Socialite Carolyn Roth-Roberts has to make some changes.Her husband is incarcerated, along with her ex-lover. The man she thought she once loved is married with children, to her half-sister. For the first time in her life she realizes her happiness should not depend on any man. It's time to walk a path of her own making to find inner peace and love. It is now all about Carolyn. A change is gonna come. . . Prince LaVere Ashro of Emure has had his share of lovers. Not one has inspired him to follow the royal family's forced plans for marriage. He was sowing his royal oats in the United States to avoid the aristocratic lifestyle of his country. During one such venture he spoils an attempted murder of a senator with information on a plot to steal the Presidential election. The incident forces LaVere back to his homeland with a woman he had made every effort to avoid. Change can be good. . . With her father’s life and the Presidency at stake, Carolyn places the safety of both in the hands of a man she finds intolerable. LaVere is determined to save the re-election of the President and the senator’s life while battling his growing feelings for the self-centered temptress known as Carolyn Roth-Roberts. LaVere and Carolyn will soon discover, fight as you may but The Heart Always Wins……
Iris Bolling is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of five series totaling over thirty romantic suspense novels. In addition to writing, she has produced and directed several books to film projects, and scriptwriting projects for other authors.
I am a huge fan of this author and The Heart Series. So naturally when I heard that Carolyn was getting her own story my interest was piqued. Carolyn is one of those hard to like characters but when she comes through for the home team, you have to be like, well alright Carolyn we see you. Let me tell you Iris has brought a little redemption to this character. The story starts off with a mystery. Senator Roth is attacked and Prince LaVere (with his fine self) agrees to move the family temporarily to Africa for safety. Little Gavin was a little jerk in this story. I can understand his misplaced anger much like his mother they needed to heal. Lena was such a comic relief in this story. She is the kind of down to earth character that has flaws but keeps it real.
Before I go any further you do not have to read the other stories in this series to understand this one HOWEVER the other stories are just that great you would want to.
I wont recap the story but just highlight what I liked and disliked about the story. I loved that we got to see Carolyn grow and live in her truth. She was a spoiled brat and LaVere showed her what kindness and what love looks like. Let me say some good loving looks good on Carolyn. I think LaVere showing Gavin attention and being a man of no nonsense is what drew Carolyn in. He did not allow her to run him. I loved reading about their courtship and going through the village and speaking on change.
I know this is her redemption story but I didn’t like how the author made it seem that she was the driving force behind J.D.’s Presidency. She may have helped J.D. initially but it was Tracy and the council of the others that lead him to Presidency. Although this book was about the love story of Carolyn and LaVere the author did such a good job of interweaving all the other characters into the mix with the mystery. Those Lasstier kids are doing BIG things. Ro was my girl and the sit down with she and the Queen was needed. At one point reading about Nate and trying to solve the crime really did overshadow the love story. I honestly didn’t mind. Hopefully Monique will be getting her own story. There were a few typos with the author saying Cynthia when referring to Carolyn. Nate for me was a break out star in this story. I loved seeing how Adam & Amber helped with the mystery. This story had quite a few shockers and some twists and turn that left me finishing the story in one day. This story relayed some heartfelt messages about love and forgiving. Even little Gavin had to learn a lesson or two.
My issue with Carolyn is that we always heard references to her beauty, mixed heritage and acts of deceit. With this book reader got a look inside her pain. Although Carolyn is still a bitch, the author did a wonderful job of channeling that assertiveness into the good of the Country. About 68% the spice happens and baby, Iris does not disappoint. I have waited so long for the sit down with the Senator and Tracy I wish more attention would have been given toward it. This was a phenomenal book and I would read it all over again. With the last book Sapphire it was a bit disappointing BUT Iris brought everything she knew with this book. Readers this is a definite one click.
I have been reading Ms. Nothing's books since Heaven's Gate, and this is the first disappointment I have. The story line was okay at best, the time line for different groups were confusing. For ex. Calvin Jr is the same age as JC but I became confused when I read Gavin was hanging out with Gavin but then Calvin was having a conversation with his parents as if he was the same age as James & Elliott. There were a few places like that which made it difficult to follow at times. I am a huge fan of her books and have re-read them many times but this one I am sadly disappointed with. I hope the next one will be more fluent, and not all over the place.
Carolyn was a battered woman on so many levels but after the near death of her father it became way. Prince LaVerre knew he had a new mission in life. After he nearly lost Senator Roth , Laverne was determined to protect all connected to Senator Roth and Carolyn was front and center. An old nemesis is found to be on the loose again. However the line to eliminate him was really long. Carolyn finds love again. Peace became a goal for many and love breathes new life into many. Fabulous read..loving this series.
This group really knows how to take care of business!
This nation continues to owe a debt of gratitude to men and women of an ethnicity despised by all other ethnic groups for one primary reason, they cannot be us!!!! Although this is a work of fiction, it so closely mirrors what is happening in this country today. You have those who have been given certain privileges (undeserved I might add) believing this world was created just for them. Sadly that same group of privileged beings have convinced themselves that the only way to be happy and maintain the semblance of power they so callously wield is to keep Black people from ever achieving past a level their privilege is comfortable with. Thankfully they are up against some of the brightest, most innovative, courageous and creative minds on the planet and those minds happen to be the well honed group of Black professionals able to take this country and this world to heights that other culture only dreams of achieving!!! I like that all of the players in this story maintains their focus on the main agenda even while they take care of side distractions along the way. JD (The President) and Jerry (The VP) have made that split which all saw coming just as soon as the over confident republican party thought their man Jerry had garnered all he needed to come out against JD. JD is a thinking man, and one who merely reacts and grasps other's agenda can never defeat such a man as JD. Carolyn has found real love with Prince LaVere, Joshua has set his first child's mother straight about his non role in her life, Senator Roth is recuperating from the attempt on his life, Calvin Jr., is joining the CIA, Tracy and Senator Roth are finally becoming father and daughter, Lena and Carolyn have finally bonded, Gavin Sr. is in jail for treason and David Holt is dead finally! Now all of the first family and friends can relax from his crazy but not from the continued attempts from the opposing party to strip them of continuing to occupy the most covenanted leadership role of the free world office of the President of the United States of America! I can hardly wait to see what else the well honed political machinery does next. An excellent story jam packed with so much drama, intrigue, and just good old fashion love and kindness until it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire read! Thank you once again for a most enjoyable read Mrs. Bolling!!!!!!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Carolyn Roth has finally won me over!!!!
If anybody has been reading this series from the beginning, then I know we all held the same disdain for Carolyn Roth. She was mean, hateful, condescending, spiteful and oh the list goes on and on. What we didn't know that in spite of having a loving father, Senator Roth, a Black man was married to his wife who was white, and her family was extremely racist. Carolyn's desire to be accepted by her mother's side of the family would never happen because she is considered a half breed, so that brokenness as a child morphed into the hellion we all came to despise. And then the man that she married Gavin and had a son with, committed treason against his country and was sent to prison. Carolyn's fire that we all knew has been extinguished.
Prince LaVere of Emure, is wondering about his life, he is pretty much the last of his friends to be married, there are no prospects in sight. His refusal to just marry a woman from his country who would never challenge him on anything will not work for him. Now that he is being wooed by the President of the United States (JD Harrison) to become an ambassador seems appealing enough, especially if it will move his beloved country out of the dark ages. Senator Roth (retired) has been asked to persuade Prince LaVere into accepting the role, but Senator Roth is attacked and almost killed, and LaVere steps in to take care of him by whisking him away to his country and his family, since there were two attacks on the Senator's life.
In another country with her father, Carolyn, her son and her father's wife, a change starts to shift for her. Healing that she so desperately needs and her son needs. It comes in the most unlikely of places, in another country and with a man, who sees the real her. Can Carolyn finally trust her heart to man completely who promises to cherish not only her heart but her son's too? And will Prince LaVere finally find his princess whom everyone believes is Carolyn? Well you have to read this incredible story to find out.
It was great seeing old faces pop up, and old enemies as well. This is shaping up to be one wild ride especially with President JD Harrison seeking reelection for a second term and with a new running mate. I can't wait for the next installment of the Heart Series Woot! Woot!
Couldn't ask for more in a romantic suspense. There is murder, mayhem, conspiracy, intrigue, and a whole lot of craziness that makes for a great read. I loved seeing Carolyn grow and find love. She has come a long way from the first book in the series. LeVere was perfect for her. He became the quiet strength that she needed. Carolyn was always a character that fascinated me because she was so complex. Even when she was causing havoc there was this hidden layer of greatness you knew she could be if she just got out of her own way. I'm glad she was given the opportunity to be a better version of herself and right some wrongs. It has been some years in the making so it was nice to see it all come together. If you are a fan of Iris, all of the series, or just love a good story then this book will not disappoint. You will enjoy reconnecting with all of the characters from the Heart and Gems & Gents series. There are a lot of questions answered in this book that we have been wondering about. Lots of chapters closed and new ones opened. I laughed, shed a few tears, and loved every minute of it. Can't wait until the re-election book!
Once again Ms. Bolling takes us on a rollercoaster ride. In this novel we have characters from previous novels causing mayhem which they better think twice about ! The novel also centers around Carolyn and Prince Lavere romance ,which is a surprising turn but also very loving, reader's get to see a different side of Carolyn and learn why she had so many issues and why she also deserves to be in a loving relationship. Ms Bolling writes a novel about redemption, justice , karma, secrets, and the love of family and good friends. I laughed and cried on certain scenes. Buy the novel because this was a excellent,exciting read and I don't want to give anything away. Waiting patiently for the next novel in this series💝💝💝💝🎉
The Heart Always Wins is an action packed, romantically suspenseful page turner. Drama reigns from Richmond to Emure (an African nation) in this new Iris Bolling novel. Carolyn and Prince LaVere go from mere acquaintances to a brewing romance with pressing life issues and decisions to be made. Iris brings you ,the reader, up to date on the Presidency of JD Harrison, the love entanglements of his staff and friends. Each chapter is filled with plot twist and turns you will never see coming. Descriptive characters, belly laughable statements, shock -n- awe moments throughout the book makes this a 5 star read without a doubt. THAW is what you want to put spring in your step.
HUGE fan of the Heart series and Ms. Bolling...it was AMAZING to catch up with the whole crew from this series...everyone’s growing up and hitched...seems like it’s been a LONG time. Prince LaVere is quite THE man...seems to be just what Carolyn and Gavin, Jr. need in their lives right now. I usually ENJOY the way the series intertwine and connect but this one was a little too busy for me...seem to take away from the romance of LaVere and Carolyn...felt RUSHED. And I’m also DEFINITELY not used to so many errors and/or typos from Ms. Bolling...the editing was not as on point or clean as I’ve gotten used to. Still I was caught up in the mystery/intrigue and romance even though it seemed too fast-paced for my liking. Hope the next book in the Heart series doesn’t take as long.
John Roth was the target of an attempt to kill him. He had a meeting with Prince Levere when it happened. To keep him safe he was taken to Emere to recover. His wife Lena went with him. His daughter Carolyn and her son Gavin Jr went with him. He also had security with Roc who brought her youngson Little Joe with with her. This story helped you understand why Carolyn was so mean and horrible to people. The Prince helped her find herself. She became a much nicer person while in Emure. Joshua had to come to Emere because Princess Akande hit is young son Little Joe. Roc showed restraint in not really hurting the Princess for toudhing her son. David Holt is finally dead. It was a great story.
This book had it all. I didn't recognize Carolyn at the beginning, based on her behavior, but she came back bigger and better. La'Vere and Carolyn were a surprise, but I loved them together.
Once again, this book was full of Brooks', Lassiter's, Harrison's, and friends. I enjoyed the intrigue of the political arena that is fraught with much more danger than imagined. I love the nod to technology and how tech geeks rule.
I was not expecting the confrontation in the palace, but I loved the way Roc handled it. There was enough danger, intrigue, violence, and suspense to keep readers on their toes. The book was also full of humor, wit, friendship, loyalty, family, love, and a level of intimacy hot enough to steam wallpaper off the walls.
I never thought I would root for Carolyn about anything. She always felt entitled. To see her grow as a person and learn to love was amazing. I wanted to beat the crap out of Gavin Jr but he was only doing what his mother allowed. Lena was the highlight. True to her character she told it like it was. It was nice to see all the characters back together to see them and catch up with their lives. And Calvin Jr? I won't give it away but that was the shocker.
Great job Iris Bolling. Looking forward to the next one.
Once again another amazing book. Iris was not playing around when she said EVERYONE will be making an appearance. I'm excited to read and or hear more about Phoenix Lacey, and the adventures of all the kids. I kept trying to figure out which "kid" they were referring to until it was revealed and I'm happy as I am shock. I can't wait for the next installment....or maybe book two of the Dunn series :)
I really enjoyed reading this book! Iris Billing has a way with words that will have you engrossed in the story, sad, then laughing while holding your gut! I really loved how this story took a turn. I like the ending, although I think there are some people that needs to be dealt with! I have always loved this series and I will continue to recommend it to others! Happy Reading!
Wow! I missed my Heart Series characters! I love these books because even when the focus is on one character you can still catch up with everyone else. Carolyn deserved her happy ending! She came a looooong way and I love this story about her. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm going to stop right there and just say this is a MUST read and I can't wait for the next one!
Iris Bolling writes from her heart and THE HEART ALWAYS WINS is proof. It was wonderful being reunited with this eclectic cast of friends and family as they found love, reaffirmed love, made their world a safer place to live by eliminating eminent danger brought, and stepped together into the future. This series is dynamite! Author Iris Bolling proved her point with outstanding clarity that the heart always wins. It’s a must read book!
Prince La’Vere has been on my reading radar for a few books now. This story had a little bit of everything and I loved it! Glad to see Carolyn not be the most hated woman in Virginia and D.C.! Never thought I would ever like her! Iris Bolling did a good job bringing it all together! Anytime Joshua shows up there’s gonna be some shooting or something may be blown up!
Iris you wrote another good book. I love reading about JD and Tracy and their families. I was sceptical when you told us you was putting Carolyn and Prince L'Vere together. I see how Carolyn changed after what happened to Gavin. L'Vere is the perfect match for her. Can't wait for the next book.
I love reading this book The Heart Always Wins, from the first page you are so intrigued in what's happening that before you know it you have read half of the book. All the characters you encounter in this book you feel like you know them personally and you are traveling with them as their journey unfolds. I definitely recommend this book.
I love reading Bolling. The Heart serious is my favorite, I re-read the stories over and over. I was pleasantly surprised by this story as Carolyn is not one of my favorite characters. However, I liked the plot and the way Bolling weaves her other story characters in this book. Each story keeps you waiting for the next.
Iris Bolling never disappoints. Carolyn Roth Roberts is more than a handful and knows politics better than the back of her hand.Prince Ashero is more than willing to help heal her broken heart, but he's got to get past a few obstacles first, namely her son.( Who needs a good whipping). It was good to see all the characters from previous books and I can't wait to read the next one.
Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Prince LaVere and Carolyn are good together. The author transformed Carolyn, I actually was happy for her romance with the prince. It was great to catch up characters from previous books. I’ve read all of Iris Boiling’s books and wait for the next romance adventure.
Once again Iris Bolling you have done it again. I love the heart series.Everyone please read this book you want be disappointed. I like how all the characters interact in some kind of way. I don't want to give the story away. Please read it. Now Ms.Bolling I would love to read some more about children and ms. phoenix. Great job.
This was my least favorite book of the series. I feel like a lot happened between book 6 & 7 that was not covered. Some how Joshua is married, Gavin is in jail and tons of other stuff took place. One moment Calvin JR is Gavin's age, the next the book references him being 21. I was kind of let down with this one. :(
OMG can I say this book was one of your best. All of the twists and turns. The Who did it.! I do feel like I miss a book. When you talked about Adam and his wife. When did Joshua get married? when did JD and James them daughters get kidnapped. That why I felt like I missed a book. Over all the book was great.
This is a must read.i been had this book since it first came out.i just been putting off reading it.Iris is a bad woman.i love all her books.Caroline finally grows up, Lavere helps her.they fall in love.Her and Tracey are close.it all works out.Read it for urself.
I'm a huge fan of this author. She combines suspense with a love story and great plots. Her novels must be read in sequence to really enjoy the work. I live that she has made the chapters shorter in her works lately, it makes it easier to stop and pick back up when reading. I can't wait to read my next book by her.
I am so happy for the prince. He found him a princess. Carolyn Roth needed true love in her life and so did the prime who was always saving the women. This is a true romantic story along with some killing . You must read this series because you will not be disappointed. She is now one of my favorite authors.
Without giving away the storyline, this is one of Iris’s best stories. Great to read about many of the characters. It was well written and hilarious. I really hope we get more from the series.
It was so nice to visit all characters from The Heart series. Evil was defeated and Love was the victor. Carolyn redeemed herself and found true love along the way. Read this book you will not be disappointed.