Richard and Penny isn't over!!

Change of heart 2 is now available as well!

[Angigames · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stelle e mezzo
Questa lettura mi ha coinvolto poco e non mi ha lasciato nulla che possa ricordare con entusiasmo. È un libro che si legge veloce, la scrittura scorre in fretta e bene ma manca di originalità e spessore.
I protagonisti sono un mix di stereotipi del genere NA. Lei, bella (ma non l’ha mai saputo) e sola, non ha mai conosciuto la sua famiglia e ha dovuto arrangiarsi sempre da se. Conta solo su se stessa e non crede più nell’amore da diverso tempo. Lui, tipico boy con i tatuaggi e muscoli perfetti, tira di box e viene anche lui da una famiglia disastrata anche se ricchissima.
L’incontro tra i due è un po’ sciatto, bastano due bicchierini e quattro chiacchiere al bar per far accendere una passione totale. Passione che viene sopita da un gruppo di malviventi che vogliono mettere le mani su qualcosa che Lui nasconde… Insomma tutto già sentito, la fuga poi assume dei risvolti talmente banali che mi sono annoiata a morte (tipo l’affare Amanda, cliché completo!).
Va detto però che almeno i due non vengono travolti da la solita smania sessuale che spesso porta i protagonisti a farlo ovunque e comunque. Almeno qui, vista la situazione, c’è un certo contegno che fa respirare aria di realismo. Finale troppo aperto, aspetto la seconda parte.

[Nichole McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts as Rich and Penny meet and the circumstances that lead to them being in the same place at the same time. Both characters are likable right from the start.

What seems like just another one night stand quickly becomes something much much more and not in the way everyone would expect it to.

They quickly get swept up in a dangerous ride where the past is threatening both of their lives.

I really enjoyed the connection they seem to have and how the author made it take time for them to have real feelings for each other instead of the typical love at first site notion. That being said a lot about this book was highly unrealistic. I just don't think anyone would react the way Penn does once she starts to learn the truth behind everything that happened. I just feel like she caves and forgives way too quickly; I would have liked to see her be a little bit more skeptical about the situation (maybe that is just my slightly feminist side coming out; but come on!!).

For more reviews http://theetherealtimes.blogspot.com/

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change of Heart is an ideal addition to the new adult scene that's so popular right now. Edwards' book is contemporary, mysterious, suspenseful and has just enough spice added to the mix without going overboard. The characters get to dabble with day-to-day matters which helps readers relate to them more often throughout the storyline. The rocky relationship between Penny and Rich is realistic, but it was a little difficult to really feel a true connection between them. The interesting plot will keep us to push on, and a few curve balls were thrown to keep it less predictable. And, let's not exclude the ending which leaves us dangling and guessing there may be a book two to follow.

[Vidhi Chheda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess the new phrase should be don't judge a book by its blurb.

This book was so disappointing. I dont know whats wrong with me, coz all the books I was excited to read turned out to be disappointing. And mercy thompson (a book i had no expectation from) turned out to be soo amazing.

The book took a real unexpected turn. the end was abrupt, the chemistry was good but the love part was forced on me. I could digest if they had strong feelings, but falling in love just made me go wtf.

All in all, disappointed. Don't want to read the sequel.

[Miranda W · Rating 2 out of 5]

-_- I cant believe this is the same person who is currently finishing up the Uncovering You series...I read 1&2 of this BS book...it was soooooooo "fantasy land", things a girl wants to hear, blah blah blah! Omg. I am al for a cute, loving romance book, but wtf! It was the cheesiest crap that I had to get through. I may being a little harsh, but it was like a 13 year old written it. I liked the actual story of the couple, but that is it.

[Sara Luck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and can't wait for the next one. Penny is an orphan trying to make a new start at a community college in Oregon. After finding out her roommate has spent her rent money on drugs and being evicted she settles in for a quick drink at a bar and meets Rich. Somehow her one night stand turns into a big mess of scary adventure. The story is to be continued and I can't wait.

[Owlz Dzaster · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't even know why I read the book. Blame the curiosity I thought and most of time I ended up browsing rather than reading.
So many thoughts and idea but no clear clarification.
Well it's kind of disturbing having heroin that willing to go along with stranger hero. What ever. .. It's time wasting for me anyway.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book!!! I love how Rich goes back to get Penny from Victor and Tam. I also love how he is protective of Penny :) I read this book from start to finish in about 1hr. Loved It. Can't wait for part 2!!!

[Paula (Poll) Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit up and down at times with parts of the storey rushed and a bit rough round the edges , other parts really sweet and touching , I did enjoy it however and probably will read the second book , it doesn't end exactly on a cliffy but there is more to the story .

[Kim Brewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, but please tell me there is another book coming.....it doesn't feel like a complete story.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me whip lash, so much drama, so much happening, female character towards the end was starting to piss me off big time, will she stay, will she leave Arrgghhh!!

[★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed...didn't hold my attention..I found my self scrolling through my kindle every couple of pages til the end, not going to purchase part 2.

[Aurélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good adventure, well-written. & a wonderful love story. You can't ask for more. Looking foward for the next one.