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Heart Lake #2
Song of Nightingales
A billionaire playboy trying to turn over a new leaf, a lovely doctor claiming to be too busy to commit to a relationship, and his relentless pursuit of a second chance at love…
CEO Kellan Maddox is determined to change his image from a billionaire playboy to a socially responsible executive. The first step he takes is helping rebuild the small town of Heart Lake, Texas, which has been devastated by tornados. Naturally, he chose this particular project in the hopes of turning his friendship with a hometown girl into something more. Old habits die hard. But he sees no reason why he can’t mix a little work with pleasure. Until it becomes painfully clear she has unfinished business with a bull riding champion from her past…
Dr. Patty Iwasaki has chosen to set up practice at the rural Heart Lake Medical Center to dodge old family money and all the pressures that accompany it, including a stalker. Small town life suits her just fine. She loves working with the ranchers, farmers, and rodeo riders. Plus, she’s slowly making a difference in the quality of medical care available on the adjacent Native American reservation. Everything is going smoothly, until her bestie insists on introducing her to the new billionaire in town. A guy who represents everything she hates. A guy who, not too long ago, was pursuing that same best friend. A guy whose very presence seems to yank her stalker out of retirement.
Neither is prepared for their instant attraction, which Patty quickly chalks up to long work hours and exhaustion. However, she’s never gone head-to-head with a man possessing his brand of devastating charm. Though her better judgment keeps issuing a resounding no, her heart keeps saying yes. Unfortunately, a man of Kellan’s reputation can’t claim she’s his first, second, or even his third choice. But can he convince her that she’s his final choice? The right choice? The one and only woman he’s willing to love and protect at all costs?
Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries, the rumble of horses’ hooves, and folks on both sides of the law and everywhere in between — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.
CEO Kellan Maddox is determined to change his image from a billionaire playboy to a socially responsible executive. The first step he takes is helping rebuild the small town of Heart Lake, Texas, which has been devastated by tornados. Naturally, he chose this particular project in the hopes of turning his friendship with a hometown girl into something more. Old habits die hard. But he sees no reason why he can’t mix a little work with pleasure. Until it becomes painfully clear she has unfinished business with a bull riding champion from her past…
Dr. Patty Iwasaki has chosen to set up practice at the rural Heart Lake Medical Center to dodge old family money and all the pressures that accompany it, including a stalker. Small town life suits her just fine. She loves working with the ranchers, farmers, and rodeo riders. Plus, she’s slowly making a difference in the quality of medical care available on the adjacent Native American reservation. Everything is going smoothly, until her bestie insists on introducing her to the new billionaire in town. A guy who represents everything she hates. A guy who, not too long ago, was pursuing that same best friend. A guy whose very presence seems to yank her stalker out of retirement.
Neither is prepared for their instant attraction, which Patty quickly chalks up to long work hours and exhaustion. However, she’s never gone head-to-head with a man possessing his brand of devastating charm. Though her better judgment keeps issuing a resounding no, her heart keeps saying yes. Unfortunately, a man of Kellan’s reputation can’t claim she’s his first, second, or even his third choice. But can he convince her that she’s his final choice? The right choice? The one and only woman he’s willing to love and protect at all costs?
Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries, the rumble of horses’ hooves, and folks on both sides of the law and everywhere in between — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2021
356 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
168 books671 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 21, 2021
An intriguing, suspenseful, small town romance that shows how people can change and love will find a way!
Billionaire Kellen is trying to change his life after some harrowing incidents that made him take notice. Now he was to help the town of Heart Lake rebuild and be reading in case another storm should come about.
Patty is a beautiful doctor that came to America against her family's wishes and has set up her practice in Heart Lake. Unfortunately a stalker is on her path and it looks like Kellen may can save her. But will they find love?
Billionaire Kellen is trying to change his life after some harrowing incidents that made him take notice. Now he was to help the town of Heart Lake rebuild and be reading in case another storm should come about.
Patty is a beautiful doctor that came to America against her family's wishes and has set up her practice in Heart Lake. Unfortunately a stalker is on her path and it looks like Kellen may can save her. But will they find love?
June 25, 2021
Not for me!
Everything from the quicky romance to the Japanese "mafia" was so contrived that it became somewhat silly. Then all of a sudden all of it was all resolved. The billionaire boyfriend role was very much over-the-top. I won't be reading anything from this author.
Everything from the quicky romance to the Japanese "mafia" was so contrived that it became somewhat silly. Then all of a sudden all of it was all resolved. The billionaire boyfriend role was very much over-the-top. I won't be reading anything from this author.
June 2, 2023
I liked the plot and the H did well playing the knight and protector but I still think he is very inconstant in his love and affections for the women in his life.
I never care for the endearment ‘babe’. It annoys me when he started to call her babe non-stop. He certainly called his past lovers babe and also the nickname Pattykins irritates me. I’m not sure I’ll believe she will be the last person he will love. He has a history of falling for many OWs. For Gods sake, he were in love more than 10 times at least in the past. It didn’t seem believable that he was that interested in Patty because at the beginning of the book he still thinking and pinning for Hope and seems that he just asked many times to Patty to have a date because Hope was badgering him. It looked like it’s just ok if Patty accept him for a date so he could play and ok if she didn’t accept. And suddenly in the same day he decided that he cared for Patty and he is beginning to fall in love, it didn’t sound credible. And suddenly in his thoughts he was thinking of her non-stop since he met her. It didn’t seem that to me.
Another thing I disliked is that always the heroine in the books always felt so much from a kiss from the H and not a thing for the OMs. While the H have no problems to have passionate kisses and sex with the OWs. It seems that the attraction that they feel towards the heroine is not that special even if the chemistry is bigger.
One thing that is comendable is that he is willing to give some medical equipments to the city because of Patty, but if you start to analize is not a big deal spenting 1M for the equipment if you compared that in the past he certainly showered his past lovers like many of the Hs in the books with jewelrys, clothing, cars etc that certainly is not deductible from tax, but I bet that the equipments is deductible and the charities to the city. Call me cynical.
I never care for the endearment ‘babe’. It annoys me when he started to call her babe non-stop. He certainly called his past lovers babe and also the nickname Pattykins irritates me. I’m not sure I’ll believe she will be the last person he will love. He has a history of falling for many OWs. For Gods sake, he were in love more than 10 times at least in the past. It didn’t seem believable that he was that interested in Patty because at the beginning of the book he still thinking and pinning for Hope and seems that he just asked many times to Patty to have a date because Hope was badgering him. It looked like it’s just ok if Patty accept him for a date so he could play and ok if she didn’t accept. And suddenly in the same day he decided that he cared for Patty and he is beginning to fall in love, it didn’t sound credible. And suddenly in his thoughts he was thinking of her non-stop since he met her. It didn’t seem that to me.
Another thing I disliked is that always the heroine in the books always felt so much from a kiss from the H and not a thing for the OMs. While the H have no problems to have passionate kisses and sex with the OWs. It seems that the attraction that they feel towards the heroine is not that special even if the chemistry is bigger.
One thing that is comendable is that he is willing to give some medical equipments to the city because of Patty, but if you start to analize is not a big deal spenting 1M for the equipment if you compared that in the past he certainly showered his past lovers like many of the Hs in the books with jewelrys, clothing, cars etc that certainly is not deductible from tax, but I bet that the equipments is deductible and the charities to the city. Call me cynical.
March 10, 2025
I was really looking forward to the story of Kellan Maddox and Dr. Patty Iwasaki of which we had a preview at the end of book one. The billionaire Kellan was stunned by Dr. Iwasaki's beauty and fun yet serious nature, but intrigued by her lack of interest in him.
This began as I’d hoped: Kellan pursuing Patty, but she was adamant that she wasn’t interested in "Hope's leftovers", and kept her cool, strong demeanor, which I really liked. There was something tough yet mysterious about Patty.
Until there wasn’t.
As soon as she was scared by a stalker texting her during dinner (who by the way, has been doing this for years, she just ignored him) and told Kellan about it, the confidence level she’d always exhibited took a dive. Her personality completely changed. She went from a strong Amazon of a woman to a simpering, needy girlfriend, like overnight.
The story was good, don’t get me wrong, but the drastic change was off putting. Also off putting was the amount of times Kellan called her Pattykins . I did a count: 67 eyerolling times!
The Christian fiction label in this series (so far) worked because, although none of them began as believers, they gave their lives over as the books progressed. Plus they were fairly clean. Some major kissing, but the gentlemen remained gentlemen, backing away and leaving the female leads chaste.
Kellan was the best. He was like Batman, wealthy and could do just about anything. Very likeable and altruistic all the way through the book.
I know it sounds like I was irritated by this book, but these are just observations that probably wouldn’t bother others. But these ok was good. liked it!
This began as I’d hoped: Kellan pursuing Patty, but she was adamant that she wasn’t interested in "Hope's leftovers", and kept her cool, strong demeanor, which I really liked. There was something tough yet mysterious about Patty.
Until there wasn’t.
As soon as she was scared by a stalker texting her during dinner (who by the way, has been doing this for years, she just ignored him) and told Kellan about it, the confidence level she’d always exhibited took a dive. Her personality completely changed. She went from a strong Amazon of a woman to a simpering, needy girlfriend, like overnight.
The story was good, don’t get me wrong, but the drastic change was off putting. Also off putting was the amount of times Kellan called her Pattykins . I did a count: 67 eyerolling times!
The Christian fiction label in this series (so far) worked because, although none of them began as believers, they gave their lives over as the books progressed. Plus they were fairly clean. Some major kissing, but the gentlemen remained gentlemen, backing away and leaving the female leads chaste.
Kellan was the best. He was like Batman, wealthy and could do just about anything. Very likeable and altruistic all the way through the book.
I know it sounds like I was irritated by this book, but these are just observations that probably wouldn’t bother others. But these ok was good. liked it!
June 18, 2021
I've been wanting to read Kellen's story ever since he showed up in a previous series by this author. I've been waiting a while quite anxiously but it was worth the wait! He had some growing up to do! A lot has happened to him in his life and he needed to be in the right place to date and fall in love with Patty. In fact it was love and first sight for him! It took a while for her to reciprocate though! He wasn't used to that, because being a billionaire playboy, he's used to women falling at his feet. Not so with the lovely doctor! She turns him down constantly but Kellen doesn't give up! I really like the suspense of these stories. When Kellen finds the reason for Patty's rebuff, he goes headlong into solving the dilemma! The suspense dramatically sharpens and we are left wondering what will happen and how will Kellen protect Patty! Ancient Japanese traditions and curses come to the forefront! I loved this story and loved the chemistry between these two characters!
June 20, 2021
Song of Nightingales: A Sweet, Inspirational, Small Town, Romantic Suspense Series
by Jo Grafford is book 2 of Heart Lake series. This is Kellen's story which includes romance, ancient Japanese customs, bodyguards, danger and adventure.. After a life changing event, Kellan known as a billionaire playboy is working on becoming the person he wants to be. He meets Dr. Patty Iwasak thru their friend Hope. Patty has a mystery and a problem which Kellen gets involved in after finding out this is the reason she has rebuffed him. As this goes on so does Kellen's help in rebuilding the town of Heart Lake Jo Grafford makes h characters interesting. This story will keep your interest. I wanted Kellen's story and Jo Grafford does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next book. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Another reason to recommend this book is the feuding families in town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own!
by Jo Grafford is book 2 of Heart Lake series. This is Kellen's story which includes romance, ancient Japanese customs, bodyguards, danger and adventure.. After a life changing event, Kellan known as a billionaire playboy is working on becoming the person he wants to be. He meets Dr. Patty Iwasak thru their friend Hope. Patty has a mystery and a problem which Kellen gets involved in after finding out this is the reason she has rebuffed him. As this goes on so does Kellen's help in rebuilding the town of Heart Lake Jo Grafford makes h characters interesting. This story will keep your interest. I wanted Kellen's story and Jo Grafford does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next book. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Another reason to recommend this book is the feuding families in town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own!
June 16, 2021
Loved Kellan and Patty's story!! Kellan starts falling for Patty the first time he meets her. She rebuffs him at every turn. Patty thinks Kellan represents all that she doesn't like, so she won't even give him a chance. Then, when they're together for the first time, she realizes how wrong she was about him. She keeps trying to push him away, afraid for his safety, and her own. When she finally tells him the real reason she pushes him away, will he be able to protect her and himself? Will they finally realize that they can find happiness together? Love the banter between the two, and the faith element. Can't wait for the next one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own!
June 18, 2021
Song Of Nightingales is a book of impending love, suspense, superstitions, hunky bodyguards, and a local doctor that has her life in the crosshairs.
The billionaire Kellon Maddox that came to Heart Lake to help with the funding for rebuilding and to have the town set up in case of another devastating storm, has fallen hard for Patty Iwasaki, the beautiful Japanese born doctor that came to America to study and became a doctor much to her family disliking. She has been stalked and their mission was to kill her. She has kept it secret until the night she went out with Kellon to a dinner meeting where she saw her stalker. Once Kellon finds out he does everything to protect Patty. But, will his plans get Patty killed while he is away?
The billionaire Kellon Maddox that came to Heart Lake to help with the funding for rebuilding and to have the town set up in case of another devastating storm, has fallen hard for Patty Iwasaki, the beautiful Japanese born doctor that came to America to study and became a doctor much to her family disliking. She has been stalked and their mission was to kill her. She has kept it secret until the night she went out with Kellon to a dinner meeting where she saw her stalker. Once Kellon finds out he does everything to protect Patty. But, will his plans get Patty killed while he is away?
June 22, 2021
Another sweet romance in Heart Lake! This is Kellan and Patty's story. Kellan came to town with Hope to bring some much needed help to Heart Lake after it was ravaged by storms. He had high hopes for him and Hope becoming a couple but that didn't happen. Instead Hope introduced him to Patty, a local doctor. Kellan quickly became intrigued with the lovely doctor but she wasn't showing much interest. Work on the emergency preparedness plans for the town and all of the businesses throws them together and romance ensues. There is some drama surrounding Patty and her past that has to be dealt with that lends itself to the romance. A lovely story with wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 17, 2021
Kellan is a billionaire. He is smitten with Doc Patty. Doctor Patty wants nothing to do with him.. She has to have dinner with him due to a project at work. Her home was destroyed by a tornado so she now is his neighbor. He brings her home after their dinner was interrupted by her stalker. While he is checking the house for her his chauffer is shot at and the chauffer returns fire since he is also a security guy. So much happens in this book. There is even a Japanese mafia in it. Grab your book to see what happens.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
June 20, 2021
This is the second book in the Heart Lake series. It involves Kellan, the billionaire philanthropist introduced in the first book and Patty, a doctor and friend of Hope, also from the first book. Patty’s parents are from Japan and own a textile company there. They tried to arrange a marriage for her and a contract still exists that makes it worthwhile to keep Patty from developing any relationship on her own. When Patty becomes a doctor and stays in the US, her parents disown her. These books are more than just a romance, and I encourage anyone looking for a good book to try this series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series involving one of the local police.
July 8, 2021
I loved reading this story. Kellan's tenacity to get Dr. Patty Iwasaki to go on a date with him is unmatched. As a billionaire, he is used to getting what he wants pretty easy but Patty does not fit into this. She is busy working at the hospital, but also at avoiding him. As they finally get together to design the disaster plan for Heartlake, sparks fly but that's not the only thing. Kellan uses his persuading to get Patty to open up to him about her troubles and being the man that he is, he has to try and fix them all. After all, as a billionaire, he is determined to not give up on what he wants most...Patty.
June 15, 2021
Wonderful characters, intriguing situations, romance and plenty of suspense! Would Kellan be able to keep the doc safe while trying to end the desperate need for someone to get her out of the way? Loved the story; it drew me in and kept me there throughout. Dropped one star as the Japanese doc spoke perfect English complete with American idioms. This didn't seem at all likely to me for someone that lived most of her life in Japan. Otherwise a great read.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
June 17, 2021
So good! Loved Party and Kellan's story. Patty was being stalked because of family obligations broken. Kellan was helping bring the town of Heart Lake back after tornado disasters. I stayed up reading this all night. There's fun, romance and intrigue. And a young basketball player making 'the best shot of his life.' I happened to wake my hubby up laughing, during that line. If you like clean, heartfelt stories with a bit of nail biting, you will enjoy 'Song of Nightingales'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
June 22, 2021
Patty has been hound by the new billionaire on the block for a solid month. He wants a date. Just one small little date. With her family situation unknown she is terrified of putting someone else in danger. Kellan has finally turned his life into something good. He is ready to settle down. It did not work out the first time. Maybe just maybe God is testing him to see if he is serious. Kellan is about to find out what God has in store.
I enjoyed this sweet suspense novel. It was a quick and enjoyable read for me.
I enjoyed this sweet suspense novel. It was a quick and enjoyable read for me.
June 29, 2021
I have been looking forward to this book since I finished Winds of Change and Jo Grafford did not disappoint me. Billionaire and former playboy, Kellan Maddox, is having a hard time convincing everyone, particularly Dr. Patty Iwasaki, that he has changed and is seriously interested in settling down. With her usual flair, we are shown a lifestyle we can only dream about but are at the same time shown that there are somethings money can’t buy. I loved visiting Heart Lake again and seeing how the town is slowly recovering.
November 22, 2021
Finally, we get to Kellan. His heart reaches out to Hope then to the local doctor, whose Japanese connections leave him completely focused on her and his need for her love. This story was so unique, from the series and other stories in general, that I couldn't put it down. The intrigue and tension was interspersed with tender, romantic ones. The ancient traditions and folklore were twisted into the story along with Kellan and Hope's faith in God. I really enjoyed this story from the series and am continuing to read my way through all of the wonderful characters in this saga.
June 23, 2021
Excellent story with so many twist and turns. The characters are so fun and easy to love. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t put it down. The romance was very romantic and magical that you felt you were getting a secret glimpse into a very private emotional sharing of hearts. This is a fun read that keeps you on your toes and leaves you sighing with contentment.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2021
Song of the Nightingales
This is a really good story. It included suspense and romance. I was so glad to finally read that Kellan was able to reform and try for his happily ever after. He is a billionaire from another series that I have followed. Dr. Patty Iwasaki has a story of her own including a stalker. Will they be able to find their happiness or will
the stalker get to Patty first?
This is a really good story. It included suspense and romance. I was so glad to finally read that Kellan was able to reform and try for his happily ever after. He is a billionaire from another series that I have followed. Dr. Patty Iwasaki has a story of her own including a stalker. Will they be able to find their happiness or will
the stalker get to Patty first?
Read
February 17, 2024Great story
8 chapters of a great story with intrigue: who is stalking the doctor.
She is now disowned by her parents.
He is wealthy & lonely. Hope is married to her high school boyfriend: taken
He'd had hopes their friendship could develop to something more. Not happening. He decided to work hard & follow his sister's advice: let love come to him while he works hard on his career.
8 chapters of a great story with intrigue: who is stalking the doctor.
She is now disowned by her parents.
He is wealthy & lonely. Hope is married to her high school boyfriend: taken
He'd had hopes their friendship could develop to something more. Not happening. He decided to work hard & follow his sister's advice: let love come to him while he works hard on his career.
December 29, 2024
As much as I liked the story, it lost a star for the medical situation at the end being incorrect. Compound fractures are not casted after being aligned. There would be sutures, so an immobilizer would be used to keep the leg in place while the bone heals. It also would have most likely been fixed in surgery. A bit disappointed that the author didn’t research this a bit. But, liked the story. Especially liked the aspect of bringing God and prayer into this.
June 26, 2021
Kellan finds love
Kellan struggled to get her. He met the Doc but she wasn't interested ,yet. There was too much in her life. Eventually she gives him a chance and its when everything else is closing in on her. A hero in the making. Family, curses,obligations,
and threats. Drama,action and romance! An excellent combination.
Kellan struggled to get her. He met the Doc but she wasn't interested ,yet. There was too much in her life. Eventually she gives him a chance and its when everything else is closing in on her. A hero in the making. Family, curses,obligations,
and threats. Drama,action and romance! An excellent combination.
June 26, 2021
Can Kellan finally catch his songbird?
Patty has been resisting Kellan's charms and the frustration this causes him is hilarious! He is used to women falling at his feet, but once he meets her Patty is the only one he wants and he will slay all her demons to keep her safe.
We are drawn further into the Hart Lake community in this latest Kindle Unlimited treat.
Patty has been resisting Kellan's charms and the frustration this causes him is hilarious! He is used to women falling at his feet, but once he meets her Patty is the only one he wants and he will slay all her demons to keep her safe.
We are drawn further into the Hart Lake community in this latest Kindle Unlimited treat.
February 19, 2024
Great story!
I loved everything about this story with one exception that, luckily, did not affect the storyline. The name of the heroine and the nicknames given her by her love interest really did NOT feel appropriate or believable. The story itself is great, very well written and I will definitely continue with the rest of the series!
I loved everything about this story with one exception that, luckily, did not affect the storyline. The name of the heroine and the nicknames given her by her love interest really did NOT feel appropriate or believable. The story itself is great, very well written and I will definitely continue with the rest of the series!
June 16, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is about a lady doctor and a male billionaire who fall in love! The doctor has someone trying to kill her and the guy has bodyguards always guarding her! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a good romance book!
June 17, 2021
I really enjoyed Kellan and Patty and their relationship. They have such great chemistry. I also love a good romance with a little mystery and suspense. This is a really good, really sweet clean romance.
June 18, 2021
For me, there is nothing like a story that has a mystery along with romance. I enjoyed this second book in this series about Kellan & Patty. It has just the right amount of romance & mystery. I am anxious to read the next book. I received an ARC. I am choosing to leave this review.
June 20, 2021
I found this to be a very good story. It had some mystery to it and a lot of romance. A reformed playboy and a lady doctor with no time for games. But he wears her down, now he has to keep her alive in order to have a happily ever after.
August 30, 2021
Song of Nightingales
Great story on love ,mystery and intro out a young woman who fell in love with a billionaire but almost lost her life treating a man who was sent to kill her. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Great story on love ,mystery and intro out a young woman who fell in love with a billionaire but almost lost her life treating a man who was sent to kill her. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
September 27, 2021
I've read five books by this author, enjoyed them all, but this one is my favorite so far. It even pulled me into another related series so I could find out more about Kellan, the main character. Billionaires aren't usually my go-to, but this one made me want to read more. Fun stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews