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Hearts in the Spotlight
When a country and western superstar runs smack dab into an introverted inn keeper sparks fly in more ways than one. He adores the spotlight, she fears it. Can they find a balance and build a life together?
Former Stampede princess and teacher, Stephanie Alexander retreated to the country to escape the media circus hounding her since the death of one of her students. Although she’s content with small town peace and quiet, she’s thrilled with the corporate booking of all sixteen rooms in her bed and breakfast.
Brett Wyatt is nearing burnout from years of non-stop touring as a country music superstar. After a personal tragedy leaves him unable to compose, he arrives at the Wild Rose Inn, determined to spend the three weeks leading up to the Calgary Stampede getting his head back in the game. He’s not expecting to get tangled up with a semi-reclusive innkeeper with a wagon-load of baggage and a devastating secret.
A life-changing turn of events forces Brett to abandon his independence and rely on others, including Stephanie. But can she overcome her issues to help him battle his demons?
Book 1 in a 7 book series of stand-alone novels.
Former Stampede princess and teacher, Stephanie Alexander retreated to the country to escape the media circus hounding her since the death of one of her students. Although she’s content with small town peace and quiet, she’s thrilled with the corporate booking of all sixteen rooms in her bed and breakfast.
Brett Wyatt is nearing burnout from years of non-stop touring as a country music superstar. After a personal tragedy leaves him unable to compose, he arrives at the Wild Rose Inn, determined to spend the three weeks leading up to the Calgary Stampede getting his head back in the game. He’s not expecting to get tangled up with a semi-reclusive innkeeper with a wagon-load of baggage and a devastating secret.
A life-changing turn of events forces Brett to abandon his independence and rely on others, including Stephanie. But can she overcome her issues to help him battle his demons?
Book 1 in a 7 book series of stand-alone novels.
214 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2017
9 people want to read
About the author
Katie O'Connor
46 books137 followersKatie O’Connor lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She married her high school sweetheart and is living her happily ever after. She is the mother of two grown daughters and is extremely proud of her five grandchildren.
Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and x-ray technician. She is an avid quilter and crafter. She finds inspiration and relaxation in the wilds of Alberta.
She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, fantasy/paranormal romance and erotica. Recently, she’s crafted her first cozy mystery with the intention of publishing a cozy mystery series.
She believes in all things magical; including dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies. But most of all she believes in love, romance and hope.
Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and x-ray technician. She is an avid quilter and crafter. She finds inspiration and relaxation in the wilds of Alberta.
She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, fantasy/paranormal romance and erotica. Recently, she’s crafted her first cozy mystery with the intention of publishing a cozy mystery series.
She believes in all things magical; including dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies. But most of all she believes in love, romance and hope.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 10, 2018
I adored this book and I adored the characters in it. I was able to relate to the characters. In fact, I felt really attached to the them. The country star, Brett, is very likable. He has his I am a tool moments, but he knows he is and that some how just makes it better. He is a really good person who goes through a huge life altering event. He pulls through it with Stephanie.
Stephanie is such a great character. She has been through hell and my heart just breaks for her and her story. Her story is touching and I cried several times. Her life is completely altered by her terrible experience and she is afraid of the spotlight, the city and well, I can completely see why she is afraid of so much. She has come a long way and with Brett by her side they will be unstoppable with an amazing future planned. Fantastic book that I absolutely loved. I always love a feel good book.
Stephanie is such a great character. She has been through hell and my heart just breaks for her and her story. Her story is touching and I cried several times. Her life is completely altered by her terrible experience and she is afraid of the spotlight, the city and well, I can completely see why she is afraid of so much. She has come a long way and with Brett by her side they will be unstoppable with an amazing future planned. Fantastic book that I absolutely loved. I always love a feel good book.
April 26, 2018
Hearts in the Spotlight is a sweet HEA romance between a reclusive innkeeper and a country music star who grapples with career changing events. Lovely, well-written book with a fun sense of humor amongst the tear-jerker moments. First time reading Katie O'Connor & my first ARC. Will definitely read more by this author.
May 4, 2018
I am a huge fan of Katie O'Connor's books and was very excited to read her work from this new series. Her characters are always so vivid and lovable. I was eager to get to know Brett and Stephanie, as well as their secrets.
Chapter 4 was incredibly intense and heartbreaking. I could feel the pain emanating from the pages. O'Connor wrote some truly powerful scenes of palpable emotion. So much changed for Brett and Steph in such a short amount of time and I was curious to know if they would be able to recover from it.
When Lola entered the story, I could feel my rage threatening to boil over. That woman was a piece of work and once again O'Connor's writing had my emotions in a tizzy.
As the story went on, I enjoyed watching Brett and Steph peel away the layers around each other's hearts.
Chapter 10 brought struggle and pain to the forefront again. I had such a sense of foreboding as I read, but I was unprepared for how that chapter would end. I battled my emotions as I raced to continue reading.
Brett had me enraged with his behavior in Chapter 16, and yet I knew he was struggling to grasp the unexpected change to his plans. Steph tried to remain supportive despite his behavior, but was unwilling to give up her life and passion. I respected her for this and found her to be a heroine I could fully get behind. I admired her strength throughout the entire situation.
The ending to this book was lovely and really embodied love and hope. Every new book by O'Connor that I read just keeps getting better and better. This was an amazing story that I highly recommend.
Chapter 4 was incredibly intense and heartbreaking. I could feel the pain emanating from the pages. O'Connor wrote some truly powerful scenes of palpable emotion. So much changed for Brett and Steph in such a short amount of time and I was curious to know if they would be able to recover from it.
When Lola entered the story, I could feel my rage threatening to boil over. That woman was a piece of work and once again O'Connor's writing had my emotions in a tizzy.
As the story went on, I enjoyed watching Brett and Steph peel away the layers around each other's hearts.
Chapter 10 brought struggle and pain to the forefront again. I had such a sense of foreboding as I read, but I was unprepared for how that chapter would end. I battled my emotions as I raced to continue reading.
Brett had me enraged with his behavior in Chapter 16, and yet I knew he was struggling to grasp the unexpected change to his plans. Steph tried to remain supportive despite his behavior, but was unwilling to give up her life and passion. I respected her for this and found her to be a heroine I could fully get behind. I admired her strength throughout the entire situation.
The ending to this book was lovely and really embodied love and hope. Every new book by O'Connor that I read just keeps getting better and better. This was an amazing story that I highly recommend.
November 17, 2019
A gentle easy read immersing you in a wonderful setting and likable characters. True love never runs smoothly but it's worth the struggle. Knowing the area added to this story for me but it is not required for a reader. Get caught up in the wilds of Alberta, Canada.
May 19, 2018
Innkeeper, Stephanie Alexander, shies away from the limelight, while country & western singer, Brett Wyatt, craves it.
When these two meet, the sparks fly. But both have secrets—Steph dealing with a tragic event in her past, while Wyatt prefers to ignore a present concern that threatens everything he holds dear.
Author Katie O’Conner delivers a feisty heroine and a sexy-as-sin hero and plunks them in to a charming country setting, producing an enjoyable read with lots of great dialogue and plenty of heart.
When these two meet, the sparks fly. But both have secrets—Steph dealing with a tragic event in her past, while Wyatt prefers to ignore a present concern that threatens everything he holds dear.
Author Katie O’Conner delivers a feisty heroine and a sexy-as-sin hero and plunks them in to a charming country setting, producing an enjoyable read with lots of great dialogue and plenty of heart.
April 12, 2018
Stephanie is very much the every woman with her fear, joy, inhibitions with just enough courage to make you want to have her for a friend. Brett is flawed and loveable at the same time. The book flows easily and kept me interested. An excellent love story.
June 12, 2018
I flew through this book. The hero is completely dreamy - sigh. The heroine is relatable. And the story draws you right in. Plus, who doesn't love a down home cowboy/stampede/life on the prairies book? One of my favorite books by this author so far. I recommend it.
April 11, 2018
Great book! Very good storyline. Very interesting characters with a very emotional story with all the ups and downs they went through. Very well written book!
November 2, 2018
I’m at a complete loss for words. As an Alberta girl, I love seeing my home province spotlighted with a whole series of its own. And this kicks off with a heck of a bang. It’s a big story with even bigger emotions filled with lots of precious little moments. I can barely conceive of the life Steph has lived to end up in this place in her life. Her courage is awe inspiring. Brett left me scratching my head several times. Most of those were times where I was just about ready to encourage Steph that she deserved something better. I’m so glad he learns from his mistakes. This was a beautiful story, rich with detail, emotion, and chemistry. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy through Hidden Gems Books
I received a complimentary advanced copy through Hidden Gems Books
November 3, 2018
This is a sweet, emotional, dramatic and intense story. Brett is flirty, thoughtful, caring, cheeky and stubborn. Steph is kind, brave and vulnerable. Brett goes to Steph's B&B for some much needed relaxation, and the sight that greets him has him captivated. Steph didn't know that Brett was going to be her guest, and she's not happy that he is. Even if she's attracted to him. They build a friendship after he goes off and accuses her of being responsible for something she wasn't. The incident bonds them and the friendship starts turning to more. But then another tragedy rips them apart. It's an sad and intense yet sweet storyline with a lot of wonderful characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
November 3, 2018
This is a sweet, emotional, dramatic and intense story. Brett is flirty, thoughtful, caring, cheeky and stubborn. Steph is kind, brave and vulnerable. Brett goes to Steph's B&B for some much needed relaxation, and the sight that greets him has him captivated. Steph didn't know that Brett was going to be her guest, and she's not happy that he is. Even if she's attracted to him. They build a friendship after he goes off and accuses her of being responsible for something she wasn't. The incident bonds them and the friendship starts turning to more. But then another tragedy rips them apart. It's an sad and intense yet sweet storyline with a lot of wonderful characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
October 27, 2018
This is a lively story about a country western superstar and a woman who hides from the media. Love blindsides this couple and a deep friendship develops. I found Brett quite selfish at times, even though he has a big heart. Emily knows what it is like to struggle and knows what she has to do to cope with the things that make her uncomfortable. Emily is easy to love, but I found Brett at times the typical pampered star that took advantage of his entitlements. This is a great story, but my stumbling block was the hero in this case.
November 1, 2018
I received this book through Hidden Gems and I chose to review it. I loved this book. If your looking for spicy this isn't the story for you. I found this one was well written, worth my time and effort. This is the first Katie O'Connor I have ever read but it will not be my last. Honestly, give this one a chance it is worth it!!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews