What do you think?
Rate this book
Merging Hearts: A Lesbian Romance
Elena’s icy walls melt in Liz’s arms... but can they withstand the merger’s heat?
At the Denver airport bar, Elena and Liz’s paths collide in what both assume will be a steamy one-time tryst. Elena, a seasoned ice-queen known for the walls she has built around her heart and her business, is drawn to Liz, a spirited entrepreneur with a zest for life.
As Elena is chauffeured to a retreat in a remote mountain lodge, she replays heated scenes from the secret encounter. However, the mountain lodge holds more than just sultry secrets; it’s where Elena Matthews’ company, Endurastride, and Liz Coswell’s enterprise, Ecoflex, converge for a pivotal merger.
As the board meets behind closed doors, Liz is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to take the helm as CEO of the merged companies. This unexpected turn of events leaves Liz in a no-win situation. She will either lose the woman she is beginning to care about, or she will lose the merger, the chance of her company growing into something huge, something significant.
Will Liz’s determination and love be enough to thaw the ice queen’s heart and bridge the gap between their worlds, or will the merger threaten to tear them apart?
Dive into this sizzling, age-gap, lesbian romance where love and ambition collide as two CEOs navigate the precarious storms of merging both business and heart.
At the Denver airport bar, Elena and Liz’s paths collide in what both assume will be a steamy one-time tryst. Elena, a seasoned ice-queen known for the walls she has built around her heart and her business, is drawn to Liz, a spirited entrepreneur with a zest for life.
As Elena is chauffeured to a retreat in a remote mountain lodge, she replays heated scenes from the secret encounter. However, the mountain lodge holds more than just sultry secrets; it’s where Elena Matthews’ company, Endurastride, and Liz Coswell’s enterprise, Ecoflex, converge for a pivotal merger.
As the board meets behind closed doors, Liz is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to take the helm as CEO of the merged companies. This unexpected turn of events leaves Liz in a no-win situation. She will either lose the woman she is beginning to care about, or she will lose the merger, the chance of her company growing into something huge, something significant.
Will Liz’s determination and love be enough to thaw the ice queen’s heart and bridge the gap between their worlds, or will the merger threaten to tear them apart?
Dive into this sizzling, age-gap, lesbian romance where love and ambition collide as two CEOs navigate the precarious storms of merging both business and heart.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
47 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 1, 2024
Two successful business women meet in an airport lounge and after a few drinks have a hot quickie. Little do they know that they'll be meeting again...a possible merger of their two companies. Liz's baby is EcoFlex a startup darling and Elena CEO of EnduroStride the company she has devoted a large chunk of her life to.
Hart has written a nifty sizzler about these driven women. One has learned to work hard but play hard too. The other just works hard with no thoughts of relaxing. Elena has been out voted and forced into the merger. Liz will benefit greatly. To promote the joining of companies a team building retreat is organized and that frustrating mutual hot attraction re-emerges. Hold the phone.... stormy weather, floods and perceived duplicity upend everything. Thank goodness for Ruby and even the old codger Barry. Maybe for Elena to have happiness she has to let go, release EnduroStride to find peace. You'll find out if there's sunny skies ahead when you read Merging Hearts.
A pleasing, hot romance with a boardroom backdrop and that cover is easy on the eyes too.
Hart has written a nifty sizzler about these driven women. One has learned to work hard but play hard too. The other just works hard with no thoughts of relaxing. Elena has been out voted and forced into the merger. Liz will benefit greatly. To promote the joining of companies a team building retreat is organized and that frustrating mutual hot attraction re-emerges. Hold the phone.... stormy weather, floods and perceived duplicity upend everything. Thank goodness for Ruby and even the old codger Barry. Maybe for Elena to have happiness she has to let go, release EnduroStride to find peace. You'll find out if there's sunny skies ahead when you read Merging Hearts.
A pleasing, hot romance with a boardroom backdrop and that cover is easy on the eyes too.
January 22, 2024
The best yet! I’ve read several books from Lauren Hart - all were entertaining, but “Merging Hearts” is the best so far! I really enjoyed the characters, Elena and Liz, and their chemistry, which was undeniable and irrepressible. As much as ice queen Elena wanted to stay away from Liz, she wanted to be with her, because something was different with Liz. She brought out the “human” in Elena, and showed her the way to slow down and relax. Meanwhile, as CEOs of two companies about to merge, actions of Elena’s board of directors threaten to destroy their budding relationship. It isn’t “business as usual” for Elena and Liz, whose age gap doesn’t come into play except as a result of that nasty board of directors. Will this be a take-it-or-leave-it for Liz, the end of an era for Elena, or a win-win for both? Hart has written a really nice romance with a not-so-transparent plot, some quirky characters, and “maybe” an HEA. This is my honest review, after receiving an ARC.
January 24, 2024
Elena is CEO of sports clothing brand EnduraStride that she founded ten years before, which has become a household name and a Fortune 500 company. Liz is CEO of competing smaller up-and-coming brand EcoFlex Apparel that specialises in comfortable, eco friendly sportswear.
The board of EnduraStride has voted against Elena, forcing a merger of the two companies, and now they are all away at a retreat to get to know each other.
The problem: Elena and Liz had a one night hookup, without first knowing who the other was. At first this caused a problem at the retreat.
This has Lauren Hart’s usual warmth and depth of feeling, but also there is a deeper exploration of the women’s animosity towards each other, before they get together.
Because this is a stand alone, I didn’t feel the author was so invested in the characters as she is in some of her other stories, however it is still an excellent book.
The board of EnduraStride has voted against Elena, forcing a merger of the two companies, and now they are all away at a retreat to get to know each other.
The problem: Elena and Liz had a one night hookup, without first knowing who the other was. At first this caused a problem at the retreat.
This has Lauren Hart’s usual warmth and depth of feeling, but also there is a deeper exploration of the women’s animosity towards each other, before they get together.
Because this is a stand alone, I didn’t feel the author was so invested in the characters as she is in some of her other stories, however it is still an excellent book.
February 5, 2024
Merging Hearts takes place in Breckenridge, Colorado at the Whispering Pines Mountain Lodge. Elena is heading to the lodge because her board wants a merger between the Endurastride and Ecoflex Apparel athletic wear brands. Elena is shocked when she walks into the lobby of the lodge and sees Liz, the lady from her airport tryst. What starts as a jolting shock turns into a wonderful ride of getting to know one other amongst team building exercises. Liz learns that Elena can be an ice queen, but wonders if a personal relationship will work out when secrets abound, plus the unknown results of the merger talks.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in Merging Hearts and the flow of the story. What I didn’t expect was the role Liz was chosen for at the end and why. It was magnificently written and handled with care for Elena.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in Merging Hearts and the flow of the story. What I didn’t expect was the role Liz was chosen for at the end and why. It was magnificently written and handled with care for Elena.
January 21, 2024
Enjoyed very much!
Elena was all business her entire adult life. That's how she became CEO of a Fortune 500 company, but after a chance meeting in an airport with Liz, CEO of her own smaller company, they began their dance to together. I really enjoyed the characters in this book from the icy Elena and the warm-hearted Liz to the secondary characters, especially Ruby and Barry.
Lauren Hart wrote a wonderful story about finding one's person, learning to enjoy life and not giving up everything for work. There's more to a successful life than prestige and money. This story is also sprinkled with so much humor and blunt honesty and I really enjoyed the ending which I wasn't expecting! I think you're really going to enjoy this story!
Elena was all business her entire adult life. That's how she became CEO of a Fortune 500 company, but after a chance meeting in an airport with Liz, CEO of her own smaller company, they began their dance to together. I really enjoyed the characters in this book from the icy Elena and the warm-hearted Liz to the secondary characters, especially Ruby and Barry.
Lauren Hart wrote a wonderful story about finding one's person, learning to enjoy life and not giving up everything for work. There's more to a successful life than prestige and money. This story is also sprinkled with so much humor and blunt honesty and I really enjoyed the ending which I wasn't expecting! I think you're really going to enjoy this story!
January 27, 2024
This is exactly my kind of book, sweet and with quite a few of twists and turns. There is age ape, ice queen, work place romance, and I really enjoyed the eventful retreat. Elena is a workaholic, career driven middle aged CEO of a famous sportwear brand, no time for romance and pleasure of life. Liz is also a CEO, her startup company is full of promising just like herself. When a chance of merging two companies brought the two strong willed women together, the attraction is instant and their love story started without either of them even realized. I love all the wonderful characters in this book, they are jumping out of the pages vivid as if I meet them in real life. Also there is low angst and plenty of steamy red hot sex! Such a delightful read perfect for a gloomy rainy or snowy day.
February 4, 2024
Ice Queen, Steamy Age Gap, Corporate Merger.
Who would have thought Ice Queen, Elena, would give the much younger Liz the time of day, let alone a one night stand at the airport? Neither knew what fate had in store for them when each reaches the resort work retreat. The board of Elena’s company is planning a merger with Liz’s company. Elena is gobsmacked when she realizes Liz is CEO of the company hers is going to merge with after the retreat. Bad weather intervenes, causing everyone to figure out how to work together during a power outage and raging storm to get through the delays to their return home. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review. I highly recommend this book, and Lauren Hart’s other books and series.
Who would have thought Ice Queen, Elena, would give the much younger Liz the time of day, let alone a one night stand at the airport? Neither knew what fate had in store for them when each reaches the resort work retreat. The board of Elena’s company is planning a merger with Liz’s company. Elena is gobsmacked when she realizes Liz is CEO of the company hers is going to merge with after the retreat. Bad weather intervenes, causing everyone to figure out how to work together during a power outage and raging storm to get through the delays to their return home. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review. I highly recommend this book, and Lauren Hart’s other books and series.
January 29, 2024
Icy CEO Elena has a one night stand with free spirit Liz the night before heading to a work retreat. Unbeknownst to Elena, Liz is the CEO of the company set to be merged with hers. Elena and Liz have great chemistry and the journey they take from wary adversaries to possible partners in more than work is well written. The secondary characters are a nice addition to the story. If you enjoy the ice queen and age gap tropes with a bit of humor, I recommend this standalone work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this ice queen, age gap romance. The book has a host of terrific side characters. I felt they were developed well. I feel this book is more character driven than plot driven. Not that I had any problem with the plot. I loved seeing our ice queen, Elena, slowly melting in the sunshine that is Liz. I have to say I was surprised by the ending of the merger plot. I’ll say no more on that because you should read this book yourself. I would love to read a sequel if one is ever written because I want more.
January 22, 2024
After a one night stand at the airport Elena was surprised to walk into her retreat to find her one night stand in front of her as the CEO of the company hers was about to merge with. I enjoyed the dynamic between Liz and Elena and how Liz was able to get Elena to open up to her as well as their inability to stay away from each other. As a huge storms forces them to stay longer than planned I loved the little joke they played on the others. Such a fun read.
January 31, 2024
Not all mergers go as planned
The company board has decided on a merger but everything won’t go as planned. Not everyone is on board with the merger, either. When the elements step in with an agenda of their own, the merger winds up on the back burner.
Through deception and upset the characters find something more powerful, and their own merger brings them their HEA. And what a lovely ending it is.
Low levels of angst and frustration are guaranteed and this is a very entertaining read.
The company board has decided on a merger but everything won’t go as planned. Not everyone is on board with the merger, either. When the elements step in with an agenda of their own, the merger winds up on the back burner.
Through deception and upset the characters find something more powerful, and their own merger brings them their HEA. And what a lovely ending it is.
Low levels of angst and frustration are guaranteed and this is a very entertaining read.
February 2, 2024
Elena the icy CEO melts into the arms of Liz, another, warmer CEO for one night. Elena is shocked when she arrives at a work retreat and finds Liz is there. A merger of their companies might not be the only thing coming together.
The humour is fantastic, the characters endearing and the motto that work isn’t everything, tie this book up into a lovely package.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The humour is fantastic, the characters endearing and the motto that work isn’t everything, tie this book up into a lovely package.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
This is by far the best book I've read so far from Lauren Hart. A true definition of a slow burn rivals to lovers romance. The pacing of the story is just perfect. I loved even more how elaborate the characters are and it's absolutely impossible not to love them. I enjoyed every single moment reading it. The tension between Liz and Elena is palpable throughout and absolutely beautiful.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2024
Merger Magic & Mayhem
This is a delightful story with quite a cast of characters! Swoon worthy, hilarious, maddening, thoughtful and loving. The merger involves more than business, the magic saves the day, and the mayhem ends up uniting more than it tears apart. This is a wonderful quick story.
This is a delightful story with quite a cast of characters! Swoon worthy, hilarious, maddening, thoughtful and loving. The merger involves more than business, the magic saves the day, and the mayhem ends up uniting more than it tears apart. This is a wonderful quick story.
February 8, 2024
Ice cubes to boiling heat in thirty seconds or less!
Lauren Heart has managed to deliver a scalding love story written so smoothly it begins with an innocent drink, a wild storm in the mountains and crashes with a storm of emotions. I loved the characters and the settings. You need only to relax with this book and let it lead your heart to its own ending.
Lauren Heart has managed to deliver a scalding love story written so smoothly it begins with an innocent drink, a wild storm in the mountains and crashes with a storm of emotions. I loved the characters and the settings. You need only to relax with this book and let it lead your heart to its own ending.
October 15, 2024
This book is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy elements. Elena has a one-night stand with a woman, only to discover that Liz, her fling, is also the CEO of a company merging with Elena's. The plot is charming, filled with drama and spicy moments. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a mix of sweetness and spice in their reading.
January 24, 2024
Wow what a fantastic storyline I loved this book it had everything you want in a ice queen story, the main characters were exceptional their connection was embedded beautifully, I couldn't put it down its my favourite book without a doubt I highly recommend this a must-read congratulations
January 28, 2024
This is a very funny age gap romance that also brings a little heat. I love the chemistry between Elena and Liz. This is another great book by Lauren Hart and one you don't want to miss. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 24, 2024
Oh such a gratifying romantic escape from the depressing reality of real life. These characters were captivating to follow through the stresses of the merger that was impending and then the calamity of a torrential three day rain storm. I just was drawn in.
March 4, 2024
Wow, another great story from Lauren, if you like an Ice Queen, age gap, one night stand that then complicates the lives of both characters, then you'll enjoy this story. Elana and Liz go on a journey with their respective buisinesses and learn that work isn't everything.
March 24, 2024
sweet read
I read this on a vacation trip and it was perfect… sweet characters that I came to care about, a nice love story and good message with the ending.. my first book from this author but I will look for more
I read this on a vacation trip and it was perfect… sweet characters that I came to care about, a nice love story and good message with the ending.. my first book from this author but I will look for more
April 16, 2024
Excellent Read
I enjoyed this book very much. Well written just enough back ground & inner monologue but not to much to make it cumbersome. The character development was great along with the dialogue that made is a quick fun read. There are several quote worthy lines to boot.
I enjoyed this book very much. Well written just enough back ground & inner monologue but not to much to make it cumbersome. The character development was great along with the dialogue that made is a quick fun read. There are several quote worthy lines to boot.
July 21, 2024
I love a good ice-queen romance with the undeniable draw between the two main characters and this was no exception. However I felt the book was simply written and that two CEOs should’ve had more intellectual dialogue between them.
January 24, 2024
Fun read with lots of misunderstandings and humor. Good written characters.
February 2, 2024
Business with pleasure
Elena is all work and no play until she meets Liz at an airport bar. They merge together quite nicely lol. When it comes to merging their businesses is a different story. They can't seem to stay away from each other. When things become difficult Elena runs then realizes there is more to life than just work.
Liz is the breath of fresh air Elena needs in her life.
Elena is all work and no play until she meets Liz at an airport bar. They merge together quite nicely lol. When it comes to merging their businesses is a different story. They can't seem to stay away from each other. When things become difficult Elena runs then realizes there is more to life than just work.
Liz is the breath of fresh air Elena needs in her life.
March 3, 2024
great book
My first book by this author. Ice queen needs to slow down and relax. Younger woman is the answer to that problem.
My first book by this author. Ice queen needs to slow down and relax. Younger woman is the answer to that problem.
August 19, 2024
Apple books
November 8, 2024
I like this book.
I'm just a little surprised at how easy it is for Elena to get over her disappointment and question her life. No revenge at all. She have to be a nice person.
I'm just a little surprised at how easy it is for Elena to get over her disappointment and question her life. No revenge at all. She have to be a nice person.
September 6, 2025
4 stars. Really solid office romance. Liz and Elena had really good chemistry. I don't have much to say about this one but I did like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews