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The Donovan Friends #6
Always In My Heart
The heart does not lie.
Rico Bennett is in love with a stripper. The Chief Financial Officer of the multi-billion dollar Bennett Communications conglomerate and son of a Brazilian princess, is obsessed with the sexiest and most intriguing woman he’s ever met. She’s everything he never knew he wanted and, at the same time, all that he knows can destroy him.
Eva Romaine has come a long way since becoming an orphan and promising to take care of her younger brother. She’s taken charge of her life and is making a better living than anyone ever thought she would. She’s also falling hard for a guy she knows she can never have. When she tries to do the right thing and walk away, she realizes that a part of her never gave up on the fairy tale, that deep down she really could love and be loved and that Rico Bennett would always remain in her heart…even if circumstances may not allow him to stay in her life.
Rico Bennett is in love with a stripper. The Chief Financial Officer of the multi-billion dollar Bennett Communications conglomerate and son of a Brazilian princess, is obsessed with the sexiest and most intriguing woman he’s ever met. She’s everything he never knew he wanted and, at the same time, all that he knows can destroy him.
Eva Romaine has come a long way since becoming an orphan and promising to take care of her younger brother. She’s taken charge of her life and is making a better living than anyone ever thought she would. She’s also falling hard for a guy she knows she can never have. When she tries to do the right thing and walk away, she realizes that a part of her never gave up on the fairy tale, that deep down she really could love and be loved and that Rico Bennett would always remain in her heart…even if circumstances may not allow him to stay in her life.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2016
93 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
185 books919 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 26, 2019
Well written although the heroine annoyed me a bit. She strips for a living and gets annoyed when people automatically assume or not, that she's a prostitute. What da hell went through the writer's mind?
March 3, 2016
A brief Donovan Friends TREAT...Rico and Eva are from two different worlds, but they share an INSTANT, INTENSE and SEXY connection. Their spicy tale has a few UNEXPECTED twists and turns...I found myself grabbing the Kleenex during this one...poor Eva just couldn't catch a BREAK...and Rico FINALLY lets himself go after someone he TRULY wants...but will they both get in the way of what could be their happily-ever-after...I'm DEFINITELY not a fan of the novella...it just ends way too QUICK!
March 2, 2016
ALWAYS
Always In My Heart, Rico and Eva. Wow where do I even begin with this review. Okay so I've been waiting a long time for Rico's story and like always AC did not disappoint me. What a journey to finding love! I felt like Eva and Rico were taking me on a roller coaster but all for a good reason. I was so not expecting that climatic portion of the story. AC had me feeling like my heart would jump out of my chest but job well done. This is a must read
Always In My Heart, Rico and Eva. Wow where do I even begin with this review. Okay so I've been waiting a long time for Rico's story and like always AC did not disappoint me. What a journey to finding love! I felt like Eva and Rico were taking me on a roller coaster but all for a good reason. I was so not expecting that climatic portion of the story. AC had me feeling like my heart would jump out of my chest but job well done. This is a must read
February 1, 2021
This book was filled with a lot of different twists. It held my interest from the beginning. I DEFINITELY recommend reading these in order. Once I completed this story I realized there was something missing. And then I looked at the series numbering. YES, I will be going back and reading these in order. I even cried at one point. GREAT JOB!!!
March 22, 2016
I didn’t expect to like Always in My Heart as much as I did, but all of my pre-conceived notions were quickly cast aside in the first few pages!
The thing about this story that really did it for me was the perfect balance between a kind of unique romantic possibility, yet one which remained believable due to just the right sprinkling of depth.
Eva is a beautiful young black woman with a treasure chest of hidden talents. The course of her troubled life has forced her to put her desires, such as her artistic ambitions, to the side, with her other gift of dancing becoming a functionary necessity to pay the ills.
Eva is a stripper at a slightly sleazy strip-club TEASE. Her best friend and now ex-fellow-stripper, Kenya, has moved into the role of professional ‘call-girl’ at a fancy new luxurious gentlemen’s club, The Corporation. Both beautiful women share a deep friendship and an appreciation of the bumpy road which has got them to where they are.
Tagging along as an observer one night to spy on Kenya’s new gig at The Corporation, Eva didn’t expect to be propositioned by a gorgeous guest, nor did she expect to find herself impossibly drawn to the man.
Rico Bennett is a wealthy entrepreneur from a large successful family who is committed to his work, so much so that his private life remains jilted and stubbornly single. When Rico takes up an offer to check-out The Corporation one night, he figures he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. But, when his path crosses Eva’s, he knows he’s in trouble.
A passionate romance ensues which is immediate, sexy and warm.
Rico is the guy that immediately recognizes this diamond in the rough, and refuses to let Eva go, choosing instead to believe in her potential, her gifts, and see his ability to offer her a means of nurturing them both.
Eva seems to spark something fundamental in Rico’s soul, and the love satisfaction Rico feels for Eva is both addictive and healing to his own unfortunate track record with women.
Rico becomes convinced Eva is the one.
A.C. Arthur does a brilliant job with creating two strong, well-rounded, characters. I really liked Eva from the start. She was bright and determined, definitely not a push-over, but also unafraid to show her humble and vulnerable sides. She’s been dealt a tough pack of cards in life, but remains driven, optimistic and relatively untouched by bitterness.
Rico, despite his savvy business acumen and swagger, has this warmth and vulnerability about him which Eva manages to draw out further. You instantly like and end up rooting for both of them, hoping that they’ll be able to hold it together and sort their troubled situation out.
When tragedy strikes, A.C. Arthur grapples very well with the topic of police brutality and unlawful killings by law enforcement officers. There are strong present-day echoes of the Black Lives Matter campaign. This is a socially and politically charged theme, which the author manages to treat in a morally sensitive and very humane, well-thought-out, way.
This novella was a very pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect it to be such a page turner. It had just the right amount of context to keep you hooked, with strong likeable characters and well-edited prose. I really liked A.C. Arthur’s plotline, the twists and turns, and her writing style. I can only encourage any enthusiastic romance reader to give it a read. Always in My Heart will not disappoint…I loved it!
The thing about this story that really did it for me was the perfect balance between a kind of unique romantic possibility, yet one which remained believable due to just the right sprinkling of depth.
Eva is a beautiful young black woman with a treasure chest of hidden talents. The course of her troubled life has forced her to put her desires, such as her artistic ambitions, to the side, with her other gift of dancing becoming a functionary necessity to pay the ills.
Eva is a stripper at a slightly sleazy strip-club TEASE. Her best friend and now ex-fellow-stripper, Kenya, has moved into the role of professional ‘call-girl’ at a fancy new luxurious gentlemen’s club, The Corporation. Both beautiful women share a deep friendship and an appreciation of the bumpy road which has got them to where they are.
Tagging along as an observer one night to spy on Kenya’s new gig at The Corporation, Eva didn’t expect to be propositioned by a gorgeous guest, nor did she expect to find herself impossibly drawn to the man.
Rico Bennett is a wealthy entrepreneur from a large successful family who is committed to his work, so much so that his private life remains jilted and stubbornly single. When Rico takes up an offer to check-out The Corporation one night, he figures he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. But, when his path crosses Eva’s, he knows he’s in trouble.
A passionate romance ensues which is immediate, sexy and warm.
Rico is the guy that immediately recognizes this diamond in the rough, and refuses to let Eva go, choosing instead to believe in her potential, her gifts, and see his ability to offer her a means of nurturing them both.
Eva seems to spark something fundamental in Rico’s soul, and the love satisfaction Rico feels for Eva is both addictive and healing to his own unfortunate track record with women.
Rico becomes convinced Eva is the one.
A.C. Arthur does a brilliant job with creating two strong, well-rounded, characters. I really liked Eva from the start. She was bright and determined, definitely not a push-over, but also unafraid to show her humble and vulnerable sides. She’s been dealt a tough pack of cards in life, but remains driven, optimistic and relatively untouched by bitterness.
Rico, despite his savvy business acumen and swagger, has this warmth and vulnerability about him which Eva manages to draw out further. You instantly like and end up rooting for both of them, hoping that they’ll be able to hold it together and sort their troubled situation out.
When tragedy strikes, A.C. Arthur grapples very well with the topic of police brutality and unlawful killings by law enforcement officers. There are strong present-day echoes of the Black Lives Matter campaign. This is a socially and politically charged theme, which the author manages to treat in a morally sensitive and very humane, well-thought-out, way.
This novella was a very pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect it to be such a page turner. It had just the right amount of context to keep you hooked, with strong likeable characters and well-edited prose. I really liked A.C. Arthur’s plotline, the twists and turns, and her writing style. I can only encourage any enthusiastic romance reader to give it a read. Always in My Heart will not disappoint…I loved it!
March 20, 2016
I really liked this!
A lovely, emotional read. I just wished it was longer, wished I had more time with the characters. I didn't see why there needed to be a character death, especially since it wasn't really expanded on, it was just tossed into the story out of nowhere, and could have stood to be better developed. But aside from that I'd definitely recommend this book, it can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you read the others in this series, I'm sure it would have been a richer experience because of all the characters that made an appearance in this book.
A lovely, emotional read. I just wished it was longer, wished I had more time with the characters. I didn't see why there needed to be a character death, especially since it wasn't really expanded on, it was just tossed into the story out of nowhere, and could have stood to be better developed. But aside from that I'd definitely recommend this book, it can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you read the others in this series, I'm sure it would have been a richer experience because of all the characters that made an appearance in this book.
March 10, 2016
I wanted more.... but it was enjoyable.
September 8, 2019
Unhappy Ending!
This book started out with such potential and was going good till the brother was killed after the sister sacrificed EVERYTHING for her brother?! Unnecessarily ridiculous! But all worth the read this time. The heroines in your book appear to be stronger than the heroes which makes for a different contrast to reading the same old same old when it comes to romance novels and I like that! I also like that the books don't always end with love then marriage... I don't like the fact that sometimes you don't address the unprotected sex in the novel as you did here.... Even with that it was worth the read!
This book started out with such potential and was going good till the brother was killed after the sister sacrificed EVERYTHING for her brother?! Unnecessarily ridiculous! But all worth the read this time. The heroines in your book appear to be stronger than the heroes which makes for a different contrast to reading the same old same old when it comes to romance novels and I like that! I also like that the books don't always end with love then marriage... I don't like the fact that sometimes you don't address the unprotected sex in the novel as you did here.... Even with that it was worth the read!
November 26, 2017
Rico and Eva❤❤❤❤
This book was everything and the ending was sad when Eva brother died. Rico and Eva were made for each other and I was glad when she came to him after pushing him away so many times. I'm glad she knew that Rico would Always Be In Her Heart ❤ Great Job to the author.
This book was everything and the ending was sad when Eva brother died. Rico and Eva were made for each other and I was glad when she came to him after pushing him away so many times. I'm glad she knew that Rico would Always Be In Her Heart ❤ Great Job to the author.
March 24, 2020
GOOD READ 👍💜
I enjoyed and loved reading about Reco and Eva's story, and what a story it is. Loved everything about these two, also loved the characters. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I think everyone would enjoy it. Great job A.C. Arthur and thank you please keep these great stories coming. 👍🙏❤
I enjoyed and loved reading about Reco and Eva's story, and what a story it is. Loved everything about these two, also loved the characters. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I think everyone would enjoy it. Great job A.C. Arthur and thank you please keep these great stories coming. 👍🙏❤
April 18, 2023
Live life to the fullest
Always in my heart, is a story about love and learning that true love has no expectations or boundaries. Rico had to peal back is layers of expectations to find real Love. Eva had to peal back her layers to realize no matter how much she worked to make Makai have a good life, he had to want it for himself as well. I would highly recommend this book.
Always in my heart, is a story about love and learning that true love has no expectations or boundaries. Rico had to peal back is layers of expectations to find real Love. Eva had to peal back her layers to realize no matter how much she worked to make Makai have a good life, he had to want it for himself as well. I would highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2017
Very short read!
This was a very short read which did not allow for much plot or character development. I was not anticipating the incident at the end but I feel th a t was left unresolved.
This was a very short read which did not allow for much plot or character development. I was not anticipating the incident at the end but I feel th a t was left unresolved.
May 20, 2018
sad but we'll meant
The pain of loss,trying to understand the feeling of loss of a deeply loved brother so aptly portrayed, is a hard skill. I can assure you it is done here. This contains a lot of pain but an ending of 💘 winning through. Arthur at her best.
The pain of loss,trying to understand the feeling of loss of a deeply loved brother so aptly portrayed, is a hard skill. I can assure you it is done here. This contains a lot of pain but an ending of 💘 winning through. Arthur at her best.
March 18, 2019
What a fantastic and definitely a page turner.
This book definitely had me in tears especially the third and fourth quarters of this book. Thankfully, the book is a HE A read. I will be reading more from this author.
This book definitely had me in tears especially the third and fourth quarters of this book. Thankfully, the book is a HE A read. I will be reading more from this author.
March 25, 2020
Simply hilarious how Rico and Eva first meet. They are both in a sex club as guests of their friends. The assumptions and miscommunication lead to a whole lot of wait, what???
The shocking ending seems to negate everything Eva was forced to do in order to give her brother a successful future.
The shocking ending seems to negate everything Eva was forced to do in order to give her brother a successful future.
March 16, 2021
Me and sad stories just don’t go together
It was okay. I hate resting anything sad so getting through the ending was extremely tough. I could have done without that but with that being said it was a good story just not what I like
It was okay. I hate resting anything sad so getting through the ending was extremely tough. I could have done without that but with that being said it was a good story just not what I like
June 5, 2017
Always In My Heart
Fantastic romance novel. I love everything written by A. C. Arthur. I recommend this book to everyone who loves romance novels.
Fantastic romance novel. I love everything written by A. C. Arthur. I recommend this book to everyone who loves romance novels.
June 23, 2020
Awesome book
Because it's an awesome book I like that Rico and Eva finally let love win and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family
Because it's an awesome book I like that Rico and Eva finally let love win and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family
April 7, 2023
love is strange
This book was written for every one who likes happy ending. It is a great story that gives you a little of everything it is written with a lot of details.
This book was written for every one who likes happy ending. It is a great story that gives you a little of everything it is written with a lot of details.
April 1, 2018
Even though it's only a novella, near the end I had to put it down because it got me so emotional. Very enjoyable read.
June 7, 2016
Always In My Heart was a short Donovans Friends’ novella and in this short installment Ricardo “Rico” Bennett is the next one to be hit by Cupid’s bow. He meets Eva Romaine in the most unlikely place and once he has a taste of her, he wants more. Rico is a reserved person and felt he has always walked the straight and narrow. Eva is not his usual type but the “heart does not lie” nor does it care what profession one is in. True love will prevail. Eva may not have lead a life as Rico but she is a hard worker and believes in taking care of her family. Eva fights her attraction to Rico and feels he is a fairy tale that will end. Rico knows no one has never made him feel the way he does with Eva and wants her in his life.
This was a quick read and focused on the attraction between Eva and Rico. Two people from two different worlds wondering if their attraction can lead to a happily ever after. Rico is determined to help Eva and in the process fall deeper in love. Eva doesn’t believe a man like Rico could want more from her. Will these two allow obstacles to stopped their budding romance or defy what society thinks and love forever? Pick up Always in My Heart to find out.
This was a quick read and focused on the attraction between Eva and Rico. Two people from two different worlds wondering if their attraction can lead to a happily ever after. Rico is determined to help Eva and in the process fall deeper in love. Eva doesn’t believe a man like Rico could want more from her. Will these two allow obstacles to stopped their budding romance or defy what society thinks and love forever? Pick up Always in My Heart to find out.
March 12, 2016
I just purchase “Always in my Heart” A Donovan’s Friend Novella” I’m a big fan of A. C. Arthurs writing style.
When I saw she had a new release out I had to read it. This story is about Rico Bennett and Eva Romaine was more then I expected. In the beginning my thoughts were here goes the typical love story. Boy meets girl boy fall in love with the girl not his usually type. Nope there was more to it. I have to say as the story developed I could put it down. A. C. had done it again putting a little twist on the story I was shocked when Eva’s world took a devastating turn of events. But I was filled with joy that she knew within herself how to heal her pain. IF your looking for a quick read that well have you smiling, laughing and filled with joy don’t past this one up. It was also nice catching up with Rico’s sibling along with the Desdums family
When I saw she had a new release out I had to read it. This story is about Rico Bennett and Eva Romaine was more then I expected. In the beginning my thoughts were here goes the typical love story. Boy meets girl boy fall in love with the girl not his usually type. Nope there was more to it. I have to say as the story developed I could put it down. A. C. had done it again putting a little twist on the story I was shocked when Eva’s world took a devastating turn of events. But I was filled with joy that she knew within herself how to heal her pain. IF your looking for a quick read that well have you smiling, laughing and filled with joy don’t past this one up. It was also nice catching up with Rico’s sibling along with the Desdums family
March 7, 2016
Tears
Wow ! how do u pack excitement like grab a tissue , hold your breath, shaking your head and talking to your novel while shouting no . AC takes you on a hold on too your seat with this short Novella. Rio and Eva love affair was quick , hot , complicated at times. Was not expecting all the hurt that Eva had and was glad Rio was there for her. I felt so sad and cried on certain scenes while reading , buy this u won't be disappointed...while I would have liked the story too be longer I don't think my heart could have taken it.
Wow ! how do u pack excitement like grab a tissue , hold your breath, shaking your head and talking to your novel while shouting no . AC takes you on a hold on too your seat with this short Novella. Rio and Eva love affair was quick , hot , complicated at times. Was not expecting all the hurt that Eva had and was glad Rio was there for her. I felt so sad and cried on certain scenes while reading , buy this u won't be disappointed...while I would have liked the story too be longer I don't think my heart could have taken it.
March 10, 2016
Rico and Eva
Fire and Desire that's what they were. It's funny how one's choices effect their future. Eva making the ultimate sacrifice of supporting Makai only to have her world turned upside. Rico the man with many layers and hidden secrets that not many if any knew. As the two different worlds collide we are taken on the journey of Rico and Eva. When white collar meets blue collar. There is truly more than what meets the eye.
Fire and Desire that's what they were. It's funny how one's choices effect their future. Eva making the ultimate sacrifice of supporting Makai only to have her world turned upside. Rico the man with many layers and hidden secrets that not many if any knew. As the two different worlds collide we are taken on the journey of Rico and Eva. When white collar meets blue collar. There is truly more than what meets the eye.
March 8, 2016
This is my first book by this author. This is Rico and Eva's story.
This story was very intriguing to me and I enjoyed the couple and the circumstances they found themselves. I would have preferred to have a lot more dialogue between the couple. There was a lot of narrative. This was a great read and a major curve ball was served up to the readers when we least expected it and had me breathing deeply.
A great read.
This story was very intriguing to me and I enjoyed the couple and the circumstances they found themselves. I would have preferred to have a lot more dialogue between the couple. There was a lot of narrative. This was a great read and a major curve ball was served up to the readers when we least expected it and had me breathing deeply.
A great read.
June 3, 2016
Nice Sweet Story
Eva and Rico met under unusual circumstances. He met her at a gentleman's club and offered to pay for her services. What he did not realize at the time, she did not work for the club. After their encounter Eva refused to see him again. The Bennett brothers add more sustenance to the story. I did not like the issue with Eva's brother, that part was unnecessary. In the end the story was sweet and a little sad too. Overall a good read.
Eva and Rico met under unusual circumstances. He met her at a gentleman's club and offered to pay for her services. What he did not realize at the time, she did not work for the club. After their encounter Eva refused to see him again. The Bennett brothers add more sustenance to the story. I did not like the issue with Eva's brother, that part was unnecessary. In the end the story was sweet and a little sad too. Overall a good read.
March 4, 2016
Always in my Heart
I loved this story if Rico and Eva. It's often difficult living up to what you think other people see you as. Sometimes you often lose yourself. Even though there were sad moments overall love will survive. Would have been nice to know what happened with Makai. But not knowing does not take away from the story.
I loved this story if Rico and Eva. It's often difficult living up to what you think other people see you as. Sometimes you often lose yourself. Even though there were sad moments overall love will survive. Would have been nice to know what happened with Makai. But not knowing does not take away from the story.
March 6, 2016
Another Great One!
I love A.C. Arthur's writing and this book is no exception. Her characters are so real that you believe in them right from the start. The storyline kept me on the edge wondering if Rico and Eva would ever get together. As always, true love overcomes adversity!
I love A.C. Arthur's writing and this book is no exception. Her characters are so real that you believe in them right from the start. The storyline kept me on the edge wondering if Rico and Eva would ever get together. As always, true love overcomes adversity!
March 17, 2016
Loved it! Too short.
The problem with novellas is that they leave you wanting more. I didn't like how Makai's story ended. I wanted success and happiness for him and Eva, especially after losing their parents so young. I also had a feeling that Nadja was some how involved in Makai's shooting.
The problem with novellas is that they leave you wanting more. I didn't like how Makai's story ended. I wanted success and happiness for him and Eva, especially after losing their parents so young. I also had a feeling that Nadja was some how involved in Makai's shooting.
February 29, 2016
Awesome
Another great read! I love visiting with the Bennetts, Donovans, and Desdunes, all the family and friends. Eva and Rico's love story was unexpected but made sense to everyone but them. Hardships make you better and stronger. Bravo....I can't wait for the next book.
Another great read! I love visiting with the Bennetts, Donovans, and Desdunes, all the family and friends. Eva and Rico's love story was unexpected but made sense to everyone but them. Hardships make you better and stronger. Bravo....I can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews