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Carter's Cove Beach Romance #5
She Loves Him...Not
They've been out before, and now they work in the same kitchen at The Heartwood Inn. Gwen isn't interested in getting anything filleted but fish, because Teagan's broken her heart before... Can Teagan and Gwen manage their professional relationship without letting feelings get in the way?
Gwen Heartwood has a love-hate relationship with nearly everything in her life. She likes managing the dining services at the family owned and operated Heartwood Inn...unless she's dealing with angry customers, crushing deadlines, and not enough kitchen staff.
She definitely likes Teagan Hatch still...but the man broke up with her on her doorstep on the night she thought they'd share their first kiss. No explanation. No apology. They've been working together in the kitchens at The Heartwood Inn for the last six months, but things are...strained to say the least.
Teagan has a lot on his plate, but he finally comes to terms with the secrets he's been harboring, and he realizes he has to share them with other people if he wants to keep those people in his life. He's lost Gwen once, and he wants her back. So he bravely tells her the reason he broke up with her last time, and they start dating again.
As Gwen learns more and more about Teagan, she finds herself slipping toward falling all the way in love with him. When he resists confessing everything at once, she regains her footing. She loves him...she loves him not.
Will Teagan lay everything on the line for a shot at having Gwen in his life for good? Or will a relationship between them be too tumultuous to survive?
Read all the Carter's Cove Beach Romance novels:
1. Boyfriend By Mistake
2. Accidental Sweetheart
3. Bodyguard, Not Boyfriend
4. Not Her Real Fiancé
5. She Loves Him...Not
Clean Beach Club Billionaire Romance:
1. The Brainy Billionaire
2. The Brawny Billionaire
3. The Bashful Billionaire
4. The Brazen Billionaire
5. The Billionaire's Bodyguard
6. The Billionaire's Boyfriend
7. The Brave Billionaire
8. The Belated Billionaire
Hawthorne Harbor Second Chance Romance:
1. The Paramedic's Second Chance
2. The Chief's Second Chance
3. The Firefighter's Second Chance
4. The Officer's Second Chance
5. The Soldier's Second Chance
6. The Captain's Second Chance
Brides & Beaches Romance:
1. The Helicopter Pilot's Bride
2. The Billionaire's Bride
3. The Prince's Bride
4. The Doctor's Bride
5. The Rockstar's Bride
6. The Carpenter's Bride
Forbidden Lake Romance:
1. The Professor's Secret Crush
2. The Lumberjack's Secret Guest
3. The Owner's Secret Client
4. The Billionaire's Secret Flame
5. The Rockstar's Secret Weakness
6. The Biker's Secret Girlfriend
Stranded in Paradise Romance:
1. Stranded with the Hidden Billionaire
2. Stranded with the SEAL
3. Stranded with the Quarterback
4. Stranded with the Cowboy Billionaire
Gwen Heartwood has a love-hate relationship with nearly everything in her life. She likes managing the dining services at the family owned and operated Heartwood Inn...unless she's dealing with angry customers, crushing deadlines, and not enough kitchen staff.
She definitely likes Teagan Hatch still...but the man broke up with her on her doorstep on the night she thought they'd share their first kiss. No explanation. No apology. They've been working together in the kitchens at The Heartwood Inn for the last six months, but things are...strained to say the least.
Teagan has a lot on his plate, but he finally comes to terms with the secrets he's been harboring, and he realizes he has to share them with other people if he wants to keep those people in his life. He's lost Gwen once, and he wants her back. So he bravely tells her the reason he broke up with her last time, and they start dating again.
As Gwen learns more and more about Teagan, she finds herself slipping toward falling all the way in love with him. When he resists confessing everything at once, she regains her footing. She loves him...she loves him not.
Will Teagan lay everything on the line for a shot at having Gwen in his life for good? Or will a relationship between them be too tumultuous to survive?
Read all the Carter's Cove Beach Romance novels:
1. Boyfriend By Mistake
2. Accidental Sweetheart
3. Bodyguard, Not Boyfriend
4. Not Her Real Fiancé
5. She Loves Him...Not
Clean Beach Club Billionaire Romance:
1. The Brainy Billionaire
2. The Brawny Billionaire
3. The Bashful Billionaire
4. The Brazen Billionaire
5. The Billionaire's Bodyguard
6. The Billionaire's Boyfriend
7. The Brave Billionaire
8. The Belated Billionaire
Hawthorne Harbor Second Chance Romance:
1. The Paramedic's Second Chance
2. The Chief's Second Chance
3. The Firefighter's Second Chance
4. The Officer's Second Chance
5. The Soldier's Second Chance
6. The Captain's Second Chance
Brides & Beaches Romance:
1. The Helicopter Pilot's Bride
2. The Billionaire's Bride
3. The Prince's Bride
4. The Doctor's Bride
5. The Rockstar's Bride
6. The Carpenter's Bride
Forbidden Lake Romance:
1. The Professor's Secret Crush
2. The Lumberjack's Secret Guest
3. The Owner's Secret Client
4. The Billionaire's Secret Flame
5. The Rockstar's Secret Weakness
6. The Biker's Secret Girlfriend
Stranded in Paradise Romance:
1. Stranded with the Hidden Billionaire
2. Stranded with the SEAL
3. Stranded with the Quarterback
4. Stranded with the Cowboy Billionaire
- GenresClean Romance
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2019
193 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,086 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 1, 2023
The Heartwood Chef is the fifth and final book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Gwen Heartwood loves her job managing the dining services at her family’s inn unless she’s dealing with angry customers, deadlines and short staffing. Though she hates her job,
she likes Teagan Hatch, the inn’s head chef. But he broke her heart without explanation and no apology. They continue to work side by side, a bit strained, but it’s working. Teagan is keeping many secrets. He’s a man who has been burned in the past and has a hard time trusting others with his deepest secrets. When he realized he wants Gwen back, he also realized he needs to reveal his secrets. After he reveals why he broke up with her and offers the apology Gwen has needed, they start dating again. Their new relationship seems to be on an edge when Gwen realizes that Teagan still hasn’t told her everything. Will he finally trust her completely or will this be the final end to their relationship?
The Heartwood Chef is a nice close to the Heartwood sisters saga. The series has been filled with angst, relational issues, and growth for the couples. Gwen and Teagan’s story is filled with angst more so than the previous stories. Teagan has so much more history and much more relational issues. While he was attracted to Gwen, he had issues and concerns that stopped him from pursuing the desires of his heart. I enjoyed that Teagan allowed himself to be vulnerable and acknowledged that he needed help. He didn’t want to lose Gwen again and he wanted to do all he could to make sure he did right by Gwen. Gwen was confused about their sudden break up and she pined for him as they worked together side by side. As Teagan learns to open up, Gwen learns what it means to be a supportive partner. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Chef. It was a nice wrap up as readers say goodbye to the Heartwoods. I recommend it and the entire Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series.
The Heartwood Chef is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
she likes Teagan Hatch, the inn’s head chef. But he broke her heart without explanation and no apology. They continue to work side by side, a bit strained, but it’s working. Teagan is keeping many secrets. He’s a man who has been burned in the past and has a hard time trusting others with his deepest secrets. When he realized he wants Gwen back, he also realized he needs to reveal his secrets. After he reveals why he broke up with her and offers the apology Gwen has needed, they start dating again. Their new relationship seems to be on an edge when Gwen realizes that Teagan still hasn’t told her everything. Will he finally trust her completely or will this be the final end to their relationship?
The Heartwood Chef is a nice close to the Heartwood sisters saga. The series has been filled with angst, relational issues, and growth for the couples. Gwen and Teagan’s story is filled with angst more so than the previous stories. Teagan has so much more history and much more relational issues. While he was attracted to Gwen, he had issues and concerns that stopped him from pursuing the desires of his heart. I enjoyed that Teagan allowed himself to be vulnerable and acknowledged that he needed help. He didn’t want to lose Gwen again and he wanted to do all he could to make sure he did right by Gwen. Gwen was confused about their sudden break up and she pined for him as they worked together side by side. As Teagan learns to open up, Gwen learns what it means to be a supportive partner. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Chef. It was a nice wrap up as readers say goodbye to the Heartwoods. I recommend it and the entire Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series.
The Heartwood Chef is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
May 24, 2023
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Gwen Heartwood has a love-hate relationship with nearly everything in her life. She likes managing the dining services at the family owned and operated Heartwood Inn...unless she's dealing with angry customers, crushing deadlines, and not enough kitchen staff.
She definitely likes Teagan Hatch still...but the man broke up with her on her doorstep on the night she thought they'd share their first kiss. No explanation. No apology. They've been working together in the kitchens at The Heartwood Inn for the last six months, but things are...strained to say the least.
Teagan has a lot on his plate, but he finally comes to terms with the secrets he's been harboring, and he realizes he has to share them with other people if he wants to keep those people in his life. He's lost Gwen once, and he wants her back. So he bravely tells her the reason he broke up with her last time, and they start dating again.
As Gwen learns more and more about Teagan, she finds herself slipping toward falling all the way in love with him. When he resists confessing everything at once, she regains her footing. She loves him...she loves him not.
Will Teagan lay everything on the line for a shot at having Gwen in his life for good? Or will a relationship between them be too tumultuous to survive?
MY TAKE
One of the tough things in coming into a romance when you're a little older is that you bring baggage with you from previous relationships. That's especially the case with Teagan, and his is really pulling him down.
He stole Gwen's heart when they dated the last time, as she did hers. But his history kept him from moving beyond it. The last six months have been really hard for both them, but he finally decides to try again. Lucky for him, she's willing to give him a second chance. Their time together is sweet, but Gwen can tell things still aren't right.
A love tale of getting out of your way.
Gwen Heartwood has a love-hate relationship with nearly everything in her life. She likes managing the dining services at the family owned and operated Heartwood Inn...unless she's dealing with angry customers, crushing deadlines, and not enough kitchen staff.
She definitely likes Teagan Hatch still...but the man broke up with her on her doorstep on the night she thought they'd share their first kiss. No explanation. No apology. They've been working together in the kitchens at The Heartwood Inn for the last six months, but things are...strained to say the least.
Teagan has a lot on his plate, but he finally comes to terms with the secrets he's been harboring, and he realizes he has to share them with other people if he wants to keep those people in his life. He's lost Gwen once, and he wants her back. So he bravely tells her the reason he broke up with her last time, and they start dating again.
As Gwen learns more and more about Teagan, she finds herself slipping toward falling all the way in love with him. When he resists confessing everything at once, she regains her footing. She loves him...she loves him not.
Will Teagan lay everything on the line for a shot at having Gwen in his life for good? Or will a relationship between them be too tumultuous to survive?
MY TAKE
One of the tough things in coming into a romance when you're a little older is that you bring baggage with you from previous relationships. That's especially the case with Teagan, and his is really pulling him down.
He stole Gwen's heart when they dated the last time, as she did hers. But his history kept him from moving beyond it. The last six months have been really hard for both them, but he finally decides to try again. Lucky for him, she's willing to give him a second chance. Their time together is sweet, but Gwen can tell things still aren't right.
A love tale of getting out of your way.
March 12, 2023
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Gwen Heartwood manages the dining services at their family owned inn. She dated head chef Teagan Hatch, but he broke up with her. When he indicates he thinks he made a mistake, they decide to try again. When that try fails, he decides to get things in his life in line so he can try again. An uplifting story about family, communication, and relationships.
February 23, 2021
Loved series
I really enjoyed this author! I've read all 5 books in this series and the characters and storylines were amazing. I'm sorry there aren't any more. Such a great read in each book. I hope to see more from this author!
I really enjoyed this author! I've read all 5 books in this series and the characters and storylines were amazing. I'm sorry there aren't any more. Such a great read in each book. I hope to see more from this author!
June 9, 2021
A lovely multiple chances romances. I liked the journey of working through your past to be your best self for your future. I think this was one of the best of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 7, 2020
This book and the last one had a lot of ups and downs in the relationships and in a way was a nice change from insanely perfect.
December 26, 2019
Sisterhood
So much love, hard work and determination in this series. The sisters support each other at work and determination. The world would be a better place if more families were like this~
So much love, hard work and determination in this series. The sisters support each other at work and determination. The world would be a better place if more families were like this~
December 1, 2019
Teagan works as head chef at the Heartwood Inn. Gwen Heartwood is his boss. Can they get over his past things with relationships and make one of their own? It never hurts to try – or maybe it does – again and again and again.
August 8, 2019
I love this book because it is dealing with real problems from a previous relationship and how Teagan feels about himself because of his choices years ago. These feeling may be unfounded but they are real feeling and the only way he can move on is to finally get closure from the past. I have been with friends who have gone through similar emotions and no matter what you tell them they had to get the closure their own way in their own time. The feelings Teagan had about his past decisions were very accurate and Gwen's feelings about him breaking up with her without any reason and after they get back together when she breaks up with him even though she is starting to fall in love with him are very real. You will be pushing for Teagan to figure out what the problem is and fix it so they can be together because they are perfect for each other.
October 23, 2019
She wants him...but only if she can have all of him!
Ànother sweet Carter's Cove romance, will the final sister get her HEA?
We all have emotional baggage but Teagan has enough baggage to sink a ship...there is no way he can ask Gwen to take on twenty years of baggage is there? And there is no way he wants to unpack any of that baggage...can't he just padlock it shut and pretend it's not there? But he needs Gwen in his life, he loves her and she makes him want to be a better man....her man. Is he strong enough to face his past and the secrets he buried there? Without doing so he cannot have the future he so desperately wants!
Gwen is the final sister...does this mean this is the final book in the Carter's Cove series? Or will Ms Johnson find a way to sneak a few more in for us? I read this on Kindle Unlimited and enjoyed it just as much as the first four in the series.
Ànother sweet Carter's Cove romance, will the final sister get her HEA?
We all have emotional baggage but Teagan has enough baggage to sink a ship...there is no way he can ask Gwen to take on twenty years of baggage is there? And there is no way he wants to unpack any of that baggage...can't he just padlock it shut and pretend it's not there? But he needs Gwen in his life, he loves her and she makes him want to be a better man....her man. Is he strong enough to face his past and the secrets he buried there? Without doing so he cannot have the future he so desperately wants!
Gwen is the final sister...does this mean this is the final book in the Carter's Cove series? Or will Ms Johnson find a way to sneak a few more in for us? I read this on Kindle Unlimited and enjoyed it just as much as the first four in the series.
September 3, 2019
Can they make their third chance work
I love that Gwen is well rounded and happy. I like that she knows what she wants and deserves, and is willing to work and wait for it. I love that Teagan knows he has problems, but is willing to seek help and to figure out what he has to do to heal and become whole. I like that both Gwen and Teagan are patient and are willing to wait for each other and work to overcome the problems they have. I liked revisiting Celeste’s and Brad’s engagement and peeking in on Teagan’s proposal to Gwen.
I love that Gwen is well rounded and happy. I like that she knows what she wants and deserves, and is willing to work and wait for it. I love that Teagan knows he has problems, but is willing to seek help and to figure out what he has to do to heal and become whole. I like that both Gwen and Teagan are patient and are willing to wait for each other and work to overcome the problems they have. I liked revisiting Celeste’s and Brad’s engagement and peeking in on Teagan’s proposal to Gwen.
September 5, 2019
She Loves Him...Not is an enemies to lovers romance, but the reason that they're enemies is because of a sudden breakup; so it's also a second chance romance. Gwen and Teagan are likable and easy to empathize with. I found the setting of the resort kitchen to be interesting. The plot has some twists to it. The HEA is sweet. I recommend this book to clean/wholesome romance readers. I intend to read more by this author as I have always enjoyed anything of hers that I've read. I obtained my copy through KU.
August 28, 2019
Right off the bat, these two had me invested in their happy ever after. There’s not much I love more than a successful second chance. And Gwen and Teagan had me seriously questioning how successful they were going to be with any number of second chances. Their story is sweet and emotional and everything I love best when the one that got away comes back again.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
September 1, 2019
Gwen is a part owner and chef at the inn , Teagan is a chef there too. They went out previously but Teagan broke it off because he had a secret he didn't want to share.
They worked together with difficulty for six months, then Teagan asks for a second chance, but he still has issues. Will Gwen give him a third chance?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Another great read from Elana, the end of the series I think as not sure there are anymore sisters!
They worked together with difficulty for six months, then Teagan asks for a second chance, but he still has issues. Will Gwen give him a third chance?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Another great read from Elana, the end of the series I think as not sure there are anymore sisters!
September 2, 2019
It was good to revisit the Heartwood family. Gwen and Teagan are the classic can’t live with them, can’t live without them couple. Elana Johnson has done her usually terrific job giving us characters that don’t fit a mold. There were times when I wondered if this might be the first story without a happily ever after. Well, maybe not really but I did at times wonder if he was worth the waiting. Thank you for this out of the box story.
September 3, 2019
she Loves Him
Teagan and Gwen had broken up once. Now months later and still Gwen is having trouble moving on. Teagan couldn't tell Gwen his secret so he felt it best to let her go. But he couldn't let go. So he hopes to try again.
Enjoyed the book. It was touching. Learning to work through all your issues and the issues that come with a relationship. You can only hope and pray that they make you stronger.
Teagan and Gwen had broken up once. Now months later and still Gwen is having trouble moving on. Teagan couldn't tell Gwen his secret so he felt it best to let her go. But he couldn't let go. So he hopes to try again.
Enjoyed the book. It was touching. Learning to work through all your issues and the issues that come with a relationship. You can only hope and pray that they make you stronger.
September 5, 2019
Another enemies to lovers romance! Teagan and Gwen dated before but he broke things off with no explanation. But their attraction still grows while working together each day in the restaurant kitchen of her families Heartwood Inn. They decide to try again, but Teagan has lots of baggage from his past that needs to be resolved. This is a great love story about renewal and commitment. I love that it is written about older characters. Don’t miss this clean short read from Elana Johnson!
August 9, 2019
A quick sweet beach read. Teagan and Gwen have a history. He broke her heart once. Can they ever work through their problems? Will the third time finally work out for them? Only if he deals with his past. I recommend this book. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion.
September 2, 2019
Hey look, adults that act and talk like adults!
I love that the main characters love each other but know they are not both in a place that is conducive to a healthy relationship. They talk about the hard stuff that and go do what needs doing to make their relationship work. They may have doubts and fear, but go work those things out.
I love that the main characters love each other but know they are not both in a place that is conducive to a healthy relationship. They talk about the hard stuff that and go do what needs doing to make their relationship work. They may have doubts and fear, but go work those things out.
September 3, 2019
I loved this book. I so admired how well Teagen and Gwen worked with each other even after breaking up. There was such growth for both of these characters especially Teagen. A really sweet second chance love story and reconciliation between family. Would love a follow up book - no cliffhanger but I just really loved this couple.
September 13, 2019
The Heartwood sisters are back with Gwen's story. I would day this is more of a second chance story. Teagan and Gwen dated briefly until Teagan broke up with her suddenly and for no reason. Teagan is wonderful but doubts his ability to have any relationships. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 18, 2019
Fantastic Book!
Gwen and Teagan had a hard road to travel. When you can't let go of your past it makes it very hard to have an easy future. That is something Teagan found out the hard way. Very interesting book.
Gwen and Teagan had a hard road to travel. When you can't let go of your past it makes it very hard to have an easy future. That is something Teagan found out the hard way. Very interesting book.
September 19, 2019
This novel was okay, not the best that I have read but definitely not the worst. I enjoyed this book for the majority of the storyline but towards the end I felt it was too drawn out. I wish they could have wrapped it up a little sooner, I feel like it would have worked out better.
October 24, 2019
On Again Off Again
This wasn't my favorite of the series. There was too much angst and it overshadowed the romance. It was good to see a single male who had a positive relationship with his adult daughter.
This wasn't my favorite of the series. There was too much angst and it overshadowed the romance. It was good to see a single male who had a positive relationship with his adult daughter.
August 17, 2019
This was a fun read. It was a great second chance at romance and working through the past together. This is a sweet, clean romance.
September 2, 2019
Great series
Another great book by one of my favorite authors. I loved Gwen and Teagan's story. A sweet read of love that takes more than one chance to get it right.
Another great book by one of my favorite authors. I loved Gwen and Teagan's story. A sweet read of love that takes more than one chance to get it right.
September 5, 2019
I enjoy reading about the Heartwood family. Gwen & Teagan make a great team. It is great to read a clean story with Love, romance and challenges.
September 8, 2019
Wonderful!
Awesome character develop and story. Loved this couple and their story. This whole series has been awesome. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Awesome character develop and story. Loved this couple and their story. This whole series has been awesome. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews