Breathless

Aspen #10

by Cindy Stark

ALL ASPEN BOOKS CAN BE READ AS STANDALONE TITLES

Laurel Ewing’s a broken bird, learning to fly again. Horrific events in her past have held her back, but she’s finally gained enough courage to search for love. Her ideal man will be safe, strong and steady.

The first time Charlie Blackmore met Laurel, he knew she was someone special. But every time he tries to get close, she shoots him down. She’s judged him to be a player without giving him a chance to show his heart.

Laurel can’t deny the handsome newcomer has caught her eye, but she can’t take a chance with her fragile heart only to have him shatter it. She’s looking for safe, and he’s nothing but sexy. How could he ever be the one for her?

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2017

About the author

Cindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romances, and she loves to hear from readers.

Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
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http://twitter.com/CindyStark19

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Thank you!

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having survived a trauma in her formative years, Laurel is overly cautious when it comes to relationships. Suffering from PTSD and having to face up to the fact that she longs for a family of her own, requires learning to deal with the past and bravely take hold of the future. To an extent, Laurel exerts bravery and adventure in the outdoors, but risking her heart is another matter altogether, especially when the charming and flirty Charlie arrives on the scene. Shutting him out does not work as Charlie is her best friend's business partner, but as Charlie befriends her, and steps in to render assistance, she discovers she can take up the challenge he presents. Unfortunately, trust issues do get in the way, but ultimately Charlie will fight for the woman he desires and he is willing to go the extra mile to win her over. Unfortunately, in this world, many woman have to face the outcome of violence in their lives and this novel maps out the process that many others have followed and it presents hope to those who need it. I received a copy of this well-written and emotional book as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Helen Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although an incident in Laurel Ewing’s past makes her reluctant to trust men, she yearns to find a strong, steady man who won’t let her down; someone with whom she can build a life. That’s why she allows her friend to set her up on a blind date. However, when handsome, charismatic Charlie Blackmore turns up, she is angry that her friend has set her up with a man who is clearly a serial flirt. Or is he? This is an absorbing and uplifting story with two very likeable characters and I had to keep on reading to see if they found their happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel Ewing and Charlie Blackmore have a spark, but laurel assumes he’s a flirt and a playboy. A traumatic past makes laurel wary of strangers, men in particular.

Yet circumstances, mostly her best friend, Aston, put Laurel and Charlie together time and time again.

Loved the storyline, the slow building of trust, and that Charlie was a gentlemen enough to push Charlie, but ultimately leave the furthering of their relationship in Laurels hands. And once she trusted Charlie enough, Laurel was able to accept the love and trust they developed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have been able to read and review a previous book by Cindy Stark. I love her writing style - her stories flow smoothly. Laurel has convinced herself that Charlie is not her type because she is looking for a partner whom she considers safe. Due to a traumatic experience in her childhood, she has decided that a man like Charlie is okay as a friend, but not a boyfriend.
I love how these two interact, and I also love Laurel's mother's part in the story. I have decided that I am making it a goal to read all the Aspen series books. They are truly delightful!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel takes risks for her career but she plays it safe when it comes to romance thinking someone dependable and quiet is the way to go until he turns into a frog. She thinks Charlie is a player and fights her attraction to him but will she trust him with her heart? There wasn’t as much suspense in this book but his family and her insecurities provide plenty of drama.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 10th book in the awesome Aspen series. It can be read as a stand-alone. Laurel’s blind date with Charlie didn’t go so well! She wasn’t impressed, but he was intrigued. Can he win her over? This plot was entertaining and it’s a quick read. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a sweet read with this series

I love reading small town romance stories. Everyone knows everyone's business and all the men seem to be the sweetest, most loving guys around. I always look forward to the next story.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the whole thing in one day. I like Charlie's persistence. I liked following up with Afton, too.

[Dawn Pressel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grrrr...I enjoyed the book right up to the end. I would have loved to know Charlie called his brother and his girl friend to let them know their behavior to his “latest” was unacceptable. The EX showing the picture was in such bad taste I can’t even verbalize my disgust in both her and this family.

Charlie didn’t grovel enough but as usual the HAPPY ending was wrapped into a pretty bow.

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

After years of uncertainty, Laurel is ready to enter the world of dating. She sees her friends happy and settled and wants that for herself. Easier said than done. First things first - find a solid, safe, dependable guy. Laurel is set up on a blind date and never in her wildest dreams did she expect her date to be the handsome, roguish, player Charlie. Laurel met Charlie before, through her close friends. At first sight, she knew to keep her distance. Charlie is determined to win her over, but although Laurel is attracted to him, who wouldn't be, she is also hesitant. Charlie is a prime male specimen. Laurel wants strong, stable and loyal, all the things she believes Charlie is not.
With the help of some meddling friends, he just might have a fighting chance. Charlie is persistent. He needs to convince her that her first impression of him was totally wrong. Laurel can't go there. She needs to stay vigilant. Guys like Charlie equal one thing - heartbreak. Charlie's persistence pays off. Laurel is holding back though. Fears from her past make her cautious. Just when she seems to be warming up to him, Charlie does something that's definitely a deal breaker for Laurel, proving her first instinct was correct. What started as Laurel protecting herself from a broken heart, ends up with Charlie actually having one.
WELL WRITTEN, FAST PACED STORYLINE WITH COMPLEX CHARACTERS ! GREAT ADDITION TO THE ASPEN SERIES ! INTENSE ATTRACTION AND PERSISTENCE TURNS INTO PASSIONATE LOVE ! ! ! AWESOME BOOK ! ! !

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy in return for an honest review. Cindy has done it again. What a wonderful story. Laurel's friend Afton has set her up on a blind date with Charlie (OMG hottie) not knowing that the two have met once before. Laurel thinks Charlie is a player & wants nothing to do with him. Charlie is intrigued by Laurel & wants to get to know her. Laurel is looking for someone stable, safe & trustworthy. She believes that is definitely NOT Charlie. Laurel's friend is also Charlie's business partner & thinks they are perfect for each other. Afton tells Laurel that he's a good man & she needs to give him a chance. Charlie is determined to win her over. As she gets to know Charlie, Laurel decides to take a chance & open up her heart & let Charlie in. Quick read with a Happily Ever After. Thank you Cindy for another great addition to the Aspen Series

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel really doesn't like Charlie. From the start you know there's going to be tension. Lots of it and some of it that bone aching sexual tension. Laurel almost lost her happy ending because she let her fears get in the way. Charlie other than being a bit dense in some of the decisions he made, was endearing and a fighter. He wasn't about let go of their possible future. I felt for Laurel and melted over Charlie's romantic side. I loved all of the family interactions and drama.

The book ended so sweetly with perfect moment that makes dreams. While this is part of the series for Aspen it is totally stand alone. Definitely read Breathless.