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Heartthrob #1
Heart Raider
A private island. A scorching summer. Danger lurks...
After a raging media storm nearly destroys him, financial whiz Nick Cameron finds himself isolated and laying low on a barrier island off the Florida coast, far away from the reporters and scandals that threaten him.
But when little Ronnie Whitcomb shows up on his doorstep, all grown up and breathtakingly beautiful, he tries to deny his feelings for her.
Fate intervenes when a hurricane strands them on the island together, and suddenly, keeping Ronnie at arm's length becomes almost impossible.
But daredevil TV reporter Veronique Whitcomb has an agenda of her own -- an agenda that could quite possibly get her killed.
Recalling the hunky boy who rescued her at summer camp, Ronnie knows there's more to Nick than the hot and juicy scandal he's embroiled in, and she is determined to get the exclusive interview with him that will expose the real criminal. Whether Nick likes it or not, Ronnie refuses to sit by while the world slanders the most honorable and decent man she's ever known...and loved.
THE HEARTTHROB SERIES:
Book 1: Heart Raider (Nick and Veronique)
Book 2: Heart Melter (Ian and Natasha)
Book 3: Heart Tamer (Alec and Kate)
Book 4: Heart Hunter (Cameron and Evie)
Book 5: Heart Tempter (Leo and Teddy)
After a raging media storm nearly destroys him, financial whiz Nick Cameron finds himself isolated and laying low on a barrier island off the Florida coast, far away from the reporters and scandals that threaten him.
But when little Ronnie Whitcomb shows up on his doorstep, all grown up and breathtakingly beautiful, he tries to deny his feelings for her.
Fate intervenes when a hurricane strands them on the island together, and suddenly, keeping Ronnie at arm's length becomes almost impossible.
But daredevil TV reporter Veronique Whitcomb has an agenda of her own -- an agenda that could quite possibly get her killed.
Recalling the hunky boy who rescued her at summer camp, Ronnie knows there's more to Nick than the hot and juicy scandal he's embroiled in, and she is determined to get the exclusive interview with him that will expose the real criminal. Whether Nick likes it or not, Ronnie refuses to sit by while the world slanders the most honorable and decent man she's ever known...and loved.
THE HEARTTHROB SERIES:
Book 1: Heart Raider (Nick and Veronique)
Book 2: Heart Melter (Ian and Natasha)
Book 3: Heart Tamer (Alec and Kate)
Book 4: Heart Hunter (Cameron and Evie)
Book 5: Heart Tempter (Leo and Teddy)
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2013
518 people are currently reading
1629 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Knightly
29 books493 followersNew York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Sophia Knightly cooks up hot romance and delicious humor in her sexy contemporary romances that pair hot, alpha heroes with strong, smart women and throw them on a challenging emotional journey. Traditionally published by St. Martin's Press, Kensington, and Samhain Publishing, her popular Tropical Heat Series and Heartthrob Series have consistently been on multiple best selling lists.
Sophia loves writing books that end with a sigh and a smile. In addition to traveling, foodie adventures, and the arts in all forms, one of her favorite pastimes is simply watching people--especially those in love!
She is also a beauty blogger on YouTube at www.youtube/sophiaknightly
Write to her at: sophiaknightly@gmail.com
Follow her on Twitter @SophiaKnightly
"Like" her Facebook author page at: www.facebook.com/sophiaknightly
Visit her website at: http://www.sophiaknightly.net
Sign up for her New Release & Giveaways Newsletter at:
http://sophiaknightly.net/newsletter-...
Book Trailers:
WILD FOR YOU Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/XtVlFBdaHvs
SOLD ON YOU Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/X20NbJElrvM
GRILL ME, BABY Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/6Y07iUPt3rg
Sophia loves writing books that end with a sigh and a smile. In addition to traveling, foodie adventures, and the arts in all forms, one of her favorite pastimes is simply watching people--especially those in love!
She is also a beauty blogger on YouTube at www.youtube/sophiaknightly
Write to her at: sophiaknightly@gmail.com
Follow her on Twitter @SophiaKnightly
"Like" her Facebook author page at: www.facebook.com/sophiaknightly
Visit her website at: http://www.sophiaknightly.net
Sign up for her New Release & Giveaways Newsletter at:
http://sophiaknightly.net/newsletter-...
Book Trailers:
WILD FOR YOU Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/XtVlFBdaHvs
SOLD ON YOU Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/X20NbJElrvM
GRILL ME, BABY Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/6Y07iUPt3rg
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 15, 2022
4 to 4.5 Stars
I just re-started this series yesterday, 3-14-20 and I'm really excited to take another trip to where these wonderful characters live and love. I first read this in April 2015, almost five years ago. I thought it was time to revisit the 'Heartthrob' series that I loved the first time around.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was much better than the 3.69 star rating the readers have given it. This is book one of the 'Heartthrob' series by Sophia Knightly and I loved each and every one. It was well written and the characters were nicely developed. I highly recommend this read as well as the series. The only downfall is the book gets off to a slow start but mid-way through the pace picks up satisfactorily.
Veronique "Ronnie" Whitcomb is a fun-loving, daredevil of a TV reporter. Playing it safe is not in her mindset. She thinks nothing of placing herself in danger. Ronnie has often thought about and followed the career of the young man, Nick Cameron, whom she fell in love with as a young teen. He was a camp counselor at the summer camp she attended for years, him 20 and her 13. He was her savior on more than one occasion but he always acted as the honorable man he still is today. Her feelings for him have never wavered. He is her hero in the best sense of the word.
Nick Cameron is a financial genius but has suffered a devastating loss. He came from an underprivileged home with a father who was a deadbeat drunk who beat his mother regularly. He became one of the youngest corporate billionaires in the US. He's hiding out on a Florida barrier island to avoid the media $hit storm that has become his life after he was framed and barely escaped prison thanks to his ex wife and his business partner and best friend.
Ronnie believes his story just might launch her back to the top after being demoted after she reported false information on a report that was aired. (Not on purpose, mind you. She was fed the wrong info.) She has been researching Nick's case and is finding pertinent information to clear his name. She finds where Nick is living and shows up on his doorstep. He is hateful, insulting, demeaning and just a royal jerk...at first. He just wants to be left alone and wallow in his misery as he licks his wounds raw so he sends her away. Will she follow his orders and leave him alone as he demands or wiggle her way into his home, his life, and his heart?
I marked this down a half star because the first half moved a bit slowly and it took our Hero a long while to get over being angry that she had showed up. All in all a great selection for a great afternoon read. I'm off to reread book two.
I just re-started this series yesterday, 3-14-20 and I'm really excited to take another trip to where these wonderful characters live and love. I first read this in April 2015, almost five years ago. I thought it was time to revisit the 'Heartthrob' series that I loved the first time around.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was much better than the 3.69 star rating the readers have given it. This is book one of the 'Heartthrob' series by Sophia Knightly and I loved each and every one. It was well written and the characters were nicely developed. I highly recommend this read as well as the series. The only downfall is the book gets off to a slow start but mid-way through the pace picks up satisfactorily.
Veronique "Ronnie" Whitcomb is a fun-loving, daredevil of a TV reporter. Playing it safe is not in her mindset. She thinks nothing of placing herself in danger. Ronnie has often thought about and followed the career of the young man, Nick Cameron, whom she fell in love with as a young teen. He was a camp counselor at the summer camp she attended for years, him 20 and her 13. He was her savior on more than one occasion but he always acted as the honorable man he still is today. Her feelings for him have never wavered. He is her hero in the best sense of the word.
Nick Cameron is a financial genius but has suffered a devastating loss. He came from an underprivileged home with a father who was a deadbeat drunk who beat his mother regularly. He became one of the youngest corporate billionaires in the US. He's hiding out on a Florida barrier island to avoid the media $hit storm that has become his life after he was framed and barely escaped prison thanks to his ex wife and his business partner and best friend.
Ronnie believes his story just might launch her back to the top after being demoted after she reported false information on a report that was aired. (Not on purpose, mind you. She was fed the wrong info.) She has been researching Nick's case and is finding pertinent information to clear his name. She finds where Nick is living and shows up on his doorstep. He is hateful, insulting, demeaning and just a royal jerk...at first. He just wants to be left alone and wallow in his misery as he licks his wounds raw so he sends her away. Will she follow his orders and leave him alone as he demands or wiggle her way into his home, his life, and his heart?
I marked this down a half star because the first half moved a bit slowly and it took our Hero a long while to get over being angry that she had showed up. All in all a great selection for a great afternoon read. I'm off to reread book two.
January 26, 2014
I love romantic suspense and I'm always looking for a good one. This one came highly rated and so I one-clicked. I wanted it to be fabulous and I wanted to say, "Wow, I love it!" The storyline was captivating enough -- nothing new really but had good potential. And the fact that it's a friends to lovers - second chance for love type trope is always a winning combination for me. One spunky and sassy very determined reporter goes after her next big story -- one that includes helping save the reputation and life's work of her former summer camp counselor (who she's had a major crush on since she was 13 and he was 20). And yeah, he is swoon-worthy and sexy -- and, of course, a billionaire. He also has an ex-wife who is evil to the bone. There's great chemistry between our lead characters and some hot sheet time. Still yet, there was something missing -- in my opinion.
My biggest complaint -- this story didn't have much depth to it. Everything just seemed to skim the top and didn't dig into all the elements of a great story. It just felt like a weak and unfinished tale. From the reviews posted, I'm in the minority.
My biggest complaint -- this story didn't have much depth to it. Everything just seemed to skim the top and didn't dig into all the elements of a great story. It just felt like a weak and unfinished tale. From the reviews posted, I'm in the minority.
August 1, 2013
With her high class French mother and celebrity father, Veronique (Ronnie!) was one of those girls who seemed to have it all. Then her father died tragically and her life changed forever. She made it through with the help of some very special people. Her loving mother, her caring stepfather (although she didn't appreciate him as much as she could have), her caring friends (her heart sisters) and Nick, a very special camp counselor.
The years have gone by. Nick has emerged from a messy divorce with his name blackened, as a suspect of fraud. Plucky and resourceful, Ronnie is now an ace news reporter who is determined to clear the name of the man she has loved since she was a troubled teen. But will Nick trust her? He's been badly abused and manipulated in the name of love and is determined never to lose his heart again.
Even when Ronnie seems to have convinced him, the battle's not half over. There are dangerous enemies lurking in the background. Enemies who have framed Nick for fraud and an enemy who wants Veronique out of his life so she can have him herself. At one stage, it doesn't look as if this couple has a future, they are so surrounded by foes and ill wishers. If the power of love can help them overcome these problems, this couple will be set up for life. But can they overcome?
An enjoyable romance novel which reads in parts like flirty, contemporary fiction, yet takes on the darker tones of romantic suspense in others. Somehow, though, the mixture works. As a romance author, Sophia Knightly certainly has what it takes.
Recommended to readers of contemporary romance and romance fiction.
The years have gone by. Nick has emerged from a messy divorce with his name blackened, as a suspect of fraud. Plucky and resourceful, Ronnie is now an ace news reporter who is determined to clear the name of the man she has loved since she was a troubled teen. But will Nick trust her? He's been badly abused and manipulated in the name of love and is determined never to lose his heart again.
Even when Ronnie seems to have convinced him, the battle's not half over. There are dangerous enemies lurking in the background. Enemies who have framed Nick for fraud and an enemy who wants Veronique out of his life so she can have him herself. At one stage, it doesn't look as if this couple has a future, they are so surrounded by foes and ill wishers. If the power of love can help them overcome these problems, this couple will be set up for life. But can they overcome?
An enjoyable romance novel which reads in parts like flirty, contemporary fiction, yet takes on the darker tones of romantic suspense in others. Somehow, though, the mixture works. As a romance author, Sophia Knightly certainly has what it takes.
Recommended to readers of contemporary romance and romance fiction.
May 15, 2013
I loved this book, I love Veronique and Nicks story. I love the story and that Veronique is a very independent strong willed woman. This book has it all romance, humor, and suspense. I could not read this book fast enough because I couldn't wait to see how it worked out and I was not disappointed. I even teared up at the end because I was so happy how it works out. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Sophia Knightly is a fantastic author and I have loved every book that she has written, and I have to say this is now one of my favorites.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
February 17, 2015
I wanted something simple and feel-good after finally finishing Betwixt. Heart Raider certainly was simple in the sense that you could see the ending a mile off. I made a note for myself six pages in to chapter fourteen with a sarcastic prediction of the ending. And there, after twenty five chapters and an epilogue, Raider ended in exactly that way.
This is the problem with Raider in a nutshell. It is a textbook cheesy romance and the plot plays out in a thoroughly predictable way. Once you've read one of these books, you've read them all. There is nothing new about this whatsoever.
***minor spoilers ahead***
Apart from being incredibly banal, there were a few parts of Raider that actively pissed me off. Firstly, the hideous depiction of female characters. The three main ones consist of:
1. The ex-wife: she is backstabbing, cheating, siphons money from charity, snobbish, implicated in attempted murder and basically has no redeeming characteristics whatsoever.
2. The housekeeper: she takes gold-digging to new extremes, has no qualms about blackmailing people, contemplates killing woman No 3 to get her out of the way but settles for setting her up, oh and is basically described as slut extraordinaire, being a pregnant teenager who ditches her baby and likes having nasty sex (well, it's not the saintly lovemaking the two main characters are having anyway *rolls eyes*) with the father of said baby but otherwise won't give him the time of day because he's too poor for her ambitions.
3. The protagonist: somewhat more of a sympathetic character... but only somewhat given she is a raving idiot. She does all kinds of stupid things and practically provides the housekeeper with a "how to set up Ronnie handbook". The chief of these stupid things has to be swimming on her own in the sea when she's tired, there's just been a hurricane and another storm is due. I mean, seriously... how she hasn't died from her stupidity is beyond me. There's a quote that exemplifies her: "Veronique hadn't earned her childhood nickname “Fearless Ronnie” for nothing.". One, how lame a nickname is "Fearless Ronnie"? Two, girl could do with some fear. It might actually keep her alive.
Then we have our hero who is, in essence, a caricature of what every romance novelist seems to think all women want in a man:
1. He's rich. Apparently all romance novel readers are gold diggers.
2. He's "tortured" and had a terrible childhood and is just crying out for those maternal instincts.
3. Except that this terrible childhood has actually had no profound impact on him. He doesn't have any real issues which might be a turn off. This is purely for the sympathy vote.
4. He has no problem with declarations of eternal love
5. Or getting married at the end of the book, even though a) they've only been in a relationship about a week and b) you'd think woman No 1 might encourage him to be a bit more cautious
6. Or becoming a father, unplanned
7. Or spewing about making love
8. He feels so insanely guilty about doubting woman No 3 when No 2 sets her up that doubtless he will be begging for forgiveness until kingdom come
And so on. He did piss me off when he implied that you can just replace a pet as if he/she is just some worthless knickknack. I had to stare at
for a good ten minutes to get past my desire to scream after the cat is killed and he is all "oh I'll buy you a new kitten once the shops open". Ugh.
Anyway. I digress. Heart Raider is not a terrible book, it just isn't a very good one either. A samey romance with nothing to make it stand out from the crowd, but not bad enough to only get one star.
This is the problem with Raider in a nutshell. It is a textbook cheesy romance and the plot plays out in a thoroughly predictable way. Once you've read one of these books, you've read them all. There is nothing new about this whatsoever.
***minor spoilers ahead***
Apart from being incredibly banal, there were a few parts of Raider that actively pissed me off. Firstly, the hideous depiction of female characters. The three main ones consist of:
1. The ex-wife: she is backstabbing, cheating, siphons money from charity, snobbish, implicated in attempted murder and basically has no redeeming characteristics whatsoever.
2. The housekeeper: she takes gold-digging to new extremes, has no qualms about blackmailing people, contemplates killing woman No 3 to get her out of the way but settles for setting her up, oh and is basically described as slut extraordinaire, being a pregnant teenager who ditches her baby and likes having nasty sex (well, it's not the saintly lovemaking the two main characters are having anyway *rolls eyes*) with the father of said baby but otherwise won't give him the time of day because he's too poor for her ambitions.
3. The protagonist: somewhat more of a sympathetic character... but only somewhat given she is a raving idiot. She does all kinds of stupid things and practically provides the housekeeper with a "how to set up Ronnie handbook". The chief of these stupid things has to be swimming on her own in the sea when she's tired, there's just been a hurricane and another storm is due. I mean, seriously... how she hasn't died from her stupidity is beyond me. There's a quote that exemplifies her: "Veronique hadn't earned her childhood nickname “Fearless Ronnie” for nothing.". One, how lame a nickname is "Fearless Ronnie"? Two, girl could do with some fear. It might actually keep her alive.
Then we have our hero who is, in essence, a caricature of what every romance novelist seems to think all women want in a man:
1. He's rich. Apparently all romance novel readers are gold diggers.
2. He's "tortured" and had a terrible childhood and is just crying out for those maternal instincts.
3. Except that this terrible childhood has actually had no profound impact on him. He doesn't have any real issues which might be a turn off. This is purely for the sympathy vote.
4. He has no problem with declarations of eternal love
5. Or getting married at the end of the book, even though a) they've only been in a relationship about a week and b) you'd think woman No 1 might encourage him to be a bit more cautious
6. Or becoming a father, unplanned
7. Or spewing about making love
8. He feels so insanely guilty about doubting woman No 3 when No 2 sets her up that doubtless he will be begging for forgiveness until kingdom come
And so on. He did piss me off when he implied that you can just replace a pet as if he/she is just some worthless knickknack. I had to stare at
for a good ten minutes to get past my desire to scream after the cat is killed and he is all "oh I'll buy you a new kitten once the shops open". Ugh.Anyway. I digress. Heart Raider is not a terrible book, it just isn't a very good one either. A samey romance with nothing to make it stand out from the crowd, but not bad enough to only get one star.
May 12, 2013
When we were teenagers we all had a crush on someone older, we dreamed of the day that person would see us as grown up and fall instantly in love with us too.
Of course most us move on from that little day dream as we grown up and fall in love with someone more our age and more suited.
But for Veronique she fell for her camp counsellor when she was just 13 years old, and fifteen years later she is still head over heals for I'll-make-hotter-than-hot-and-you-will-need-more-than-the-rain-to-cool- down-Nick.
Since the last time she saw him , he has been married, divorced, disgraced, nearly sent to jail and fired as CEO of his own foundation.
Veronique knows who is responsible for shattering the man of her dreams life and she is out to bring it all to light, and if she can prove she is no longer a silly thirteen year old but a sexy woman it will be a double score! Only her plan has a flaw, Nick is not interested in spending time with any other human being within a 100 mile radius, getting into his house is easy but not being thrown out requires a complete different plan of attack.
The character of Veronique was well written but I would personally have liked to see her act like more of a grown up as after all this is one of the things she is out to prove. The author did give me as reader little glimpses of her acting as a adult but most of the time I could not help but feel she is still just a child trying to make a point and not really giving it her all. I did love that she has such a strong kind heart, always wanting to help others, it made her feelings for Nick so much more real and vivid, the author showed that those that wear their hearts on their sleeves do get hurt but when done in the name of love only good can come from it.
The character of Nick was a true brute, instead of fighting back, he takes his knock of life and goes down hard, leaving him unfriendly and just no fun to even be in a room with. However the author slowly but surely lets the man crawl out from his hideaway and shows a fun loving spirit beneath, that let my heart melt!
The backdrop settings were fun and calm when it comes to Nick's home, but also nice and exciting when it gets to the run around at getting the information to the right hands in order to reveal the truth. The dialogue was nicely done, emotional, sexy and heartfelt.
The sexual level of the is read, was hot and heavy but not of the erotica kind rather spicy with a dash of sweet.
I recommend this read for lovers of romance with a bit of a mystery and one where lovers meant to be finally get their chance.
4.5 star review
" He stole her heart years ago, this time around she wants his"
Of course most us move on from that little day dream as we grown up and fall in love with someone more our age and more suited.
But for Veronique she fell for her camp counsellor when she was just 13 years old, and fifteen years later she is still head over heals for I'll-make-hotter-than-hot-and-you-will-need-more-than-the-rain-to-cool- down-Nick.
Since the last time she saw him , he has been married, divorced, disgraced, nearly sent to jail and fired as CEO of his own foundation.
Veronique knows who is responsible for shattering the man of her dreams life and she is out to bring it all to light, and if she can prove she is no longer a silly thirteen year old but a sexy woman it will be a double score! Only her plan has a flaw, Nick is not interested in spending time with any other human being within a 100 mile radius, getting into his house is easy but not being thrown out requires a complete different plan of attack.
The character of Veronique was well written but I would personally have liked to see her act like more of a grown up as after all this is one of the things she is out to prove. The author did give me as reader little glimpses of her acting as a adult but most of the time I could not help but feel she is still just a child trying to make a point and not really giving it her all. I did love that she has such a strong kind heart, always wanting to help others, it made her feelings for Nick so much more real and vivid, the author showed that those that wear their hearts on their sleeves do get hurt but when done in the name of love only good can come from it.
The character of Nick was a true brute, instead of fighting back, he takes his knock of life and goes down hard, leaving him unfriendly and just no fun to even be in a room with. However the author slowly but surely lets the man crawl out from his hideaway and shows a fun loving spirit beneath, that let my heart melt!
The backdrop settings were fun and calm when it comes to Nick's home, but also nice and exciting when it gets to the run around at getting the information to the right hands in order to reveal the truth. The dialogue was nicely done, emotional, sexy and heartfelt.
The sexual level of the is read, was hot and heavy but not of the erotica kind rather spicy with a dash of sweet.
I recommend this read for lovers of romance with a bit of a mystery and one where lovers meant to be finally get their chance.
4.5 star review
" He stole her heart years ago, this time around she wants his"
May 19, 2013
Wonderful Book!!!
I loved this book, I love Veronique and Nicks Story!!! Heart Raider was FANTASTIC!!! I loved all of it!! Ronnie and Nicks' chemistry, Ronnie's smart mouth and quite tongue and Nick's broodiness and the way he tries to push this firecracker away!! I finished this book within a day and a half but could have finished it in a day if I didn't have to work the next morning! haha!! And it usually takes me FOREVER to finish a book because I am not the fastest reader. Cannot wait to read the next book in the Heartthorb series!!!!!
I loved this book, I love Veronique and Nicks Story!!! Heart Raider was FANTASTIC!!! I loved all of it!! Ronnie and Nicks' chemistry, Ronnie's smart mouth and quite tongue and Nick's broodiness and the way he tries to push this firecracker away!! I finished this book within a day and a half but could have finished it in a day if I didn't have to work the next morning! haha!! And it usually takes me FOREVER to finish a book because I am not the fastest reader. Cannot wait to read the next book in the Heartthorb series!!!!!
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May 21, 2013
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
I love when author’s stretch their wings and write out of their comfort zones and in Heart Raider, Sophia Knightly has done that. She normally writes fairly light hearted, often funny, romantic comedies. In this book she offers a more serious romance with some danger added in and while there are some humorous moments, it’s not the focus. I found this story to be intriguing, sexy, and entertaining.
It’s been 15 years since Veronique (Ronnie) Whitcomb has seen Nick Cameron, now a journalist she’s on a mission to get his side of the story that left his foundation scandalized and his marriage a shambles. When she shows up on his doorstep uninvited and unannounced he isn’t happy to see her and when she returns in the middle of a hurricane he’s less than welcoming. I have to admit I admire the tenacity of Ronnie, she has a story to tell and she plans on doing it but she won’t do it without coming clean to Nick first because she felt something for him since he was her camp counselor many years ago. Nick refuses to trust anyone including Ronnie even though she is his attorney’s step daughter and a former acquaintance.
I really enjoyed the cat and mouse game these two played for the first few chapters in this book. While Ronnie wants Nick like no other man she’s ever had, Nick simply won’t let himself act on his lust for her. When he does finally break, it’s done in spectacular fashion. While they grow closer there are people determined to keep them apart and to keep the story Ronnie is working on buried. It was interesting to watch both Ronnie and Nick change as time went on, she realizing there is more to life than work and him realizing that it’s okay to be happy again.
Heart Raider is a good first book in what promises to be an exciting series. We get a few glimpses of Ronnie’s friends, Tasha and Teddy, and I have no doubt their stories will be just as entertaining as this one.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
I love when author’s stretch their wings and write out of their comfort zones and in Heart Raider, Sophia Knightly has done that. She normally writes fairly light hearted, often funny, romantic comedies. In this book she offers a more serious romance with some danger added in and while there are some humorous moments, it’s not the focus. I found this story to be intriguing, sexy, and entertaining.
It’s been 15 years since Veronique (Ronnie) Whitcomb has seen Nick Cameron, now a journalist she’s on a mission to get his side of the story that left his foundation scandalized and his marriage a shambles. When she shows up on his doorstep uninvited and unannounced he isn’t happy to see her and when she returns in the middle of a hurricane he’s less than welcoming. I have to admit I admire the tenacity of Ronnie, she has a story to tell and she plans on doing it but she won’t do it without coming clean to Nick first because she felt something for him since he was her camp counselor many years ago. Nick refuses to trust anyone including Ronnie even though she is his attorney’s step daughter and a former acquaintance.
I really enjoyed the cat and mouse game these two played for the first few chapters in this book. While Ronnie wants Nick like no other man she’s ever had, Nick simply won’t let himself act on his lust for her. When he does finally break, it’s done in spectacular fashion. While they grow closer there are people determined to keep them apart and to keep the story Ronnie is working on buried. It was interesting to watch both Ronnie and Nick change as time went on, she realizing there is more to life than work and him realizing that it’s okay to be happy again.
Heart Raider is a good first book in what promises to be an exciting series. We get a few glimpses of Ronnie’s friends, Tasha and Teddy, and I have no doubt their stories will be just as entertaining as this one.
November 5, 2015
Another great story from Sophia Knightly. This had a little of everything, old friends, a girl’s first crush, and jealousy. With some suspense mixed in.
Veronique Whitcomb is bound and determined to get her story, even if it kills her. She knows there is more to it than what has already been in the news. Veronique doesn’t believe what has been said about Nick Cameron, the guy she has had a crush on since she was a girl in camp, and knows he’s innocent. Now she just has to prove it and convince Nick to believe in her ability to clear his name.
Nick Cameron is still hiding away after a scandal crushed his world. He doesn’t trust anyone now, so he keeps them at arms length. When Veronique shows up on his doorstep he tries to turn her away, but she’s too stubborn to listen. He wonders if she is still the same girl he knew all those years ago. There is something about her that draws him in against his better judgment. Can he trust her?
So come along on a journey as Veronique and Nick get down to the bottom of this mess to uncover the truth. Can a girl’s crush become something more? Who wouldn’t love to be in a tropical paradise? I really loved the chemistry between these two. So onto the next story in this series.
Veronique Whitcomb is bound and determined to get her story, even if it kills her. She knows there is more to it than what has already been in the news. Veronique doesn’t believe what has been said about Nick Cameron, the guy she has had a crush on since she was a girl in camp, and knows he’s innocent. Now she just has to prove it and convince Nick to believe in her ability to clear his name.
Nick Cameron is still hiding away after a scandal crushed his world. He doesn’t trust anyone now, so he keeps them at arms length. When Veronique shows up on his doorstep he tries to turn her away, but she’s too stubborn to listen. He wonders if she is still the same girl he knew all those years ago. There is something about her that draws him in against his better judgment. Can he trust her?
So come along on a journey as Veronique and Nick get down to the bottom of this mess to uncover the truth. Can a girl’s crush become something more? Who wouldn’t love to be in a tropical paradise? I really loved the chemistry between these two. So onto the next story in this series.
August 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, could not finish it quick enough. It was easy to follow Veronique and Nick's story. Veronique is independent and not afraid of a challenge. I love the fact that she never gave up on Nick, and never thought bad things about him. Nick just wants to be left alone, but "Ronnie" won't allow that, she wants him to simply live his life to the fullest, and stop hiding away. She makes him laugh and smile again, and that it just what Nick needs. A great love story, with romance, suspense and humor. Loved it!!
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
December 5, 2014
This was just OK...
Fortunately for me it was free on Amazon (kindle) so all though I hoped for more at least I'm not out any money... The synopsis was good and I was definitely intrigued. But unfortunately the story fell short for me.
This was truly the most corny romantic suspense I've ever read. There was not much plot or character development either; and for me being an avid reader of romance and romantic suspense those are two very necessary elements.
There was potential here, with moments where I was excited to see what was going to happen but they were fleeting.
This one just didn't work for me :(
Fortunately for me it was free on Amazon (kindle) so all though I hoped for more at least I'm not out any money... The synopsis was good and I was definitely intrigued. But unfortunately the story fell short for me.
This was truly the most corny romantic suspense I've ever read. There was not much plot or character development either; and for me being an avid reader of romance and romantic suspense those are two very necessary elements.
There was potential here, with moments where I was excited to see what was going to happen but they were fleeting.
This one just didn't work for me :(
July 8, 2014
Let me say.. at the beginning I wasn't thrilled about the story... I wasn't getting the story between the main characters ... but it kept me reading... so, it didn't take more than a few chapters to hooked me.
The story is lovely and I just love this corny ending and let me be a SPOILER... a well deserved happy ending.
What will you expect..
The developed of a love (that start 15 years earlier) during a hurricane and the days after it. Some journalistic affairs that lead to disclose and unmask a truth. And a few obstacles (evil ex-wife and crazy housekeeper) to reach the happy ending.
The story is lovely and I just love this corny ending and let me be a SPOILER... a well deserved happy ending.
What will you expect..
The developed of a love (that start 15 years earlier) during a hurricane and the days after it. Some journalistic affairs that lead to disclose and unmask a truth. And a few obstacles (evil ex-wife and crazy housekeeper) to reach the happy ending.
July 11, 2014
Don't waste your time
The heroine is impulsive, brainless, irrational, and immature. The hero's housekeeper is impulsive, spoiled, and selfish. The hero garners sympathy if only because he's the object of desire for these two completely unlikable women. I made it only 34% through the book before disgust with the characters forced me to quit. This book is not worth you time; find something better to read.
The heroine is impulsive, brainless, irrational, and immature. The hero's housekeeper is impulsive, spoiled, and selfish. The hero garners sympathy if only because he's the object of desire for these two completely unlikable women. I made it only 34% through the book before disgust with the characters forced me to quit. This book is not worth you time; find something better to read.
May 23, 2013
Another winner from Sophia Knightly. This is a great book, it had me from start to finish. I would totally recommend this book if you like a little mystery and a happily ever after.
May 31, 2013
Wonderfully written story! LOVED the book and highly recommend it to anyone!!
March 20, 2015
3.9 stars
September 10, 2015
good book for when you're sick...and it's free on the Kobo but won't be buying any of the rest of the series.
October 28, 2017
Although the story is predictable, no surprise there since it is a romance, after all, I really warmed up to the main characters. From the beginning I liked Veronique's witty insight and optimistic outlook. Nick is your typical testosterone pumping male that every girl dreams about. What's not to like. Throw them together and love is bound to bloom, or at least some facsimile thereof. Editing needs some cleaning up, and the secondary cast of characters could use a tad more fleshing out. But in the end it's a charming romance and an entertaining read for a quiet night.
February 10, 2020
I don't think I will be revisiting this author
The love scenes were just painful to read. I know that people don't want to read the same phrases over and over again but flowery language just makes it feel like someone uncomfortable with sex having the talk. The danger wasn't real. The love wasn't either. The most interesting person was Daisy only because she was the most realistic. All and all I'd say a two stars is being generous.
The love scenes were just painful to read. I know that people don't want to read the same phrases over and over again but flowery language just makes it feel like someone uncomfortable with sex having the talk. The danger wasn't real. The love wasn't either. The most interesting person was Daisy only because she was the most realistic. All and all I'd say a two stars is being generous.
June 6, 2022
A love /hate relationship. A very sweet memorable summer camp relationship. A tropical storm/ hurricane and a pretty dangerous secret all make this book a plot twisting kind of read. I liked the characters and the way there is so much going on behind the scenes. There was much needing to be explained but it all comes together very well! It kept me reading! My goal for times when not cleaning or crafting or visiting family and friends . I would suggest giving it a shot!
October 14, 2020
Horrible
I couldn't get past 5%, she had a teenage crush that 15yrs later turned her into a pushy stalker. She still sounds and acts like a 13yr old: “I’m no longer a kid and prone to what you rudely refer to as ‘harebrained’ schemes. I’m all grown up now, if you hadn’t noticed,” she stated, throwing her shoulders back and puffing out her chest."
I couldn't get past 5%, she had a teenage crush that 15yrs later turned her into a pushy stalker. She still sounds and acts like a 13yr old: “I’m no longer a kid and prone to what you rudely refer to as ‘harebrained’ schemes. I’m all grown up now, if you hadn’t noticed,” she stated, throwing her shoulders back and puffing out her chest."
May 29, 2020
It started out well. I just felt the characters were unrelatable. The story was all over the place. The character of Daisy was so unnecessary. Really this book was hard to get to the end. Not highly recommended.
August 11, 2018
An enjoyable read with a mix of danger and fun. Well worth reading!
December 25, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
February 22, 2019
I wanted to like this book. There were some good parts, but the rest was rushed and forced. For example, when V confesses her love for Nick, it's from his POV, and V seems so much more juvenile.
February 27, 2019
Heart Raider
What an exceptional story of intrigue and excitement. The story leaves pictures in your mind that won't go away. Wonderful!!
What an exceptional story of intrigue and excitement. The story leaves pictures in your mind that won't go away. Wonderful!!
March 4, 2019
5+ Star's
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
October 26, 2019
Not interesting and I filed in the "Don't Bother" catagory.
Won't be trying more from this author.
Won't be trying more from this author.
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