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Determined Hearts
She had to find out why the most handsome man in America had disappeared.
Angry that she bribed her way onto his mountain—reachable only by helicopter—he’s determined his story and all photographs stay on the mountain. He doesn’t trust her, and he doesn’t care that returning with no story could ruin her career. His project is far more important.
She’s equally determined to reveal why he left New York City at the height of his cover model career.
And then, their lives are put in danger.
"Danger, drama, and a sizzling romance...Determined Hearts kept me turning pages until the end."
Angry that she bribed her way onto his mountain—reachable only by helicopter—he’s determined his story and all photographs stay on the mountain. He doesn’t trust her, and he doesn’t care that returning with no story could ruin her career. His project is far more important.
She’s equally determined to reveal why he left New York City at the height of his cover model career.
And then, their lives are put in danger.
"Danger, drama, and a sizzling romance...Determined Hearts kept me turning pages until the end."
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
283 people want to read
About the author
Diana Stout
29 books214 followersDiana Stout, MFA, PhD, is an award-winning writer: screenwriter, author, blogger, writing coach, and former English professor of writing classes.
She writes across the genres: thriller, literary, romance, resource how-to guides, a cookbook, and women's fiction.
She writes full time and travels with a crowd: characters demanding she write their story next and those who have crossed through the veil.
When not writing, she enjoys movies, puzzles, and lunching with friends.
She writes across the genres: thriller, literary, romance, resource how-to guides, a cookbook, and women's fiction.
She writes full time and travels with a crowd: characters demanding she write their story next and those who have crossed through the veil.
When not writing, she enjoys movies, puzzles, and lunching with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 9, 2016
Diana Stout's novel 'Determined Hearts' is an adventure-romance that I really enjoyed. It is the story of a half-Shoshone Indian, a handsome hunk named Hawk Hunter, who disappeared without trace five years ago at the peak of his book-cover modeling career. His goal? To re-establish bald eagles in his ancestral lands, the Snake River Valley in Idaho, with full support from the government. He refuses all interviews and shuns publicity, desiring to keep the area as private and pristine as possible, at least until the eagles have settled and multiplied in the area. The only way to enter this area is by helicopter—with his knowledge.
Jennifer Frost, age 26, is a strong, self-reliant adventure loving wildlife photojournalist in addition to being beautiful and tenacious.
Edward, a conniving, crooked publisher sends Jennifer on a do-or-die mission: Get an exclusive story on Hawk Hunter and get promoted; fail and get fired. Edward misinforms her that permission has been obtained, and does not inform her of his personal enmity with Hawk.
Determined to get the story and exclusive photographs, Jennifer arrives at the Snake River Valley by helicopter along with Hawk's monthly staples. Hawk, determined to save his eagles and with a clampdown on information released, makes it clear that she is not welcome, and no information can leave the valley without his permission. He's also spotted poachers in the valley, which is a bad sign...
They have an uneasy truce, since she will have to remain in the valley for two weeks. With no other accommodation, they will have to share the only primitive cabin. Jennifer's frost (pun on her second name) melts when she sees Hawk, and he is also not immune to her charms. They find they share the same wavelength, starting with caring for Nature, love for the outdoors, etc. Though neither is willing to give up or compromise and give up their mutually opposing goals, they are comfortable with each other, caring for and protecting the other.
So how does it all pan out? What are the poachers after? Do the protagonists perform artificial respiration on each other or more? Read the book and enjoy it.
What did I like in addition to the plot? The lyrical descriptions of wildlife, which brought the scenes alive and empathy on how the protagonists would have felt. I hope there is a sequel, and that I get a chance to read it.
I thank the author Dr. Diana Stout for providing me a free soft copy of 'Determined Hearts' for an unbiased review.
Jennifer Frost, age 26, is a strong, self-reliant adventure loving wildlife photojournalist in addition to being beautiful and tenacious.
Edward, a conniving, crooked publisher sends Jennifer on a do-or-die mission: Get an exclusive story on Hawk Hunter and get promoted; fail and get fired. Edward misinforms her that permission has been obtained, and does not inform her of his personal enmity with Hawk.
Determined to get the story and exclusive photographs, Jennifer arrives at the Snake River Valley by helicopter along with Hawk's monthly staples. Hawk, determined to save his eagles and with a clampdown on information released, makes it clear that she is not welcome, and no information can leave the valley without his permission. He's also spotted poachers in the valley, which is a bad sign...
They have an uneasy truce, since she will have to remain in the valley for two weeks. With no other accommodation, they will have to share the only primitive cabin. Jennifer's frost (pun on her second name) melts when she sees Hawk, and he is also not immune to her charms. They find they share the same wavelength, starting with caring for Nature, love for the outdoors, etc. Though neither is willing to give up or compromise and give up their mutually opposing goals, they are comfortable with each other, caring for and protecting the other.
So how does it all pan out? What are the poachers after? Do the protagonists perform artificial respiration on each other or more? Read the book and enjoy it.
What did I like in addition to the plot? The lyrical descriptions of wildlife, which brought the scenes alive and empathy on how the protagonists would have felt. I hope there is a sequel, and that I get a chance to read it.
I thank the author Dr. Diana Stout for providing me a free soft copy of 'Determined Hearts' for an unbiased review.
July 20, 2020
Two determined people, each with their own mission, join their hearts and their lives.
Determined Hearts is a contemporary romance, written by Diana Stout, and released by Sharpened Pencils Productions.
To get that one perfect shot, Jennifer Frost, fledgling wildlife photographer, travels to the outback of Idaho to interview reclusive naturalist Hawk Hunter. If she succeeds, she'll put her career on the fast track. Little does she know what she's in for.
Former cover model Hawk Who Flies Alone Hunter gave up the glitz and glam to follow a dream instilled by his Native ancestors to preserve endangered wildlife in the Salmon River Mountains of Idaho. The high life was not the only thing this enigmatic man gave up—indoor plumbing, running water and electricity are not on his agenda for living the way he chooses.
It takes all kinds, as Jennifer soon discovers, but digs in her heels and refuses to give up. As she soon learns, Hawk is dug in—deeper and infinitely harder. Their attraction is immediate, mutual and intense. As they strive to fulfill their personal goals in life, their secrets are uncovered slowly and surely and each learns new and exciting things about life and love.
If you enjoy a good, tension filled seduction set in the back-woods of nowhere, where survival skills will save your life, Determined Hearts is the book for you. Well done, Ms. Stout.
On a scale of 1-5, Determined Hearts deserves a 4.5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
June 26, 2016
I received a pdf file of this book for an honest review.
In Determined Hearts, you follow Jennifer as she tries to follow the famous Hawk Hunter while he introduces Bald Eagles on his ancestors' mountains in Iowa. Trying to leave her current boss for a big name wildlife magazine, she strikes a deal, only catch, she has to write an article for both companies. Being forced to spend two weeks with Hawk, Jennifer starts to question if she wants to pursue her love of photography or her womanly desire to the ex romance novel model.
You also follow Hawk, a Native American who grew weary of the city life. Making a promise to his great grandfather, Hawk leave New York to reintroduce Bald Eagles in his ancestors old land. With the unannounced arrival on Jennifer, Hawk starts to wonder if his living in solitude was actually suppose to be easy, or if having a companion is what he needed.... Just like his Eagles.
When I first started, Determined Hearts, I was under the impression of a guilty pleasure novel that a wife hides from her husband. There was quite a bit of sexual tension going on between the two characters, starting from chapter 1.
As it progressed, a little more (other than sex) was introduced.
Plot.
The plot was difficult to spot. In the end, it was a typical guy gets the girl. Both goals are met.
The goal I enjoyed was Hawk's. From before Jennifer showed up. His goal on his Eagles.
I don't really have a favorite character. If I had to choose, it would probably be Jennifer, due to her strong will and lack of needing help from Hawk.
Like I had mentioned earlier, I kinda had a moment where I wanted to stop due to the sexual tension. There was a bit. The sexual attraction between the two characters were a little much. The sexual scenes themselves were quick, to the point. There weren't a lot of details, which I particularly liked.
In the end, this book received 4 out of 5 stars. If the sexual tension didn't start as soon as it did, it would be a full 5 star.
I do recommend if you want a light read. But if you are looking for a guilty pleasure, this isn't it.
In Determined Hearts, you follow Jennifer as she tries to follow the famous Hawk Hunter while he introduces Bald Eagles on his ancestors' mountains in Iowa. Trying to leave her current boss for a big name wildlife magazine, she strikes a deal, only catch, she has to write an article for both companies. Being forced to spend two weeks with Hawk, Jennifer starts to question if she wants to pursue her love of photography or her womanly desire to the ex romance novel model.
You also follow Hawk, a Native American who grew weary of the city life. Making a promise to his great grandfather, Hawk leave New York to reintroduce Bald Eagles in his ancestors old land. With the unannounced arrival on Jennifer, Hawk starts to wonder if his living in solitude was actually suppose to be easy, or if having a companion is what he needed.... Just like his Eagles.
When I first started, Determined Hearts, I was under the impression of a guilty pleasure novel that a wife hides from her husband. There was quite a bit of sexual tension going on between the two characters, starting from chapter 1.
As it progressed, a little more (other than sex) was introduced.
Plot.
The plot was difficult to spot. In the end, it was a typical guy gets the girl. Both goals are met.
The goal I enjoyed was Hawk's. From before Jennifer showed up. His goal on his Eagles.
I don't really have a favorite character. If I had to choose, it would probably be Jennifer, due to her strong will and lack of needing help from Hawk.
Like I had mentioned earlier, I kinda had a moment where I wanted to stop due to the sexual tension. There was a bit. The sexual attraction between the two characters were a little much. The sexual scenes themselves were quick, to the point. There weren't a lot of details, which I particularly liked.
In the end, this book received 4 out of 5 stars. If the sexual tension didn't start as soon as it did, it would be a full 5 star.
I do recommend if you want a light read. But if you are looking for a guilty pleasure, this isn't it.
June 25, 2016
I originally read and enjoyed an earlier version of this book. Although I'm not a fan of living in the wilderness, Jennifer's resourcefulness and the ease with which this city girl adapts to life off the grid makes her a strong character. Hawk is the perfect hero: strong, compassionate, and principled. There is danger, drama, and sizzling romance in this book, and it kept me turning pages until the end.
June 1, 2016
I enjoyed reading this story. I like this romantic trope...just the two of them stuck on a mountain for two weeks. The forced intimacy of them in that environment -- a small, rustic cabin -- made a great setting. Throw in some suspense with the poachers and this story held my interest and I wanted to keep reading. I really enjoyed the banter between the hero and heroine.
October 3, 2016
Nice romance. I particularly enjoyed the mountaintop setting and liked both MCs. Pleasant weekend read.
March 2, 2024
Fantastic story! Sensual, descriptive, and well-written!
I love action, adventure, and romance! This book delivered! My favorite part is the last chapter. Hawk and Jennifer both got what they wanted...and a little bit more! I heartily recommend this book!
I love action, adventure, and romance! This book delivered! My favorite part is the last chapter. Hawk and Jennifer both got what they wanted...and a little bit more! I heartily recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews