What do you think?
Rate this book
The Spotlight #1
Secondhand Heart
Daisy Mangold thought she had her life figured out until a roadside bomb in Afghanistan changed everything. Now a twenty-one-year-old military widow, Daisy moves back home to start over.
Cam Hunter won the reality show The Spotlight, and thought he was on his way to becoming the next big country star. But when whispers of how he won begin to surface, Nashville is less than welcoming. After he loses his record deal, Cam heads back home to open a country bar.
When Daisy meets Cam, she isn’t sure she’s ready to let go of the ghosts from her past. Cam’s ex-wife isn’t ready to move on either, and the tragedy she causes will expose Cam’s secrets and shatter Daisy’s family.
Will Daisy be able to follow her heart into a future with Cam, or will her grief keep her trapped in a past that no longer exists?
Cam Hunter won the reality show The Spotlight, and thought he was on his way to becoming the next big country star. But when whispers of how he won begin to surface, Nashville is less than welcoming. After he loses his record deal, Cam heads back home to open a country bar.
When Daisy meets Cam, she isn’t sure she’s ready to let go of the ghosts from her past. Cam’s ex-wife isn’t ready to move on either, and the tragedy she causes will expose Cam’s secrets and shatter Daisy’s family.
Will Daisy be able to follow her heart into a future with Cam, or will her grief keep her trapped in a past that no longer exists?
Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
Kristen Strassel
140 books316 followersKristen Strassel is far cooler than she’ll make herself sound in this bio. She enjoys spending time with the voices in her head—nudging the characters toward those bad decisions and a happily ever after. When she’s not writing, she’s often still in the land of make-believe—doing makeup for film and television. And when she’s not doing any of that, she enjoys making her house look like a Pinterest board, watching football, and road trips to the middle of nowhere.
Connect with Kristen!
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Newsletter
Amazon
Book Bub
Connect with Kristen!
Website
Newsletter
Amazon
Book Bub
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 1, 2014
I was lucky enough to beta read this for Kristen a few months ago. I haven't read the final version yet, so this review is based strictly on the version I read.
Daisy's story begins on her birthday. The first birthday she's celebrated since her husband died. And, as expected, she's not doing so well. She's a young widow, who's suddenly faced with starting her life over again and she doesn't know where to begin. All of the plans she had for the future fell apart with Jordan's death. On top of that, she's living with her parents and dealing with her mother's constant judgement.
Cam is a former winner of the singing competition The Spotlight. He was well on his way to becoming the next big country star, but recently his career has started to fizzle and questions about how he actually won the competition are surfacing. He's moved to town and opened up his own country bar, which is where the two meet.
Daisy is an amazing and complex character. I really related to what she was going through. Not just her grief, but also her insecurity and the helplessness one feels when they're not sure where their life is going.
Cam is sexy as hell. And sweet. I don't usually go for the country thing but damn does he make it look good! He and Daisy meet and yes, it does get pretty steamy, but it doesn't detract from the story. They're great together. Exactly what the other needs as they both work through grief and the unexpected turns their lives have taken. And on top of this being a really sweet, hot, wonderful story about two wounded people falling it love it also has some twists and tension and tragedy as Daisy and Cam deal with their family, friends, and Cam's ex-wife.
4 out of 5 stars because although I really liked the story, there were some things I thought needed expanding or a little work. I won't say what because I don't want to give too much away. I will definitely reread this once it comes out! I can't wait to see what changes Kristen's made. I have total faith in her and I fully expect to love the final version even more!
Daisy's story begins on her birthday. The first birthday she's celebrated since her husband died. And, as expected, she's not doing so well. She's a young widow, who's suddenly faced with starting her life over again and she doesn't know where to begin. All of the plans she had for the future fell apart with Jordan's death. On top of that, she's living with her parents and dealing with her mother's constant judgement.
Cam is a former winner of the singing competition The Spotlight. He was well on his way to becoming the next big country star, but recently his career has started to fizzle and questions about how he actually won the competition are surfacing. He's moved to town and opened up his own country bar, which is where the two meet.
Daisy is an amazing and complex character. I really related to what she was going through. Not just her grief, but also her insecurity and the helplessness one feels when they're not sure where their life is going.
Cam is sexy as hell. And sweet. I don't usually go for the country thing but damn does he make it look good! He and Daisy meet and yes, it does get pretty steamy, but it doesn't detract from the story. They're great together. Exactly what the other needs as they both work through grief and the unexpected turns their lives have taken. And on top of this being a really sweet, hot, wonderful story about two wounded people falling it love it also has some twists and tension and tragedy as Daisy and Cam deal with their family, friends, and Cam's ex-wife.
4 out of 5 stars because although I really liked the story, there were some things I thought needed expanding or a little work. I won't say what because I don't want to give too much away. I will definitely reread this once it comes out! I can't wait to see what changes Kristen's made. I have total faith in her and I fully expect to love the final version even more!
September 22, 2014
This book is a gorgeous exploration of NA. In my opinion, not enough of us budding writers understand what New Adult is, deeming it simply an age category determined by the characters, as opposed to a period of learning for the reader and the characters in the story. We really get to see that learning period explored in SECONDHAND HEART.
Not only do we really get a feel for how our main character is falling and stumbling and feeling her way through her early twenties, but we also get to witness her do it under extraordinary circumstances.
Now onto the important things: Cam Hunter is the embodiment of every sexy country singer I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I just want him to strut up to me in his cowboy boots, stroke my face and call me "darlin" a couple hundred times.
*ahem* Anyway, the thing I love about Kristen's storytelling is its BIGNESS. We get PLENTY of that with SECONDHAND HEART and I'm honestly so thrilled for others to read this and swoon hard as hell and bask in this pool of hot sex, drama and healing. Lord Jesus, what a trifecta.
Not only do we really get a feel for how our main character is falling and stumbling and feeling her way through her early twenties, but we also get to witness her do it under extraordinary circumstances.
Now onto the important things: Cam Hunter is the embodiment of every sexy country singer I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I just want him to strut up to me in his cowboy boots, stroke my face and call me "darlin" a couple hundred times.
*ahem* Anyway, the thing I love about Kristen's storytelling is its BIGNESS. We get PLENTY of that with SECONDHAND HEART and I'm honestly so thrilled for others to read this and swoon hard as hell and bask in this pool of hot sex, drama and healing. Lord Jesus, what a trifecta.
October 16, 2014
This was a fun and stimulating quick read that will have you hooked from the very beginning. Kristen Strassel has a way of writing that makes you connect with the characters so much so that you feel as if you are right there watching the story unfold before your eyes.
We meet Daisy who is now living at home trying to get over the fact that at age 21 she’s a widow, and everyone around her constantly bringing her down about her weight or one thing or another, except her Dad, because he’s just awesome throughout the whole book. When you think of supportive you can definitely picture Daisy’s father as that role model type. We also meet Cam who was a winner on one of those next country star type shows, but his life is also going downhill while he’s on the verge of a divorce.
There is definitely a lot of drama in this book but there is also a lot of hope, and that’s what I think people need more of nowadays, hope. Daisy and Cam are introduced by Daisy’s sister Ev and one thing leads to another and they are jumping each other’s bones. I think it was a little quick but sometimes when it’s good, it’s good and it’s worth taking that leap of faith. They connected passionately and had a very vibrant appetite for one another and it was certainly entertaining to read about. But even with all of that there were still insecurities, really on both ends and that’s just something they had to work through.
This wasn’t only about them getting together though, this was also about them letting go and moving on with their lives especially when something tragic happened that literally affected every person in this book. I’m going to be honest and say I did get some watery eyes because it was just so sad. It’s always good to have some type of problem that they can overcome in a book, but this was a hard one.
Overall this book was really great, easy and quick to read because it kept your attention the whole time. I would recommend it to anyone who loves the NA genre or just a good story. I love the cover it’s very sweet and I just have to say that is not necessarily how I pictured Daisy as they made her out to be rather plus size in the book but I’m still happy with it. Cam was definitely a good character in the book and definitely a great book boyfriend. Loved it all.
We meet Daisy who is now living at home trying to get over the fact that at age 21 she’s a widow, and everyone around her constantly bringing her down about her weight or one thing or another, except her Dad, because he’s just awesome throughout the whole book. When you think of supportive you can definitely picture Daisy’s father as that role model type. We also meet Cam who was a winner on one of those next country star type shows, but his life is also going downhill while he’s on the verge of a divorce.
There is definitely a lot of drama in this book but there is also a lot of hope, and that’s what I think people need more of nowadays, hope. Daisy and Cam are introduced by Daisy’s sister Ev and one thing leads to another and they are jumping each other’s bones. I think it was a little quick but sometimes when it’s good, it’s good and it’s worth taking that leap of faith. They connected passionately and had a very vibrant appetite for one another and it was certainly entertaining to read about. But even with all of that there were still insecurities, really on both ends and that’s just something they had to work through.
This wasn’t only about them getting together though, this was also about them letting go and moving on with their lives especially when something tragic happened that literally affected every person in this book. I’m going to be honest and say I did get some watery eyes because it was just so sad. It’s always good to have some type of problem that they can overcome in a book, but this was a hard one.
Overall this book was really great, easy and quick to read because it kept your attention the whole time. I would recommend it to anyone who loves the NA genre or just a good story. I love the cover it’s very sweet and I just have to say that is not necessarily how I pictured Daisy as they made her out to be rather plus size in the book but I’m still happy with it. Cam was definitely a good character in the book and definitely a great book boyfriend. Loved it all.
October 16, 2014
4 star review
We meet Daisy on her 21st birthday, her first birthday since her husband, Jordan, died when a roadside bomb in Afghanistan exploded. Yes, she's struggling. She's put on some weight, her eyes are no longer bright, and she's having to live at home with her mom and dad - starting all over. Her sister, Ev, and best friend, Bree, are taking her out to celebrate at a new bar opening in town owned by former singing competition winner, Cam Hunter.
So, while feeling all frumpy and out of place Cam comes up and introductions are made - wait was that a spark she just felt? I believe it was! Ev actually gets Daisy a job interview with Cam for the next week but Daisy, for the life of her, can't figure out why he'd want to interview her - she's never worked in a bar.
Cam Hunter is dealing with his own ghosts. That's why he's back home. Cams soon to be ex wife is spreading some awful rumors about her being the only reason he won the Spotlight singing competition - that it was rigged. He lost his record deal in Nashville because of those rumors and his chance at music. He realizes he and Daisy both are lost souls trying to regain a foothold in the real world.
They both have a lot do deal with. So instead of actually hiring Daisy for the bar - he tells her he just needs a friend. Thus, is the beginning of a wonderful friendship, heartache, and a journey to self discovery.
There are obstacles from every direction for them both. Daisy's mother is always on her about her weight and eating healthy. Ev's not exactly on board for their whirlwind romance. Cam's ex wife is bat shit crazy. She sets of a string of events in motion that no one will see coming. Not going to reveal those events but trust me when I say expect the unexpected.
I love Kristen Strassel's writing and her capabilities. I love her paranormal romance series Night Songs and now Secondhand Heart is another favorite.
Book provided by Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for honest review.
We meet Daisy on her 21st birthday, her first birthday since her husband, Jordan, died when a roadside bomb in Afghanistan exploded. Yes, she's struggling. She's put on some weight, her eyes are no longer bright, and she's having to live at home with her mom and dad - starting all over. Her sister, Ev, and best friend, Bree, are taking her out to celebrate at a new bar opening in town owned by former singing competition winner, Cam Hunter.
So, while feeling all frumpy and out of place Cam comes up and introductions are made - wait was that a spark she just felt? I believe it was! Ev actually gets Daisy a job interview with Cam for the next week but Daisy, for the life of her, can't figure out why he'd want to interview her - she's never worked in a bar.
Cam Hunter is dealing with his own ghosts. That's why he's back home. Cams soon to be ex wife is spreading some awful rumors about her being the only reason he won the Spotlight singing competition - that it was rigged. He lost his record deal in Nashville because of those rumors and his chance at music. He realizes he and Daisy both are lost souls trying to regain a foothold in the real world.
They both have a lot do deal with. So instead of actually hiring Daisy for the bar - he tells her he just needs a friend. Thus, is the beginning of a wonderful friendship, heartache, and a journey to self discovery.
There are obstacles from every direction for them both. Daisy's mother is always on her about her weight and eating healthy. Ev's not exactly on board for their whirlwind romance. Cam's ex wife is bat shit crazy. She sets of a string of events in motion that no one will see coming. Not going to reveal those events but trust me when I say expect the unexpected.
I love Kristen Strassel's writing and her capabilities. I love her paranormal romance series Night Songs and now Secondhand Heart is another favorite.
Book provided by Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for honest review.
October 14, 2014
Oh so sweet...and oh so sexy...go ahead right now and add Cam to your book boyfriend list!
Wonderful, REAL characters that you'll love reading about. I loved Daisy's character-she's my favorite from this story. So easy to relate to, I felt like she could easily be a friend of mine. And Cam, well you can't not like him. His soon to be ex-wife? Her, you'll hate. She's written to be someone you won't like, and believe me-she lives up to that.
You'll get a full range of emotions, from sweet love to irritating mom feelings to almost outright hatred (courtesy of guess who). But what you ultimately will end up with is a fantastic love story that you won't want to put down. The writing flows well and keeps you interested from start to finish.
My verdict? 4.5 stars for Secondhand Heart!
Wonderful, REAL characters that you'll love reading about. I loved Daisy's character-she's my favorite from this story. So easy to relate to, I felt like she could easily be a friend of mine. And Cam, well you can't not like him. His soon to be ex-wife? Her, you'll hate. She's written to be someone you won't like, and believe me-she lives up to that.
You'll get a full range of emotions, from sweet love to irritating mom feelings to almost outright hatred (courtesy of guess who). But what you ultimately will end up with is a fantastic love story that you won't want to put down. The writing flows well and keeps you interested from start to finish.
My verdict? 4.5 stars for Secondhand Heart!
October 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be full of characters that I could relate too. The story was bigger than I expected which made it so much better. Loved it.
February 14, 2015
This book is about two people learning to love and trust again after losing their significant others. I gave it 4.5 stars.
Daisy has returned home after her husband Jordan was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan 10 months ago and all she seems to be able to do is eat and drink alcohol. Daisy doesn't enjoy her life at all anymore and is creeped out by everyone "thanking" her for Jordan's service. Her mother keeps snidely telling her she needs to watch what she is eating because she is getting too fat and her sister is trying to get her a job at the new bar in town the Lonely Hearts Saloon. The only person that seems to leave her alone and let her wallow in her misery is her dad. After finally getting tired of listening to her sister complain Daisy agrees to go on an interview with the owner of the bar who just so happens to be Cam Hunter - a previous winner of the Spotlight reality show! Daisy has literally zero restaurant or bar experience but they instantly hit it off and decide to become friends.
Cam Hunter is legally separated from his horrid wife and just waiting for her to sign the divorce papers. Cam decided to open the bar/ restaurant and create a new country album in Nashville just to prove to everyone that he was talented and the reality show was not a fake! The last thing on his mind was to meet someone but as soon as he was introduced to Daisy the chemistry was undeniable. So why when as soon as they were starting to get comfortable and Daisy was letting her walls come down did his wife decides to come back claiming she still loves him!
Great start to a series with interesting characters and a twist you sure didn't see coming...
Daisy has returned home after her husband Jordan was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan 10 months ago and all she seems to be able to do is eat and drink alcohol. Daisy doesn't enjoy her life at all anymore and is creeped out by everyone "thanking" her for Jordan's service. Her mother keeps snidely telling her she needs to watch what she is eating because she is getting too fat and her sister is trying to get her a job at the new bar in town the Lonely Hearts Saloon. The only person that seems to leave her alone and let her wallow in her misery is her dad. After finally getting tired of listening to her sister complain Daisy agrees to go on an interview with the owner of the bar who just so happens to be Cam Hunter - a previous winner of the Spotlight reality show! Daisy has literally zero restaurant or bar experience but they instantly hit it off and decide to become friends.
Cam Hunter is legally separated from his horrid wife and just waiting for her to sign the divorce papers. Cam decided to open the bar/ restaurant and create a new country album in Nashville just to prove to everyone that he was talented and the reality show was not a fake! The last thing on his mind was to meet someone but as soon as he was introduced to Daisy the chemistry was undeniable. So why when as soon as they were starting to get comfortable and Daisy was letting her walls come down did his wife decides to come back claiming she still loves him!
Great start to a series with interesting characters and a twist you sure didn't see coming...
January 23, 2015
Secondhand Heart is book 1 in Kristen Strassel’s Spotlight series, but can be read as a standalone novel. This book flowed nicely and kept my interest from beginning to end. It also ran me through the emotional gauntlet. Seriously, this book made me cry more than once, but it was definitely worth the read.
I really felt for Daisy in this story. She starts out as a young widow who isn’t really sure what to do with her life. Her late husband was more than just the man she married; he was her childhood friend and the only man she was ever with. Needless to say, she is devastated and still trying to work through that nearly a year later. While I did get tired of her constant worries about her weight at times, they were certainly believable and made her seem more real. I loved her relationship with her sister, Ev and her friend, Bree. Both characters really complimented each other and neither was without their own flaws.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Cam in the beginning. Yes, he has a definite hot factor that I love in my book boyfriends, and the sex between Cam and Daisy was quite steamy. Still, he struck me as somewhat off, and I couldn’t put my finger on what bothered me about him. This definitely changed as the story progressed and Daisy learned more about Cam and the demons he struggled with.
The first half of this book was a 4 star read for me, but by the end I definitely felt it was 5 stars. I would recommend this emotionally charged love story for anyone looking for a good romance.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I really felt for Daisy in this story. She starts out as a young widow who isn’t really sure what to do with her life. Her late husband was more than just the man she married; he was her childhood friend and the only man she was ever with. Needless to say, she is devastated and still trying to work through that nearly a year later. While I did get tired of her constant worries about her weight at times, they were certainly believable and made her seem more real. I loved her relationship with her sister, Ev and her friend, Bree. Both characters really complimented each other and neither was without their own flaws.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Cam in the beginning. Yes, he has a definite hot factor that I love in my book boyfriends, and the sex between Cam and Daisy was quite steamy. Still, he struck me as somewhat off, and I couldn’t put my finger on what bothered me about him. This definitely changed as the story progressed and Daisy learned more about Cam and the demons he struggled with.
The first half of this book was a 4 star read for me, but by the end I definitely felt it was 5 stars. I would recommend this emotionally charged love story for anyone looking for a good romance.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2016
you just had to go and tear my heart apart with Evey didn't you? Don't answer that lol! This story was very intuitive the various ways of mental health disorders and grief. I won't go into detail and spoil the juicy bits though. One thing that really throws me is that Daisy never got pregnant with Cam. There was only one sexual encounter when protection was mentioned. I just couldn't assume she was on birth control, or couldn't get pregnant again after her teen(I'm not gonna say or spoil the book lol). But. although they were blessed with(no name for spoilers smh), I really believed Cam and Daisy would've had their own. But anywho lolI enjoyed this!
p.s. By the way Ashley would've got dragged by her anorexic neck if she would've stepped with that mess and drama with me and my bff. LOL NO GAMES PLAYED! Bree acts like my bff acts when it comes to ppl starting sh*t, SHE SHUTS IT DOWN!!
p.s. By the way Ashley would've got dragged by her anorexic neck if she would've stepped with that mess and drama with me and my bff. LOL NO GAMES PLAYED! Bree acts like my bff acts when it comes to ppl starting sh*t, SHE SHUTS IT DOWN!!
December 12, 2015
Daisy is a military widow who moves back home. Her sister introduces her to Cam a country singer who has moved back home to start over. He is in the process of getting a divorce. They both have been hurt. He is willing to help her heal. Their story is not with out angst and large bumps in the road. This is the second book by, Kirsten Strassel that I have read. Can't wait to read more.
June 28, 2016
Wonderful story, but could use a better editor. Not that there were a ton of typos, but enough to make it worth mentioning. Plus other editor relates issues that could've made this book a 5* for me. Don't let it stop you from reading it though. It's still worth reading.
Want to Read
August 5, 2015Kindle Unlimited
April 19, 2016
Excellent entanglement
This story has a twisted love attraction in it. You will not get bored reading this story. Definitely recommend this book to everyone
This story has a twisted love attraction in it. You will not get bored reading this story. Definitely recommend this book to everyone
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews