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The Reluctant Romantics #2
The Heart
JackFor the last ten years, I've roamed the globe, captivated by the world around me. I've seen the seven wonders and admired sunsets from every continent. I'd lived and loved and that was enough for me. It would have to be. I was content, satisfied with my collection of experiences . . . until a phone call led me down a road less traveled.If I'd known my fascination would pique and be forever quenched only a few hundred miles from where my curiosity had been born, I may have never set sail.RoseStripped of the future I'd planned with the love of my life, my family and my career were now all that mattered.I'd lived and loved and that was enough. It would have to be. I struggled to move forward, to discard the part of me that held out hope for my obliterated heart. But I was bred a romantic, so it was easier said than done.The chances of being struck by lightning are 1 in 960,000. The odds of being struck twice are 1 in 9 million. I risked those odds every minute, often cursing the dark sky, praying for static and a rumble of thunder, but it never came.No, that second bolt hit me on a clear day.The Reluctant Romantics Reading Order#1 The Fall#2 The Mind#3 The Heart*All books in the series must be read in order.Companion Books to The Reluctant RomanticsRoom 212 - Prequel to The Reluctant SeriesNever Me - Cameo/crossover appearances of Never Me characters in Book #3 The Heart
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
352 people are currently reading
3070 people want to read
About the author
Kate Stewart
50 books25.7k followersNew York Times, USA Today, Amazon Charts, and Internationally bestselling author Kate Stewart, a Texas native, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense.
The Ravenhood Trilogy, consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, as well as the spinoff series, Ravenhood Legacy, have become NYT, USA Today, and International bestsellers as well as TikTok sensations. The Ravenhood was recently acquired for film adaptation with Kate set to co-write the script, as well as executive produce, which will kickstart her lifelong dream of becoming a filmmaker.
Amongst Kate’s other bestselling works, The Bittersweet Symphony Duet, specifically Drive, was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for best contemporary romance of 2017. Stewart’s works have been featured in USA Today, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News, Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine, and translated into over twenty languages.
More info: https://geni.us/katestewartbooks
The Ravenhood Trilogy, consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, as well as the spinoff series, Ravenhood Legacy, have become NYT, USA Today, and International bestsellers as well as TikTok sensations. The Ravenhood was recently acquired for film adaptation with Kate set to co-write the script, as well as executive produce, which will kickstart her lifelong dream of becoming a filmmaker.
Amongst Kate’s other bestselling works, The Bittersweet Symphony Duet, specifically Drive, was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for best contemporary romance of 2017. Stewart’s works have been featured in USA Today, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News, Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine, and translated into over twenty languages.
More info: https://geni.us/katestewartbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
April 30, 2016
5 stars!!!
When I heard the main characters in this book were named Jack and Rose, I was sold already. I mean, come on. How much more epic can you get? Still, after reading The Mind I was equal parts nervous and excited for this. I loved Rose. I loved Rose and Grant so much. How in the world could Kate make another man as perfect for Rose as Grant was? Well, guess what? SHE DID IT. Jack Sawyer was as close to perfect as you can get for Rose. I guess you could say lightning struck twice for this well deserving heroine.
Rose is a career driven woman. After losing the love of her life a few years ago, she’s thrust herself full force into opening up a cancer center with her sister, Dallas. She is a very successful doctor, but being a doctor is her entire life right now. As the center becomes closer to the opening, one of her father’s friends, Jack, starts to come by and help.
Jack has spent the last decade traveling the world. He takes contracting and building jobs here and there, but he loves to be on the move. When he first meets Rose, he’s completely enthralled. There is something about this fiery red head and he can’t get her out of his head. The more time he spends with her, the worse it gets. For once in his life, he can picture a life with someone and not just one on the road.
Things aren’t easy for Rose. It’s hard for her to move on. She has already had the love of her life, or so she thinks. She can’t imagine ever being with someone else again in that way. It’s hard for her to wrap her mind around. As her feelings for Jack go deeper, it gets even more confusing for our heroine.
This story was executed perfectly. I can imagine it’s hard to get it right when the hero/heroine of the book already had one epic love. It can’t be easy to give them a second love that is just as strong as the first without completely overshadowing it or making it feel like it wasn’t as special as it was. I never once doubted Rose’s love for Grant. It was beautiful and special. But it wasn’t a once in a life-time love for this character. She was lucky enough to get it twice. And even though the journey for her love story with Jack wasn’t always easy, it was just as special and beautiful. Just as epic. I never doubted her love for Jack, either. Neither one took away from the other. They were equal, just different.
What I love most about Kate’s books is that she writes with heart. You can feel the love she puts into her words. This story gave me all the feels, made me believe that second chances for love do exist, and also made me laugh and smile more times than I can count. That Jack is a funny guy! I swear there were a few scenes with him that I was almost in tears from laughing so hard! Nothing is better in an emotional book like this then getting to those parts where you smile and laugh.
The Heart is a story that is near and dear to my heart. After reading Room 212 a few years ago, I fell in love with Seth and Laura. Then a year or so after that, it was Dallas and Dean. Then Rose and Grant’s story came and it gutted me. Now that I’ve read the conclusion to Rose and Jack’s book, I feel whole again. It completed this entire series for me. That epilogue was amazing.
I can’t recommend this book, this series and this author enough. I have so much love for these books!!! If you’re looking for a story with a ton of heart, that’s emotional, sweet, sexy and even funny at times- check this one out!
“Love doesn’t have to hurt to be real. You reminded me of that.”*possible spoilers for The Fall/The Mind- if you haven’t read them yet, proceed with caution…
When I heard the main characters in this book were named Jack and Rose, I was sold already. I mean, come on. How much more epic can you get? Still, after reading The Mind I was equal parts nervous and excited for this. I loved Rose. I loved Rose and Grant so much. How in the world could Kate make another man as perfect for Rose as Grant was? Well, guess what? SHE DID IT. Jack Sawyer was as close to perfect as you can get for Rose. I guess you could say lightning struck twice for this well deserving heroine.
Rose is a career driven woman. After losing the love of her life a few years ago, she’s thrust herself full force into opening up a cancer center with her sister, Dallas. She is a very successful doctor, but being a doctor is her entire life right now. As the center becomes closer to the opening, one of her father’s friends, Jack, starts to come by and help.
Jack has spent the last decade traveling the world. He takes contracting and building jobs here and there, but he loves to be on the move. When he first meets Rose, he’s completely enthralled. There is something about this fiery red head and he can’t get her out of his head. The more time he spends with her, the worse it gets. For once in his life, he can picture a life with someone and not just one on the road.
“I can’t stay away from you. I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop wanting to touch you… I can’t stop waking up without you being the first thing on my mind, and I haven’t even had you in one of the thousand ways I want to.”
Things aren’t easy for Rose. It’s hard for her to move on. She has already had the love of her life, or so she thinks. She can’t imagine ever being with someone else again in that way. It’s hard for her to wrap her mind around. As her feelings for Jack go deeper, it gets even more confusing for our heroine.
This story was executed perfectly. I can imagine it’s hard to get it right when the hero/heroine of the book already had one epic love. It can’t be easy to give them a second love that is just as strong as the first without completely overshadowing it or making it feel like it wasn’t as special as it was. I never once doubted Rose’s love for Grant. It was beautiful and special. But it wasn’t a once in a life-time love for this character. She was lucky enough to get it twice. And even though the journey for her love story with Jack wasn’t always easy, it was just as special and beautiful. Just as epic. I never doubted her love for Jack, either. Neither one took away from the other. They were equal, just different.
What I love most about Kate’s books is that she writes with heart. You can feel the love she puts into her words. This story gave me all the feels, made me believe that second chances for love do exist, and also made me laugh and smile more times than I can count. That Jack is a funny guy! I swear there were a few scenes with him that I was almost in tears from laughing so hard! Nothing is better in an emotional book like this then getting to those parts where you smile and laugh.
The Heart is a story that is near and dear to my heart. After reading Room 212 a few years ago, I fell in love with Seth and Laura. Then a year or so after that, it was Dallas and Dean. Then Rose and Grant’s story came and it gutted me. Now that I’ve read the conclusion to Rose and Jack’s book, I feel whole again. It completed this entire series for me. That epilogue was amazing.
I can’t recommend this book, this series and this author enough. I have so much love for these books!!! If you’re looking for a story with a ton of heart, that’s emotional, sweet, sexy and even funny at times- check this one out!
“You’ve just made my life.”
April 30, 2016
*****FIVE+++++++++STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I was paralyzed with my need for her. I didn't want to be anything else than the man I was when I was with her. No matter how much strength I found, she weakened me in a way only she could validate. I belonged to her.
And her heart belonged to another.
This story was utter perfection from beginning to end. Kate Stewart’s writing is flawless and she couldn’t have written a more perfect ending to Rose’s story. She obliterated our hearts in The Mind, but she puts us back together and then some with The Heart. Ladies, there’s a new book boyfriend in town, and his name is JACK SAWYER!! Get ready to be swept off your feet!!!
Those of you who loved Grant will not be disappointed as well because he is not easily discarded from Rose’s heart. She clings to the love she had for that man with all that she has. Three years after his death and every day Rose has to will herself to get out of bed to go on with her life. She makes a conscious effort to think back to all of the precious times they shared in order to never forget the man who had been the greatest love of her life. Rose has put all her efforts into graduating from med school and into the plans for the new cancer center she is building with Dallas, but she has closed herself off from the opposite sex. She doesn’t want to move on from Grant and she’s not all that positive that lightning can strike twice in that department. She’s about to meet the man who will definitely be challenging her beliefs. As soon as Jack Sawyer enters the story, it’s hard not to be completely consumed by this man.
He’s the architect her father hired to complete work on the cancer center. Jack is one seriously sexy Alpha male, ladies. He knows what he wants and he doesn’t play games. Jack challenges Rose at every turn and he’s exactly the man she needs. The chemistry between these two is definitely off the charts HOT!! The slow build to the sexy times had me clenching my thighs and panting till I almost thought I would combust, but oh was it so worth the wait when they finally get down to business. Mr. Sawyer is packing some serious heat in his boxer briefs.
As they start to spend more time together they each begin to develop deep feelings for each other. Can Rose move beyond her past or will she let her fears hold her back from true happiness? Is Jack willing to fill the shoes of a man who is virtually impossible to compete against?
Get ready to be swept away by this story of lost love and new love. I had a really hard time putting this one down. Not only was I crazy about Jack but I also thoroughly enjoyed all the funny and tender moments Rose shares with her beautiful family. Seth, Laura, Dean, Dallas and their children just helped to deliver this story in the most perfectly wrapped package.
THE HEART is the third book in The Reluctant Romantics series, but can totally be read as a standalone. I HIGHLY recommend this entire series and I tell you, this is the way you end a series!!! It’s been days since I read this one and I still can’t get it out of my mind. I will definitely be reading it again sometime soon!!
BRAVO KATE STEWART!!!!
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I was paralyzed with my need for her. I didn't want to be anything else than the man I was when I was with her. No matter how much strength I found, she weakened me in a way only she could validate. I belonged to her.
And her heart belonged to another.
This story was utter perfection from beginning to end. Kate Stewart’s writing is flawless and she couldn’t have written a more perfect ending to Rose’s story. She obliterated our hearts in The Mind, but she puts us back together and then some with The Heart. Ladies, there’s a new book boyfriend in town, and his name is JACK SAWYER!! Get ready to be swept off your feet!!!
Those of you who loved Grant will not be disappointed as well because he is not easily discarded from Rose’s heart. She clings to the love she had for that man with all that she has. Three years after his death and every day Rose has to will herself to get out of bed to go on with her life. She makes a conscious effort to think back to all of the precious times they shared in order to never forget the man who had been the greatest love of her life. Rose has put all her efforts into graduating from med school and into the plans for the new cancer center she is building with Dallas, but she has closed herself off from the opposite sex. She doesn’t want to move on from Grant and she’s not all that positive that lightning can strike twice in that department. She’s about to meet the man who will definitely be challenging her beliefs. As soon as Jack Sawyer enters the story, it’s hard not to be completely consumed by this man.
He’s the architect her father hired to complete work on the cancer center. Jack is one seriously sexy Alpha male, ladies. He knows what he wants and he doesn’t play games. Jack challenges Rose at every turn and he’s exactly the man she needs. The chemistry between these two is definitely off the charts HOT!! The slow build to the sexy times had me clenching my thighs and panting till I almost thought I would combust, but oh was it so worth the wait when they finally get down to business. Mr. Sawyer is packing some serious heat in his boxer briefs.
As they start to spend more time together they each begin to develop deep feelings for each other. Can Rose move beyond her past or will she let her fears hold her back from true happiness? Is Jack willing to fill the shoes of a man who is virtually impossible to compete against?
Get ready to be swept away by this story of lost love and new love. I had a really hard time putting this one down. Not only was I crazy about Jack but I also thoroughly enjoyed all the funny and tender moments Rose shares with her beautiful family. Seth, Laura, Dean, Dallas and their children just helped to deliver this story in the most perfectly wrapped package.
THE HEART is the third book in The Reluctant Romantics series, but can totally be read as a standalone. I HIGHLY recommend this entire series and I tell you, this is the way you end a series!!! It’s been days since I read this one and I still can’t get it out of my mind. I will definitely be reading it again sometime soon!!
BRAVO KATE STEWART!!!!
May 4, 2016
Full review now posted
4 stars!
If you have not read The Fall or The Mind, there will be spoilers for those books in this review.
I loved The Fall and The Heart by Kate Stewart, so when I saw she was writing another book in the series my mind was made up that I was reading it, no questions asked. I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one, because I cried reading both of the first two books, The Mind itself was just sobbing embarrassingly for hours. Luckily, I only ALMOST cried when reading this book but ONLY because I was in public and needed to keep my act together. If I had been in private, I would have cried.
“My life had started a long time ago and had begun to leave me behind.”
The Heart is the story of Jack and Rose (no not the ones from Titanic, but these two do have quite a love story). Rose had lost her fiancé Grant just before her wedding a few years back and she’s barely coping with it years later. Throwing herself into her work, Rose has surrounded herself in a comfortable way of life, and one where she doesn’t move on from Grant.
Jack comes in when Roses father hires him to work on the new treatment center Rose is building with her sister. There’s an instant attraction between the two of them, but Jack is looking for serious and Rose has no idea what she wants. But with the ghost of Grant around her at all times, can she let him go and move on? Or honor his memory instead?
“A majority of my grieving had to do with the fact that I had known a love so incredible, so unique, I was sure I’d never be given the same gift twice.”
Kate writes beautiful and emotional books, it’s the reason I love them and her as an author. This is such a heartfelt story and I think it will touch a lot of readers with what it has to say. For me, when I read a book, the character needs to change, they need to come out of the book different from where the book started, and Kate accomplished this tenfold. Rose was in a place where she didn’t realize she was existing, and not living. And at its heart, this book is about Rose coming back into the woman she can be and the life she was meant to live.
I really liked Jack as a hero, because he wasn’t a jerk, or an alpha hero. He was a good guy with his own insecurities and wants, and what he wanted was a place in Rose’s heart. I like that he was up front with what he wanted but knew it was also up to Rose to choose him. He knew she had walls and he wanted to be the one to break them down, but Rose had to break down some of the walls herself and respected that.
If you want to read a lovely romance story, I recommend this book and series to you. She’s a great writer and this was an engaging book. I cannot wait for you to read Rose and Jack’s story.
“You’re in my head, my thoughts, you’ve completely invaded me, whether you wanted to or not.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
4 stars!
If you have not read The Fall or The Mind, there will be spoilers for those books in this review.
I loved The Fall and The Heart by Kate Stewart, so when I saw she was writing another book in the series my mind was made up that I was reading it, no questions asked. I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one, because I cried reading both of the first two books, The Mind itself was just sobbing embarrassingly for hours. Luckily, I only ALMOST cried when reading this book but ONLY because I was in public and needed to keep my act together. If I had been in private, I would have cried.
“My life had started a long time ago and had begun to leave me behind.”
The Heart is the story of Jack and Rose (no not the ones from Titanic, but these two do have quite a love story). Rose had lost her fiancé Grant just before her wedding a few years back and she’s barely coping with it years later. Throwing herself into her work, Rose has surrounded herself in a comfortable way of life, and one where she doesn’t move on from Grant.
Jack comes in when Roses father hires him to work on the new treatment center Rose is building with her sister. There’s an instant attraction between the two of them, but Jack is looking for serious and Rose has no idea what she wants. But with the ghost of Grant around her at all times, can she let him go and move on? Or honor his memory instead?
“A majority of my grieving had to do with the fact that I had known a love so incredible, so unique, I was sure I’d never be given the same gift twice.”
Kate writes beautiful and emotional books, it’s the reason I love them and her as an author. This is such a heartfelt story and I think it will touch a lot of readers with what it has to say. For me, when I read a book, the character needs to change, they need to come out of the book different from where the book started, and Kate accomplished this tenfold. Rose was in a place where she didn’t realize she was existing, and not living. And at its heart, this book is about Rose coming back into the woman she can be and the life she was meant to live.
I really liked Jack as a hero, because he wasn’t a jerk, or an alpha hero. He was a good guy with his own insecurities and wants, and what he wanted was a place in Rose’s heart. I like that he was up front with what he wanted but knew it was also up to Rose to choose him. He knew she had walls and he wanted to be the one to break them down, but Rose had to break down some of the walls herself and respected that.
If you want to read a lovely romance story, I recommend this book and series to you. She’s a great writer and this was an engaging book. I cannot wait for you to read Rose and Jack’s story.
“You’re in my head, my thoughts, you’ve completely invaded me, whether you wanted to or not.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
May 2, 2016
5++++Very Romantic Stars*****
(ARC kindly provided by author)
Kate Stewart stole my heart with this story. Jack is a hero like no other and every aspect of this unique novel made my heart sing and my body dance in a beautiful rhythm, that will be impossible to forget.
The Feels!!!! The feels!!!!!!
As we know from reading the previous two books Rose lost what she believed was the great love of her life. She lives now in the house her and Grant had dreamt about on the beautiful land he gave her. She keeps his memory alive by locking herself away from the world inside the beautiful home that once held every beautiful promise for her future.
Rose is devoted to her job as a surgeon and her role as the aunt of her sister's kids. Now she looks forward to fulfilling her and Dallas'dream of building a cancer research and support center, that even before it's opening is already a success. Her father has hired the gorgeous and talented Jack Sawyer to design and assist in the construction of this special project. Rose knew he was coming from out of town but when she first sees him, she's speechless and completely breathless by the man's raw beauty.
Jack has lived a very interesting life. He has a very colorful family and has traveled the world and goes from city to city, creating beautiful landmarks. From the moment he sets eyes on Rose he is captivated by her beauty and charm. The more he gets to know her, the more he knows he wants all in, no games, no gimmicks, he wants her. Rose, on the other hand, is skittish around the subject of love, and even though she can't escape the strong emotions Jack stirs in her, she's scared to death to fall in love again.
Jack and Rose are the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. They become the shelter each of them needed from all the heartache and pain they've experienced in the past.
It won't be an easy road for them. Will Jack grow tired of Rose's insecurities? Will Rose realize it's okay to be happy again and to love again, after Grant?
There was so much love in this book, I thought my heart was going to burst. From Dallas, Dean, and their kids, both Jack and Rose's parents, it was all a grand love fest. The writing style of Kate Stewart in this book takes us to a whole new level of romance. She comes back each time with much more magic and beauty in her words. You would think the woman was the wizard of romance, and I'll tell you one thing, I have completely fallen under her spell. Her books feel majestic to me and any fan of the romance genre will be easily captivated by her amazing talent.
Before I finish my review, I must share with all readers that if you fell in love with Rose and Jack's parents, their love stories are available too as :
Room 212 (Laura and Seth) Rose and Dalla's parents:
http://www.amazon.com/Room-212-Kate-S...
Never Me:
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Me-Kate-S...
My The Heart music playlist:
*Only Love by ben Howard
*Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
*Where It All Begins by Hunter Hayes, feat. Lady Antebellum
*Somebody To Love by Kacey Musgraves.
(ARC kindly provided by author)
Kate Stewart stole my heart with this story. Jack is a hero like no other and every aspect of this unique novel made my heart sing and my body dance in a beautiful rhythm, that will be impossible to forget.
The Feels!!!! The feels!!!!!!
As we know from reading the previous two books Rose lost what she believed was the great love of her life. She lives now in the house her and Grant had dreamt about on the beautiful land he gave her. She keeps his memory alive by locking herself away from the world inside the beautiful home that once held every beautiful promise for her future.
Rose is devoted to her job as a surgeon and her role as the aunt of her sister's kids. Now she looks forward to fulfilling her and Dallas'dream of building a cancer research and support center, that even before it's opening is already a success. Her father has hired the gorgeous and talented Jack Sawyer to design and assist in the construction of this special project. Rose knew he was coming from out of town but when she first sees him, she's speechless and completely breathless by the man's raw beauty.
Jack has lived a very interesting life. He has a very colorful family and has traveled the world and goes from city to city, creating beautiful landmarks. From the moment he sets eyes on Rose he is captivated by her beauty and charm. The more he gets to know her, the more he knows he wants all in, no games, no gimmicks, he wants her. Rose, on the other hand, is skittish around the subject of love, and even though she can't escape the strong emotions Jack stirs in her, she's scared to death to fall in love again.
Jack and Rose are the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. They become the shelter each of them needed from all the heartache and pain they've experienced in the past.
It won't be an easy road for them. Will Jack grow tired of Rose's insecurities? Will Rose realize it's okay to be happy again and to love again, after Grant?
There was so much love in this book, I thought my heart was going to burst. From Dallas, Dean, and their kids, both Jack and Rose's parents, it was all a grand love fest. The writing style of Kate Stewart in this book takes us to a whole new level of romance. She comes back each time with much more magic and beauty in her words. You would think the woman was the wizard of romance, and I'll tell you one thing, I have completely fallen under her spell. Her books feel majestic to me and any fan of the romance genre will be easily captivated by her amazing talent.
Before I finish my review, I must share with all readers that if you fell in love with Rose and Jack's parents, their love stories are available too as :
Room 212 (Laura and Seth) Rose and Dalla's parents:
http://www.amazon.com/Room-212-Kate-S...
Never Me:
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Me-Kate-S...
My The Heart music playlist:
*Only Love by ben Howard
*Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
*Where It All Begins by Hunter Hayes, feat. Lady Antebellum
*Somebody To Love by Kacey Musgraves.
April 28, 2016
I’d been waiting for a new life to start while staring in the rearview. If I wanted to change my life, my future required my attention.
I have been equal parts dying to read this story and terrified too. First, I love Rose and her beautiful heart, but I also loved her with Grant. From the moment, we met him I have been in love with his unconditional, full on head over heels love for Rose. So knowing how this story would go scared me, but I am so freaking glad I jumped in regardless of my fear.
The Heart picks up years after The Mind ends and Rose is getting by, but still a shell of the person she was before. She is doing her best to move on, but with that comes guilt and fear. Jack, a family friend, enters the picture because the center is about to open and needs some additional work.
Jack is immediately smitten with Rose, but can tell she is holding back. He pursues her, but it isn’t too much he just what she needs. Their connection starts off slow, but I loved seeing the changes in Rose. I loved how Jack was patient, but still a man with a backbone. Jack isn’t Grant and their story is different, but it still felt right for Rose.
I swear Kate cannot write a book that doesn’t make me cry. Her books are always full of so much love and heart, but the beautiful way she delivers her stories is what has me begging for her next book. I love how she mingles HUGE FEELS with a story that is funny and sexy, it’s the whole package!
"You make it hard to breathe, Rose Whittaker."
"And you make it easier for me.”
I cannot recommend this book enough! I was so engaged in the story that I didn’t even get up to check my phone or do anything until I was done. I couldn't get enough of Rose and Jack, and catching up with everyone else was just icing on the cake! Side note, little Grant, you stole my freaking heart!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
April 30, 2016
SPOILERISH IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FALL OR THE MIND
The journey was hard, but the ending was sweet.
***4.5 Stars***
I started The Heart needing to see a rainbow coming through the clouds. I wasn’t altogether convinced that a storm wouldn’t be brewing, but I was desperately hoping for a little sunshine. I finished The Mind completely devastated. A love so strong was not supposed to be bumped out so quickly or easily. Would the author be able to convince me that their love would be easy to move on from? No. See, this story wasn’t about moving on and getting past a lightning strike love, it was about accepting a love that will never go away and learning to love yourself enough to find a happy place.
Rose is busy and she likes it that way. All of her plans have started to come together nicely, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t shed blood, sweat, and tears for them. Rose is still finishing off her surgical internship while also trying to get the clinic built and ready. Keeping busy, there is no time for Rose to really deal with the loss of Grant. She has made it her main focus to remember him fully every day of her life. She doesn’t want him to be forgotten so she purposely remembers all of their best times together. This has left her tired and very alone. Rose now lives in the house they dreamed of together, but it’s really just a shell, not a home. Dallas, her sister, a fellow doctor and part owner of the clinic, now has Dean, her husband, and two beautiful children Grant and Annabelle to keep her busy. With Dallas busy with family commitments and the clinic on top of that, the two of them do not have much of a life outside of the clinic and family.
Jack…Oh Man!!! He is one amazing character. Jack has been friends with Seth, Rose’s Dad, for years. As a building contractor, he started working in the clinic where he meets Rose for the first time. Everyone else considers him almost a family member, but with Rose’s full study and surgical internship she has never been introduced to him before. When they finally meet, there is a sizzling attraction that neither Jack nor Rose can deny...even though Rose tries REALLY HARD to deny. Jack is a very good looking man but funny enough, he’s not very confident about his looks. Once we get to know him a bit better, it’s easy to understand why. It’s easy to understand why he is uncomfortable with the unwanted attention he gets from women he comes in contact with. His way of pushing away those advances were an absolute crack up. Jack is very attracted to Rose but he can tell that she is holding herself back from forming a relationship with him.
With each reminder of Rose and Grant’s love story, I found it hard to move on from it. Then Jack would pop up and be his cool and unassuming self and I would really hope that Rose grew the strength to move on. Jack is wonderful and he deserved a love of his life just as much as Rose did. Rose just had to believe that lightning CAN strike twice.
I really enjoyed watching this love story play out. At times I was torn on whether I wanted Rose to be Jack’s “one”, but then I saw the good things they brought out in each other and I believed they were meant to be together. To be honest, for a while there I really couldn’t tell you who was the better life mate for Rose, because Grant was in her life for such a short period of time. Jack is no spring chicken at thirty-seven, and with his vast amount of travelling and living, you know that if he wasn’t ready to settle down…he just wouldn’t. So it really came time for ME to move on. I needed to come to terms that Grant was gone forever and Jack was ready to help Rose find happiness.
This was a steamy love story, but it certainly wasn’t a meet and moan or insta-love. Jack didn’t want it to be a hookup but unfortunately, Rose wasn’t sure she was ready for more than a hookup. The additional characters were fun to get to know and I especially loved J & J and Dallas’s two kids. My only little complaint, I kind of struggled with the women in this story. Rose and Dallas’s dedication to their careers is not something I can relate to. For me, family comes first and in some ways I didn’t think their supposed “balance” was believable. Still, Kate Stewart has again provided us with a wonderful heartfelt story that pulled at my emotions but managed to leave me content.
To purchase The Heart from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1VYCJxs
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
May 1, 2016
Absolutely glorious! Kate Stewart has filled my heart with her beautiful story.
This was one of those books. You know the ones - you wait for them impatiently while you bite your nails and pretend that there are other books that can hold your interest until the day it arrives on your Kindle. I've been dying to get my hands on The Heart since I finished The Fall and was left with a feeling of beautiful satisfaction for one set of characters but aching heartbreak for another. It's the kind of book that, so eagerly anticipated, could easily let you down.
The Heart did not let me down.
The Heart lifted me up, spun me around, and filled my heart with love and joy.
I knew that all my (not so patiently) waiting would pay off from the very first page ... a quote from Anne of Green Gables kicks it all off ... a quote that I love, from a story that I love ... proving that people and their gifts come into your life just when you need them most. I read this book in just under 8 hours (with a few interruptions), staying up to 3am with the inability to put this book and it's characters down.
Kate Stewart your characters and your beautiful words are a gift - YOU are a gift! And I'm so happy that you've come into my life with this gift, just when I really needed.
A phenomenal experience. A story of moving on from loss, moving on with love - moving me in the process. I recommend it to everyone!
* An advanced copy was provided for review. Thank you!
This was one of those books. You know the ones - you wait for them impatiently while you bite your nails and pretend that there are other books that can hold your interest until the day it arrives on your Kindle. I've been dying to get my hands on The Heart since I finished The Fall and was left with a feeling of beautiful satisfaction for one set of characters but aching heartbreak for another. It's the kind of book that, so eagerly anticipated, could easily let you down.
The Heart did not let me down.
The Heart lifted me up, spun me around, and filled my heart with love and joy.
I knew that all my (not so patiently) waiting would pay off from the very first page ... a quote from Anne of Green Gables kicks it all off ... a quote that I love, from a story that I love ... proving that people and their gifts come into your life just when you need them most. I read this book in just under 8 hours (with a few interruptions), staying up to 3am with the inability to put this book and it's characters down.
Kate Stewart your characters and your beautiful words are a gift - YOU are a gift! And I'm so happy that you've come into my life with this gift, just when I really needed.
A phenomenal experience. A story of moving on from loss, moving on with love - moving me in the process. I recommend it to everyone!
* An advanced copy was provided for review. Thank you!
May 4, 2016
I admit that I stalked and begged for two days to get my hands on this arc as I was completely invested in Rose Whittaker. I read a short, passionate love story, The Mind, a few months back and was totally gutted over a fast love lost too soon. In just some 90 pages I felt an epic boom kind of love with the words and actions of Grant Foster, then I read the unyielding words of support from a strong family as that love no longer existed. Rose Whittaker loved Grant Foster, as fast and totally insane as it was, then she lost him. As her mind and her body broke with sorrow, I had no idea how Kate Stewart could “fix” this. Isn’t one lightning strike in the heart enough?
As a passionate reader, I go thru books weekly, sometimes daily, and many are good reads. But every once in a while, a book comes along and literally matters, it just blows me away and leaves me shaken. Perhaps it is just the talent of Kate Stewart in her ability to tell a story. With a true gift, she uses words to evoke emotions of love and loss while developing characters that refuse to leave you own mind and heart. I can say undoubtedly that The Heart is MY BEST READ of 2016!
Because let’s face it, when you give your heart away, you give the person you love the power to destroy you at will. Who you are at that moment defines who you will become next.
This is not just a love story…it is so much more. This read is a lesson in survival, or more it is an education in living without regret. The Heart is a tale of a man who once gave away his heart only to never experience the gift of it in return, and a woman who gave her heart only to have it lost…shattered. Jack Sawyer and Rose Whittaker should never have been…but when the heart beats again, then finally hope lives!
A woman focused on her career and family, Rose may have lost her true self when she lost Grant. She may have had her moments of glee and fun with the times spent inside her circle of trust, but she is unprepared for a Cajun charmer with 10 years of worldly experience to stir her up. Jack Sawyer may have lived his life his own way, building from the ground up, but he too is unprepared for a fiery red head to make his need to flee suddenly calm…
Never have I ever been so affected by a fictional male character as I was with Jack Sawyer. With strength, patience, and a sexy but gentle hand, Jack found his way into the soul of Rose. With a flawless journey Kate Stewart slays every emotion as a man and a woman come to terms with “falling.” Tears fell as the mind and the heart grappled with the ideas of “am I enough?” and “who do you truly see?” I was gutted with each page. I felt the loss of a life once promised, yet I wanted so badly for a new chapter to come from the passionate intimacy that Jack and Rose found.
I could continue on and on just raving about the story and the characters, but I will simply say that this read is EVERYTHING for me. This is a book that I found myself highlighting on every page. This is a story that had me cry, true tears. These are characters that have become MY favorites. I had no idea if I could come up with the right review to capture how much I LOVED this book. The emotional angst was beautiful, the intimacy was off the wall scorching, and the passion to love again was riveting. If you are in search of a perfectly written romance, without a doubt, it is Kate Stewart’s The Heart and it is her best work yet!
As a passionate reader, I go thru books weekly, sometimes daily, and many are good reads. But every once in a while, a book comes along and literally matters, it just blows me away and leaves me shaken. Perhaps it is just the talent of Kate Stewart in her ability to tell a story. With a true gift, she uses words to evoke emotions of love and loss while developing characters that refuse to leave you own mind and heart. I can say undoubtedly that The Heart is MY BEST READ of 2016!
Because let’s face it, when you give your heart away, you give the person you love the power to destroy you at will. Who you are at that moment defines who you will become next.
This is not just a love story…it is so much more. This read is a lesson in survival, or more it is an education in living without regret. The Heart is a tale of a man who once gave away his heart only to never experience the gift of it in return, and a woman who gave her heart only to have it lost…shattered. Jack Sawyer and Rose Whittaker should never have been…but when the heart beats again, then finally hope lives!
A woman focused on her career and family, Rose may have lost her true self when she lost Grant. She may have had her moments of glee and fun with the times spent inside her circle of trust, but she is unprepared for a Cajun charmer with 10 years of worldly experience to stir her up. Jack Sawyer may have lived his life his own way, building from the ground up, but he too is unprepared for a fiery red head to make his need to flee suddenly calm…
Never have I ever been so affected by a fictional male character as I was with Jack Sawyer. With strength, patience, and a sexy but gentle hand, Jack found his way into the soul of Rose. With a flawless journey Kate Stewart slays every emotion as a man and a woman come to terms with “falling.” Tears fell as the mind and the heart grappled with the ideas of “am I enough?” and “who do you truly see?” I was gutted with each page. I felt the loss of a life once promised, yet I wanted so badly for a new chapter to come from the passionate intimacy that Jack and Rose found.
I could continue on and on just raving about the story and the characters, but I will simply say that this read is EVERYTHING for me. This is a book that I found myself highlighting on every page. This is a story that had me cry, true tears. These are characters that have become MY favorites. I had no idea if I could come up with the right review to capture how much I LOVED this book. The emotional angst was beautiful, the intimacy was off the wall scorching, and the passion to love again was riveting. If you are in search of a perfectly written romance, without a doubt, it is Kate Stewart’s The Heart and it is her best work yet!
April 29, 2016
Many books tell beautiful tales of the heart. The light, the dark, the twisted, the ugly and the beauty of falling in love, losing love, getting stuck and unstuck. This series by Kate Stewart captures all of it with stunning characters, heart rendering stories and heartwarming prose. I must say this is my favourite book of this series. Rose is my favourite as is Jack and that's no small feat because all of these characters are special in their own way.
Rose is a grieving woman. Having lost her best friend and husband-to-be so tragically only days before their nuptials. It's three years since Grant's death but Rose is stuck. She's getting out of bed everyday but that's it. Life's going on and she's participating but only so far as is acceptable. Then she meets Jack. He's an old family friend, her father, Seth, is his sensei but Rose has never met him before.
I must stop here and say that Jack's the offspring from Kate's Never Me book. Simply loved how she brought two of her books together with this series being about Laura and Seth's, from Room 212, daughters. It's awesome to see those characters live on and meet their children and have their stories.
Jack was one utter delight. He's, of course, hot but he also has this magnetism that's unassuming but all consuming. He crept up on me real fast and I totally understood how Rose felt. He was just there one minute and the next, he's all she can think about. He was perfect for Rose.
And how Kate got me to move past Grant and fall fast and completely for Jack Sawyer was a miracle. I truly felt like Rose. I love Grant no less and no different than before but Kate gave us a story that shows the dynamics of love and the ability of the heart to love so much and so differently.
Jack helps Rose heal and move on with her life. Their story made me laugh, swoon and cry (both happy and sad tears). And the epilogue, the ultimate! I'm sad to see this series end but what an ending!
While the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Although, I'd strongly recommend you read all three books. Truly superb!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
Rose is a grieving woman. Having lost her best friend and husband-to-be so tragically only days before their nuptials. It's three years since Grant's death but Rose is stuck. She's getting out of bed everyday but that's it. Life's going on and she's participating but only so far as is acceptable. Then she meets Jack. He's an old family friend, her father, Seth, is his sensei but Rose has never met him before.
I must stop here and say that Jack's the offspring from Kate's Never Me book. Simply loved how she brought two of her books together with this series being about Laura and Seth's, from Room 212, daughters. It's awesome to see those characters live on and meet their children and have their stories.
Jack was one utter delight. He's, of course, hot but he also has this magnetism that's unassuming but all consuming. He crept up on me real fast and I totally understood how Rose felt. He was just there one minute and the next, he's all she can think about. He was perfect for Rose.
And how Kate got me to move past Grant and fall fast and completely for Jack Sawyer was a miracle. I truly felt like Rose. I love Grant no less and no different than before but Kate gave us a story that shows the dynamics of love and the ability of the heart to love so much and so differently.
Jack helps Rose heal and move on with her life. Their story made me laugh, swoon and cry (both happy and sad tears). And the epilogue, the ultimate! I'm sad to see this series end but what an ending!
While the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Although, I'd strongly recommend you read all three books. Truly superb!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
July 1, 2016
4.5 stars
** This review contains possible spoilers pertaining to The Fall and The Mind. **
It’s been three years since Rose’s tragic loss. She’s done her best to pick up the pieces of her life, and for the most part she’s been successful. Immersing herself in her career has helped her cope. She’s now a top-notch surgeon, and she and her sister, Dallas, are months away from opening the cancer treatment center they’ve dreamed of forever. She hasn’t let go of Grant, though, and her heart is closed off to the idea of being with another man.
Along comes Jack, a charismatic contractor from New Orleans. An attraction quickly develops between Rose and him, even though they are polar opposites. Jack is fun and easy going, whereas Rose is stubborn and has a quick temper. She’s rooted to work and family, while he’s a free spirit who travels the world. Jack awakens familiar and frightening feelings in Rose, but does loving another man diminish what she had with Grant?
Oh, Jack, how I love thee! Let me count the ways. Forget it. I can’t count that high. He cooks, he dances, he’s got that Cajun accent going for him, he’s sexy as hell—and that’s just the start. He also has a knack for saying heart-melting things.
Time and again, Kate Stewart delivers the most superb quotes to completely gut me.
There’s a situation towards the end that I found to be a bit cliché and the resolution rather abrupt and underwhelming. However, it’s a small bump in the road in an otherwise delightful journey.
Kate Stewart has a knack for creating engaging stories and heart-felt characters that completely envelop you in another world. That’s certainly the case here. The Heart is emotional, sexy, and humorous—a wonderfully romantic conclusion to an amazing series.
Recommended for fans of:
Second-chance romance
Nice guys
Cajun dialects
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
** This review contains possible spoilers pertaining to The Fall and The Mind. **
“The greatest adventure of my life has been loving you.”Having read The Fall and The Mind, I was more than ready for Rose to find happiness again. I had high expectations for this book, and Kate Stewart absolutely delivers.
It’s been three years since Rose’s tragic loss. She’s done her best to pick up the pieces of her life, and for the most part she’s been successful. Immersing herself in her career has helped her cope. She’s now a top-notch surgeon, and she and her sister, Dallas, are months away from opening the cancer treatment center they’ve dreamed of forever. She hasn’t let go of Grant, though, and her heart is closed off to the idea of being with another man.
Along comes Jack, a charismatic contractor from New Orleans. An attraction quickly develops between Rose and him, even though they are polar opposites. Jack is fun and easy going, whereas Rose is stubborn and has a quick temper. She’s rooted to work and family, while he’s a free spirit who travels the world. Jack awakens familiar and frightening feelings in Rose, but does loving another man diminish what she had with Grant?
Oh, Jack, how I love thee! Let me count the ways. Forget it. I can’t count that high. He cooks, he dances, he’s got that Cajun accent going for him, he’s sexy as hell—and that’s just the start. He also has a knack for saying heart-melting things.
“I want your breaths, your minutes, your movements, and to be included in your memories. I want to be the man you run to. I want to be significant. I want you. It’s that simple.”Come on! How does a girl stand a chance against that? Rose’s reluctance to enter into a relationship with Jack is more than understandable, but her two steps forward, one step back attitude and mixed signals had me screaming, “If you don’t want him, I’ll take him!” Fortunately for her, Jack is more than patient.
Time and again, Kate Stewart delivers the most superb quotes to completely gut me.
“My heart…was rooted to her. Subtly and without me being truly aware, it had planted itself here next to her. But I was unwanted, a weed growing wild in someone else’s future.”I really admired Rose. She may be wounded, but she’s a survivor and not at all bitter. Her relationship with her nephew is absolutely precious, and the interactions with her girlfriends are hysterical.
There’s a situation towards the end that I found to be a bit cliché and the resolution rather abrupt and underwhelming. However, it’s a small bump in the road in an otherwise delightful journey.
Kate Stewart has a knack for creating engaging stories and heart-felt characters that completely envelop you in another world. That’s certainly the case here. The Heart is emotional, sexy, and humorous—a wonderfully romantic conclusion to an amazing series.
Recommended for fans of:
Second-chance romance
Nice guys
Cajun dialects
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
May 17, 2016
4 ★'s
If you've read The Fall and The Mind, you can understand my hesitation with reading this book. Jack Sawyer has a lot to measure up to.
Rose has had her heart broken and is just now breaking through that fog that she's been functioning through for the last few years. She has a great support system with her family and a whole lotta love but her life is not complete.
Jack is like a breath of fresh air. He awakens things in her...things that make her feel like a young, healthy, vibrant woman and she just can't get enough.
And did I mention that Jack is from NOLA? *shivers* I just love all that yummy cajun stuff, "beb"!
But I felt that Jack was a little too perfect. He has all the bells and whistles and then some. However, we do find out there's been some things in his past but I just wanted to know more.
And the push and pull between these two was a little maddening. They both have issues with different things but luckily, the physical part doesn't suffer...these two were quite steamy. I had to laugh at Rose's first ride on Jack's motorcycle!
I enjoyed all the family being involved. There were some really sweet things still happening with Seth and Laura and I love the ongoing relationship between Dean and Dallas. And their kids were the cutest! ("Aunt Wose" <--love that kind of stuff)
Things come to a head and there is some drama but I was hoping for more (of course). Fortunately, I was happy with the way things worked out and getting the future updates in the epilogues was priceless.
So, did Jack measure up? Yes, Jack was amazing and while I appreciated Rose's conflicting feelings, it was hard for me to let go as well.
If you've read The Fall and The Mind, you can understand my hesitation with reading this book. Jack Sawyer has a lot to measure up to.
Rose has had her heart broken and is just now breaking through that fog that she's been functioning through for the last few years. She has a great support system with her family and a whole lotta love but her life is not complete.
Jack is like a breath of fresh air. He awakens things in her...things that make her feel like a young, healthy, vibrant woman and she just can't get enough.
And did I mention that Jack is from NOLA? *shivers* I just love all that yummy cajun stuff, "beb"!
But I felt that Jack was a little too perfect. He has all the bells and whistles and then some. However, we do find out there's been some things in his past but I just wanted to know more.
And the push and pull between these two was a little maddening. They both have issues with different things but luckily, the physical part doesn't suffer...these two were quite steamy. I had to laugh at Rose's first ride on Jack's motorcycle!
I enjoyed all the family being involved. There were some really sweet things still happening with Seth and Laura and I love the ongoing relationship between Dean and Dallas. And their kids were the cutest! ("Aunt Wose" <--love that kind of stuff)
Things come to a head and there is some drama but I was hoping for more (of course). Fortunately, I was happy with the way things worked out and getting the future updates in the epilogues was priceless.
So, did Jack measure up? Yes, Jack was amazing and while I appreciated Rose's conflicting feelings, it was hard for me to let go as well.
May 3, 2016
And 27 books later…
Finally!
A 5 Stars read ++++++
No, seriously.
It’s been too long since a book gave me this overwhelming magic feeling.
I needed this so much.
Thank you, Kate Stewart <3
Note: Reading Order for The Reluctant Romantics Series
The Fall - 2.5**
The Mind 1.5 (Novella for Grant and Rose) - 4.5****
The Heart 5*****++++++
Finally!
A 5 Stars read ++++++
No, seriously.
It’s been too long since a book gave me this overwhelming magic feeling.
I needed this so much.
Thank you, Kate Stewart <3
Note: Reading Order for The Reluctant Romantics Series
The Fall - 2.5**
The Mind 1.5 (Novella for Grant and Rose) - 4.5****
The Heart 5*****++++++
April 28, 2016
5++++ Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Patty & Dee)
Rose Whittaker is a 28 yr. old woman living in Dallas, Texas who has given up hope for love. After the future she planned with the love of her life was abruptly taken from her, Rose has put all her focus on her career & her family. She is a dedicated surgeon who is finishing up her residency at Dallas Memorial, & then plans to open one of the largest Cancer treatment centers in Texas. Building this center on the land that brings her peace & serenity has become her dream. After suffering such loss, she is just living day by day trying to keep it together, when a gorgeous blonde man from New Orleans shows up on her property. His name is Jack Sawyer, & he's a contractor/architect that is friends with Rose's father. He was hired to install the medical equipment at the center. The chemistry between Rose & Jack is undeniable & it shocks Rose. She didn't think a man could still affect her like this, & begins to wonder if lightning can strike twice? Could love really find her again, the earth shattering kind that already consumed & almost destroyed her?
Rose is scared of how much Jack makes her feel, but also excited about life again. She knows she needs to exist beyond work. She wants to feel whole again & Jack makes her feel so much. He's sexy & so tender with her. This man is stunningly beautiful inside & out. He is blonde hair, ocean blue eyes, chiseled face, tan muscular body, just absolute perfection to the eyes, but inside is what really gets to Rose & captures her heart. This man looks at her like she's his whole world. He has such a beautiful kind soul & wants to give it all to Rose. She just has to be willing to risk her fears, put her heart back out there, try again, & accept the life he's offering her.
-Jack was everything I'd been missing, temptation, lust, hunger, and comfort all wrapped up in the perfect package. I felt strangely safe with him.
-In Jack's arms I felt beautiful, needed, wanted, cherished.
-"You have nothing to be afraid of with me. I can only prove it to you if you let me."
So, this book was absolute perfection for me! Best book I've read by Kate Stewart & one of my top reads for 2016. I couldn't get enough of the swoony Jack Sawyer with his creole accent & southern charm. This man is smoking hot! HOT! HOT! HOT! Omg, I was dying! So damn delicious!!!! I also loved getting more Dean & Dallas & ADORED baby Grant! He melted my heart! This book was so beautifully written & is a story that touches the heart and stays with you.
-All that there was to feel I felt for him, and with him. He'd become a need for me, a want and a hope.
-"I'll never regret giving you my heart. You are the only man in the world I want to have it."
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Patty & Dee)
Rose Whittaker is a 28 yr. old woman living in Dallas, Texas who has given up hope for love. After the future she planned with the love of her life was abruptly taken from her, Rose has put all her focus on her career & her family. She is a dedicated surgeon who is finishing up her residency at Dallas Memorial, & then plans to open one of the largest Cancer treatment centers in Texas. Building this center on the land that brings her peace & serenity has become her dream. After suffering such loss, she is just living day by day trying to keep it together, when a gorgeous blonde man from New Orleans shows up on her property. His name is Jack Sawyer, & he's a contractor/architect that is friends with Rose's father. He was hired to install the medical equipment at the center. The chemistry between Rose & Jack is undeniable & it shocks Rose. She didn't think a man could still affect her like this, & begins to wonder if lightning can strike twice? Could love really find her again, the earth shattering kind that already consumed & almost destroyed her?
Rose is scared of how much Jack makes her feel, but also excited about life again. She knows she needs to exist beyond work. She wants to feel whole again & Jack makes her feel so much. He's sexy & so tender with her. This man is stunningly beautiful inside & out. He is blonde hair, ocean blue eyes, chiseled face, tan muscular body, just absolute perfection to the eyes, but inside is what really gets to Rose & captures her heart. This man looks at her like she's his whole world. He has such a beautiful kind soul & wants to give it all to Rose. She just has to be willing to risk her fears, put her heart back out there, try again, & accept the life he's offering her.
-Jack was everything I'd been missing, temptation, lust, hunger, and comfort all wrapped up in the perfect package. I felt strangely safe with him.
-In Jack's arms I felt beautiful, needed, wanted, cherished.
-"You have nothing to be afraid of with me. I can only prove it to you if you let me."
So, this book was absolute perfection for me! Best book I've read by Kate Stewart & one of my top reads for 2016. I couldn't get enough of the swoony Jack Sawyer with his creole accent & southern charm. This man is smoking hot! HOT! HOT! HOT! Omg, I was dying! So damn delicious!!!! I also loved getting more Dean & Dallas & ADORED baby Grant! He melted my heart! This book was so beautifully written & is a story that touches the heart and stays with you.
-All that there was to feel I felt for him, and with him. He'd become a need for me, a want and a hope.
-"I'll never regret giving you my heart. You are the only man in the world I want to have it."
May 1, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Title: The Heart
Author: Kate Stewart
Category: Contemporary Romance
Characters: 5
Plot: 5
HEA: Not telling
Eeeks!!! I loved this book so much!
Kate Stewart has done it again!!! Her books always manage to speak to my heart and this one had my soul on fire!
We have met Rose before and we finally get to see her get through heartache and loss.
Enter Jack Sawyer. He is fun, sweet, handsome and a perfect match to Rose!
The book has everything; fantastic characters, romance and it's full of heart-stopping emotions. The author is one of my favorites and this book has managed to steal my heart.
If you want to feel, then The Heart is for you. Do not miss it.
5 Stars!!!
August 22, 2023
The Heart (Reluctant Romantics #2) by Kate Stewart
5 stars!!!
Kate Stewart is fast becoming the author who has the knack of obliterating my heart and then slowly piecing it back together. Once again I had streams of tears, some happy, some sad as she perfectly captured the love story of a couple who thought that their propensity to love another had been cruelly stripped away. Both Jack and Rose had loved and lost, both had thought that their once in a lifetime love had gone and for them there was no other, but this book perfectly captured the essence of lightning can indeed strike twice and for Jack and Rose it struck hard… would they believe in it though?
I desperately wanted Rose to find love again, but after The Mind I was seriously worried that Kate Stewart wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. After delivering a love story so epic in The Mind would my heart let in another and take Grants place? Could I believe? I needn’t have feared, Jack Sawyer deserves his own place, he owned it, he earned it and he couldn’t have been a more perfect partner for Rose. Sometimes you are truly lucky to find that once in a lifetime love twice, maybe, just maybe that first love was always intended to be short for a reason but none the less, its lasting effects would be felt forever. While at the time it feels like your heart has been decimated you know that you have found that extra special someone if they have the power to start cementing over the cracks and piece you back together fragment by miniscule fragment. Jack Sawyer was that special someone and this was such a beautiful story that I couldn’t tear myself away. I wanted these two to believe and I wanted their love to win, it was never going to be easy but for me the rewards far outweighed the risks.
We have seen Rose in The Fall and of course The Mind so we all know that she lost Grant, her one true love. Rose had never been the same since and had thrown herself into her work as a doctor and getting the cancer centre up and running that she was opening with her sister. Her work was her focus, her work and her morning mantra’s are what got her up every morning, her aspirations are what kept her going as were her memories of Grant. No man had ever caught her attention since Grant, her man radar was well and truly turned off and she had no inclination to even put herself out there again, but sometimes fate has other ideas.
Jack had been a friend of Rose’s father for years and when his help is required to finish the cancer centre Jack jumps at the chance to help a friend out. Jack used to be suited and booted and a power player in the business world until life threw him a curveball. Stripping himself of Mr Business he threw himself into travelling the world and making good use of his hands and this is how he meets Rose’s dad, Seth. Seth takes him under his wings and between them a fantastic working relationship was born. Jack had had his heart broken and at thirty-seven had given up on finding love again, until he bumps into Rose, a fiery red head that on first meet had captured his every thought since.
The Heart is a perfect title for this story. This is all about The Heart, about the power it wields over us and its ability to heal. The heart wants what the heart wants but what happens when the heart can’t have? Kate Stewart delivered a perfect story as she consummately captured those push and pull of emotions from past to present. The hearts pull to Grant, her past and that present push that she feels towards Jack. Her inner turmoil and that fear of guilt to Grant’s memory while still having guilt over not giving herself completely to Jack, a man that sincerely deserved it. Coming to terms with grief and its ability to debilitate until you finally find the inner strength to move on while never forgetting. Just because someone is no longer on this earth, you can still love them, they will always be there in your heart, they will always have that piece of you, but also coming to terms that your heart still beats and it is more than okay if it beats for another.
Neither love took away from the other, neither love overshadowed the other. Grants love was Grants love, Jacks was totally different and Kate Stewart never lessened one or the other. Rose was truly blessed to have found love twice and I was truly blessed to have read about it. Another fantastic read from Kate Stewart.
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!!
“You’re afraid you’ll love me less.”
“No…I’m afraid I’ll love you more.”
Kate Stewart is fast becoming the author who has the knack of obliterating my heart and then slowly piecing it back together. Once again I had streams of tears, some happy, some sad as she perfectly captured the love story of a couple who thought that their propensity to love another had been cruelly stripped away. Both Jack and Rose had loved and lost, both had thought that their once in a lifetime love had gone and for them there was no other, but this book perfectly captured the essence of lightning can indeed strike twice and for Jack and Rose it struck hard… would they believe in it though?
“…I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m jealous of a dead man.”
I desperately wanted Rose to find love again, but after The Mind I was seriously worried that Kate Stewart wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. After delivering a love story so epic in The Mind would my heart let in another and take Grants place? Could I believe? I needn’t have feared, Jack Sawyer deserves his own place, he owned it, he earned it and he couldn’t have been a more perfect partner for Rose. Sometimes you are truly lucky to find that once in a lifetime love twice, maybe, just maybe that first love was always intended to be short for a reason but none the less, its lasting effects would be felt forever. While at the time it feels like your heart has been decimated you know that you have found that extra special someone if they have the power to start cementing over the cracks and piece you back together fragment by miniscule fragment. Jack Sawyer was that special someone and this was such a beautiful story that I couldn’t tear myself away. I wanted these two to believe and I wanted their love to win, it was never going to be easy but for me the rewards far outweighed the risks.
“After years of begging my heart, it finally stopped beating.”
We have seen Rose in The Fall and of course The Mind so we all know that she lost Grant, her one true love. Rose had never been the same since and had thrown herself into her work as a doctor and getting the cancer centre up and running that she was opening with her sister. Her work was her focus, her work and her morning mantra’s are what got her up every morning, her aspirations are what kept her going as were her memories of Grant. No man had ever caught her attention since Grant, her man radar was well and truly turned off and she had no inclination to even put herself out there again, but sometimes fate has other ideas.
“If the Kardashians can live with the size of their asses and profit from it, you can get out of bed, Rose.”
Jack had been a friend of Rose’s father for years and when his help is required to finish the cancer centre Jack jumps at the chance to help a friend out. Jack used to be suited and booted and a power player in the business world until life threw him a curveball. Stripping himself of Mr Business he threw himself into travelling the world and making good use of his hands and this is how he meets Rose’s dad, Seth. Seth takes him under his wings and between them a fantastic working relationship was born. Jack had had his heart broken and at thirty-seven had given up on finding love again, until he bumps into Rose, a fiery red head that on first meet had captured his every thought since.
“I wanted a new kind of home. I wanted to belong, but I wanted to belong to her. She was that home, she had the heart I needed, and I wanted in.”
The Heart is a perfect title for this story. This is all about The Heart, about the power it wields over us and its ability to heal. The heart wants what the heart wants but what happens when the heart can’t have? Kate Stewart delivered a perfect story as she consummately captured those push and pull of emotions from past to present. The hearts pull to Grant, her past and that present push that she feels towards Jack. Her inner turmoil and that fear of guilt to Grant’s memory while still having guilt over not giving herself completely to Jack, a man that sincerely deserved it. Coming to terms with grief and its ability to debilitate until you finally find the inner strength to move on while never forgetting. Just because someone is no longer on this earth, you can still love them, they will always be there in your heart, they will always have that piece of you, but also coming to terms that your heart still beats and it is more than okay if it beats for another.
“Love doesn’t have to hurt to be real. You reminded me of that.”
Neither love took away from the other, neither love overshadowed the other. Grants love was Grants love, Jacks was totally different and Kate Stewart never lessened one or the other. Rose was truly blessed to have found love twice and I was truly blessed to have read about it. Another fantastic read from Kate Stewart.
“I want your breaths, your minutes, your movements, and to be included in your memories. I want to be the man you run to. I want to be significant. I want you. It’s that simple.”
www.theromancecover.com
December 21, 2016
Wow just wow!
Trying to find the words to describe this book is EXTREMELY HARD!
I will be honest and say that I have read this whole series just for this one story.
The story of Rose and Jack (Titanic much here).
I never ever thought after Grant that any guy should be with Rose.
He was the whole package.
Everything!
She loved him wholeheartedly and it was painful to read her coping with his lost. Her sayings every morning to get out of bed and live, nearly killed me.
I would even say it was almost perfect but it was way way too sad to be perfect.
This book was too hard hitting in places and I mostly loved it. However, after my second headache my husband told me I had to stop reading this book.
I was sick from work because of it.
Migraines are a bitch y'all!
Anywho, this story kept me interested and I loved loved loved Rose and Jack. They deserve every happiness. After so much devastation, they needed the HEA.
Some books in life effect you and leave a lasting impression and this was one of them for me.
My only criticism was that it was way too emotionally charged to be read in just one sitting.
I would read it slowly and keep lots of tissues handy this is a box worth for sure.
I still miss Grant, but Jack was intense and mature match for Rose.
Glad it's over and I can get back to being treated like a queen on Mother's Day.
Happy mothers days y'all.
Trying to find the words to describe this book is EXTREMELY HARD!
I will be honest and say that I have read this whole series just for this one story.
The story of Rose and Jack (Titanic much here).
I never ever thought after Grant that any guy should be with Rose.
He was the whole package.
Everything!
She loved him wholeheartedly and it was painful to read her coping with his lost. Her sayings every morning to get out of bed and live, nearly killed me.
I would even say it was almost perfect but it was way way too sad to be perfect.
This book was too hard hitting in places and I mostly loved it. However, after my second headache my husband told me I had to stop reading this book.
I was sick from work because of it.
Migraines are a bitch y'all!
Anywho, this story kept me interested and I loved loved loved Rose and Jack. They deserve every happiness. After so much devastation, they needed the HEA.
Some books in life effect you and leave a lasting impression and this was one of them for me.
My only criticism was that it was way too emotionally charged to be read in just one sitting.
I would read it slowly and keep lots of tissues handy this is a box worth for sure.
I still miss Grant, but Jack was intense and mature match for Rose.
Glad it's over and I can get back to being treated like a queen on Mother's Day.
Happy mothers days y'all.
July 13, 2016
I thought I was prepared for all the feels Kate Stewart would bring with The Heart but she totally blindsided me. Holy hell! My heart is bursting with love and joy for these fabulous characters and her sublime storytelling. I'm sitting her with tears in my eyes but they are happy tears. The characters have come full circle and so have I. I feel like I know these characters, that I've been living vicariously through them and that's also why I feel so hard. Cause I definitely felt every known emotion while I was reading The Heart. But that's also been the case with Kate Stewart's previous work. It never fails. Her words are the key to my heart and tears.
The Heart can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read The Fall and The Mind to get the full Kate Stewart effect. Hell, read Never Me and Room 212 to get the deluxe experience. Cause that truly what it would be with these beautiful characters.
I loved how Kate Stewart chose to handle such an important and life changing experience as the topic death. Rose was still grieving in her own way but remained loyal and respectful of her deceased husband to be, Grant. It was beyond beautiful and touching and I appreciated it since I loved Grant. Her grieving process and her way of dealing with her fears felt real. Rose was a phenomenal character along with Jack and both their families. Jack swooned me big time. What a man! His heart had been hurt too but was ready to let Rose inside. The attraction between them was obvious but their connection was powerful. Like a lightning bolt. I loved how Jack wanted to take it slow. To date Rose. It was sweet, funny but most of all romantic. He knew how to woo Rose and certainly how to seduce her.
These two people coming together created magic and an all consuming love. I connected with the story instantly. I knew their road to love wouldn't be easy but filled with so many emotions including heartbreak. Their slow building romance and relationship was written exquisitely and the pace of the story flowed perfectly.
It was such a joy to be in the presence of the Whitaker, Martin and Sawyer families. I felt the love and that I was a part of their families. They supported each other no matter what. Loved so fiercely and profoundly. The epilogue was just phenomenal and made me tear up yet again. It was a beautiful and beyond perfect closure to one of my favorite series.
Kate Stewart is my go to author no matter what. I've loved every single book of hers and The Heart was no exception. Her words goes straight to my heart. She has a gift and that's to make me FEEL wholeheartedly and she succeeds every time. Her stories have depth and meaning and so does her characters. If I could give The Heart six stars I would. But this is my review so I do.
6 BadAssBeautiful&RomanticCajunStars
ARC generously provided by the author for an honest review
The Heart can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read The Fall and The Mind to get the full Kate Stewart effect. Hell, read Never Me and Room 212 to get the deluxe experience. Cause that truly what it would be with these beautiful characters.
I loved how Kate Stewart chose to handle such an important and life changing experience as the topic death. Rose was still grieving in her own way but remained loyal and respectful of her deceased husband to be, Grant. It was beyond beautiful and touching and I appreciated it since I loved Grant. Her grieving process and her way of dealing with her fears felt real. Rose was a phenomenal character along with Jack and both their families. Jack swooned me big time. What a man! His heart had been hurt too but was ready to let Rose inside. The attraction between them was obvious but their connection was powerful. Like a lightning bolt. I loved how Jack wanted to take it slow. To date Rose. It was sweet, funny but most of all romantic. He knew how to woo Rose and certainly how to seduce her.
These two people coming together created magic and an all consuming love. I connected with the story instantly. I knew their road to love wouldn't be easy but filled with so many emotions including heartbreak. Their slow building romance and relationship was written exquisitely and the pace of the story flowed perfectly.
It was such a joy to be in the presence of the Whitaker, Martin and Sawyer families. I felt the love and that I was a part of their families. They supported each other no matter what. Loved so fiercely and profoundly. The epilogue was just phenomenal and made me tear up yet again. It was a beautiful and beyond perfect closure to one of my favorite series.
Kate Stewart is my go to author no matter what. I've loved every single book of hers and The Heart was no exception. Her words goes straight to my heart. She has a gift and that's to make me FEEL wholeheartedly and she succeeds every time. Her stories have depth and meaning and so does her characters. If I could give The Heart six stars I would. But this is my review so I do.
6 BadAssBeautiful&RomanticCajunStars
ARC generously provided by the author for an honest review
March 16, 2017
I forget how much I adore Kate Stewart's writing. BEAUTIFUL! My heart overflows w happiness, this book was so good!
July 13, 2016
5 Meet My New Favourite Hero Stars....
Jack. Oh gorgeous, sweet, hot, romantic, dirty (CAJUN) talking ,absolutely everything I want in a hero Jack. I think you just totally stole my heart. No, beb, I don't want it back. It is irrevocably yours.
SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE FALL*******
When I read The Fall, I loved Dean, the hero , and I found Dallas, the heroine , gave me a touch of whiplash with her back and forth emotions , but I got it. I enjoyed it. I was hooked on Rose and Grant as secondary characters and when the unthinkable happened and Grant was killed I was shredded. I read The Mind because as a literary masochist I thought I would put myself through more Kindle agony and get their whole story. Ouch. Beautifully written, but Christ, talk about sad endings. But it was addictive. My heart ached for Rose and Grant and I could not see how on earth Kate Stewart could make me like another man in Rose's life who could even remotely match up to the perfect sweet/ sexy man that Grant portrayed. Ms Stewart, I apologise. I totally underestimated your writing prowess. I think I fell for Jack right alongside Rose. He is utterly perfect for. her and her for him. I never once felt Grant was forgotten or that what he and Rose had was belittled in any way and that is a hard feat to pull off. I loved how Jack and Rose were both vulnerable yet strong. Both damaged and wary but not cynical or hard. Their passion builds and swirls around them until it envelopes you as a reader and just consumes you. The supporting characters are brilliantly written. I liked Dallas much more in this book. This is without doubt my favourite KS book. I will never forget Jack speaking Cajun. OMG. Just.....perfect beb, perfect. Fantastic beyond 5 stars book.
Jack. Oh gorgeous, sweet, hot, romantic, dirty (CAJUN) talking ,absolutely everything I want in a hero Jack. I think you just totally stole my heart. No, beb, I don't want it back. It is irrevocably yours.
SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE FALL*******
When I read The Fall, I loved Dean, the hero , and I found Dallas, the heroine , gave me a touch of whiplash with her back and forth emotions , but I got it. I enjoyed it. I was hooked on Rose and Grant as secondary characters and when the unthinkable happened and Grant was killed I was shredded. I read The Mind because as a literary masochist I thought I would put myself through more Kindle agony and get their whole story. Ouch. Beautifully written, but Christ, talk about sad endings. But it was addictive. My heart ached for Rose and Grant and I could not see how on earth Kate Stewart could make me like another man in Rose's life who could even remotely match up to the perfect sweet/ sexy man that Grant portrayed. Ms Stewart, I apologise. I totally underestimated your writing prowess. I think I fell for Jack right alongside Rose. He is utterly perfect for. her and her for him. I never once felt Grant was forgotten or that what he and Rose had was belittled in any way and that is a hard feat to pull off. I loved how Jack and Rose were both vulnerable yet strong. Both damaged and wary but not cynical or hard. Their passion builds and swirls around them until it envelopes you as a reader and just consumes you. The supporting characters are brilliantly written. I liked Dallas much more in this book. This is without doubt my favourite KS book. I will never forget Jack speaking Cajun. OMG. Just.....perfect beb, perfect. Fantastic beyond 5 stars book.
April 30, 2016
The Heart (The Reluctant Romantics #2) by Kate Stewart ~ 5 La petite mort Stars :)
WOW! WOW! WOW!!!! I finished this beautiful masterpiece in one sitting. Gosh! I am so in love with The Reluctant Romantics Series. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read The Fall and The Mind (novella) first because it will give you a little bit of background on the main character Rose and why she is the way she is now.
I fell in love with Kate’s writing in the first book The Fall – a second chance romance story of Dallas and Dean which has a HEA. In the mean time my heart was absolutely shattered for Dallas’s sister, Rose. After Grant, I was a little nervous about the author recreating the perfect hero but NO WORRIES here. Kate Stewart not only created a phenomenal character, Jack but also an extraordinary love affair.
“So if your tender heart grows weary beating for the burden of keeping us both, I’ll keep my eye on the clouds, and remind you of the lightning that brought us home.”
Rose lost her fiancé Grant in a car accident only 1week shy of their wedding. Rose decided to throw herself into family and work – trying to finish her surgery residency program while at the same time building the Center dedicated to helping cancer patients. To everyone’s eyes it seems that Rose is moving on with her life but Rose is certainly not. There is a difference between keeping someone’s memory alive and not letting go of the past. I think for Rose it’s the latter. Rose is living in a life that was supposed to be built together with Grant – the house, the lake, the land. Everything surrounding Rose reminds her of Grant. Rose has accepted Grant is gone but she could never stop loving him. Is she really living?
“My life had started a long time ago and had begun to leave me behind.”
Jack is a family friend who was sent by Rose’s father to help design and build the Center. Jack is handsome, sexy, and a little bit of a wanderlust. He travels all over the world only working with Rose’s father to pay his way. But Jack hasn’t always been that way…. What makes him trade in his desk job to see the globe? Well, Jack has a secret past too that makes it extremely painful for him to deal with rejection. I love that Rose and Jack’s relationship begins with friendship full of funny, flirting banters. There are parts where I was laughing so hard (the golf cart one). Rose is attracted to Jack right from the start but can not get past the guilt to completely commit to Jack. Out of respect for Rose’s father, Jack wants to keep his distance as well. But the chemistry between them proves hard to resist. The love scene is definitely STEAMING HOT – Kate Stewart does not mess around when it comes to creating a panty-dropping worthy love scene (I need to get on a bike sometime soon ). I really love Jack’s character – he is so patient, caring and kind. He understands there is something holding Rose back that she is not ready to share. For Rose, I think to share that part of her life feels like ending the love she has for Grant. Can she ever be able to move on or will it be to late when she finally realizes the love she deserves is in front of her?
“You can make a woman smile, crave, and come, but you could never make a woman feel.”
This book is written flawlessly. Kate brought out so many emotions in me while reading this book. The story was funny, sweet and light-hearted at first. Then it turns into a sexy, angsty love affair. The letter – oh the letter and the good bye totally gutted me. Rose was conflicted and rightfully so … I was wrecked for her. I wish I could take away some of the pain and burden off her shoulders so she can love freely and “live a little”. And Jack, I admired him so much. He loves Rose and is determined to do everything in his power to deserve her love. It was hard seeing him feeling like he could never measure up to the one that came before.
“We fell in love in a lightning strike, an anomaly in a sea of lost people.”
I hope you enjoy this series as much as I did. Kate gave such a sweet, perfect ending to the series. Amazing characters, Rose and Jack. I also enjoyed the two friends of Rose – they are so funny, adding that light-hearted aspect to the story. Superb writing and an epic love story in my opinion. A MUST READ!!!!
Jack
For the last ten years, I’ve roamed the globe, captivated by the world around me. I’ve seen the seven wonders and admired sunsets from every continent. I’d lived and loved and that was enough for me. It would have to be.
I was content, satisfied with my collection of experiences . . . until a phone call led me down a road less traveled.
If I’d known my fascination would pique and be forever quenched only a few hundred miles from where my curiosity had been born, I may have never set sail.
Rose
Stripped of the future I’d planned with the love of my life, my family and my career were now all that mattered. I’d lived and loved and that was enough. It would have to be.
I struggled to move forward, to discard the part of me that held out hope for my obliterated heart. But I was bred a romantic, so it was easier said than done.
The chances of being struck by lightning are 1 in 960,000.
The odds of being struck twice are 1 in 9 million.
I risked those odds every minute, often cursing the dark sky, praying for static and a rumble of thunder, but it never came.
No, that second bolt hit me on a clear day.
The Reluctant Romantics Series
The Fall
The Mind 1.5 (Novella)
The Heart
Books that compliment the series (Room 212, Never Me.)
WOW! WOW! WOW!!!! I finished this beautiful masterpiece in one sitting. Gosh! I am so in love with The Reluctant Romantics Series. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read The Fall and The Mind (novella) first because it will give you a little bit of background on the main character Rose and why she is the way she is now.
I fell in love with Kate’s writing in the first book The Fall – a second chance romance story of Dallas and Dean which has a HEA. In the mean time my heart was absolutely shattered for Dallas’s sister, Rose. After Grant, I was a little nervous about the author recreating the perfect hero but NO WORRIES here. Kate Stewart not only created a phenomenal character, Jack but also an extraordinary love affair.
“So if your tender heart grows weary beating for the burden of keeping us both, I’ll keep my eye on the clouds, and remind you of the lightning that brought us home.”
Rose lost her fiancé Grant in a car accident only 1week shy of their wedding. Rose decided to throw herself into family and work – trying to finish her surgery residency program while at the same time building the Center dedicated to helping cancer patients. To everyone’s eyes it seems that Rose is moving on with her life but Rose is certainly not. There is a difference between keeping someone’s memory alive and not letting go of the past. I think for Rose it’s the latter. Rose is living in a life that was supposed to be built together with Grant – the house, the lake, the land. Everything surrounding Rose reminds her of Grant. Rose has accepted Grant is gone but she could never stop loving him. Is she really living?
“My life had started a long time ago and had begun to leave me behind.”
Jack is a family friend who was sent by Rose’s father to help design and build the Center. Jack is handsome, sexy, and a little bit of a wanderlust. He travels all over the world only working with Rose’s father to pay his way. But Jack hasn’t always been that way…. What makes him trade in his desk job to see the globe? Well, Jack has a secret past too that makes it extremely painful for him to deal with rejection. I love that Rose and Jack’s relationship begins with friendship full of funny, flirting banters. There are parts where I was laughing so hard (the golf cart one). Rose is attracted to Jack right from the start but can not get past the guilt to completely commit to Jack. Out of respect for Rose’s father, Jack wants to keep his distance as well. But the chemistry between them proves hard to resist. The love scene is definitely STEAMING HOT – Kate Stewart does not mess around when it comes to creating a panty-dropping worthy love scene (I need to get on a bike sometime soon ). I really love Jack’s character – he is so patient, caring and kind. He understands there is something holding Rose back that she is not ready to share. For Rose, I think to share that part of her life feels like ending the love she has for Grant. Can she ever be able to move on or will it be to late when she finally realizes the love she deserves is in front of her?
“You can make a woman smile, crave, and come, but you could never make a woman feel.”
This book is written flawlessly. Kate brought out so many emotions in me while reading this book. The story was funny, sweet and light-hearted at first. Then it turns into a sexy, angsty love affair. The letter – oh the letter and the good bye totally gutted me. Rose was conflicted and rightfully so … I was wrecked for her. I wish I could take away some of the pain and burden off her shoulders so she can love freely and “live a little”. And Jack, I admired him so much. He loves Rose and is determined to do everything in his power to deserve her love. It was hard seeing him feeling like he could never measure up to the one that came before.
“We fell in love in a lightning strike, an anomaly in a sea of lost people.”
I hope you enjoy this series as much as I did. Kate gave such a sweet, perfect ending to the series. Amazing characters, Rose and Jack. I also enjoyed the two friends of Rose – they are so funny, adding that light-hearted aspect to the story. Superb writing and an epic love story in my opinion. A MUST READ!!!!
Jack
For the last ten years, I’ve roamed the globe, captivated by the world around me. I’ve seen the seven wonders and admired sunsets from every continent. I’d lived and loved and that was enough for me. It would have to be.
I was content, satisfied with my collection of experiences . . . until a phone call led me down a road less traveled.
If I’d known my fascination would pique and be forever quenched only a few hundred miles from where my curiosity had been born, I may have never set sail.
Rose
Stripped of the future I’d planned with the love of my life, my family and my career were now all that mattered. I’d lived and loved and that was enough. It would have to be.
I struggled to move forward, to discard the part of me that held out hope for my obliterated heart. But I was bred a romantic, so it was easier said than done.
The chances of being struck by lightning are 1 in 960,000.
The odds of being struck twice are 1 in 9 million.
I risked those odds every minute, often cursing the dark sky, praying for static and a rumble of thunder, but it never came.
No, that second bolt hit me on a clear day.
The Reluctant Romantics Series
The Fall
The Mind 1.5 (Novella)
The Heart
Books that compliment the series (Room 212, Never Me.)
March 2, 2017
I really enjoyed the end to this series - Glad that Rose had a happily ever after!!! The romance was fun, sad, sweet with only a touch of angst - just what I needed!!! This is definitely a great little series - the Whitaker family is very fun to hang out with!!!
May 5, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“I don’t want you regretting anything. I want to deserve you.”
As if I couldn’t love this series any more than I thought possible, The Heart has absolutely solidified that this author is easily a top favorite of mine. I highly suggest reading the series from the beginning to truly understand the depth of Rose's tragedy, however this can be read as a standalone and you will still feel everything. THE FEELS.
“You make it hard to breathe, Rose Whittaker.”
“And you make it easier for me.”
Rose Whittaker’s heart has been broken in the worst way imaginable. Her first and only love. Gone. Now left with the pieces of her life to pick up, she dives headfirst into her career of being a doctor. While finishing her residency, she is also in the process of opening a cancer patient treatment center with her sister. Even with all that chaos, when she is in solitude she remembers the missing piece in her life. Grant. Determined to move on, but still held down by the guilt of the thought of moving on. Until Jack.
“…but Jack was both disarming and charming without bounds.”
Jack. He is like a breath of fresh air. But he represents everything she would never get close to. Not again. Because love? Love hurts. Love ends. At least for Rose. That’s just her reality. But he comes in to her life like a storm. The guards around her heart are of no use. He gets around them one by one.
“You’re afraid you’ll love me less.”
“No. I’m afraid I’ll love you more.”
Jack opens her heart in ways she never thought possible. He makes her question everything she ever shared with her past loves. He loves so deeply. Loudly. His love endures. Overcomes. Endures. Through the pain, the doubts, and insecurities, his love always remains. His love saves. Oh Jack you beautiful soul. He is hands down one of the most romantic lovers I’ve ever read in my life. You feel the moment he falls for Rose. And Rose? Her love for Grant cannot be denieD. Her love for him has also opened his heart. She makes it easier for him to breathe. All the pain he endured in his past? She simply kisses and loves his fears away. Their love is simply deeply profound.
“I want your breaths, your minutes, your movements, and to be included in your memories. I want to be the man you run to. I want to be significant. I want you. It’s that simple.”
The writing in this story. Can we discuss this? The author's words are beautiful. Moving. Inspiring. I found myself highlighting sentences and paragraphs. Every word is masterfully crafted. Her writing is poetic in the way it flows. The way she speaks of love will leave you breathless.
“And even with all these jagged pieces he left…you’re here, too. Andyou don’t fir, or you weren’t supposed to but somehow you’re making all those pieces smoother and easier to carry around.”
Is there a way to truly express my deep love for this series? Every single book has touched me in some way on a level that I can’t even explain. This author has easily become one of my top favorites. Her words resonate with me. She has this innate ability to make me believe in love and all the power it holds. This book pushed and challenged every notion on love.
“I want you too much. Jesus, every time I look at you, it’s like lightning to the chest.”
The Heart was a beautiful and heartfelt ending to this amazing series. Jack and Rose’s story is the most beautiful love story. The pain that these two have endured at the hand of love and then for them to find each other is a testament to love and all it can overcome. The Heart is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
“I don’t want you regretting anything. I want to deserve you.”
As if I couldn’t love this series any more than I thought possible, The Heart has absolutely solidified that this author is easily a top favorite of mine. I highly suggest reading the series from the beginning to truly understand the depth of Rose's tragedy, however this can be read as a standalone and you will still feel everything. THE FEELS.
“You make it hard to breathe, Rose Whittaker.”
“And you make it easier for me.”
Rose Whittaker’s heart has been broken in the worst way imaginable. Her first and only love. Gone. Now left with the pieces of her life to pick up, she dives headfirst into her career of being a doctor. While finishing her residency, she is also in the process of opening a cancer patient treatment center with her sister. Even with all that chaos, when she is in solitude she remembers the missing piece in her life. Grant. Determined to move on, but still held down by the guilt of the thought of moving on. Until Jack.
“…but Jack was both disarming and charming without bounds.”
Jack. He is like a breath of fresh air. But he represents everything she would never get close to. Not again. Because love? Love hurts. Love ends. At least for Rose. That’s just her reality. But he comes in to her life like a storm. The guards around her heart are of no use. He gets around them one by one.
“You’re afraid you’ll love me less.”
“No. I’m afraid I’ll love you more.”
Jack opens her heart in ways she never thought possible. He makes her question everything she ever shared with her past loves. He loves so deeply. Loudly. His love endures. Overcomes. Endures. Through the pain, the doubts, and insecurities, his love always remains. His love saves. Oh Jack you beautiful soul. He is hands down one of the most romantic lovers I’ve ever read in my life. You feel the moment he falls for Rose. And Rose? Her love for Grant cannot be denieD. Her love for him has also opened his heart. She makes it easier for him to breathe. All the pain he endured in his past? She simply kisses and loves his fears away. Their love is simply deeply profound.
“I want your breaths, your minutes, your movements, and to be included in your memories. I want to be the man you run to. I want to be significant. I want you. It’s that simple.”
The writing in this story. Can we discuss this? The author's words are beautiful. Moving. Inspiring. I found myself highlighting sentences and paragraphs. Every word is masterfully crafted. Her writing is poetic in the way it flows. The way she speaks of love will leave you breathless.
“And even with all these jagged pieces he left…you’re here, too. Andyou don’t fir, or you weren’t supposed to but somehow you’re making all those pieces smoother and easier to carry around.”
Is there a way to truly express my deep love for this series? Every single book has touched me in some way on a level that I can’t even explain. This author has easily become one of my top favorites. Her words resonate with me. She has this innate ability to make me believe in love and all the power it holds. This book pushed and challenged every notion on love.
“I want you too much. Jesus, every time I look at you, it’s like lightning to the chest.”
The Heart was a beautiful and heartfelt ending to this amazing series. Jack and Rose’s story is the most beautiful love story. The pain that these two have endured at the hand of love and then for them to find each other is a testament to love and all it can overcome. The Heart is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
March 24, 2017
The Heart is the story of Jack and Rose. Jack who was briefly mentioned in passing in the prior books, and is the son of a character from Never Me) and Rose... fucking Rose. Dallas’s sister and the woman who lost the man she thought would be her forever. Until she meets Jack.
Rose never expected to find love twice in one lifetime. She never expected the man who rolled up on his motorcycle to help finish construction at the cancer treatment her and her sister are opening, would be the man to ignite the fire that was snuffed out.
I loved this damn book. I love this damn author. I love that although I was scared to death to read this book that she wrote it in such a way that it healed my broken heart as I read each word. There was this humor that was woven into this story that kept me from falling apart at all the right times. I knew that the hurt was going to be there, no matter what she gave us with Jack and Rose, I knew that reading this story was going to hurt. And I loved that she didn’t use that as a ploy throughout this story – that emotion was not abused. It was there, in the background, but what she delivered the most, was healing.
I struggled at times, wanting to be able to go back in time and give Rose the HEA she thought was going to be her forever and falling for Jack and knowing that the path had to be taken for her to end up there. I always struggle in these sorts of books, my heart is always partially trapped with the character who never survived to see their own epilogue – but Jack wormed his way in. Kate delivered the perfect story to allow me to let go and give this new love a chance. She did so without breaking my heart, but filling it with so many feels.
Hands down, this author has worked her way into my list of favorite authors. I can’t get enough of her writing and really love every word that she has to share with us.
Rose never expected to find love twice in one lifetime. She never expected the man who rolled up on his motorcycle to help finish construction at the cancer treatment her and her sister are opening, would be the man to ignite the fire that was snuffed out.
I loved this damn book. I love this damn author. I love that although I was scared to death to read this book that she wrote it in such a way that it healed my broken heart as I read each word. There was this humor that was woven into this story that kept me from falling apart at all the right times. I knew that the hurt was going to be there, no matter what she gave us with Jack and Rose, I knew that reading this story was going to hurt. And I loved that she didn’t use that as a ploy throughout this story – that emotion was not abused. It was there, in the background, but what she delivered the most, was healing.
I struggled at times, wanting to be able to go back in time and give Rose the HEA she thought was going to be her forever and falling for Jack and knowing that the path had to be taken for her to end up there. I always struggle in these sorts of books, my heart is always partially trapped with the character who never survived to see their own epilogue – but Jack wormed his way in. Kate delivered the perfect story to allow me to let go and give this new love a chance. She did so without breaking my heart, but filling it with so many feels.
Hands down, this author has worked her way into my list of favorite authors. I can’t get enough of her writing and really love every word that she has to share with us.
February 21, 2020
4.5 stars!!!
I finally got up the courage after a very long time to read the conclusion to this series. It was very well written and definitely gave me all the feels. Within the first pages I was crying. I will forever remember this series for the emotions it brought to the surface for me.
Jack was the perfect person to come along and show Rose life goes on and ones heart can and does have room for more then one love in a lifetime. He was kind and patient and at times stubborn. He gave as good as he got.
It was nice to see Rose grow in the time since Grant, albeit bittersweet. I felt her pain and sorrow but rooted for her.
Although I'm really happy to see Rose get her HEA with Jack, my heart will always be with Grant.
I finally got up the courage after a very long time to read the conclusion to this series. It was very well written and definitely gave me all the feels. Within the first pages I was crying. I will forever remember this series for the emotions it brought to the surface for me.
Jack was the perfect person to come along and show Rose life goes on and ones heart can and does have room for more then one love in a lifetime. He was kind and patient and at times stubborn. He gave as good as he got.
It was nice to see Rose grow in the time since Grant, albeit bittersweet. I felt her pain and sorrow but rooted for her.
Although I'm really happy to see Rose get her HEA with Jack, my heart will always be with Grant.
March 27, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Heart by Kate Stewart is the second book in the Reluctant Romantics series. I would read the series in order to get a better understanding of the characters and their situations.
After reading The Mind I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to read The Heart. I fell so deeply in love with Grant and I couldn’t possibly fall in love with another. I was left broken hearted and I kept asking myself If I wanted to go on this ride with Kate again and have her ripe my heart out? However, curiosity got the best of me. I needed to know more about Jack and Rose.
The Heart follows Rose as she is trying to cope with the tragic lost of her love. Years later, she seems to be still heartbroken but is still driven to seeing her dreams as a surgeon a reality. When I was introduced to Rose I loved her personality. I felt that her personality was not as Wild and funny in this book but I still liked her.
Jack, Jack, Jack. Initially I was not drawn to Jack. He seemed pretty cool and I kept thinking to myself “Why is everyone in love with him? What am I missing?”. As I kept reading, I have no idea when he crept up on me and took a hold of my heart.
“I don’t want you regretting anything…… I want to deserve you”
Overall, together Rose and Jack were explosive. I grew to love how sweet and sexy Jack was. The story was written well and I loved seeing all my favorite characters like Laura, Seth, Dallas and Deans. A good love story that would leave you feeling complete and believing in a second chance at love.
The Heart by Kate Stewart is the second book in the Reluctant Romantics series. I would read the series in order to get a better understanding of the characters and their situations.
After reading The Mind I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to read The Heart. I fell so deeply in love with Grant and I couldn’t possibly fall in love with another. I was left broken hearted and I kept asking myself If I wanted to go on this ride with Kate again and have her ripe my heart out? However, curiosity got the best of me. I needed to know more about Jack and Rose.
The Heart follows Rose as she is trying to cope with the tragic lost of her love. Years later, she seems to be still heartbroken but is still driven to seeing her dreams as a surgeon a reality. When I was introduced to Rose I loved her personality. I felt that her personality was not as Wild and funny in this book but I still liked her.
Jack, Jack, Jack. Initially I was not drawn to Jack. He seemed pretty cool and I kept thinking to myself “Why is everyone in love with him? What am I missing?”. As I kept reading, I have no idea when he crept up on me and took a hold of my heart.
“I don’t want you regretting anything…… I want to deserve you”
Overall, together Rose and Jack were explosive. I grew to love how sweet and sexy Jack was. The story was written well and I loved seeing all my favorite characters like Laura, Seth, Dallas and Deans. A good love story that would leave you feeling complete and believing in a second chance at love.
May 8, 2016
Let me start off by saying you need to read The Fall and The Mind before starting The Heart as there will be spoilers.
This book was the perfect way to finish The Reluctant Romantic series and I especially appreciated the experience of seeing Rose heal again after the tragic loss of the wonderful first love of her life Grant. I'm not including the jerk before him as he was just a stepping stone to something more special.
I particularly loved the first chapters with some of Grants thoughts they just made me well up, what a special guy he was.
Now we come to Jack, he's a gorgeous sexy smooth Cajun talking guy from Louisiana and Rose first meets up with him at the medical centre that her sister Dallas ( The Fall) and Rose have founded. He is the subtractor and works with their father on projects.
At first Rose fights the attraction she has for Jack, with Grants ghost firmly in her thoughts she is finding it hard to move on. Jack is a wanderer between the work he takes on but with Rose he's found the love that changes his direction.
I really loved catching up with all the characters of the previous books. Dallas and Deans children were super cute. It was good to see Rose grow stronger after tragic circumstances and all her hard work pays off with support from her lovely family,
I have to say Kate Stewart is a superb writer and believe me she wrings every emotion out of you with this series. I am definitely adding more of her books on my TBR list.
5 well deserved stars.
This book was the perfect way to finish The Reluctant Romantic series and I especially appreciated the experience of seeing Rose heal again after the tragic loss of the wonderful first love of her life Grant. I'm not including the jerk before him as he was just a stepping stone to something more special.
I particularly loved the first chapters with some of Grants thoughts they just made me well up, what a special guy he was.
Now we come to Jack, he's a gorgeous sexy smooth Cajun talking guy from Louisiana and Rose first meets up with him at the medical centre that her sister Dallas ( The Fall) and Rose have founded. He is the subtractor and works with their father on projects.
At first Rose fights the attraction she has for Jack, with Grants ghost firmly in her thoughts she is finding it hard to move on. Jack is a wanderer between the work he takes on but with Rose he's found the love that changes his direction.
I really loved catching up with all the characters of the previous books. Dallas and Deans children were super cute. It was good to see Rose grow stronger after tragic circumstances and all her hard work pays off with support from her lovely family,
I have to say Kate Stewart is a superb writer and believe me she wrings every emotion out of you with this series. I am definitely adding more of her books on my TBR list.
5 well deserved stars.
August 17, 2016
I've had this on my TBR for quite awhile and always skipped over it for something else, but I am glad I read it and I must say I enjoyed it. There were instances when I was completely frustrated with the heroine and the repetitive kissing scenes (grab face, possess mouth, rinse repeat), but the character build and the over all plot were good. It is, however, a tear jerker. Jack is the most agreeable hero (dealing with Dr. I don't know what the hell I want) I've read in quite sometime but once he is done, he is DONE! Bottom line, if you are in the mood for a cry and a quick read, I recommend The Heart.
P.S. Although, I don't think it is necessary to read first book in the series, The Fall, it does feature the back story of Dallas, Rose's sister who is a prominent character in this installment.
P.S. Although, I don't think it is necessary to read first book in the series, The Fall, it does feature the back story of Dallas, Rose's sister who is a prominent character in this installment.
September 23, 2020
I was going to give it four stars but that epilogue!! Perfect ending for this series and Room 212.
And Jack! He's reason for the 5 stars as well. Such perfection! I can't.
And Jack! He's reason for the 5 stars as well. Such perfection! I can't.
September 17, 2024
Crying
August 11, 2016
I am no romantic, but this made it hard not to fall in love with it. Everything about this book was so heartwarming. I laughed and smiled. My heart broke a little and I mourned the loss that everyone suffered. And I loved the characters more than anything else. I loved how they loved each other. Most importantly, I couldn't believe how they maintained and protected this love with everything they had.
God, I loved the way he spoke. It was as intoxicating as his smell.
Rose wasn't what I expected. She was different. She had a heart of gold that she locked so tight. She was afraid of losing Grant and moving on that she almost missed her second chance at love. But she was strong. She managed to get over her heartache by herself. She reached her happy state all by herself. I loved Rose and I admired her dedication. It was amusing to watch her deny her feelings towards Jack, and all of a sudden this changed. She couldn't fight it anymore.
Her family stories about her were amazing and so funny to imagine!!
“I get riled up thinking about you, Rose. Wanting to be with you, waiting to see you. I get more than riled up. I get restless.”
Jack Sawyer. *SWOON* I can't... This man was so kind and patient. He wasn't perfect , and he had his flaws but he gave Rose his everything. Jack had a past of his own, he was hurt but he was faster to pick up the pieces. On finding Rose, everything changed for him, and this was what I loved the most.
I liked his honesty and how he loved Rose. I understoond that he needed to time to cope after learning that he was competing against a ghost, but that didn't stop his love or lessen it.
Jack broke through Rose's barriers and that was more than enough!
I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want her out of my bed or out of my sight. But I learned a long time ago that it wasn’t up to me. You can make a woman smile, crave, and come, but you could never make a woman feel.
And that was the most fascinating thing of all.
Kate Stewart once again surprises me and delivers one hell of a book. It was a great ending to Rose's journey. She didn't disappoint!
I was fighting, and I was fighting hard because she was worth it. She was both my fuel and downfall, a double-edged sword that helped to decide which of these men I would become next.
Because, let’s face it, when you gave your heart away, you give the person you love the power to destroy you at will. Who you are at that moment defines who you will become next.
Grant was just a stop in Rose's life. She loved him more than anything, but Jack was waiting for her. He was it for her, for life. And Rose couldn't fight it. You know what they say, the heart wants what it wants!
God, I loved the way he spoke. It was as intoxicating as his smell.
Rose wasn't what I expected. She was different. She had a heart of gold that she locked so tight. She was afraid of losing Grant and moving on that she almost missed her second chance at love. But she was strong. She managed to get over her heartache by herself. She reached her happy state all by herself. I loved Rose and I admired her dedication. It was amusing to watch her deny her feelings towards Jack, and all of a sudden this changed. She couldn't fight it anymore.
Her family stories about her were amazing and so funny to imagine!!
“I get riled up thinking about you, Rose. Wanting to be with you, waiting to see you. I get more than riled up. I get restless.”
Jack Sawyer. *SWOON* I can't... This man was so kind and patient. He wasn't perfect , and he had his flaws but he gave Rose his everything. Jack had a past of his own, he was hurt but he was faster to pick up the pieces. On finding Rose, everything changed for him, and this was what I loved the most.
I liked his honesty and how he loved Rose. I understoond that he needed to time to cope after learning that he was competing against a ghost, but that didn't stop his love or lessen it.
Jack broke through Rose's barriers and that was more than enough!
I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want her out of my bed or out of my sight. But I learned a long time ago that it wasn’t up to me. You can make a woman smile, crave, and come, but you could never make a woman feel.
And that was the most fascinating thing of all.
Kate Stewart once again surprises me and delivers one hell of a book. It was a great ending to Rose's journey. She didn't disappoint!
I was fighting, and I was fighting hard because she was worth it. She was both my fuel and downfall, a double-edged sword that helped to decide which of these men I would become next.
Because, let’s face it, when you gave your heart away, you give the person you love the power to destroy you at will. Who you are at that moment defines who you will become next.
Grant was just a stop in Rose's life. She loved him more than anything, but Jack was waiting for her. He was it for her, for life. And Rose couldn't fight it. You know what they say, the heart wants what it wants!
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