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Change of Heart #1
Good Girl Overboard
Take a smoking-hot captain with a secret and an undercover cruise reviewer determined to change her sex life from flat to fiery. Shake well over rough seas. Serve on a king-size bed for a sizzling good time. * * * For twenty-eight years, cruise critic Darcy Simons has followed the rules. And what did it get her? A broken heart, an unfaithful fiancé, and a pile of bills taller than her uneaten four-tiered wedding cake. Clearly, it’s not blondes, but bad girls, who have more fun, and she is determined to become one of them. While Darcy is on the maiden voyage of the Ocean Starr cruise liner to write a snarky review that will earn enough money to pay off her canceled wedding, she’s determined to break some personal rules and have a wild sexual adventure—she just needs to find the perfect man. When she bumps into Captain Mitch James, and both his briefcase and sparks fly, she knows Mitch is just the guy for the job. Too bad Mitch has a firm no-messing-with-female-passengers rule. But when he discovers Darcy’s true reason for taking the cruise, he decides to use his charm to get a thumbs up for his ship. Breaking his own rules, he sets out to seduce her. Now, if he can just convince himself that his only interest in Darcy is a good review, he might make it back to port with his heart intact. Publisher’s This book contains sensual consummated love scenes. The Change of Heart series -- small town friends who all need a fresh start and a change of outlook in order to find their forever loves. Book 1 Good Girl Overboard (Darcy & Mitch) available nowBook 2 Lucky Girl Hits the Jackpot (Delaney & Spencer) coming in October.Book 3 Smart Girl Swept Away (Sheridan & Ridge) coming in October.Novella--prequel-- Sweet Girl Undone (Lucy & Curt) coming in October. Fiction>romance> contemporary>small town> sensual This is a light fun romance read. I've read both of Denise's mystery series so thought it would be fun to see how she did at a romance storyline. Quite well I have to say. The story covers love, lust, deception, chemistry and hot love scenes. ...The book is an easy read, perfect when you just want to enjoy --StoreyBook Reviews GOOD GIRL OVERBOARD is a wonderful start to a promising series. I loved it and could not help rooting for Darcy to find love with the handsome captain. ...Mishaps, interesting characters, witty banter, ulterior motives, passion, secrets, a shipboard romance and love intertwine to provide readers with an entrancing story that will leave them feeling good. ...exceeded my already high expectations. ... Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of GOOD GIRL OVERBOARD. I am sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did!--Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com For more information, please visit www.DeniseSwanson.com About the New York Times Bestseller author Denise Swanson was a practicing school psychologist for twenty-two years. Good Girl Overboard is her first romance and begins the Change of Heart contemporary romance series. She also writes the Scumble River and Devereaux’s Dime Store mysteries. Her books all feature small-town heroines with lots of heart. Denise’s books have been finalists for the Agatha, Mary Higgins Clark, RT Magazine's Career Achievement, and Daphne du Maurier Awards. She has won the Reviewers Choice Award and was a BookSense 76 Top Pick. Denise Swanson lives in Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr, and their cool black cat Boomerang. For more information, please check her website.
- GenresRomance
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
12 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Denise Swanson
69 books1,128 followersDenise Swanson lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2018
4.5 stars. Really good! I enjoyed this cruise from start to finish. I liked the characters, the setting, everything was a lot of fun. Because this was a different genre than I'm used to reading by this author I wasn't too sure how it would go but it was good. My only complaint was that the editing wasn't as good as in the mysteries, nothing to do with the plot but mainly just grammatical stuff (wrong tenses, extra/missing words).
February 24, 2015
This is a light fun romance read. I've read both of Denise's mystery series so thought it would be fun to see how she did at a romance storyline. Quite well I have to say. The story covers love, lust, deception, chemistry and hot love scenes.
I liked the twist of Mitch being wealthy along with being the captain of the ship. And Darcy is there to write a scathing review on the maiden voyage of the ship. One that she realizes she can't do because she isn't that kind of person anymore. She wants to be a "bad" girls since she was jilted at the alter and with the instant attraction between her and Mitch, she will get to fulfill that fantasy.
The book is an easy read, perfect when you just want to enjoy a book. Warning there are fairly detailed sex scenes, just in case you weren't expecting it in this book. I'd say about a 3 on a 1-5 heat level. Not too crazy but more than "behind closed doors" scenes.
I liked the twist of Mitch being wealthy along with being the captain of the ship. And Darcy is there to write a scathing review on the maiden voyage of the ship. One that she realizes she can't do because she isn't that kind of person anymore. She wants to be a "bad" girls since she was jilted at the alter and with the instant attraction between her and Mitch, she will get to fulfill that fantasy.
The book is an easy read, perfect when you just want to enjoy a book. Warning there are fairly detailed sex scenes, just in case you weren't expecting it in this book. I'd say about a 3 on a 1-5 heat level. Not too crazy but more than "behind closed doors" scenes.
May 27, 2017
Good Girl Overboard by Denise Swanson, is a steamy read that takes place on a cruise ship.
After years of making a living critiquing cruise lines, Darcy Simons is finally done with all the negativity and nastiness that her editor requires. She wants to write her novel full-time, and pay off the tremendous debt her ex-fiance saddled her with when their wedding was called off. So a critique of the maiden voyage of the Ocean Starr, the most luxurious and safe ship in the world, is her final assignment. In order to get Darcy to agree to write the expose, Darcy's slimy editor agreed to pay Darcy triple her normal fee.
Mitch James, the ship's captain, never gets involved with any of the passengers, however Darcy has truly tickled his fancy. They are both secretive about their true identities, which almost derails their shipboard fling and possible future together.
This is a nicely written love story with an engaging plot and well-defined characters. I found Darcy and Mitch to be kindhearted and interesting, and I loved the way Ms. Swanson developed them both as individuals and as a couple. Their time together was replete with warmth and lustful attraction. One of the secondary characters was quite manipulative, which brought an additional intensity to the story-line. Overall, this is an entertaining and slightly emotional read that twists and turns in all the right places.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
After years of making a living critiquing cruise lines, Darcy Simons is finally done with all the negativity and nastiness that her editor requires. She wants to write her novel full-time, and pay off the tremendous debt her ex-fiance saddled her with when their wedding was called off. So a critique of the maiden voyage of the Ocean Starr, the most luxurious and safe ship in the world, is her final assignment. In order to get Darcy to agree to write the expose, Darcy's slimy editor agreed to pay Darcy triple her normal fee.
Mitch James, the ship's captain, never gets involved with any of the passengers, however Darcy has truly tickled his fancy. They are both secretive about their true identities, which almost derails their shipboard fling and possible future together.
This is a nicely written love story with an engaging plot and well-defined characters. I found Darcy and Mitch to be kindhearted and interesting, and I loved the way Ms. Swanson developed them both as individuals and as a couple. Their time together was replete with warmth and lustful attraction. One of the secondary characters was quite manipulative, which brought an additional intensity to the story-line. Overall, this is an entertaining and slightly emotional read that twists and turns in all the right places.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 13, 2017
**Received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review** I really liked the concept of this book, but I didn't care for the main female character. She was back and forth too much for my liking. One minute she is crazy over the captain and thinking she is falling in love with him, but then when he is nice to her she pushes him away and let's him think she is interested in another guy and continuously turning him down... the characters got on my nerves and I didn't feel like they had any type of connection. It just felt forced. I'm not saying the book is bad, it's not. I just couldn't get into it because of my dislike for the characters. I would say give this book a chance, you may like it. You may think they have amazing chemistry and can totally see where she is coming from, but for me, I'll pass on the next book in the series.
May 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the chemistry between Mitch and Delaney, it’s absolutely smokin’ hot! They fight their attraction but there is no fighting something that strong. I also loved the rest of the characters aboard ship, they really added to the mood. I know there are books that give HEA’s to Delaney’s friends but I’d love to see another story with a HEA for Adrienne, I adored her character. If you’re looking for a fun read, a vacation in a book, than look no further and enjoy a lovely trip to the Caribbean with this fun cast! I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
May 12, 2017
Good Girl Overboard is the first romance in the Change of Heart series written by author Denise Swanson. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
October 25, 2022
This is a steamy romance book. Fun and lighthearted.
I received an ARC from #netgalley in exchange from my honest review.
I received an ARC from #netgalley in exchange from my honest review.
March 24, 2016
Good Girl Overboard is the inaugural book in the Change of Heart series by Denise Swanson. Aa a long-time fan of Denise Swanson's cozy mystery series, I always look forward to her new books. I rarely read romance novels and I’m hesitant to purchase and read them. To my surprise, I was hooked after reading the first two pages!
Darcy returns to her old job, reviewing cruise ships as she desperately needs money after paying for her a wedding which didn't happen as she called it off after finding her fiancé with another woman, leaving her with all the bills. Unfortunately, her new boss insists that she write a highly critical one of the luxury cruise that boasts about its perfection. Mitch James, Captain of the ship, can't believe the way the Darcy captured his attention, causing him to drop his papers in the water. She fills his every thought, and lets her enjoy the view form the bridge when she comes to apologize to him. He knows that Darcy is there to write a critical review and he is secretly part of the family that owns the cruise line. In an attempt to charm her, he is shocked to find himself falling for her instead. To her boss’ dismay, Darcy can’t find much to criticize on the ship, yet her cruising venture is definitely not boring. Dinner with the Captain leads to passionate kisses. Darcy really wants to experience a light sexy fling, something she's never experienced. Instead, she and Mitch handle a wide variety of situations on board and grow closer physically and emotionally.
Good Girl Overboard is definitely not a cozy mystery. If you like romance novels, a bit racy, full of spice, this is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this as a change from the cozy mysteries I normally read. The ending was spectacular. I appreciated Ms. Swanson’s ability to write this type of novel without significant foul language as tends to be abundant in this genre of books. Good Girl Overboard is steamy without being crude or degrading. Readers who enjoy books by Susan Mallery will enjoy reading this book. Once you start reading, it will be difficult to put the book down. Great start to a new series.
Darcy returns to her old job, reviewing cruise ships as she desperately needs money after paying for her a wedding which didn't happen as she called it off after finding her fiancé with another woman, leaving her with all the bills. Unfortunately, her new boss insists that she write a highly critical one of the luxury cruise that boasts about its perfection. Mitch James, Captain of the ship, can't believe the way the Darcy captured his attention, causing him to drop his papers in the water. She fills his every thought, and lets her enjoy the view form the bridge when she comes to apologize to him. He knows that Darcy is there to write a critical review and he is secretly part of the family that owns the cruise line. In an attempt to charm her, he is shocked to find himself falling for her instead. To her boss’ dismay, Darcy can’t find much to criticize on the ship, yet her cruising venture is definitely not boring. Dinner with the Captain leads to passionate kisses. Darcy really wants to experience a light sexy fling, something she's never experienced. Instead, she and Mitch handle a wide variety of situations on board and grow closer physically and emotionally.
Good Girl Overboard is definitely not a cozy mystery. If you like romance novels, a bit racy, full of spice, this is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this as a change from the cozy mysteries I normally read. The ending was spectacular. I appreciated Ms. Swanson’s ability to write this type of novel without significant foul language as tends to be abundant in this genre of books. Good Girl Overboard is steamy without being crude or degrading. Readers who enjoy books by Susan Mallery will enjoy reading this book. Once you start reading, it will be difficult to put the book down. Great start to a new series.
March 12, 2015
Darcy Simmons thought she had put her days of reviewing cruise ships behind her. All she wanted to do was write her novel and plan her wedding. When Darcy catches her fiance, Yale, cheating on her with a barely legal young woman, Darcy calls off the wedding. Yale skips town leaving Darcy to pay the bills and forcing her to go back to a job she loathes. Deciding to mend her broken heart with a fling while on assignment, Darcy literally bumps into her dream guy. Only it turns out this dream guy is also the ship's captain, Mitch James. Can Darcy stay objective with her review and have the fling of a lifetime?
This is Denise Swanson ' s first contemporary romance and I have to say she that she wrote an excellent book. Good Girl Overboard is a cute, sexy, and fast paced read with well developed characters. When I finished this book, I gave out a long sigh because I didn't want it to end.
Darcy is great as the heroine. She is smart, funny and caring. Darcy struggles throughout the book to remain objective. When her boss tells her to find something wrong with the ship or else, Darcy decides to face the or else even if it means financial ruin.
Mitch is a terrific choice for Darcy's HEA. Despite being the owners son, Mitch remains humble throughout the book. Their chemistry is instantaneous and hot! When Yale shows up on the ship, Mitch goes into full Alpha mode to protect her from the slime ball.
This is a great debut romance from an already established author. Fans of Jill Shalvis or Susan Mallery will enjoy this well written book. Just make sure you don't have anything to do when you start reading because you won't want to put this book down.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Review to also appear on somanyreads.com*
This is Denise Swanson ' s first contemporary romance and I have to say she that she wrote an excellent book. Good Girl Overboard is a cute, sexy, and fast paced read with well developed characters. When I finished this book, I gave out a long sigh because I didn't want it to end.
Darcy is great as the heroine. She is smart, funny and caring. Darcy struggles throughout the book to remain objective. When her boss tells her to find something wrong with the ship or else, Darcy decides to face the or else even if it means financial ruin.
Mitch is a terrific choice for Darcy's HEA. Despite being the owners son, Mitch remains humble throughout the book. Their chemistry is instantaneous and hot! When Yale shows up on the ship, Mitch goes into full Alpha mode to protect her from the slime ball.
This is a great debut romance from an already established author. Fans of Jill Shalvis or Susan Mallery will enjoy this well written book. Just make sure you don't have anything to do when you start reading because you won't want to put this book down.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Review to also appear on somanyreads.com*
March 1, 2015
Darcy needs money after her ex-fiance left her with bills from their canceled wedding. She returns to her previous position reviewing cruise ships. She is determined to have a fun fling while she's there.
Captain Mitch James knows Darcy is there to write a review, as his family owns the cruise line. She is supposed to charm her into writing a good one, without letting on that he knows. Instead, he falls for her.
Their first meeting is fabulous reading, as Darcy bumps the Captain while boarding the ship, causing his papers to fall into the water. From there the attraction grows even as they fight their deepening feelings.
The cruise ship details are so delicious in this book that readers will feel the heat of the sun. They will also feel the chemistry of this sexy couple.
Darcy's ex-fiance is a surprise lecturer on the ship and is a nasty creep that Mitch and Darcy work together to defeat.
Swanson does a smart, independent heroine so well, and Darcy is no exception. Readers will look forward to the next one in this series about four friends and their romantic adventures.
Captain Mitch James knows Darcy is there to write a review, as his family owns the cruise line. She is supposed to charm her into writing a good one, without letting on that he knows. Instead, he falls for her.
Their first meeting is fabulous reading, as Darcy bumps the Captain while boarding the ship, causing his papers to fall into the water. From there the attraction grows even as they fight their deepening feelings.
The cruise ship details are so delicious in this book that readers will feel the heat of the sun. They will also feel the chemistry of this sexy couple.
Darcy's ex-fiance is a surprise lecturer on the ship and is a nasty creep that Mitch and Darcy work together to defeat.
Swanson does a smart, independent heroine so well, and Darcy is no exception. Readers will look forward to the next one in this series about four friends and their romantic adventures.
March 16, 2015
Darcy Simons was left devastated by her fiancé’s affair and was forced to handle all of the wedding expenses. Desperate, she takes one last job from her old boss, before she finishes writing her debut novel. As her friends have pointed out, a week-long luxury cruise is the ideal setting for a steamy fling. But when she literally runs into Mitch James, the Captain of this mighty ship, she will have to break a few of his rules to follow through with her plan.
Good Girl Overboard is a fast and steamy read that readers won’t be able to put down. The story is told mostly through narrative which allows for an insider’s view of the characters’ inner thoughts. The ending is a bit rushed, but readers will be hoping to catch more glimpses of this duo in the next book in the series. The characters and setting feel so real that readers will feel as though they are a passenger on this ship’s maiden voyage. Overall, this is a sweet, uplifting love story.
Notes:
The author provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
Good Girl Overboard is a fast and steamy read that readers won’t be able to put down. The story is told mostly through narrative which allows for an insider’s view of the characters’ inner thoughts. The ending is a bit rushed, but readers will be hoping to catch more glimpses of this duo in the next book in the series. The characters and setting feel so real that readers will feel as though they are a passenger on this ship’s maiden voyage. Overall, this is a sweet, uplifting love story.
Notes:
The author provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
March 10, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. Not once in my life have I ever thought to go on a cruise or even wanted to. After reading this book I have the sudden urge to find a cruise leaving tomorrow and pack hubby up and go on one. If, like me, you are unable to do that and want to live some of the life then read this book! You get the feel of being on a ship. Even if there is a storm. I loved reading about the budding romance between Darcy and Mitch and rooted for them through thick and thin. I look forward to reading some more romance from Ms. Denise Swanson in the future!
September 4, 2015
Loved this first dip into romance by Denise Swanson. Some of you may recognize her by her cozy mysteries. This romance was wonderful.
Darcy and Mitch explore their feelings and the islands. I truly enjoyed this book. It took me a minute to realize they weren't going to find a dead body as often happens in the cozy mysteries. I love Denise Swanson and her crisp, loving style.
I recommend this book and a great cup of coffee to enjoy it with.
#lovereadinglaughing #loveineveryport #romance #coffeeforreading
Darcy and Mitch explore their feelings and the islands. I truly enjoyed this book. It took me a minute to realize they weren't going to find a dead body as often happens in the cozy mysteries. I love Denise Swanson and her crisp, loving style.
I recommend this book and a great cup of coffee to enjoy it with.
#lovereadinglaughing #loveineveryport #romance #coffeeforreading
May 24, 2015
Denise Swanson steps into a whole new genre, and I can say I am glad she did!!
Darcy needs money after her she finds her ex in bed with another woman and he leaves her with the wedding bill! Darcy has vowed to not review any more cruise ships but needs the money so does one last review of a ship! What she finds as she boards the ship is one sexy captain that she can't seem to get out of her mind!
Darcy needs money after her she finds her ex in bed with another woman and he leaves her with the wedding bill! Darcy has vowed to not review any more cruise ships but needs the money so does one last review of a ship! What she finds as she boards the ship is one sexy captain that she can't seem to get out of her mind!
March 15, 2015
Great story
Denise Swanson has written a wonderful romantic story with parts that made sigh (really deeply), some made me mad and others laugh. It was really awesome and I am sure you will love it as much as I did.
Denise Swanson has written a wonderful romantic story with parts that made sigh (really deeply), some made me mad and others laugh. It was really awesome and I am sure you will love it as much as I did.
July 1, 2015
Denise Swanson has another great series on her hands. I really enjoyed this book, being on a ship
out on the open seas, with a great looking Captain. What more could a girl ask for. All of Ms. Swanson's books are a wonderful read.
out on the open seas, with a great looking Captain. What more could a girl ask for. All of Ms. Swanson's books are a wonderful read.
May 30, 2015
Denise Swanson steps into a new genre and hits it out of the park. Fell in love with Darcy and Mitch from the beginning and was not disappointed. If you want a fun, steamy, romantic read this is it. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
August 2, 2018
I worked on a cruise. So was excited to give this a read. The romance between Darcy and Mitch is super steamy. But far from the real. Thats why it's a work of fiction. I really liked Darcy not always clear on some of her reasoning, but that's what makes a complex character. Mitch just seems to be a good-looking guy with some brain cells. The sexual content is a bit more than some but less than other novels. Enjoy reading.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews