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Heartquake
Coffee shop owner, Charlee Lightheart, views corporations with contempt. She believes her father died at the hands of the pharmaceutical industry. When she's approached to run for city council on an anti-fracking platform, she's reluctant. She's not sure this movement is her cause.
Billionaire Riley Brockton has given up on love. Then he walks into Charlee's shop. All he wanted was coffee and muffins. From that first electrifying touch, he knows he needs more. He withholds one piece of vital information: he's a lionshifter.
A rogue reporter sets out to reveal the one secret that can destroy the anti-fracking movement and the couple's relationship. Can their love survive the truth and public exposure?
Billionaire Riley Brockton has given up on love. Then he walks into Charlee's shop. All he wanted was coffee and muffins. From that first electrifying touch, he knows he needs more. He withholds one piece of vital information: he's a lionshifter.
A rogue reporter sets out to reveal the one secret that can destroy the anti-fracking movement and the couple's relationship. Can their love survive the truth and public exposure?
328 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2022
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Terry Newman
4 books51 followersTerry Newman has always loved words. As the editor-in-chief of a national natural health publishing company, she has written books on a variety of topics, as well as writing direct-mail advertising.
She’s also worked as a reporter, a communications specialist and a freelance writer. She’d had clients worldwide, and researched and wrote hundreds of eBooks and print books as well as ghostwrote novellas and short stories.
One day she woke and decided to make her dream of writing her own novel come true. She sets all her stories in fictional towns in northeast Ohio and writes about things she loves—like coffee.
Terry has led workshops on writing and character development.
She has a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandpuppy, and lives in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio.
She’s also worked as a reporter, a communications specialist and a freelance writer. She’d had clients worldwide, and researched and wrote hundreds of eBooks and print books as well as ghostwrote novellas and short stories.
One day she woke and decided to make her dream of writing her own novel come true. She sets all her stories in fictional towns in northeast Ohio and writes about things she loves—like coffee.
Terry has led workshops on writing and character development.
She has a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandpuppy, and lives in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 24, 2022
A billionaire lion shifter finds his lioness, in a coffee shop of all places, but before long, they’re in quicksand and sinking. Riley Brockton returns home restless, not knowing what to do next. His lion feels it too. When he walks into Charlee’s coffee shop, something shifts inside him. From the brief contact, he instinctively knows she’s his mate. But he can’t very well just blurt it out to her. He needs to go slow, to let her come to him willingly. Deeply guarded secrets threaten to rip their relationship apart. Riley loves her and to prove it will take the heart of a lion. He’s got that covered. Going all-in with the truth, risking everything his family has worked so hard for? Not so easy but Riley’s willing to risk it all for his lioness.
Heartquake is a beautifully written, heartfelt, modern paranormal romance not to be missed. I’ve read a lot of shifter romances but very few lion shifters. Heartquake is an original shifter romance with relevant issues such as anti-fracking, big business, and environmentalism. The romance itself is well-written with some roadblocks this couple needs to work through. I liked the banter between Riley and his brother and Charlee and her friend at the coffee shop. The descriptive narration provides a beautiful setting and emotional insights. There is a full cast of characters to interact with. What makes Heartquake so moving, though, is the world-building. Terry Newman takes on shifters versus humans and makes it completely believable. I want to live in her world. If you’re a shifter romance junkie like me, you’ll want to read this book. If you’re looking for a book boyfriend unlike any other, pick up Heartquake. A brilliant romance from start to finish, you need to read this book. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Heartquake is a beautifully written, heartfelt, modern paranormal romance not to be missed. I’ve read a lot of shifter romances but very few lion shifters. Heartquake is an original shifter romance with relevant issues such as anti-fracking, big business, and environmentalism. The romance itself is well-written with some roadblocks this couple needs to work through. I liked the banter between Riley and his brother and Charlee and her friend at the coffee shop. The descriptive narration provides a beautiful setting and emotional insights. There is a full cast of characters to interact with. What makes Heartquake so moving, though, is the world-building. Terry Newman takes on shifters versus humans and makes it completely believable. I want to live in her world. If you’re a shifter romance junkie like me, you’ll want to read this book. If you’re looking for a book boyfriend unlike any other, pick up Heartquake. A brilliant romance from start to finish, you need to read this book. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
September 5, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Heartquake” is a captivating, page-turner of a novel! Clawing their way into readers’ hearts, Riley and Charlee are both amazing and complex characters.
Read full review in the 2022 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Heartquake” is a captivating, page-turner of a novel! Clawing their way into readers’ hearts, Riley and Charlee are both amazing and complex characters.
Read full review in the 2022 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 10, 2022
A lion shapeshifter, politics, family secrets, a sizzling romance--this novel has it all. A superb paranormal romance thriller with modern environmental issues, mystery, and danger. A must read!
April 18, 2022
Heartquake by Terry Newman is a love story wrapped around an environmental disaster-fueled political mystery. I loved the intricate descriptions of the community and its response to the fracking at the edge of their neighborhood. I didn’t know much about fracking and was inspired to look further into it from this book.
Our heroine, Charlee, owns a coffee shop and lives a simple life until she’s called to be the voice of the anti-fracking movement. The twists and turns come from her running for city council and what transpires between her and those behind the fracking. I loved Charlee and her no-nonsense approach to life. She is a fighter and shows no fear when she enters the ring. We see her softer side in her relationship with Riley but it's her fierce side that moves the plot.
Overall, I recommend this book to the science nerd (like me!) who loves to read about environmental concerns with a touch of romance.
Our heroine, Charlee, owns a coffee shop and lives a simple life until she’s called to be the voice of the anti-fracking movement. The twists and turns come from her running for city council and what transpires between her and those behind the fracking. I loved Charlee and her no-nonsense approach to life. She is a fighter and shows no fear when she enters the ring. We see her softer side in her relationship with Riley but it's her fierce side that moves the plot.
Overall, I recommend this book to the science nerd (like me!) who loves to read about environmental concerns with a touch of romance.
December 1, 2022
Romantic fantasy
Heartquake, by Terry Newman, combines timely environmental issues with fantastical shape-shifting characters. Business owner in the town of Pharoah, Ohio, Charlee Lightheart, reluctantly becomes the leader of an anti-fracking movement. Her life grows more complicated when Riley Brockton enters her life. While Charlee is puzzled by the immediate fierce attraction she has for the intoxicating businessman, their connection takes a stressful turn when Riley is linked to a fracking company.
Romance, combined with am imaginative storyline and likable characters, makes Heartquake a fast-paced read. Highly recommended.
Heartquake, by Terry Newman, combines timely environmental issues with fantastical shape-shifting characters. Business owner in the town of Pharoah, Ohio, Charlee Lightheart, reluctantly becomes the leader of an anti-fracking movement. Her life grows more complicated when Riley Brockton enters her life. While Charlee is puzzled by the immediate fierce attraction she has for the intoxicating businessman, their connection takes a stressful turn when Riley is linked to a fracking company.
Romance, combined with am imaginative storyline and likable characters, makes Heartquake a fast-paced read. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2022
Heartquake by Terry Newman is the story of Charlee Lightheart and Riley Brockton. Charlee is a simple lady who runs a Coffee shop. But she does have a chip on her shoulder for those rich assuming people who feel they own the world. Riley is a Billionaire who also is a Lion shifter. When he meets Charlee he feels something for her but doesn't realize at first that she is his mate. This starts their story to love.
February 20, 2022
Fabulous. Who would have thought I would enjoy a shape shifter romance? This is
is so much more than that though isn’t it! Dare I say it, this could be written in many genres. Its highly sensitive, and downright topical. Love it.
is so much more than that though isn’t it! Dare I say it, this could be written in many genres. Its highly sensitive, and downright topical. Love it.
July 2, 2022
In spite of the proliferation of paranormal shapeshifter novels, it's rare to see a lionshifter as a supporting character let alone the hero of the story. Apparently, it's because lionshifters do NOT have game. That in itself is not a criticism, but it does lead into the issues I had with this story.
First off, it's a cute story with decent protagonists and a worthy plot that delves into fracking and the environmental problems it creates. i.e, It's not NOT worth reading (double negative intended).
But...
Issue 1: I'm completely confused as to why this contemporary romance needed the paranormal element. Adding shapeshifting to Riley's talents added nothing to the story except, perhaps, to give the evil journalist a soft spot to grab on to. Including the shifter element just raised more questions for me. Specifically, the presence of lionshifters in the community was supposedly common knowledge in the very recent past (with people who lived with shifters still very much alive?, so the journalist's attention to trying to out the Brockton brothers doesn't make sense.
Issue 2: Although I liked both Charlee and Riley, there was virtually no chemistry between them. Part of this issue could be because I'm more familiar with shifters knowing immediately and unequivocally when they've found their mates, which is not what Riley experiences (see: lionshifters do NOT have game). That in itself isn't necessarily problematic--shifter instalove can seem like a cop out--but the lack of confidence Riley and to a lesser extent Charlee have in their relationship is a little disappointing.
Issue 3: All that ^^^ brings me to the third issue. When the scat hits the fan, Charlee is too quick to assume the worst of Riley and Riley is too passive in his acceptance. The scat comes as no surprise, by the way, because that type of plot twist has been done a billion times, but with regard to how Riley got there in the first place? Passive passive passive.
Speaking of billions, I don't think Riley needed to be a billionaire; a very successful businessperson would have sufficed. And then add a bit more business acumen.
In summary: Cute novel, nice people, no spark. Readable but forgettable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
First off, it's a cute story with decent protagonists and a worthy plot that delves into fracking and the environmental problems it creates. i.e, It's not NOT worth reading (double negative intended).
But...
Issue 1: I'm completely confused as to why this contemporary romance needed the paranormal element. Adding shapeshifting to Riley's talents added nothing to the story except, perhaps, to give the evil journalist a soft spot to grab on to. Including the shifter element just raised more questions for me. Specifically, the presence of lionshifters in the community was supposedly common knowledge in the very recent past (with people who lived with shifters still very much alive?, so the journalist's attention to trying to out the Brockton brothers doesn't make sense.
Issue 2: Although I liked both Charlee and Riley, there was virtually no chemistry between them. Part of this issue could be because I'm more familiar with shifters knowing immediately and unequivocally when they've found their mates, which is not what Riley experiences (see: lionshifters do NOT have game). That in itself isn't necessarily problematic--shifter instalove can seem like a cop out--but the lack of confidence Riley and to a lesser extent Charlee have in their relationship is a little disappointing.
Issue 3: All that ^^^ brings me to the third issue. When the scat hits the fan, Charlee is too quick to assume the worst of Riley and Riley is too passive in his acceptance. The scat comes as no surprise, by the way, because that type of plot twist has been done a billion times, but with regard to how Riley got there in the first place? Passive passive passive.
Speaking of billions, I don't think Riley needed to be a billionaire; a very successful businessperson would have sufficed. And then add a bit more business acumen.
In summary: Cute novel, nice people, no spark. Readable but forgettable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
March 16, 2022
This was a very different book than what I usually read. Very.
It was un-usual and new, and new is good. A change is always needed. I am not one very comfortable to change, I usually just like to read fantasy books, sometimes a little bit of romance, but this was certainly a change and although I don’t usually enjoy changes,m I certainly enjoyed this book enough to give it a 3.5 ⭐️
I was absolutely shocked, head blown out shocked, when I learnt more about the character, Riley. At first I thought it was very very weird, but hey, weird is good and after some time you get used to it!
Now you might be wondering, Sarah why are you giving this book a 3⭐️ when so far it seems like you liked it.
I won’t deny the truth. I did like it! It was a very enjoyable, fast and quick paced read. The only thing is that I did not like the main character, Charlee, that much. At first I found her really annoying and she got on my nerves but further on I guess she was OK but nothing more.
As for the writing style, Terry Newman’s writing is simple and easy to understand, however I think the book was a little too fast paced. Yes I know, I love fast paced books, but if there is a thing where a book can be way too fast paced then this is the case.
The first 60+ chapters and wow, I am shocked. I have to say Riley and Charlee’s relationship was way too rushed. I don’t know if the author meant for it to be that way but I felt like their relationship was like a third wheel in the story and that it was way too rushed and I just didn’t like that.
However the authors writing was really good and it balanced that out for me.
Otherwise, I had fun reading this and getting away from my growing TBR. I have to say I was a bit overwhelmed a couple of days ago and this did well to calm me down. You should read it if the description sounds like something you like, but just so everyone knows, your opinions might be different than mine, and you always need to try to see if you like it, so don’t let me opinions impact yours!
Hope you have a good day my friends and have a great week ahead!!
It was un-usual and new, and new is good. A change is always needed. I am not one very comfortable to change, I usually just like to read fantasy books, sometimes a little bit of romance, but this was certainly a change and although I don’t usually enjoy changes,m I certainly enjoyed this book enough to give it a 3.5 ⭐️
I was absolutely shocked, head blown out shocked, when I learnt more about the character, Riley. At first I thought it was very very weird, but hey, weird is good and after some time you get used to it!
Now you might be wondering, Sarah why are you giving this book a 3⭐️ when so far it seems like you liked it.
I won’t deny the truth. I did like it! It was a very enjoyable, fast and quick paced read. The only thing is that I did not like the main character, Charlee, that much. At first I found her really annoying and she got on my nerves but further on I guess she was OK but nothing more.
As for the writing style, Terry Newman’s writing is simple and easy to understand, however I think the book was a little too fast paced. Yes I know, I love fast paced books, but if there is a thing where a book can be way too fast paced then this is the case.
The first 60+ chapters and wow, I am shocked. I have to say Riley and Charlee’s relationship was way too rushed. I don’t know if the author meant for it to be that way but I felt like their relationship was like a third wheel in the story and that it was way too rushed and I just didn’t like that.
However the authors writing was really good and it balanced that out for me.
Otherwise, I had fun reading this and getting away from my growing TBR. I have to say I was a bit overwhelmed a couple of days ago and this did well to calm me down. You should read it if the description sounds like something you like, but just so everyone knows, your opinions might be different than mine, and you always need to try to see if you like it, so don’t let me opinions impact yours!
Hope you have a good day my friends and have a great week ahead!!
March 17, 2022
Coffee shop owner Charlee Lightheart, a businesswoman with a chip on her shoulder for large corporations, is approached to run for city council by an anti-fracking group. After a tour of the damage that fracking has done to a neighborhood, she reluctantly gets into the race. Billionaire corporate mover and shaker Riley Brockton goes into Charlee’s shop for coffee and a muffin, and the sparks that immediately fly between them are undeniable to them both. Despite the differences in their places in society, they quickly enter into a hot and heavy relationship, but both have secrets neither of them reveals. But when all the secrets eventually come out, they threaten to destroy Charlee and Riley’s love.
Author Terry Newman has written a cleverly plotted tale that deftly weaves ribbons of fantasy into a taut plot driven by shining a light on a real-life national issue. The story moves at a good pace with flawed, but believable characters who readers find themselves rooting for from the beginning to the end. Newman creates enough conflict with a backstory to keep readers turning the pages to see how it all turns out. I highly recommend Heartquake to any reader who enjoys a love story fueled by a mixture of fantasy and reality.
Author Terry Newman has written a cleverly plotted tale that deftly weaves ribbons of fantasy into a taut plot driven by shining a light on a real-life national issue. The story moves at a good pace with flawed, but believable characters who readers find themselves rooting for from the beginning to the end. Newman creates enough conflict with a backstory to keep readers turning the pages to see how it all turns out. I highly recommend Heartquake to any reader who enjoys a love story fueled by a mixture of fantasy and reality.
April 24, 2022
Full disclosure, I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
You can find the full detailed review on my website and youtube channel:
https://eternalevelyn.com/2022/04/24/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Ctc...
I'd rate Heartquake by Terry Newman the following, with 5 being the max:
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 for the writing style. It's quick and easy to read, but was missing a few important descriptions for me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 for the characters. Charlee is endearing and Riley is a sweet boyfriend!
⭐⭐ 2/5 for the worldbuilding. I was left confused about the nature of the world for far too long.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 for the plot. The way the plot about the anti-fracking movement, election, romance, and shifters all blended together was perfect.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 for the romance. I enjoyed the sweetness and genuine romantic feeling of this couple.
🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺 5/5 for the health of the relationship. Riley and Charlee are great together.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall, I'd rate this book a 4/5. If you want a plot heavy romance with a rich lion shifter who will absolutely treat you right in every way, pick up this book!
🔥🔥 2/5 for the heat level. This isn't part of a grade, just a statement. There's on-page sex, and it's very lovely, but not super detailed or graphic.
You can find the full detailed review on my website and youtube channel:
https://eternalevelyn.com/2022/04/24/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Ctc...
I'd rate Heartquake by Terry Newman the following, with 5 being the max:
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 for the writing style. It's quick and easy to read, but was missing a few important descriptions for me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 for the characters. Charlee is endearing and Riley is a sweet boyfriend!
⭐⭐ 2/5 for the worldbuilding. I was left confused about the nature of the world for far too long.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 for the plot. The way the plot about the anti-fracking movement, election, romance, and shifters all blended together was perfect.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 for the romance. I enjoyed the sweetness and genuine romantic feeling of this couple.
🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺 5/5 for the health of the relationship. Riley and Charlee are great together.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall, I'd rate this book a 4/5. If you want a plot heavy romance with a rich lion shifter who will absolutely treat you right in every way, pick up this book!
🔥🔥 2/5 for the heat level. This isn't part of a grade, just a statement. There's on-page sex, and it's very lovely, but not super detailed or graphic.
April 14, 2022
Riley is a billionaire trying to simplify his life by moving back to his Ohio home town. Charlee runs a coffee shop and is anxious for a huge change in her life. It's an immediate attraction when he walks into her shop. But Riley hides a dark secret. He's a lionshifter, his family notorious in decades past. He and his brother both change into big cats and roam the city at night. Will Charlee accept this bizarre aspect of the man she loves, or is she hiding her own secret?
The romance happens quickly, but the pace is brisk. Both Riley and Charlee are likeable characters. Riley runs a buy-out business. She's given more rounding out by being urged to run for city council, and fight the fracking that might be causing health problems in local children. Newman's prose is smooth and highly readable. You will enjoy following the love trials and adventures of Riley and Charlee.
The romance happens quickly, but the pace is brisk. Both Riley and Charlee are likeable characters. Riley runs a buy-out business. She's given more rounding out by being urged to run for city council, and fight the fracking that might be causing health problems in local children. Newman's prose is smooth and highly readable. You will enjoy following the love trials and adventures of Riley and Charlee.
June 3, 2022
Riley Brockton is a billionaire who falls instantly in love with Charlee, a local coffee shop owner in Prague, OH. While that simple setup may seem cliché, Heartquake is far from it. Riley is a lionshifter, Charlee has the heart of an activist urged to run for City Council to combat local fracking, and there’s a family secret that Charlee is keeping from Riley. A lot is packed into the story which alternates points of view between Charlee and Riley, but instead of going in too many directions at once, Newman’s clear writing masterfully weaves together fantasy, romance, and environmental issues into a captivating read. Her characters are endearingly flawed, and the paranormal aspects of Riley’s shifter history sit very comfortably within the modern town setting, complete with a colorful ensemble of townsfolk. Heartquake is a story that is relatable, smart, and fantastical, all at once.
January 14, 2023
Heartquake is suspenseful and comfortable all at once! I think it’s largely because the (good) characters are all so great! Spending time with them is like spending time with friends, even if one of those friends is a thoughtful, gorgeous billionaire who turns into a lion! And the villains! I wanted to jump into the book and slap a few faces!
The story is set in a charming, small town that is dealing with a fracking fiasco. I applaud the main characters' environmental sensibilities and their thoughtful, proactive behavior. Again, these are people I would be proud to be friends with.
The bad guys and fracking issue aren’t the only reason for suspense. There’s also the shifter twist. As for the romance – wow! Natural and satisfying, it gets sorely tested! Eeek! I couldn’t turn pages fast enough!
Thank you, Terry Newman, for a wonderful story!
The story is set in a charming, small town that is dealing with a fracking fiasco. I applaud the main characters' environmental sensibilities and their thoughtful, proactive behavior. Again, these are people I would be proud to be friends with.
The bad guys and fracking issue aren’t the only reason for suspense. There’s also the shifter twist. As for the romance – wow! Natural and satisfying, it gets sorely tested! Eeek! I couldn’t turn pages fast enough!
Thank you, Terry Newman, for a wonderful story!
June 17, 2022
This book is not what I typically read and was the first Newman novel I have read. It won't be the last. The animal magnetism between Riley and Charlee provides sexual intensity and the social conscious of antifracking feeds off of that intensity. The cast of supporting characters deserve some books in their own right and help make the story believable even though it has paranormal happenings. It pulled me so quickly to the end that I went back to read some of my favorite parts again. I give it an unqualified recommendation.
August 29, 2022
I enjoyed this different take on shifters. Heartquake was easy to get into and stay with. The book is sort of an Erin Brockovich paranormal style. The main characters are likeable especially Charlee. She loves and supports all of her townsfolk and puts both her business and possibly life on the line from a mysterious fracking group. Riley is a bit different than the normal alpha in shifter books and I enjoyed that. Secondary characters rounded out the story in the way small town tales should.
Twists had turns will have you reading long past when you should go to bed.
Twists had turns will have you reading long past when you should go to bed.
April 16, 2022
Lion shifters with an environmental message!
What a unique story! I had to keep reading this book because I needed to know the answer to two very important mysteries. First, who owns the fracking company? Second, what is the catalyst that will finally allow Charlee to shift? I'm not going to give any spoilers–check it out yourself!
Well done, Terry!
April 15, 2022
I loved the romance plot line in combination with the fast pace, the secrets, and the paranormal elements. Riley and Charlee are captivating, likeable, and realistic. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews