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Healing Harts #1
Heart's Desire: A Second Chance Ranch Romance About Healing, Trust, and Love Rekindled
If you could have anything, do anything…what would it be?
Jessie Hart has a soft spot for healing the broken, especially horses and children, but her business is failing and bankruptcy is looming. The one man who can save Heart Fire Ranch is the last man she wants to take advice from—financial expert Nathan Kerrington, the same man who broke her heart eight years ago.
Nathan Kerrington has it all, except the one thing he wanted most—Jessie. Now that he’s finally freed himself from his corrupt family, he wants to make amends. When he’s called in to save Jessie’s ranch, he sees his chance to win her back—if only he can prove to her that she can trust him with her heart …
Jessie Hart has a soft spot for healing the broken, especially horses and children, but her business is failing and bankruptcy is looming. The one man who can save Heart Fire Ranch is the last man she wants to take advice from—financial expert Nathan Kerrington, the same man who broke her heart eight years ago.
Nathan Kerrington has it all, except the one thing he wanted most—Jessie. Now that he’s finally freed himself from his corrupt family, he wants to make amends. When he’s called in to save Jessie’s ranch, he sees his chance to win her back—if only he can prove to her that she can trust him with her heart …
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2015
68 people are currently reading
910 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Kline
26 books437 followersT.J. Kline has been making up stories since she was old enough to talk and put her first into book form when she was ten.
Since then, she has always loved a HEA and a good thriller. When life introduced her to horses and rodeos, she knew she'd found her calling writing contemporary small-town romances filled with love, drama and, of course, cowboys.
She currently lives in the foothills outside Yosemite National Park with the love of her life, adoring her three grown children from afar and enjoying her three horses, four dogs, five cats and a noisy bunch of hens.
Since then, she has always loved a HEA and a good thriller. When life introduced her to horses and rodeos, she knew she'd found her calling writing contemporary small-town romances filled with love, drama and, of course, cowboys.
She currently lives in the foothills outside Yosemite National Park with the love of her life, adoring her three grown children from afar and enjoying her three horses, four dogs, five cats and a noisy bunch of hens.
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April 21, 2015
Jessie Hart has been following her dream of transforming her family’s dude ranch into a horse rescue but it’s depleted her finances. Jessie’s brother asks his college best friend Nathan to help her. Nathan Kerrington is a financial genius, however there is a serious problem: Nathan is the man who broke Jessie’s heart several years ago, he never contacted her after he left without a word, and she has never forgiven him, and no one knew about their romance.
HEART’S DESIRE is a powerful, stirring book that will have you invested right from the start. Jessie is ready to explode with rage upon seeing Nathan again, who doesn’t seem to realise how much he hurt Jessie. She does overreact, but the fact that Nathan seems somewhat oblivious infuriates her even more.
Jessie finds it almost unbearable to be stuck with Nathan, until she realises that she does need help if she intends her business not to go totally under. She can’t deny that the spark between them hasn’t faded along the years, but it’s a serious matter of rebuilding trust, on both sides.
HEART’S DESIRE is masterfully written, and saying that the characters are complex would be a major understatement. I love the care and research Ms. Kline put into her book: we get a close look at what it is to be a horse whisperer, and life on a ranch. HEART’S DESIRE is captivating and realistic look at two people who need to be more open-minded and giving if they are to be happier, not to say find love.
HEART’S DESIRE is a splendid beginning to a new series by that the very talented T. J. Kline.
HEART’S DESIRE is a powerful, stirring book that will have you invested right from the start. Jessie is ready to explode with rage upon seeing Nathan again, who doesn’t seem to realise how much he hurt Jessie. She does overreact, but the fact that Nathan seems somewhat oblivious infuriates her even more.
Jessie finds it almost unbearable to be stuck with Nathan, until she realises that she does need help if she intends her business not to go totally under. She can’t deny that the spark between them hasn’t faded along the years, but it’s a serious matter of rebuilding trust, on both sides.
HEART’S DESIRE is masterfully written, and saying that the characters are complex would be a major understatement. I love the care and research Ms. Kline put into her book: we get a close look at what it is to be a horse whisperer, and life on a ranch. HEART’S DESIRE is captivating and realistic look at two people who need to be more open-minded and giving if they are to be happier, not to say find love.
HEART’S DESIRE is a splendid beginning to a new series by that the very talented T. J. Kline.
July 28, 2015
For those of you who don't know, T.J. Kline was the author who single-handedly made me a cowboy-loving convert. Her romances are relatively straight-forward, but with a level of sass, humor and heat that makes them an absolute joy to devour. Suffice it to say, Heart's Desire is not my first read from the lovely Ms. Kline, but knowing it was one of hers was not the only reason I wanted to pick up this novel. The concept behind the series - a family of healers who all have their own skills and burdens and find their own loves - really drew me in. And I think Jessie and Nathan's story is a great start to an emotional series!
Years after a youthful summer romance left Jessie brokenhearted and disillusioned, Nathan, her brother's best friend, comes back into her life in the hope of saving her ranch from financial ruin and mending some of the bridges he burned when he left. As much as Nathan has tried to fill his life with beautiful models and designer suits, there has been a void in his life ever since he fell for Jessie and was forced to abandon her by his vindictive father. Though Nathan comes back to Heart Fire Ranch to review the business's finances, he's impressed by Jessie's amazing gift for rehabilitating abused horses and counseling at-risk teens. He believes in her dream of converting the ranch into a sanctuary, even when her own siblings lack faith in her. His encouragement, support and passion create a spark that allows Jessie to finally put her needs and desires first and believe in herself.
I love 'Brother's Best Friend' romances and I think that this was a great example with the added bonus of being a 'Second Chance at Love' story. I could really see bits of myself in Jessie and I loved that she was sassy and tenacious, while still suffering insecurities and self-doubts that left her unsure if her dream path was right for the family business. Her relationship with Nathan really grew and developed slowly over the course of the novel, though we knew that physical desire was felt and denied from his very first step onto the ranch. Nathan really puts in the work to redeem himself and bolster the trust that was lost when he didn't come back years ago. I loved watching Nathan and Jessie rehabilitate each other, tending to one another's spirit the way Jessie does for her horses.
Even with a romance that seemed pretty straight-forward you had a sub-story of embezzlement and betrayal that shockingly ran much deeper than I predicted. Don't you love it when a story surprises you? I also really enjoyed the development of the secondary characters and after reading the blurb for the next novel in the series, Taking Heart, I'm even more excited to delve deeper into the Heart Fire universe. I think T.J. Kline has another amazing series on her hands!
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
Years after a youthful summer romance left Jessie brokenhearted and disillusioned, Nathan, her brother's best friend, comes back into her life in the hope of saving her ranch from financial ruin and mending some of the bridges he burned when he left. As much as Nathan has tried to fill his life with beautiful models and designer suits, there has been a void in his life ever since he fell for Jessie and was forced to abandon her by his vindictive father. Though Nathan comes back to Heart Fire Ranch to review the business's finances, he's impressed by Jessie's amazing gift for rehabilitating abused horses and counseling at-risk teens. He believes in her dream of converting the ranch into a sanctuary, even when her own siblings lack faith in her. His encouragement, support and passion create a spark that allows Jessie to finally put her needs and desires first and believe in herself.
I love 'Brother's Best Friend' romances and I think that this was a great example with the added bonus of being a 'Second Chance at Love' story. I could really see bits of myself in Jessie and I loved that she was sassy and tenacious, while still suffering insecurities and self-doubts that left her unsure if her dream path was right for the family business. Her relationship with Nathan really grew and developed slowly over the course of the novel, though we knew that physical desire was felt and denied from his very first step onto the ranch. Nathan really puts in the work to redeem himself and bolster the trust that was lost when he didn't come back years ago. I loved watching Nathan and Jessie rehabilitate each other, tending to one another's spirit the way Jessie does for her horses.
Even with a romance that seemed pretty straight-forward you had a sub-story of embezzlement and betrayal that shockingly ran much deeper than I predicted. Don't you love it when a story surprises you? I also really enjoyed the development of the secondary characters and after reading the blurb for the next novel in the series, Taking Heart, I'm even more excited to delve deeper into the Heart Fire universe. I think T.J. Kline has another amazing series on her hands!
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
May 8, 2015
I really just don't think that I have ever read anything from this author! But I am very pleased with the works and skills this book demonstrated for this author. This book had me in tears at some parts. I love horses and children so it was a little soft on the heart strings. But what happens it just amazing! Strongly recommend this book to everyone!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
May 11, 2017
I'm sort of late to the rodeo for Ms. Kiine’s stories but I’ve just finished reading the first 3 in her Rodeo series and thought her Healing Hearts series looked interesting. Heart’s Desire is the first book in that series. There’s a quick connection between the two because Jen one of our heroines in the Rodeo series is good friends with Jessie our heroine in this book. Since we’re told that Jen is married and has a baby and her brother’s Scott and Derek are also married I’ll assume this series is timed to pick up where the rodeo series left off. Other than a brief phone call between Jessie and Jen, none of the characters from the Rodeo series appear in this book. , I want to qualify my review by saying I liked this book. I’m going to recommend this book. I’m even going to start with what I didn’t think worked just so it’s not the last impression I leave with you.
Our heroine in this book is Jessie Hart the youngest of the 3 Hart siblings. Jessie’s parent’s ran a dude ranch (Heart's Fire) before their untimely death in a car accident six months before this story begins. While Jessie’s older brother Justin runs a veterinary clinic on the property and her sister Julia runs a therapy dog training business, Jessie is left to run the dude ranch which she is trying to convert into a rehab center for abused horses. I suspect in an attempt to make Jessie appear more vulnerable and sympathetic to her readers Ms. Kline has Jessie suffering frequent episodes of self-doubt about her abilities to do anything right. She feels as though she’s failing at everything she tries letting her siblings and her late parents legacy down. My problem is Jessie suffers so many periods of self-doubt and self-pity with tears either pooling in the backs of her eyes or running down her cheeks that even I an admitted soft touch for vulnerable heroines was becoming annoyed. Ms. Kline sometimes less is more.
Justin Hart the oldest of the siblings and former college roommate of our hero Nathan is supposed to be a caring if somewhat over protective big brother as he attempts to fill the shoes of his father in his sisters’ lives. Problem is the way I perceived him was just overbearing, gruff and he seemed to denigrate Jessie at every turn. Add to that the way he did a 180 degree turn on Nathan near the end of the book and he just wasn’t a very likable character.
In fact, there’s another problem I had with this story. It seemed like almost every main character was incapable of forming their own opinions and sticking with them. With the slightest provocation from some else they began to doubt and even abandon their previously held convictions. And I’m not sure why Jessie and Justin found Nathan’s reasons for separating himself from them in his final year of college weren’t valid enough to justify what he did? They seemed valid to me.
My final complaint is that about 190 pages into the book after Nathan has already committed that he’s going to not only earn Jessie’s forgiveness and trust but he wants her as a permanent part of his life, he’s still unable to accept that what he feels for her is love because of course he doesn’t’ believe in love. Honestly I’m so tired of heroes in these romantic novels being portrayed despite everything they’re feeling, everything they’ve experienced with the heroine they are reluctant to accept that they are in love with her. Yes, we are men and we feel and process emotions differently from women but we are not totally unaware or afraid of our own feelings of affection and love.
I know the above sounds like an awful lot of issues for a story I profess to like but I did. Ms. Kline likes her heroines to have a bit of a temper and Jessie is no exception. She's quick to rise to any challenge. I loved Jessie the horse whisperer with a big heart for animals and troubled kids. Complaints to the contrary I really did come to love Jessie. Nathan was a terrific hero. Although he at strange moments had belated worries as to how he and Jessie could bring their two disparate worlds together he always quickly cast them off because he knew deep down that he couldn’t live without her. He was ready and willing to move heaven and earth to make her happy and make her dreams come true. Even after she rejects him he continues to fight for her and commit to her. Younger cousin Bailey Hart was a great character. She may have been my favorite. A spitfire like Jessie, wise beyond her 22 years, dedicated to supporting her cousins work and fiercely protective of them. I can’t wait for Bailey’s book. Considering she is the subject of the next book in the series sister Julie had a somewhat muted role in Jessie’s story. Other than the fact that she ran a therapy dog training center we really don’t learn much about her But she was portrayed perfectly as Jessie's closest confidant and adviser.
Ms. Kline is a talented story teller and this story will keep you wanting to find out what happens on the next page. As is her norm she throws in a few surprise twists at the end of the story that I didn't see coming. Other than the way she portrayed Justin she did a great job creating her characters, even lesser ones like the pastor and his wife who bring a church youth group for a stay at the ranch. And as an added bonus Ms. Kline’s books at $2,00 or less are perhaps the best bargain in modern romance novels out there.
Our heroine in this book is Jessie Hart the youngest of the 3 Hart siblings. Jessie’s parent’s ran a dude ranch (Heart's Fire) before their untimely death in a car accident six months before this story begins. While Jessie’s older brother Justin runs a veterinary clinic on the property and her sister Julia runs a therapy dog training business, Jessie is left to run the dude ranch which she is trying to convert into a rehab center for abused horses. I suspect in an attempt to make Jessie appear more vulnerable and sympathetic to her readers Ms. Kline has Jessie suffering frequent episodes of self-doubt about her abilities to do anything right. She feels as though she’s failing at everything she tries letting her siblings and her late parents legacy down. My problem is Jessie suffers so many periods of self-doubt and self-pity with tears either pooling in the backs of her eyes or running down her cheeks that even I an admitted soft touch for vulnerable heroines was becoming annoyed. Ms. Kline sometimes less is more.
Justin Hart the oldest of the siblings and former college roommate of our hero Nathan is supposed to be a caring if somewhat over protective big brother as he attempts to fill the shoes of his father in his sisters’ lives. Problem is the way I perceived him was just overbearing, gruff and he seemed to denigrate Jessie at every turn. Add to that the way he did a 180 degree turn on Nathan near the end of the book and he just wasn’t a very likable character.
In fact, there’s another problem I had with this story. It seemed like almost every main character was incapable of forming their own opinions and sticking with them. With the slightest provocation from some else they began to doubt and even abandon their previously held convictions. And I’m not sure why Jessie and Justin found Nathan’s reasons for separating himself from them in his final year of college weren’t valid enough to justify what he did? They seemed valid to me.
My final complaint is that about 190 pages into the book after Nathan has already committed that he’s going to not only earn Jessie’s forgiveness and trust but he wants her as a permanent part of his life, he’s still unable to accept that what he feels for her is love because of course he doesn’t’ believe in love. Honestly I’m so tired of heroes in these romantic novels being portrayed despite everything they’re feeling, everything they’ve experienced with the heroine they are reluctant to accept that they are in love with her. Yes, we are men and we feel and process emotions differently from women but we are not totally unaware or afraid of our own feelings of affection and love.
I know the above sounds like an awful lot of issues for a story I profess to like but I did. Ms. Kline likes her heroines to have a bit of a temper and Jessie is no exception. She's quick to rise to any challenge. I loved Jessie the horse whisperer with a big heart for animals and troubled kids. Complaints to the contrary I really did come to love Jessie. Nathan was a terrific hero. Although he at strange moments had belated worries as to how he and Jessie could bring their two disparate worlds together he always quickly cast them off because he knew deep down that he couldn’t live without her. He was ready and willing to move heaven and earth to make her happy and make her dreams come true. Even after she rejects him he continues to fight for her and commit to her. Younger cousin Bailey Hart was a great character. She may have been my favorite. A spitfire like Jessie, wise beyond her 22 years, dedicated to supporting her cousins work and fiercely protective of them. I can’t wait for Bailey’s book. Considering she is the subject of the next book in the series sister Julie had a somewhat muted role in Jessie’s story. Other than the fact that she ran a therapy dog training center we really don’t learn much about her But she was portrayed perfectly as Jessie's closest confidant and adviser.
Ms. Kline is a talented story teller and this story will keep you wanting to find out what happens on the next page. As is her norm she throws in a few surprise twists at the end of the story that I didn't see coming. Other than the way she portrayed Justin she did a great job creating her characters, even lesser ones like the pastor and his wife who bring a church youth group for a stay at the ranch. And as an added bonus Ms. Kline’s books at $2,00 or less are perhaps the best bargain in modern romance novels out there.
August 17, 2016
Wonderful, heart warming. My first by TJ Kline. This story has it all, love lost and found again, sacrifice for all the right reasons, helping animals and people who really need it. I loved it and will continue the series.
January 1, 2021
“Heart’s Desire(Healing Harts Book 1)
As you’re reading this book you wonder what’s going on,as it seems to change one minute to the next.Then you realize,you’re going to be confused during most of the book,which is a good thing.It isn’t until close to the end that you have your Aha! moment and know things are going to be okay. Please take my word and read this book,I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as I did.
As you’re reading this book you wonder what’s going on,as it seems to change one minute to the next.Then you realize,you’re going to be confused during most of the book,which is a good thing.It isn’t until close to the end that you have your Aha! moment and know things are going to be okay. Please take my word and read this book,I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as I did.
July 6, 2021
the book was ok, and i would have given it 3 stars BUT at the end of the books was the first chapter for the 2nd book in the series.
I read it and decided to continue with the series; however, after spending 10 minutes trying to find the book i discovered it was not available on Apple or kindle!
I read it and decided to continue with the series; however, after spending 10 minutes trying to find the book i discovered it was not available on Apple or kindle!
July 21, 2020
Since the death of her parents, Jessie's been doing everything she can to turn the family's dude ranch into the horse rescue facility she and her father dreamed of. But her best isn't enough, and after letting all the help go, selling off what she could, and working as hard as she can every day, the operation is still hemorrhaging money. Desperate for a solution, her brother calls in his old roommate, a wealthy and successful financial analyst to help them get in the black again, but it's not the perfect solution for Jesse that he thought it would be. There's that never forgotten matter of the summer that same man stole Jesse's heart and then shattered it…
The Verdict: After the awesomeness that was the Learning the Ropes series, you can bet I didn't waste any time in trying to get my hands on the beginning of a brand new series by T.J. Kline, and I wasn't disappointed.
Jessie's a bit of a bleeding heart when it comes to animals and kids, and it's a trait she shares with her late father. While her parents made a success of their property as a dude ranch, giving city slickers a taste of country life for a week or two, the hope was that they would be able to move into the more meaningful work of rescuing abused and neglected horses. However, Jessie's parents were killed in an accident, leaving the ranch and property to her and her siblings, and while each has different interests and responsibilities, they're all too attached to let the ranch fail. But as time goes by, Jessie takes in more and more horses, not to mention at-risk teenagers who find something good in being responsible for neglected animals, and the ranch sinks further and further into the red. Her brother's finally had enough and calls in his old college roommate, a man who turned his back on the family years ago, to help.
Nathan's never forgotten Jessie, and it still pains him that he left like he did. He was her first real love, and after promising to keep in touch, he simply vanished back into the city, never to be seen or heard from again until now. What Jessie doesn't realize is that Nathan abandoned their relationship to protect her family, but even to him, his reasoning seems flawed in hindsight. Now it's all he can do to get her to speak to him, but it goes without saying that he wants quite a bit more than a little talk.
The chemistry between these two is tangible, but so is the pain and grief that Jessie's been harboring since the day she realized he was never going to call her. Getting past that, even while knowing he's not at the ranch for long, is a rough process, made even more difficult by her inability to figure out which man Nathan is — the one ready with kindness and affection or the one who lives a life of luxury in the big city, never really caring about those “beneath” him.
If you ask me, Nathan's excuse for dropping Jessie all those years ago is pretty weak, but that can almost be overlooked due to his father's position and his own young age at the time. It's pretty clear that his dad is a complete scumbag, but how many of us were really ready to stand up completely to our parents and make our own way when we were in college? Given what his father is capable of, it's little wonder that Nathan gave up his own happiness and risked Jessie's fragile heart in order to shelter her from what life in corrupt and wealthy circles could bring. Watching them come back together was a one step forward and two steps back kind of thing, but that's what kept it grounded and believable.
The one thing I do wish there was more of was the horses and teens Jessie was trying to help. They were introduced, and it was clear they were her calling, but it felt a little like they were forgotten in favor of the reawakened romance with Nathan. I would have liked to have seen them play a bigger role instead of being relegated to the background like they were.
In any case, Heart's Desire is another excellent country romance from T.J. Kline, sure to appeal to just about anyone who has a thing for men in cowboy boots. The lifestyle and setting is once again genuinely portrayed, adding something significant to the story, and of course, the characters are just as wonderful as always. If Wranglers, Ariat, and Tony Lama mean something to you (or if you just like hot cowboys in tight jeans), start making room for this series on your shelf.
***FicCentral received this book from Harper Collins (via Edelweiss) for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
May 6, 2015
For those of you who don't know, T.J. Kline was the author who single-handedly made me a cowboy-loving convert. Her romances are relatively straight-forward, but with a level of sass, humor and heat that makes them an absolute joy to devour. Suffice it to say, Heart's Desire is not my first read from the lovely Ms. Kline, but knowing it was one of hers was not the only reason I wanted to pick up this novel. The concept behind the series - a family of healers who all have their own skills and burdens and find their own loves - really drew me in. And I think Jessie and Nathan's story is a great start to an emotional series!
Years after a youthful summer romance left Jessie brokenhearted and disillusioned, Nathan, her brother's best friend, comes back into her life in the hope of saving her ranch from financial ruin and mending some of the bridges he burned when he left. As much as Nathan has tried to fill his life with beautiful models and designer suits, there has been a void in his life ever since he fell for Jessie and was forced to abandon her by his vindictive father. Though Nathan comes back to Heart Fire Ranch to review the business's finances, he's impressed by Jessie's amazing gift for rehabilitating abused horses and counseling at-risk teens. He believes in her dream of converting the ranch into a sanctuary, even when her own siblings lack faith in her. His encouragement, support and passion create a spark that allows Jessie to finally put her needs and desires first and believe in herself.
I love 'Brother's Best Friend' romances and I think that this was a great example with the added bonus of being a 'Second Chance at Love' story. I could really see bits of myself in Jessie and I loved that she was sassy and tenacious, while still suffering insecurities and self-doubts that left her unsure if her dream path was right for the family business. Her relationship with Nathan really grew and developed slowly over the course of the novel, though we knew that physical desire was felt and denied from his very first step onto the ranch. Nathan really puts in the work to redeem himself and bolster the trust that was lost when he didn't come back years ago. I loved watching Nathan and Jessie rehabilitate each other, tending to one another's spirit the way Jessie does for her horses.
Even with a romance that seemed pretty straight-forward you had a sub-story of embezzlement and betrayal that shockingly ran much deeper than I predicted. Don't you love it when a story surprises you? I also really enjoyed the development of the secondary characters and after reading the blurb for the next novel in the series, Taking Heart, I'm even more excited to delve deeper into the Heart Fire universe. I think T.J. Kline has another amazing series on her hands!
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
Years after a youthful summer romance left Jessie brokenhearted and disillusioned, Nathan, her brother's best friend, comes back into her life in the hope of saving her ranch from financial ruin and mending some of the bridges he burned when he left. As much as Nathan has tried to fill his life with beautiful models and designer suits, there has been a void in his life ever since he fell for Jessie and was forced to abandon her by his vindictive father. Though Nathan comes back to Heart Fire Ranch to review the business's finances, he's impressed by Jessie's amazing gift for rehabilitating abused horses and counseling at-risk teens. He believes in her dream of converting the ranch into a sanctuary, even when her own siblings lack faith in her. His encouragement, support and passion create a spark that allows Jessie to finally put her needs and desires first and believe in herself.
I love 'Brother's Best Friend' romances and I think that this was a great example with the added bonus of being a 'Second Chance at Love' story. I could really see bits of myself in Jessie and I loved that she was sassy and tenacious, while still suffering insecurities and self-doubts that left her unsure if her dream path was right for the family business. Her relationship with Nathan really grew and developed slowly over the course of the novel, though we knew that physical desire was felt and denied from his very first step onto the ranch. Nathan really puts in the work to redeem himself and bolster the trust that was lost when he didn't come back years ago. I loved watching Nathan and Jessie rehabilitate each other, tending to one another's spirit the way Jessie does for her horses.
Even with a romance that seemed pretty straight-forward you had a sub-story of embezzlement and betrayal that shockingly ran much deeper than I predicted. Don't you love it when a story surprises you? I also really enjoyed the development of the secondary characters and after reading the blurb for the next novel in the series, Taking Heart, I'm even more excited to delve deeper into the Heart Fire universe. I think T.J. Kline has another amazing series on her hands!
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
August 9, 2015
This is a sweet 2nd chance romance (feels like I've been reading nothing but!) between feisty cowgirl/horse whisperer Jessie and the Armani wearing city boy, Nathan who broke her heart and now whats to mend it.
I loved TJ Kline's voice in Heart's Desire. I reminded me a lot of Lori Foster who is Romance Royalty (to me at least) and the characters were real people with real desires and dreams and flaws.
This line sums up the book perfectly - “You’re a talented, kind, giving, passionate woman.” It wasn’t what Jessie expected. His words were a balm to her chapped and aching heart, exactly what she needed to hear, but she knew she couldn’t let him break past her walls.
After losing her virginity to her Nathan, he promised to call and Jessie believed him. She waited faithfully for that phone to ring and when it didn't she buried her hurt and hardened her heart. Now fast forward 8 years and Jessie finds herself cornered by a failing family ranch and seeing her dream of opening a rehab for abused horses become more impossible by the minute.
Enter Nathan, he thought he was protecting Jessie by cutting ties with her, but he never quiet convinced himself that Jessie wasn't that special someone. He's got some family issues that forced him to choice between his happiness and Jessie's. When he finds out Jessie might loose her family ranch, he sees it as a way to make up for his past mistakes. He know's Jessie doesn't trust him and he's not sure she can ever forgive him but he still tries to help her, as a friend. But the more time these two spend together the more explosive their chemistry and the more they bring out the best of each other.
I liked that Jessie was honest with herself, she still loved Nathan, always had, and I rooted for her when she didn't instantly forgive the hero. She had been hurt and a smart woman doesn't say all is forgiven until she is 100% sure of where she stand with her man.
I had to hand it to Nathan, sometimes his narrow mindedness drove me up the wall, but he was so sincere in his feelings for Jessie, and I liked reading his inner struggle to be the man he knew Jessie needed in her life.
This is a sweet romance, that at times is funny and sad but I would recommend this if you like Lori Foster, Lisa Kleypas or Sharon Shala.
I loved TJ Kline's voice in Heart's Desire. I reminded me a lot of Lori Foster who is Romance Royalty (to me at least) and the characters were real people with real desires and dreams and flaws.
This line sums up the book perfectly - “You’re a talented, kind, giving, passionate woman.” It wasn’t what Jessie expected. His words were a balm to her chapped and aching heart, exactly what she needed to hear, but she knew she couldn’t let him break past her walls.
After losing her virginity to her Nathan, he promised to call and Jessie believed him. She waited faithfully for that phone to ring and when it didn't she buried her hurt and hardened her heart. Now fast forward 8 years and Jessie finds herself cornered by a failing family ranch and seeing her dream of opening a rehab for abused horses become more impossible by the minute.
Enter Nathan, he thought he was protecting Jessie by cutting ties with her, but he never quiet convinced himself that Jessie wasn't that special someone. He's got some family issues that forced him to choice between his happiness and Jessie's. When he finds out Jessie might loose her family ranch, he sees it as a way to make up for his past mistakes. He know's Jessie doesn't trust him and he's not sure she can ever forgive him but he still tries to help her, as a friend. But the more time these two spend together the more explosive their chemistry and the more they bring out the best of each other.
I liked that Jessie was honest with herself, she still loved Nathan, always had, and I rooted for her when she didn't instantly forgive the hero. She had been hurt and a smart woman doesn't say all is forgiven until she is 100% sure of where she stand with her man.
I had to hand it to Nathan, sometimes his narrow mindedness drove me up the wall, but he was so sincere in his feelings for Jessie, and I liked reading his inner struggle to be the man he knew Jessie needed in her life.
This is a sweet romance, that at times is funny and sad but I would recommend this if you like Lori Foster, Lisa Kleypas or Sharon Shala.
May 4, 2015
Trust, love, and family connections put into a test in a compelling and captivating story.
Jessie, Julia, and Justin are not only struggling with the loss of their parents, it seems that the family ranch, that is Jessie's responsibility, is struggling financially. Without Jessie's consent, Justin asks his former best friend, Nathan, to help.
As soon as Jessie and Nathan meet again, it's like 8 years have vanished, and the physical attraction is sizzling again. But there are disappointments, broken hearts, untold facts, and different lifestyles between them. Jessie is mentally exhausted, from her parents death, her brothers doubts, running the ranch alone, and facing the financial troubles. Now she has to deal with her first, and only, love as well, who left her broken hearten 8 years ago. Her self esteem is low, she is feeling like a failure, like no one trusts her abilities, and she is starting to doubt herself as well. I have to say my heart broke a bit for her, she seemed so devastated. She is a capable, strong, opinionated and stubborn woman, she just can't see the same in herself as others do.
Nathan left the Hart family behind, to protect them from his crooked family. Now he has a new chance with Jessie, to set the record straight, and save the ranch from going under. I admired Nathan's patience, as Jessie is going from burning hot to cold and back, while doubting his and her own feelings.
Nathan's investigation brings out interesting, and unexpected, information, pulling the family loyalties, and setting a riff between the siblings. Is Nathan like his crooked father, trying to steal money from the ranch, or is someone else responsible for it?
Alluring story, where trust, faith, and confidence in themselves, and each other, will be the only way for love to win, and give hope for a future together.
~ Four Spoons
Jessie, Julia, and Justin are not only struggling with the loss of their parents, it seems that the family ranch, that is Jessie's responsibility, is struggling financially. Without Jessie's consent, Justin asks his former best friend, Nathan, to help.
As soon as Jessie and Nathan meet again, it's like 8 years have vanished, and the physical attraction is sizzling again. But there are disappointments, broken hearts, untold facts, and different lifestyles between them. Jessie is mentally exhausted, from her parents death, her brothers doubts, running the ranch alone, and facing the financial troubles. Now she has to deal with her first, and only, love as well, who left her broken hearten 8 years ago. Her self esteem is low, she is feeling like a failure, like no one trusts her abilities, and she is starting to doubt herself as well. I have to say my heart broke a bit for her, she seemed so devastated. She is a capable, strong, opinionated and stubborn woman, she just can't see the same in herself as others do.
Nathan left the Hart family behind, to protect them from his crooked family. Now he has a new chance with Jessie, to set the record straight, and save the ranch from going under. I admired Nathan's patience, as Jessie is going from burning hot to cold and back, while doubting his and her own feelings.
Nathan's investigation brings out interesting, and unexpected, information, pulling the family loyalties, and setting a riff between the siblings. Is Nathan like his crooked father, trying to steal money from the ranch, or is someone else responsible for it?
Alluring story, where trust, faith, and confidence in themselves, and each other, will be the only way for love to win, and give hope for a future together.
~ Four Spoons
August 13, 2015
I'd say this gets 3.5 stars, but for the sake of kindness and the necessary of whole ratings, I'll round up. This was an emotional rollercoaster. I liked some of the characters, especially Bailey, but Justin tried my patience. The emotional baggage was tough to deal with though - both main characters were pretty messed up. I was encouraged by the fact that at least he was figuring that out and dealing with fixing it, but it killed me that Jessie wasn't. She was completely blind to anything but feeling like a failure and trying to prevent herself from being hurt. Near the end as she was riding Jet and it dawned on her, I actually exclaimed "Finally!" aloud (while on public transit, of course, eliciting stares). Not having dealt with that kind of thing (luckily), I find it hard to empathize or understand such severe damage - why was it not as completely obvious to her as was to everyone else? I think if I hadn't liked Nathan as much as I did, I'd have given up reading because I just couldn't handle anymore of her self-reproach and resigned misery. I know the mistrust provides an obstacle for them to overcome, but it was just nearly too much for me. I think the struggling business aspect added enough of a trial for them that the emotional trust issues could have been cut back a bit. Unfortunately, I totally figured out the missing money / criminal twist the moment the mysterious transfers were discussed. The final chapters proved me only too correct. Had THAT plotline been more of a focus, I might have been much more interested, but it was pretty much a chapter revealing the whole picture at the end.
Anyway, it was enjoyable enough, and did keep me glued to my kindle screen for several successive hours at a time, so not all bad. I just prefer my romances with a little less damaged heroines I guess, as incredible as Jessie was otherwise.
Anyway, it was enjoyable enough, and did keep me glued to my kindle screen for several successive hours at a time, so not all bad. I just prefer my romances with a little less damaged heroines I guess, as incredible as Jessie was otherwise.
April 30, 2015
Can I just say that T. J. surprised me with how much I liked Nathan in this book! She took a job that is not heard of much in books, Financial Analyst, and made the man HOTT. Nathan comes from a rich, connected family that demands perfection always. He never knows anything else until his roommate in college shows him Heart Fire Ranch and the family that runs it. To his best friend Justin and Justin’s sister Jessie Nathan was going to be around for a while. Then out of nowhere, Nathan moves out of the apartment he and Justin share and doesn’t come around again until eight years later.
Jessie Hart fell head over heels for Nathan when he stayed for the summer and thought it was mutual until he never contacted her. She gave him everything and he had said he would call and be back, eight years had passed and nothing. Now her brother Justin is dogging her about bad finances and insists Nathan can and will help. With no choice, she must face the man who shattered her heart, and trust him with what holds the rest, her ranch.
This was a fantastic mix of lost love, tension, tempers flying, fun and women power in a great story. After reading the first chapter, I was unable to put it down and want you all to know it is necessary read. This series will show you that nothing and no one are ever too far gone to find love and reach even the craziest of dreams. T. J. Kline opens us up to Jessie’s pain of so much more than just lost love. I could tell it was going to get complicated and that there was more to this book than just a love story. Love, romance, passion are all in here but there is also pain, flaws, sadness, and fist flying action. Great combination of everything I love reading in a book T. J., I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Jessie Hart fell head over heels for Nathan when he stayed for the summer and thought it was mutual until he never contacted her. She gave him everything and he had said he would call and be back, eight years had passed and nothing. Now her brother Justin is dogging her about bad finances and insists Nathan can and will help. With no choice, she must face the man who shattered her heart, and trust him with what holds the rest, her ranch.
This was a fantastic mix of lost love, tension, tempers flying, fun and women power in a great story. After reading the first chapter, I was unable to put it down and want you all to know it is necessary read. This series will show you that nothing and no one are ever too far gone to find love and reach even the craziest of dreams. T. J. Kline opens us up to Jessie’s pain of so much more than just lost love. I could tell it was going to get complicated and that there was more to this book than just a love story. Love, romance, passion are all in here but there is also pain, flaws, sadness, and fist flying action. Great combination of everything I love reading in a book T. J., I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
November 22, 2015
HEARTS DESIRE is the first installment in the Healing Harts series by author TJ Kline. Set in the author’s home state of California, it features the Hart family, three siblings who own and operate a large ranch. With the tragic death of their parents, the Hart’s continue the family legacy of healing and helping those in need.
The story is based around Jessie. Financial troubles plague her to the point where she is in danger of losing her business, if not the entire shared ranch. Enter Nathan, Jesse’s brother’s best friend and Jesse’s first love, a first love who cruelly abandoned her years before. Nathan, a hotshot accounting and investment specialist, agrees to take on the daunting task of helping the Hart family out of their financial predicament but from the beginning he gets way more than he expected from his job.
The entire story is a very tender and emotional tale of redemption and recovery. Several themes intertwine including loss of a loved one, romantic breakup, and family relationships. It’s a very realistic plot line with enough twists and turns to keep predictability low. I found it very hard to put the book down as I read it because I became so involved with the story and it’s characters.
The characters are drawn as if in real life and the secondary characters of Jesse’s siblings are clearly intended to have their own stories. We are given just enough information to intrigue us about future installments of the series without giving away too much, a difficult task that TJ Kline excels at. But rest assured, there are no cliffhangers as the story is also a standalone.
It’s a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. Parts two and three have also been released at the time of this post so check them out also.
The story is based around Jessie. Financial troubles plague her to the point where she is in danger of losing her business, if not the entire shared ranch. Enter Nathan, Jesse’s brother’s best friend and Jesse’s first love, a first love who cruelly abandoned her years before. Nathan, a hotshot accounting and investment specialist, agrees to take on the daunting task of helping the Hart family out of their financial predicament but from the beginning he gets way more than he expected from his job.
The entire story is a very tender and emotional tale of redemption and recovery. Several themes intertwine including loss of a loved one, romantic breakup, and family relationships. It’s a very realistic plot line with enough twists and turns to keep predictability low. I found it very hard to put the book down as I read it because I became so involved with the story and it’s characters.
The characters are drawn as if in real life and the secondary characters of Jesse’s siblings are clearly intended to have their own stories. We are given just enough information to intrigue us about future installments of the series without giving away too much, a difficult task that TJ Kline excels at. But rest assured, there are no cliffhangers as the story is also a standalone.
It’s a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. Parts two and three have also been released at the time of this post so check them out also.
April 19, 2016
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so incredibly jealous of Jessie and was throughout the whole book. She's living on a horse ranch and rehabilitating horses; I'd love to be able to do that! I grew up with horses and absolutely loved them. Then life got in the way and we had to sell them. It was so sad, but the right thing to do at the time because we didn't have the time to devote to them. I really wish I could have horses again, but I don't think it will happen any time soon...
But back to the book. This is my first book by Kline and I really enjoyed reading it. She has a talent for writing romance, and I can't wait to read the rest of the stories. Nathan and Jessie had a hot, summer fling when he came home with her brother during a college summer. But that was 8 years ago, and they haven't spoken since that time. When the Hart family needs financial help, Jessie's brother calls Nathan. You can feel the chemistry and tension between Jessie and Nathan right away. Jessie is pissed at him for leaving; but Nathan soon realizes he wants her back, for good. Trying to convince her of that is another story. Throughout the book we watch their relationship regrow and it's so fun! They have a really great relationship and Jessie learns she can rely on Nathan when she needs help.
I definitely encourage everyone who enjoys a good romance to grab this book. You'll speed through it because the characters draw you in and don't let go. There's also a little bit of suspense in this one that I really enjoyed. I'm curious to see how the next book in the series plays out!
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so incredibly jealous of Jessie and was throughout the whole book. She's living on a horse ranch and rehabilitating horses; I'd love to be able to do that! I grew up with horses and absolutely loved them. Then life got in the way and we had to sell them. It was so sad, but the right thing to do at the time because we didn't have the time to devote to them. I really wish I could have horses again, but I don't think it will happen any time soon...
But back to the book. This is my first book by Kline and I really enjoyed reading it. She has a talent for writing romance, and I can't wait to read the rest of the stories. Nathan and Jessie had a hot, summer fling when he came home with her brother during a college summer. But that was 8 years ago, and they haven't spoken since that time. When the Hart family needs financial help, Jessie's brother calls Nathan. You can feel the chemistry and tension between Jessie and Nathan right away. Jessie is pissed at him for leaving; but Nathan soon realizes he wants her back, for good. Trying to convince her of that is another story. Throughout the book we watch their relationship regrow and it's so fun! They have a really great relationship and Jessie learns she can rely on Nathan when she needs help.
I definitely encourage everyone who enjoys a good romance to grab this book. You'll speed through it because the characters draw you in and don't let go. There's also a little bit of suspense in this one that I really enjoyed. I'm curious to see how the next book in the series plays out!
July 1, 2015
This was my first read by T.J.Kline and I really loved it! This story has it all, self-discovery, mystery and of course romance. I enjoyed Jessie and Nathan and their journey back to each other.
Jessie is desperately trying to keep her family legacy alive, but she wants her own dream. She struggles with finances and the feelings of letting her family down. Her brother, Justin, decides enough is enough and brings in an old friend to help. He just doesn't realize that this friend is the one person Jessie never wanted to see again...
Nathan has an opportunity to right a wrong done so many years ago. He spent a wonderful summer on Heart Fire Ranch with his college best friend and fell for Jessie, hard. The only problem...his high society, political family never approved of him being there and threatened the only people that truly meant something to him. He has a chance to finally show them, especially Jessie how much he didn't want to leave, but had to, to protect them.
Jessie and Nathan have true love for each other, but they are both hurting. There is a lot of back and forth feelings, but underneath they know how they feel they just are afraid to open up completely. The back story is good and the secondary characters are great and fit in nicely. It was a nice romance with a bit of intrigue. I give this a solid 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jessie is desperately trying to keep her family legacy alive, but she wants her own dream. She struggles with finances and the feelings of letting her family down. Her brother, Justin, decides enough is enough and brings in an old friend to help. He just doesn't realize that this friend is the one person Jessie never wanted to see again...
Nathan has an opportunity to right a wrong done so many years ago. He spent a wonderful summer on Heart Fire Ranch with his college best friend and fell for Jessie, hard. The only problem...his high society, political family never approved of him being there and threatened the only people that truly meant something to him. He has a chance to finally show them, especially Jessie how much he didn't want to leave, but had to, to protect them.
Jessie and Nathan have true love for each other, but they are both hurting. There is a lot of back and forth feelings, but underneath they know how they feel they just are afraid to open up completely. The back story is good and the secondary characters are great and fit in nicely. It was a nice romance with a bit of intrigue. I give this a solid 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2015
Heart's Desire was a wonderfully written tale with an exciting amount of romance and fantastic characters. I loved the storyline and what the main character wanted to do with her ranch. The book had it's slow moments, but it was overall easy to get sucked into and hard to put down.
Jessie was a feisty character with enough attitude to like and agree with, but not think she was a complete jerk to the people around her. Nathan was pretty amazing. I love him! He did a lot of growing throughout the novel (Jess did too, but Nathan definitely grew a lot). I loved all of the secondary characters: Bailey, Julia, and Justin (although I wanted to slap Justin a few times because of how he treated Jess and Nathan, but I still liked him).
The romance was so sweet. It was about a young love that never really died, no matter what stood in it's way. The love in this book showed how love conquers whatever stands in your way. Nathan and Jess clearly belonged together.
I am super excited to read the next book in the series, and cannot wait for it to come out. The same with the third book.
*Note: I received this book free from Tasty Book Tours and T. J. Kline in exchange for an honest review through Edelweiss.
Jessie was a feisty character with enough attitude to like and agree with, but not think she was a complete jerk to the people around her. Nathan was pretty amazing. I love him! He did a lot of growing throughout the novel (Jess did too, but Nathan definitely grew a lot). I loved all of the secondary characters: Bailey, Julia, and Justin (although I wanted to slap Justin a few times because of how he treated Jess and Nathan, but I still liked him).
The romance was so sweet. It was about a young love that never really died, no matter what stood in it's way. The love in this book showed how love conquers whatever stands in your way. Nathan and Jess clearly belonged together.
I am super excited to read the next book in the series, and cannot wait for it to come out. The same with the third book.
*Note: I received this book free from Tasty Book Tours and T. J. Kline in exchange for an honest review through Edelweiss.
August 4, 2015
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, betrayal, lies, secrets, second chances, blackmail, and heartbreak.
This is Jessie and Nathan’s story. Nathan was Jessie’s brother’s best friend. They grew close one summer and after one night together Nathan left her with no contact. Now Nathan is back to help them figure out where the money from the ranch is going. Can Jessie work side by side with him after he broken her heart? No one knew they were together so she has kept it a secret. Nathan wants another chance as threats kept them apart years ago. Now nothing will stand in his way of winning her back. But Jessie is not the same sweet woman he remembered. She is strong and tough. Can he breakdown her steel walls to win her back? Can he figure out where all the money is going? Can he prove he will stick around and not run from a relationship with him?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, betrayal, lies, secrets, second chances, blackmail, and heartbreak.
This is Jessie and Nathan’s story. Nathan was Jessie’s brother’s best friend. They grew close one summer and after one night together Nathan left her with no contact. Now Nathan is back to help them figure out where the money from the ranch is going. Can Jessie work side by side with him after he broken her heart? No one knew they were together so she has kept it a secret. Nathan wants another chance as threats kept them apart years ago. Now nothing will stand in his way of winning her back. But Jessie is not the same sweet woman he remembered. She is strong and tough. Can he breakdown her steel walls to win her back? Can he figure out where all the money is going? Can he prove he will stick around and not run from a relationship with him?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
April 30, 2015
T.J. Kline is one of my favorite western romance authors. I have read Runaway Cowboy and it was brilliant writing just like Heart's Desire. The characters worm their way into your heart and you want to find out if the happy ending comes along.
Jessie's brother asked his best friend from college Nathan to help her out as her finances has been depleted from changing the dude ranch into a horse rescue. What her brother doesn't know is Nathan hurt her a few years ago when he left with no word. No one knew about their romance. She doesn't want him back into her life as she has never forgiven him for waking away.
Nathan doesn't understand how much he had hurt Jessie as he has no clue why she is so upset. This makes Jessie even more mad when she sees him. She knows the spark is still there but they will have to rebuild their trust and see where things go.
Another great book from a talented author.
Jessie's brother asked his best friend from college Nathan to help her out as her finances has been depleted from changing the dude ranch into a horse rescue. What her brother doesn't know is Nathan hurt her a few years ago when he left with no word. No one knew about their romance. She doesn't want him back into her life as she has never forgiven him for waking away.
Nathan doesn't understand how much he had hurt Jessie as he has no clue why she is so upset. This makes Jessie even more mad when she sees him. She knows the spark is still there but they will have to rebuild their trust and see where things go.
Another great book from a talented author.
August 12, 2015
Nathan Kerrington is Jessie Hart’s brother’s best friend and the man that she gave her innocence too. But after that night Jessie never heard from Nathan again. But then Jessie’s parents die and dude ranch is going belly up, her brother contacts Nathan; to help Jessie save the ranch.
Nathan was devastated to let Jessie go, but did so to protect her from his father illegal dealings. Now he is back in her life and he wants to stay. But while helping her save her ranch, he finds a scheme to destroy all she has achieved, but can he stop it before it too late.
I will start off by saying I did like the book, it was a light hearted read, I even enjoyed the tiny bit of suspense in the book. But I want to be totally honest and say it was very predictable. Nothing really grabbed me about this book, there was nothing that kept me hooked, and that I found very disappointing.
The book was well written, but I found the storyline a little lacking. I give Heart’s Desire 7 out of 10.
Nathan was devastated to let Jessie go, but did so to protect her from his father illegal dealings. Now he is back in her life and he wants to stay. But while helping her save her ranch, he finds a scheme to destroy all she has achieved, but can he stop it before it too late.
I will start off by saying I did like the book, it was a light hearted read, I even enjoyed the tiny bit of suspense in the book. But I want to be totally honest and say it was very predictable. Nothing really grabbed me about this book, there was nothing that kept me hooked, and that I found very disappointing.
The book was well written, but I found the storyline a little lacking. I give Heart’s Desire 7 out of 10.
April 30, 2015
This is my first book by Ms. Kline and I have to be completely honest - it won't be my last!
Jessie and Nathan - reunited after eight years apart and the chemistry between them is still there - maybe even more so than before! I liked Jessie - her calling to help horses and teens is admirable although I would have liked a few more scenes of Jessie working with them. She's a tough yet vulnerable and has a heart of gold. Nathan, realizing that he made a huge mistake eight yeas before, is determined to win her back. He's all any girl could want in a guy but will Jessie fall again? The emotions of the characters are so well written that I felt each one and my heart broke and rejoiced right along with them. This is such an enjoyable, easy read that I would highly recommend it for anyone that is looking for a light, quick romance. (received copy for honest review)
Jessie and Nathan - reunited after eight years apart and the chemistry between them is still there - maybe even more so than before! I liked Jessie - her calling to help horses and teens is admirable although I would have liked a few more scenes of Jessie working with them. She's a tough yet vulnerable and has a heart of gold. Nathan, realizing that he made a huge mistake eight yeas before, is determined to win her back. He's all any girl could want in a guy but will Jessie fall again? The emotions of the characters are so well written that I felt each one and my heart broke and rejoiced right along with them. This is such an enjoyable, easy read that I would highly recommend it for anyone that is looking for a light, quick romance. (received copy for honest review)
May 7, 2015
What was I thinking not reading anything by T.J. sooner? Heart's Desire is an emotional, funny and sexy read featuring a tough cowgirl and sexy financial advisor. It's combination of brother's best friend and second chance romance. Jessie has a hard time getting past the hurt Nathan caused when he broke her heart eight years ago. But there were good reasons behind his actions and he'll do anything to get her to understand. Their attraction to each other is stronger than ever and the more time they spend trying to figure out the problems with the ranch, the harder it is for them to deny their feelings. Add to the mix a betrayal no one saw coming and you have a story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Great beginning to a new series. Jessie's sister Julia's story is up next, but I hope her cousin Bailey gets a story too - she was awesome!
4.5 stars
ARC via Edelweiss
4.5 stars
ARC via Edelweiss
February 22, 2016
For the most part I enjoyed this book, although it was a little repetitive when it came to bringing up "the past". I continued reading despite that little annoyance as I dislike not finishing a book - unless I'm totally disgusted with it (which, thankfully, is rare). I wanted to discover just what was going to happen with the ranch and who was causing the troubles (I'm trying not to give any spoilers at all for those who've yet to read the book) involved. I did love the idea of the ranch being a "rescue" ranch for mistreated horses. The whole "idea' of a ranch with three purposes was intriguing and I really enjoyed it. This is a book that concerns a "romance gone wrong", but it also contains a bit of mystery. By the end, I found myself wanting to read others in the series, if only to see what happens with the other characters.
November 19, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Jessie has no faith in her abilities. She knows her gift is with horses, but she still feels insignificant because she doesn't know how to keep the business going. It doesn't help that her brother called in Nathan, the guy she loved, who loved her, and left her when she was a teenager. That was a big blow to her self esteem, and that insecurity leached to other areas in her life as time when on. Their story was emotional, and they have a lot of baggage to work through. This was an entertaining start to a new series, and I'm curious about the next book.
Heart's Desire by T.J. Kline was kindly provided to me for review. The opinions are my own.
May 29, 2015
I was drawn in from the start on this story of second chance at love. This is a stand alone read but after reading this you want to find out how both Justin and Julie and even Bailey get their HEA like Jessie and Nathan did. Characters all strong intelligent and opinionated but true to themselves where you fall for them all. Nathan could see past Jessies' barriers she put in place to survive and understand the live and dream she has for the horses and misunderstood children that needed help to get their act together.
I would recommend this book and any other book written by T.J. Kline as she gets her point across with stlye. You cry and laugh reading her work but you understand the story as real life could be for some.
I would recommend this book and any other book written by T.J. Kline as she gets her point across with stlye. You cry and laugh reading her work but you understand the story as real life could be for some.
December 27, 2015
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway
I love TJ Kline! Even though I know when I start one of these books that all will end well, she adds just the right amount of tension and anxiety for the characters to keep the book un-put-downable. Jessie, her brother Justin and her sister Julia inherited their parents' ranch when the couple died in a tragic accident. Justin and Julia's businesses on the ranch are doing well financially; Jessie's business of horse-rescuing is bleeding money. When Justin calls an old college friend, Nathan, to look over the books, he finds things that are off for Jessie's business. While Nathan vows to help Jessie save the ranch he also wants to become a permanent part of her life.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I love TJ Kline! Even though I know when I start one of these books that all will end well, she adds just the right amount of tension and anxiety for the characters to keep the book un-put-downable. Jessie, her brother Justin and her sister Julia inherited their parents' ranch when the couple died in a tragic accident. Justin and Julia's businesses on the ranch are doing well financially; Jessie's business of horse-rescuing is bleeding money. When Justin calls an old college friend, Nathan, to look over the books, he finds things that are off for Jessie's business. While Nathan vows to help Jessie save the ranch he also wants to become a permanent part of her life.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
December 26, 2015
Excellent read. Jessie was so special but had a difficult time realizing it. She could handle the wildest of horses or the most rebellious teen but running a business wasn't her thing. With the family finances in trouble her brother calls in the one person she never wants to see again to review the ranch financials and get Jessie headed back in the right direction. What he uncovers will change everything she thought she knew but having Nathan back in her life will be the biggest change of all.
Definitely recommend this to everyone.
Definitely recommend this to everyone.
April 8, 2016
3.5 stars
While I was frustrated several times with the heroine's animosity and defensive attitude but in overall, I found this book to be enjoyable. I loved when Jessie worked with the horses or when she showed vulnerability to Nathan. I liked Nathan enough as well, and he made me believe in his intention to not hurt Jessie again, his father be damned.
It was my first experience with T.J. Kline and a good introduction for the whole series. I was interested with the rest of the characters so for sure I will read the next books.
While I was frustrated several times with the heroine's animosity and defensive attitude but in overall, I found this book to be enjoyable. I loved when Jessie worked with the horses or when she showed vulnerability to Nathan. I liked Nathan enough as well, and he made me believe in his intention to not hurt Jessie again, his father be damned.
It was my first experience with T.J. Kline and a good introduction for the whole series. I was interested with the rest of the characters so for sure I will read the next books.
August 28, 2015
Boring
I did not like this book. Was bored by the characters, the plot was ridiculous. What was the source of income for this ranch when it was no longer being run as a dude ranch? A very small amount of money caused all this strife? Was a very weak link along with the hero's family situation. Nothing rang true, including the romance
I did not like this book. Was bored by the characters, the plot was ridiculous. What was the source of income for this ranch when it was no longer being run as a dude ranch? A very small amount of money caused all this strife? Was a very weak link along with the hero's family situation. Nothing rang true, including the romance
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