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Harbor Falls Romance #1
All of My Heart
When Suzie Hart inherited the lakeside Victorian cottage that would soon become Sweet Hart Inn, she imagined her life all planned out ahead of her. She would run the inn, write her recipes, and pick up an occasional catering job with her cousin Sydney. What she didn't plan on was Brad Matthews.
Suzie Hart has it all. A beautiful home, friends and family, and the sweetest job in the world. She's the best darned cook in Harbor Falls, North Carolina, and has the street cred to prove it. She runs her own bed and breakfast, writes a food blog, and is working on her first cookbook.
Life is perfect. Right?
Wrong. You see, Suzie has a secret. And when that secret rides up to her doorstep on a bad-ass Harley and tosses her not-so-perfect little world into some kind of big, bad tumble, happy-go-lucky Suzie panics.
Brad Matthews doesn't have a secret, he has a plan--and that plan includes luring Suzie back into his life. When she worked as his sous chef in Asheville, he had no intention of falling in love with the sassy chef, or any woman for that matter. No room in his life for romance. But when Suzie disappeared and took Brad's heart with her, his good intentions shattered. Now that he's found her again, he's not about to let her alter the new path he's set out for his life--and hers.
Previously published as Bed, Breakfast & You by Maddie James. Updated and revised.
Suzie Hart has it all. A beautiful home, friends and family, and the sweetest job in the world. She's the best darned cook in Harbor Falls, North Carolina, and has the street cred to prove it. She runs her own bed and breakfast, writes a food blog, and is working on her first cookbook.
Life is perfect. Right?
Wrong. You see, Suzie has a secret. And when that secret rides up to her doorstep on a bad-ass Harley and tosses her not-so-perfect little world into some kind of big, bad tumble, happy-go-lucky Suzie panics.
Brad Matthews doesn't have a secret, he has a plan--and that plan includes luring Suzie back into his life. When she worked as his sous chef in Asheville, he had no intention of falling in love with the sassy chef, or any woman for that matter. No room in his life for romance. But when Suzie disappeared and took Brad's heart with her, his good intentions shattered. Now that he's found her again, he's not about to let her alter the new path he's set out for his life--and hers.
Previously published as Bed, Breakfast & You by Maddie James. Updated and revised.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
75 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Maddie James
147 books468 followersMaddie James also writes as Madeleine Jaimes.
The author of 70+ romantic novels, novellas, and short stories, Maddie James pens romance and suspense stories in contemporary and paranormal worlds. Her contemporary worlds often lean toward small towns and western settings, complete with cowboys, Alpha men, and strong, take-charge women.
Her romance writing career launched in 1997 as a traditionally published author with Kensington Books. Currently publishing as an independent author, she writes full time from her Midwest, small town home, where she also gardens, cooks, and chases the dog.
Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.”
The author of 70+ romantic novels, novellas, and short stories, Maddie James pens romance and suspense stories in contemporary and paranormal worlds. Her contemporary worlds often lean toward small towns and western settings, complete with cowboys, Alpha men, and strong, take-charge women.
Her romance writing career launched in 1997 as a traditionally published author with Kensington Books. Currently publishing as an independent author, she writes full time from her Midwest, small town home, where she also gardens, cooks, and chases the dog.
Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.”
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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Blurb:
When Suzie Hart inherited the lakeside Victorian cottage that would soon become Sweet Hart Inn, she imagined her life all planned out ahead of her. She would run the inn, write her recipes, and pick up an occasional catering job with her cousin Sydney. What she didn't plan on was Brad Matthews.
Suzie Hart has it all. A beautiful home, friends and family, and the sweetest job in the world. She's the best darned cook in Harbor Falls, North Carolina, and has the street cred to prove it. She runs her own bed and breakfast, writes a food blog, and is working on her first cookbook.
Life is perfect. Right?
Wrong. You see, Suzie has a secret. And when that secret rides up to her doorstep on a bad-ass Harley and tosses her not-so-perfect little world into some kind of big, bad tumble, happy-go-lucky Suzie panics.
Brad Matthews doesn't have a secret, he has a plan--and that plan includes luring Suzie back into his life. When she worked as his sous chef in Asheville, he had no intention of falling in love with the sassy chef, or any woman for that matter. No room in his life for romance. But when Suzie disappeared and took Brad's heart with her, his good intentions shattered. Now that he's found her again, he's not about to let her alter the new path he's set out for his life--and hers.
Blurb:
When Suzie Hart inherited the lakeside Victorian cottage that would soon become Sweet Hart Inn, she imagined her life all planned out ahead of her. She would run the inn, write her recipes, and pick up an occasional catering job with her cousin Sydney. What she didn't plan on was Brad Matthews.
Suzie Hart has it all. A beautiful home, friends and family, and the sweetest job in the world. She's the best darned cook in Harbor Falls, North Carolina, and has the street cred to prove it. She runs her own bed and breakfast, writes a food blog, and is working on her first cookbook.
Life is perfect. Right?
Wrong. You see, Suzie has a secret. And when that secret rides up to her doorstep on a bad-ass Harley and tosses her not-so-perfect little world into some kind of big, bad tumble, happy-go-lucky Suzie panics.
Brad Matthews doesn't have a secret, he has a plan--and that plan includes luring Suzie back into his life. When she worked as his sous chef in Asheville, he had no intention of falling in love with the sassy chef, or any woman for that matter. No room in his life for romance. But when Suzie disappeared and took Brad's heart with her, his good intentions shattered. Now that he's found her again, he's not about to let her alter the new path he's set out for his life--and hers.
August 7, 2018
-Kacie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Susie Hart inherited a Victorian cottage that she transformed into the Sweet Hart Inn. She runs the inn, teaches a cooking class, helps her cousin with catering events, and works on her cookbook. That is her life and she is perfectly content and happy with it the way it is. Until the day she receives a voicemail from Brad Matthews. He is her dirty little secret. They had a fling a few years prior and then she disappeared from his life. For Brad, things have changed and he is ready to get his girl back. He’s back to prove he’d do anything for her.
While this book was a quick and easy read I struggled with some aspects of it. I didn't connect with the main characters as I wanted to. I couldn’t tell if this book was the first in a series or not and there were things I was wondering about that never seemed to be explained. I’m not sure why with Brad, but Susie felt wishy-washy and whiny at times. I was disappointed with the fact that there were no quirky or interesting secondary characters that stood out.
Susie Hart inherited a Victorian cottage that she transformed into the Sweet Hart Inn. She runs the inn, teaches a cooking class, helps her cousin with catering events, and works on her cookbook. That is her life and she is perfectly content and happy with it the way it is. Until the day she receives a voicemail from Brad Matthews. He is her dirty little secret. They had a fling a few years prior and then she disappeared from his life. For Brad, things have changed and he is ready to get his girl back. He’s back to prove he’d do anything for her.
While this book was a quick and easy read I struggled with some aspects of it. I didn't connect with the main characters as I wanted to. I couldn’t tell if this book was the first in a series or not and there were things I was wondering about that never seemed to be explained. I’m not sure why with Brad, but Susie felt wishy-washy and whiny at times. I was disappointed with the fact that there were no quirky or interesting secondary characters that stood out.
November 8, 2019
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
While I enjoyed the romance and the fact that Brad kind of followed Suzie because he loved her, I think it was kind of clueless of him to think that she would welcome him when he was making such a huge change to the lodge and it would affect her livelihood!
I did like that they both were able to make compromises and come to a better solution than what they originally wanted. The HEA was great and I really liked Brad and Suzie together!
While I enjoyed the romance and the fact that Brad kind of followed Suzie because he loved her, I think it was kind of clueless of him to think that she would welcome him when he was making such a huge change to the lodge and it would affect her livelihood!
I did like that they both were able to make compromises and come to a better solution than what they originally wanted. The HEA was great and I really liked Brad and Suzie together!
August 7, 2018
All of My Heart was a fun and quick read for me, coming at a time when I needed something a little lighter than what I am used to reading. Suzie and Brad were the perfect combination for a sweet second chance, against the odds, romance.
Suzie is now running the Sweet Hart Inn trying to move on from a long term relationship that ended in disaster and running from a secret that could upset her now tidy little life.
Enter Brad.
Brad is here to get what he wants...and that is Suzie. Brad has come up with an elaborate plan to get Suzie back...one that may actually backfire on him if he isn't careful.
All of My Heart will have you up, down, hot and cold, and maybe just a little bit desperate too!
I loved this book on so many levels. First. Second Chance Romance. One of my favorite tropes out there. The will they won't they get back together...can they get over the past and move on together. I love that. It stirs up emotions for me and I love the roller coaster of it all. Second, Suzie isn't perfect and characters that are down to earth, mistake makers, they are real and relatable and I get really invested in those kinds of characters.
Reading time was just a little under 3 hours so this book is easy to binge in one sitting. Perfect for when you need a read but don't want to invest days in it.
Looking forward to the next in this series!
Giving All of My Heart 4 stars!
Review by Corrie for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review
Suzie is now running the Sweet Hart Inn trying to move on from a long term relationship that ended in disaster and running from a secret that could upset her now tidy little life.
Enter Brad.
Brad is here to get what he wants...and that is Suzie. Brad has come up with an elaborate plan to get Suzie back...one that may actually backfire on him if he isn't careful.
All of My Heart will have you up, down, hot and cold, and maybe just a little bit desperate too!
I loved this book on so many levels. First. Second Chance Romance. One of my favorite tropes out there. The will they won't they get back together...can they get over the past and move on together. I love that. It stirs up emotions for me and I love the roller coaster of it all. Second, Suzie isn't perfect and characters that are down to earth, mistake makers, they are real and relatable and I get really invested in those kinds of characters.
Reading time was just a little under 3 hours so this book is easy to binge in one sitting. Perfect for when you need a read but don't want to invest days in it.
Looking forward to the next in this series!
Giving All of My Heart 4 stars!
Review by Corrie for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review
December 27, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sand Dunes Books via NetGalley and I also purchased a copy.
This was a delightful story. Suzie Hart owns a B&B overlooking a lake and is getting ready to publish her first cookbook. Her life is starting to lookup now after the debacle of her sister marrying Suzie's fiance! But Suzie has made lemonade from the lemons in her life. She has a guest that has booked a room indefinitely. All of the sudden a loud grumbly noise breaks the silence. No, it can't be, Brad Matthews! The rest of the story to the HEA is one that shouldn't be missed.
Suzie is 5 years older than Brad (that age difference does not qualify her as a cougar). While most stories have an older man/younger woman, it is refreshing to see it in reverse. I thoroughly enjoyed Brad. He wasn't an Alpha type of male but he sure knew what he wanted and had a few tendencies toward alpha but he was too caring of Suzie and her feelings to run roughshod over them.
I adored the dual POV format that the book was written in. Being able to see the characters' thoughts in a situation really helped me to connect and understand them. It also made them more believable.
This was a sweet second chance romance. There was a sexy scene that really was highly glossed over but that being said, I probably should recommend this to anyone over the age of 18. I look forward to reading more of this series.
This was a delightful story. Suzie Hart owns a B&B overlooking a lake and is getting ready to publish her first cookbook. Her life is starting to lookup now after the debacle of her sister marrying Suzie's fiance! But Suzie has made lemonade from the lemons in her life. She has a guest that has booked a room indefinitely. All of the sudden a loud grumbly noise breaks the silence. No, it can't be, Brad Matthews! The rest of the story to the HEA is one that shouldn't be missed.
Suzie is 5 years older than Brad (that age difference does not qualify her as a cougar). While most stories have an older man/younger woman, it is refreshing to see it in reverse. I thoroughly enjoyed Brad. He wasn't an Alpha type of male but he sure knew what he wanted and had a few tendencies toward alpha but he was too caring of Suzie and her feelings to run roughshod over them.
I adored the dual POV format that the book was written in. Being able to see the characters' thoughts in a situation really helped me to connect and understand them. It also made them more believable.
This was a sweet second chance romance. There was a sexy scene that really was highly glossed over but that being said, I probably should recommend this to anyone over the age of 18. I look forward to reading more of this series.
May 9, 2019
Secret Love
Brad Matthews is on a mission. With an inherited nest egg, he is going after showman of his dreams. He let her get away once but that isn't happening again.
Susie Hart has opened her dream bed and breakfast. She is definitely looking forward to continuing with her success. That is, until her secret shows on her doorstep. Why is he here and how does she get rid of him?
Can he convince her they belong together or will she run him out of town~
Brad Matthews is on a mission. With an inherited nest egg, he is going after showman of his dreams. He let her get away once but that isn't happening again.
Susie Hart has opened her dream bed and breakfast. She is definitely looking forward to continuing with her success. That is, until her secret shows on her doorstep. Why is he here and how does she get rid of him?
Can he convince her they belong together or will she run him out of town~
January 11, 2025
Short and sweet
Was a nice story. Who wouldn't wish for a man that would keep looking for you after you left him because you were supposed to be engaged to someone else and find when you go back home your future husband has taken off with your sister. 18 months later he moves to were you are with a plan and that is to get you back. There's bumps in the road and a little change in your plans but it alk works out.
Was a nice story. Who wouldn't wish for a man that would keep looking for you after you left him because you were supposed to be engaged to someone else and find when you go back home your future husband has taken off with your sister. 18 months later he moves to were you are with a plan and that is to get you back. There's bumps in the road and a little change in your plans but it alk works out.
July 5, 2019
This is the second chance story of Brad and Suzie. She left him in Asheville about eighteen months ago, but now he’s ready to get her back. Suzie still has something she never told Brad. Will her secret be a dealbreaker or will they get their happily ever after? No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what this older woman/younger man romance is about.
March 10, 2019
All of My Heart
This was truly a sweet story. I started to read this book and just could not put it down till I finished. it was well written and the story line was very descriptive. And again this Arthur also focus on how important it was to having a family.
This was truly a sweet story. I started to read this book and just could not put it down till I finished. it was well written and the story line was very descriptive. And again this Arthur also focus on how important it was to having a family.
March 10, 2019
She thought her life was complete and set forever.
Then he rode back into it and suddenly things changed.
A delightful read!
Then he rode back into it and suddenly things changed.
A delightful read!
April 10, 2021
Suzie Hart has a plan that doesn't include loving Brad Matthews.
October 6, 2023
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
So this had some fun promise...but was a bit all over the place... The MCs kept shifting what they wanted and it made it hard to root for them.
So this had some fun promise...but was a bit all over the place... The MCs kept shifting what they wanted and it made it hard to root for them.
December 3, 2019
Suzie Hart, whose fiance ran away with her sister Shelley, lives with all the small town gossip associated with her jilting. Unknown to anyone, Suzie had a two month affair with Brad Matthews, while working as his Sous Chef in Asheville, NC, while trying to come to grips with her stagnating relationship with her fiance. Brad had no idea that she was engaged and was floored when Suzie disappeared without explanation.
Brad has now come to Harbor Falls with the intention of opening a hotel and winning Suzie back. Suzie is shocked to see Brad and doesn't know how to process his arrival. She distanced herself from him due to the guilt and the fact that Brad mentioned that he wants a family. Something Suzie knows that she can not give him. She feels this is the reason her fiance ran away with her sister and doesn't want to watch another man walk away from her.
Although a little slow at times, all in all this is a wonderful, heartwarming story that I would recommend to anyone looking for a contemporary romance from an accomplished author.
Thank you Maddie James, Sand Dune Books and NetGalley for allowing me this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Brad has now come to Harbor Falls with the intention of opening a hotel and winning Suzie back. Suzie is shocked to see Brad and doesn't know how to process his arrival. She distanced herself from him due to the guilt and the fact that Brad mentioned that he wants a family. Something Suzie knows that she can not give him. She feels this is the reason her fiance ran away with her sister and doesn't want to watch another man walk away from her.
Although a little slow at times, all in all this is a wonderful, heartwarming story that I would recommend to anyone looking for a contemporary romance from an accomplished author.
Thank you Maddie James, Sand Dune Books and NetGalley for allowing me this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
October 22, 2019
This story felt quite dated and the small town that they lived in seemed to be very old but think it was set in present day? I just couldn't get on with the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for a honest review.
Merged review:
This story felt quite dated and the small town that they lived in seemed to be very old but think it was set in present day? I just couldn't get on with the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for a honest review.
Merged review:
This story felt quite dated and the small town that they lived in seemed to be very old but think it was set in present day? I just couldn't get on with the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for a honest review.
November 25, 2019
Suzie and Brad have a history, but one that she hasn't told anyone about. Brad has a plan and a mission to win Suzie back, but he may have forgotten to mention a few key details to Suzie. After a rough start in town, Brad has to prove his good intentions, and Suzie needs to decide where her heart really leads her. A cute romance in a great little town.
May 2, 2020
I read this as book 1 of the Harbor Falls Box set. Lovely book and a great introduction to the small town of Harbor Falls. Suzie Hart has returned to her small town to start anew — if only people would let her move on and quit dredging up her unfortunate romantic past. But she’s got more going on than any of the gossips know and when Brad Matthews comes to town there will be no secrets left!
November 9, 2019
This book is cute but a bit slow at drawing you in. You don’t get the deep sense of attachment. And I never understood why she loved him but wouldn’t let herself have him? It might interest some but was a bit dry for me.
March 29, 2020
Thanks NetGalley &Sand Dune Books for the ARC of All of My Heart.
This was a cute romance and a quick read both of which will make you smile! Give it a go!
This was a cute romance and a quick read both of which will make you smile! Give it a go!
June 6, 2021
Super cute book! It’s so easy to read and enjoy. The story just flows and moves as time passes in the book. Definitely a weekend type of read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews