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Frosted Game of Hearts/Hidden Alphas #1
Hidden Gabriel
I'm trapped. I won't get out of this house until the snow melts on this mountain. And I never thought broody was sexy until I met Gabriel. Erica Mira heads to an isolated factory in the depth of winter where a a storm destroys her car. She fights her way to chalet up the mountain in snow so deep she might die. But despite mysterious occurrences in the mysterious chalet with strange cries and noises that influences her actions, she becomes intrigued with her host and only other person the imposing home, the broody, wealthy mysterious Gabriel Murphy. His dark moods and the strange occurrences in the house lead her to discover a terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever. Erica will need all her courage, love and smarts to triumph and let her win a happily-ever-after.
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2015
467 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Pinder
207 books541 followersVictoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Progams for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is here, www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Progams for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is here, www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
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Blurb:
I’m trapped. I won’t get out of this house until the snow melts on this mountain. And I never thought broody was sexy until I met Gabriel.
Erica Mira heads to an isolated factory in the depth of winter where a a storm destroys her car. She fights her way to chalet up the mountain in snow so deep she might die.
But despite mysterious occurrences in the mysterious chalet with strange cries and noises that influences her actions, she becomes intrigued with her host and only other person the imposing home, the broody, wealthy mysterious Gabriel Murphy.
His dark moods and the strange occurrences in the house lead her to discover a terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever. Erica will need all her courage, love and smarts to triumph and let her win a happily-ever-after.
Blurb:
I’m trapped. I won’t get out of this house until the snow melts on this mountain. And I never thought broody was sexy until I met Gabriel.
Erica Mira heads to an isolated factory in the depth of winter where a a storm destroys her car. She fights her way to chalet up the mountain in snow so deep she might die.
But despite mysterious occurrences in the mysterious chalet with strange cries and noises that influences her actions, she becomes intrigued with her host and only other person the imposing home, the broody, wealthy mysterious Gabriel Murphy.
His dark moods and the strange occurrences in the house lead her to discover a terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever. Erica will need all her courage, love and smarts to triumph and let her win a happily-ever-after.
August 15, 2015
I was expecting this book to be a typical romance, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was filled to the brim with suspense...in addition to steam. Having lived in Maine for a few years, I could perfectly envision the wall of snow that trapped Erica in the mysterious chateau with secretive Gabriel. The story unfolds in a seamless fashion as Erica begins to chip away at tight-lipped Gabriel's many secrets. There were some minor editing issues, but the storyline was so good that they didn't trip me up during the reading experience. I read this book in two days (even though I didn't really have time to read) because I HAD to see what happened!
February 22, 2020
DNF
TL;DR - good concept, poor execution
I tried really hard to finish this book, but at a quarter of the way through I've had to admit defeat.
The characters whipsaw between sexual confidence and shy, virginal incompetence, and it doesn't make any sense. The beginning showed promise, but then the writing became confused and confusing, and quite frankly repetitive.
The pace is both frenetic and ponderously lacking in suspense. The MC's bounce between emotional states, and none of that carries any weight to the reader because it's clear they will soon be swinging to a new and unaccountably intense emotion by the next page.
The point that ended it for me was when, after spending a seemingly endless amount of time convincing herself that Gabriel is a murderer, Erica decides, screw it, let's try and seduce him anyway. Because everyone wants a piece of hot murderer action, right?
TL;DR - good concept, poor execution
I tried really hard to finish this book, but at a quarter of the way through I've had to admit defeat.
The characters whipsaw between sexual confidence and shy, virginal incompetence, and it doesn't make any sense. The beginning showed promise, but then the writing became confused and confusing, and quite frankly repetitive.
The pace is both frenetic and ponderously lacking in suspense. The MC's bounce between emotional states, and none of that carries any weight to the reader because it's clear they will soon be swinging to a new and unaccountably intense emotion by the next page.
The point that ended it for me was when, after spending a seemingly endless amount of time convincing herself that Gabriel is a murderer, Erica decides, screw it, let's try and seduce him anyway. Because everyone wants a piece of hot murderer action, right?
April 28, 2016
Erica was driving her car in a snowstorm in Maine when she crashed into a tree. She's from Florida so she really doesn't know how to drive in snow. She's not dressed for the weather but walks to a nearby chateau for help. After the death of his wife Gabriel lived there alone while renovating the former ski resort. He's happy to feed her and warm her up, surprised she survived. Snow storm after snow storm leaves Erica unable to get out of there and resume her trip.
I received this book as part of the Kindle Scout program and really liked the plot but I thought the story was slow moving. OK I understand they were snowed in so they couldn't do much but there was a mystery about why Gabriel was there and his history. Gabriel wasn't a talker, at all, so Erica started poking around the chateau hoping to find out some of his secrets.
I didn't feel connected to characters. Since we didn't really find out much about Garbriel until quite far into the book it was hard to like or dislike him. Erica acted strange. We were told that she usually didn't come on to men so I wondered why she kissed Gabriel after being with him for a short time. It was weird that she kept thinking about having sex with this guy that she just met and knew nothing about.
I received this book as part of the Kindle Scout program and really liked the plot but I thought the story was slow moving. OK I understand they were snowed in so they couldn't do much but there was a mystery about why Gabriel was there and his history. Gabriel wasn't a talker, at all, so Erica started poking around the chateau hoping to find out some of his secrets.
I didn't feel connected to characters. Since we didn't really find out much about Garbriel until quite far into the book it was hard to like or dislike him. Erica acted strange. We were told that she usually didn't come on to men so I wondered why she kissed Gabriel after being with him for a short time. It was weird that she kept thinking about having sex with this guy that she just met and knew nothing about.
September 8, 2015
This book started off with a bang. The MC Erica gets into a crash in the middle of a snowstorm and manages to find her way to shelter before freezing to death. There she meets hunky Gabriel. Since they're in the middle of nowhere Maine, Erica's pretty much stuck for where she is for the foreseeable future with no access to a phone or Wi-Fi. With not much to do to pass the time Erica starts snooping and finds out some shocking things about Gabriel. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that I loved the chemistry between Erica and Gabriel. This is a great book for romance lovers.
August 21, 2018
I found this book very hard to read the flow of the story has me re-reading many parts just to understand what was going on. This has only ever happened with one other book by Victoria Pinder and I have read many of her books before. I had to keep reading to see what the mystery of the chateau and Gabriel, but at times I almost gave up. This book must be a very early work of this author as her writing style is a lot different and better of late. I really questioned the likely hood of this story happening and the recitations of the characters. I must say the last 20% of the book was the best to follow and read.
Erica Mira is driving in a snowstorm in the dead of winter in a very isolated mountain area when she loses control of her car and crushes. She is trapped with nowhere to go, it all white out there! She soon realises to say her life she must leave the car and find better shelter so off she goes to the deep snow to find a place to get help. Near hypothermia she arrives at a chateau that is in darkness but thank god the door was unlocked, she walks in and to find.
Gabriel Murphy is a mystery man living alone in an old snow resort chateau, but he helps the unexpected visitor to his home and offers assistance. Gabriel has very dark moods and has many secrets he does not want to share as he lives alone on the mountain with his own demons.
Erica finds him very sexy and intriguing and cant’ help her attraction to him even with his strange behaviour. Gabriel is not the only thing mysterious but also the chance has many strange occurrences which lead Erica to uncover a terrible secret.
Erica Mira is driving in a snowstorm in the dead of winter in a very isolated mountain area when she loses control of her car and crushes. She is trapped with nowhere to go, it all white out there! She soon realises to say her life she must leave the car and find better shelter so off she goes to the deep snow to find a place to get help. Near hypothermia she arrives at a chateau that is in darkness but thank god the door was unlocked, she walks in and to find.
Gabriel Murphy is a mystery man living alone in an old snow resort chateau, but he helps the unexpected visitor to his home and offers assistance. Gabriel has very dark moods and has many secrets he does not want to share as he lives alone on the mountain with his own demons.
Erica finds him very sexy and intriguing and cant’ help her attraction to him even with his strange behaviour. Gabriel is not the only thing mysterious but also the chance has many strange occurrences which lead Erica to uncover a terrible secret.
March 3, 2021
Hidden Gabriel - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Erica Mira's Mom is having cancer therapy, which is very expensive to fund, for a single person and her only sister has distanced herself.
While traveling towards snow-bound Maine, Erica has a skid/crash on a lonely road, where there's no phone signal to summon help, or alert her Mom why she's been delayed.
Where does Erica go for help?
Who's the mysterious Gabriel?
What strange noises does she hear that night at his isolated home on the mountain?
Hearing strange noises around the house when she's alone, plus, (ex-Marines Captain) Gabriel's daily disappearances plays havoc with Erica's imagination, especially when he seems to blow hot and cold in his emotions.
What happens when she tries to leave on foot?
Where does she find Tiffany's diary?
A mystery and a thrilling storyline make Hidden Gabriel another definite winner for Princess of Romantic Suspense, Victoria Pinder...get your copy today!
Erica Mira's Mom is having cancer therapy, which is very expensive to fund, for a single person and her only sister has distanced herself.
While traveling towards snow-bound Maine, Erica has a skid/crash on a lonely road, where there's no phone signal to summon help, or alert her Mom why she's been delayed.
Where does Erica go for help?
Who's the mysterious Gabriel?
What strange noises does she hear that night at his isolated home on the mountain?
Hearing strange noises around the house when she's alone, plus, (ex-Marines Captain) Gabriel's daily disappearances plays havoc with Erica's imagination, especially when he seems to blow hot and cold in his emotions.
What happens when she tries to leave on foot?
Where does she find Tiffany's diary?
A mystery and a thrilling storyline make Hidden Gabriel another definite winner for Princess of Romantic Suspense, Victoria Pinder...get your copy today!
May 28, 2017
Confusing
It was hard to keep up with the story. One minute they're in one room in the next paragraph it seems to be another room. I don't understand how when she tried on the slippers her feet were half out touching the floor because the size were so small but later she was able to fit into heels/snowshoes and it just be a "tight" fit. How she kept making a big deal of the size difference but was able to wear dresses and pants that zipped up but the shirts and sweaters showed her stomach because of the small fit. Why not just have him lend her some cloths. That was just one of the points that came coming up while I read. The ending seemed rushed and left questions unanswered.
It was hard to keep up with the story. One minute they're in one room in the next paragraph it seems to be another room. I don't understand how when she tried on the slippers her feet were half out touching the floor because the size were so small but later she was able to fit into heels/snowshoes and it just be a "tight" fit. How she kept making a big deal of the size difference but was able to wear dresses and pants that zipped up but the shirts and sweaters showed her stomach because of the small fit. Why not just have him lend her some cloths. That was just one of the points that came coming up while I read. The ending seemed rushed and left questions unanswered.
August 12, 2017
The story started out great, making me think of "Rebecca," but then it petered out with too much of Erica's repeated thoughts. There were were logical errors: switching from one room to the other without the characters moving, snow up past the windows and yet Erica was able to leave the house, etc. The story made it seem like Erica's "forward" behavior at the beginning was out of her control, yet by the conclusion, there was no logical explanation for it other than normal romance novel lust. The basic story was compelling, though. I just had a difficult time with its execution.
July 20, 2018
Tedious.
This was a strange book it was obviously attempting and a suspense/mystery but became tedious and repetitious. On reading the sample chapters of the two follow on books they followed the same recipe and used the same language. I got the distinct impression that if you've read one book you've read them all. This one is obvious in many ways but impossible in others. I ended up skimming through just to get to the end. I'm sure that someone who isn't as critical as I am will like it.
This was a strange book it was obviously attempting and a suspense/mystery but became tedious and repetitious. On reading the sample chapters of the two follow on books they followed the same recipe and used the same language. I got the distinct impression that if you've read one book you've read them all. This one is obvious in many ways but impossible in others. I ended up skimming through just to get to the end. I'm sure that someone who isn't as critical as I am will like it.
June 7, 2019
Wow quite an excellent romantic suspense from Ms.Pinder. Gabriel has lived in his Maine chalet for years seeking answers. Erica is trying to expand her business to Maine when she ends up in a blizzard. There were a few times the story slowed but the characters were awesome. Gabriel was a brooding reclusive and Erica was a get up and communicate type person. The story line kept you guessing the outcome up until the last couple of chapters. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Pinder.
June 5, 2020
Not well written, confusing, redundant
The sentence structure is so full of random, meaningless words, the main character references her need to call her mom about 10 times in the first chapter, character conversations and actions are random and meaningless. I do not recommend this book, but I do recommend the author either learn English better before writing novels, or if that isn’t the issue, the author should do something they understand how to do. I’m sorry, but this is the truth. I wish you well.
The sentence structure is so full of random, meaningless words, the main character references her need to call her mom about 10 times in the first chapter, character conversations and actions are random and meaningless. I do not recommend this book, but I do recommend the author either learn English better before writing novels, or if that isn’t the issue, the author should do something they understand how to do. I’m sorry, but this is the truth. I wish you well.
June 11, 2018
This story was like a fairytale. Olivia would rather read her romance stories rather than deal with snooty people. When her brother asks his friend Connor to let Olivia stay at his castle for protection, Olivia falls for Connor. When he asks her to be a pretend fiance, she agrees. But after an attempt on her life she forces herself to get her head out of the clouds and wants to know the real Connor. After all , she wants a happy ending.
July 30, 2019
Hidden Gabriel, the 1st book in A Frosted Game of Hearts series. Another great romantic suspense read from author Victoria Pinder, my fifty-first! I can't help but be amazed by the volume of writing she can produce in such a short time, and in such varied genres. I'm hooked on her ongoing family storylines; I'll be reading more by Victoria Pinder, and look forward to her next work in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 17, 2018
I love how the whole storyline has been portrayed. The story makes sure you stay on the edge of your seat. Such a gripping, nail-biting read that will leave you wanting to turn those pages till you have devoured the entire book. It will definitely leave you wanting to one click all of this authors books. I'm going to be keeping my eye on this one for sure.
January 6, 2020
Suspenseful, Mysterious and Deadly
Erica finds Gabriel's chateau after crashing her car during a snow storm. He is gracious, but standoffish and mysterious. They are attracted to each other, but he remains aloof even after they make love. Read this book for an intriguing story that ends romantically.
Erica finds Gabriel's chateau after crashing her car during a snow storm. He is gracious, but standoffish and mysterious. They are attracted to each other, but he remains aloof even after they make love. Read this book for an intriguing story that ends romantically.
November 7, 2022
A mystery worth reading
Erica crashed on her say to a meeting. Gabriel offers her safety but he's so mysterious and reclusive. The chalet has so many ghosts and rumor has it Gabriel is a murderer. Erica is determined to solve the mystery and maybe win Gabriel's heart. Twists and turns along with betrayal await the reader.
Erica crashed on her say to a meeting. Gabriel offers her safety but he's so mysterious and reclusive. The chalet has so many ghosts and rumor has it Gabriel is a murderer. Erica is determined to solve the mystery and maybe win Gabriel's heart. Twists and turns along with betrayal await the reader.
February 10, 2017
Treacherous Life
This thriller/suspense will keep you guessing. I absolutely love the twisted psychopath and how long they go about their terror. Twists and turns but you won't figure them all out until the end ~
This thriller/suspense will keep you guessing. I absolutely love the twisted psychopath and how long they go about their terror. Twists and turns but you won't figure them all out until the end ~
July 17, 2018
Cold Winout
Greatest read I’ve had in awhile. You have calamity, safety, stupidity, dander, romance, stupidly, and then danger again. All this to bring you an intriguing story; it is worth the read for enjoyment.
Greatest read I’ve had in awhile. You have calamity, safety, stupidity, dander, romance, stupidly, and then danger again. All this to bring you an intriguing story; it is worth the read for enjoyment.
August 1, 2018
Such an enjoyable read, so many secrets and twists. I loved the flow and the mystery of the story. Gabriel went from I want this to I don’t but was still an interesting and charming character, Erica was cute and fun.
September 3, 2019
I tried reading this on my way to work this morning. I got about 85 pages into it. It seems to be trying to be some kind of Gothic romance. Nothing makes sense and the characters are not relate-able at all. I'm finding it a real slog, with no reward, so I'm giving up now and cutting my losses.
December 31, 2019
Promising concept, with some truly eery moments but ruined at the end, which turned out to be a cheap horror movie thrill.
**Spoiler**
The story would have been much more powerful if it turned out that there was no one in the walls.
**Spoiler**
The story would have been much more powerful if it turned out that there was no one in the walls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
Wonderful love story/thriller. Erica is delightful. I enjoyed the story and hope that you do as well.
March 1, 2019
good story full of romance and suspense, steamy
March 20, 2019
i received a copy in exchange for an honest review
my review:https://nanasbookreviews.blogspot.com...
video: https://youtu.be/x9BYz9gBM-8
my review:https://nanasbookreviews.blogspot.com...
video: https://youtu.be/x9BYz9gBM-8
June 8, 2019
Allow a full day for this thriller which is definitely for mature adults only.
December 1, 2019
Murder and Sex
Winning combination! An exciting thriller and love story. Wonderful characters, this story grabs hold and won't let go! Awesome read.
Winning combination! An exciting thriller and love story. Wonderful characters, this story grabs hold and won't let go! Awesome read.
March 3, 2020
This story was full of suspense and steam. A wonderful book and great read.
July 27, 2020
Too weird
I couldn’t get into this. It was too weird and choppy in part sentences. Two stars cos it could get better but I gave up trying.
I couldn’t get into this. It was too weird and choppy in part sentences. Two stars cos it could get better but I gave up trying.
January 16, 2021
Great concept but not great writing. It just was a weird ass book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews