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To Win Her Heart
April Ashton needs to do something about her roommate from hell—who just happens to be her mother. If she doesn’t get her parents back together and get her mom out of her hair, she’ll go crazy. So April schemes to take them on a getaway to Mexico, hoping the vacation will lead to romance. And it does—but not in the way she expected. Because her parents have a plan of their own in mind, and it involves April and heartthrob race-car driver “Gunner” Stevens…
Originally published in 2004 under the title What a Girl Wants, in the anthology Mother, Please!
Originally published in 2004 under the title What a Girl Wants, in the anthology Mother, Please!
- GenresRomance
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2004
95 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,990 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 7, 2025
To Win Her Heart by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance. Originally published as What a Girl Wants in an anthology Mother, Please.
April Ashton wants to get her parents back together. Race car driver Gunner Stevens wants to buy her father’s business. April and Gunner decide to fake a relationship in front of her parents unaware that her parents are doing a little manipulating of their own.
Two romances in one short novella.
Not a lot of build up or depth but plenty of love and hea.
Contemporary romance. Originally published as What a Girl Wants in an anthology Mother, Please.
April Ashton wants to get her parents back together. Race car driver Gunner Stevens wants to buy her father’s business. April and Gunner decide to fake a relationship in front of her parents unaware that her parents are doing a little manipulating of their own.
Two romances in one short novella.
Not a lot of build up or depth but plenty of love and hea.
January 18, 2025
To Win Her Heart
4✨
4✨
January 26, 2019
FINAL DECISION: This story didn't work for me because I really didn't see any relationship between April and Gunner. Having both their relationship and the parents in the same short story was just too much ground to cover and not enough development for either.
THE STORY: April Ashton wants to help get her separated parents back together again. So she schemes to bring her mother to the company getaway, but part of that plan ends up being Gunner Stevens, a former race car driver who wants to buy her father's business. But the scheme necessitates April and Gunner to pretend to be in a relationship.
OPINION: There was nothing horribly wrong with this story, it was just that the short nature of the novella combined with the two romances in the story overloaded the story and meant that I just didn't get the development of the April and Gunner romance. The beginning of the story between them was really good, but once the time came for them to get emotionally close, I thought the story faltered. Things happened too quickly and without any real development between them. Gunner fell too fast and I just didn't buy that part of the story.
WORTH MENTIONING: This story was originally published under the title WHAT A GIRL WANTS in the MOTHER, PLEASE! anthology.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This book is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: April Ashton wants to help get her separated parents back together again. So she schemes to bring her mother to the company getaway, but part of that plan ends up being Gunner Stevens, a former race car driver who wants to buy her father's business. But the scheme necessitates April and Gunner to pretend to be in a relationship.
OPINION: There was nothing horribly wrong with this story, it was just that the short nature of the novella combined with the two romances in the story overloaded the story and meant that I just didn't get the development of the April and Gunner romance. The beginning of the story between them was really good, but once the time came for them to get emotionally close, I thought the story faltered. Things happened too quickly and without any real development between them. Gunner fell too fast and I just didn't buy that part of the story.
WORTH MENTIONING: This story was originally published under the title WHAT A GIRL WANTS in the MOTHER, PLEASE! anthology.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This book is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
December 10, 2020
To Win Her Heart was a great read by Brenda Novak. April Ashton has had her mother living with her and she's turned into the roomate from hell. She wants to get her parents back together before she goes crazy. She is scheming to get them together, while her parents have a scheme of their own. Which involves April and race car driver Gunner Stevens. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
February 2, 2019
Sweet story
I love all of Brenda Novak's books, this one included. What I didn't like is that it's a novella so it was way too short. The characters and plot line went too fast and it felt rushed. I wish it would have been a regular book and I would have enjoyed it more. It's the story of a woman who works in a lab who has been letting life pass her by. Her parents are in the process of a divorce and she is hoping to get them back together. So, she makes a drastic move, which results in a life altering event for her.
I love all of Brenda Novak's books, this one included. What I didn't like is that it's a novella so it was way too short. The characters and plot line went too fast and it felt rushed. I wish it would have been a regular book and I would have enjoyed it more. It's the story of a woman who works in a lab who has been letting life pass her by. Her parents are in the process of a divorce and she is hoping to get them back together. So, she makes a drastic move, which results in a life altering event for her.
May 9, 2025
"To Win Her Heart," a short novel by Brenda Novak, was definitely not her best. The chemistry between the two main characters, April and Gunner, did not jump off the page. The entire book felt a bit contrived and predictable. The setting was great (Cabo), and there were some fun aspects to it, but over all, it was not a fabulous book. It served its purpose as a piece of light chick lit to which I could listen while cooking, walking, etc, i.e. when I could not sit still to read a book with my eyes.
April is a thirty year old who has never been in love, which I found odd. She is a bit of a geek, but geeks fall in love. She is not happy that her parents' marriage is in the process of ending, and her mother is now living with April and driving her a bit mad. Most 30 year old women do not want their mothers to redecorate their homes, without permission. Her mother shows up at a party for the car dealership she and her soon to be ex own, on the arm of a very young man. Boy toy? Escort? Her cheating husband is hosting the party, but she feels entitled to be there. At said party, April meets a dashing race car driver who is interested in buying the business. This is why all these characters are together in Cabo for a week, (though not the boy toy), with April and Gunner pretending to be a couple.
A lot happens over the course of that week, mostly predictable. April is hoping her father will see her mother in a new light. Her parents are hoping April will finally find love. That is this story in a nutshell, without telling the ending. Meh! 3 stars.
April is a thirty year old who has never been in love, which I found odd. She is a bit of a geek, but geeks fall in love. She is not happy that her parents' marriage is in the process of ending, and her mother is now living with April and driving her a bit mad. Most 30 year old women do not want their mothers to redecorate their homes, without permission. Her mother shows up at a party for the car dealership she and her soon to be ex own, on the arm of a very young man. Boy toy? Escort? Her cheating husband is hosting the party, but she feels entitled to be there. At said party, April meets a dashing race car driver who is interested in buying the business. This is why all these characters are together in Cabo for a week, (though not the boy toy), with April and Gunner pretending to be a couple.
A lot happens over the course of that week, mostly predictable. April is hoping her father will see her mother in a new light. Her parents are hoping April will finally find love. That is this story in a nutshell, without telling the ending. Meh! 3 stars.
February 5, 2019
April sets out to get her parents back together but ends up falling in love with Gunner (her pretend boyfriend). Would have liked a little more story line to lead up to them ending up falling for each other but still enjoyed it. April is very smart and Gunner is popular race car driver who wants to buy her Dad's business. Nothing in common but still end up together.
March 8, 2019
This was a short romantic novella by Brenda Novak, the mistress of good romance. Gunnar wants to buy her father’s company and agrees to go with the family on a getaway to Cabo. The plot was totally predictable, but it was a light read that kept me entertained.
I own this book on my Nook and was not required to write a positive review.
I own this book on my Nook and was not required to write a positive review.
March 10, 2025
To Win Her Heart: A Heartfelt Romance Novel
This book focused on two couples. How a daughter came up with a plan to get her parents back together. While involving a guy who wants to buy her father’s company. While pretending to be together real feelings came up. Leading to two happy ever after relationships. I enjoyed reading it.
This book focused on two couples. How a daughter came up with a plan to get her parents back together. While involving a guy who wants to buy her father’s company. While pretending to be together real feelings came up. Leading to two happy ever after relationships. I enjoyed reading it.
April 5, 2019
Two love stories
This was a great book that had two love stories in one book. Gunner and Faith found each other while Faith was trying to break out of her dull life. She needed to step outside the box.
This was a great book that had two love stories in one book. Gunner and Faith found each other while Faith was trying to break out of her dull life. She needed to step outside the box.
August 26, 2019
Another Brenda Novak Hit.
I loved this story of love, forgiveness, new beginnings and renewed beginnings. To Win Her Heart is a winner with me. I recommend this book to all romantics. This book is romantic, sexy and unforgettable. Thank you Brenda.
I loved this story of love, forgiveness, new beginnings and renewed beginnings. To Win Her Heart is a winner with me. I recommend this book to all romantics. This book is romantic, sexy and unforgettable. Thank you Brenda.
January 17, 2020
Sweet story
Sweet love stories rolled into one book. It's amazing how Brenda builds the stories and characters to make you fall in love with them all and root for the perfect ending.
Sweet love stories rolled into one book. It's amazing how Brenda builds the stories and characters to make you fall in love with them all and root for the perfect ending.
July 23, 2019
What a super sweet romance. A perfect day at the beach or summer fun read!
October 20, 2019
Awesome
Another great book, Ms Novak never disappoints her readers. Gets you hooked the first page until the end. Riveting from page one to the end!
Another great book, Ms Novak never disappoints her readers. Gets you hooked the first page until the end. Riveting from page one to the end!
October 28, 2019
Great
Fast read, I love all Brenda Novak books that I have read so far and that is a lot. Sweet story
Fast read, I love all Brenda Novak books that I have read so far and that is a lot. Sweet story
November 30, 2019
I liked this story very much.
February 22, 2020
Taking a chance on love
This is a cute story of a couple who are polar opposites falling in love. I love the way Brenda Novak tells a story!
This is a cute story of a couple who are polar opposites falling in love. I love the way Brenda Novak tells a story!
April 1, 2020
He won her heart.
Contemporary romance novella. Two interconnected story lines, a new love begins and an old love begins anew. I only wish it has been longer.
Contemporary romance novella. Two interconnected story lines, a new love begins and an old love begins anew. I only wish it has been longer.
August 6, 2020
A sweet story
Even for a novella this story stuck to its premise. I liked how the characters were fleshed out and you knew who they were and what they wanted fairly quickly.
Even for a novella this story stuck to its premise. I liked how the characters were fleshed out and you knew who they were and what they wanted fairly quickly.
March 17, 2021
Cute story, predictable. A nice lighthearted read about falling in love.
May 15, 2021
Great story
What a great short heart felt story! I love how the underdog, the Cinderella blossoms and comes out victorious! Great story
What a great short heart felt story! I love how the underdog, the Cinderella blossoms and comes out victorious! Great story
December 10, 2022
Great love story. If you haven't read it yet, you should
March 15, 2023
To Win Her Heart
A very easy enjoyable read. Fans of Brenda Novak will love this truly heartwarming love story about first love and an old love rekindled.
A very easy enjoyable read. Fans of Brenda Novak will love this truly heartwarming love story about first love and an old love rekindled.
February 3, 2025
I received this book in an audiobook format. The narrator was enjoyable. The story was a great one to listen to. I loved the characters and how they interacted. It is a light hearted story with a happy outcome. It is a novella, so it is a quick listen.
April 18, 2025
Unfortunately this novella didn't work for me all that well. There were too many characters and storylines colliding with so little time to flesh them out. I didn't connect well with any of the characters and so it's largely forgettable.
The narrator, Pippa Vos, is good and I wouldn't mind listening to her with other material.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for the alc. All thoughts are my own.
The narrator, Pippa Vos, is good and I wouldn't mind listening to her with other material.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for the alc. All thoughts are my own.
April 27, 2019
Awesome
Awesome book, I love all of Brenda’s books. She never disappoints. Great story and I liked how it was about the parents too
Awesome book, I love all of Brenda’s books. She never disappoints. Great story and I liked how it was about the parents too
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews