Satin Sheets Romance: Alyson's Satin Sheets Romance Review of HEART OF A SOLDIER by Tamara Hoffa

Book: Heart of a Soldier
Author: Tamara Hoffa
Publisher: Boroughs PublishingGroup
Published: September 21, 2012
Pages: 39
Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
Series: Lunchbox Romances

Boroughs Publishing Group has started a new line of books called 'Lunchbox Romances'. Each story is just long enough to be read during a lunch break and Heart of a Soldier is one of them.

Charlotte Mackenzie (Charlie) lost her husband in a freak car accident and now is up against fears of losing her only child while he's in the military. Evan, her son, wants badly to join the Army so Charlie does her best be supportive and the two of them go to talk to the recruiter, Chief Warrant Officer Jameson Hunter (Jamie). Charlie and Jamie instantly feel an attraction, but Charlie has has to come to terms with both Jamie's Military career and her feelings for him as a man since she has only been with her late husband. Will the two of them be able to find a middle ground? Will Charlie discover that the heart of a soldier is worth a second chance at happiness?

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My Review:

...Wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed her cheek. She inhaled his masculine scent, he smelled of engine grease, citrus hand cleaner and man. She turned in his arms and laid her cheek over his beating heart, treasuring the haven of his embrace...

I love a good military romance and was intrigued by the concept of Lunchbox Romances. I was unsure I could read a book in an hour that would leave me feeling satisfied with the storyline. Let me put you right at ease - Tamara Hoffa knows exactly how to do that! You walk into the story and meet all of the main characters, learn some of their background and the plot takes it from there. While I did not read it at lunch time - it was more like time for dessert - I sure didn't want to put it down, even to go to sleep.

The Good: Charlie and Jamie are both extremely likeable characters and their chemistry is immediate. Charlie became more and more endearing, each time you read her thoughts or heard her express her misgivings, inadequacies, or fears. Don't get me wrong, she is a very capable and strong woman but her concerns make her realistic. Jamie seems to 'get' her, right from the start. I loved what a gentleman he was and how he made Charlie feel...like she was precious to him. Tamara wrote just the right amount of dialog between them and just the right amount of action. The side characters were perfect to help move the story along and the events unfolded seamlessly. This book was a delightful and happy surprise!

The Bad: I guess the only thing I could have wished were different was for the story to have continued. Not because it left me wanting or hanging at the end but because I fell in love with the characters that much. Perhaps Tamara might consider a follow-up book?? (hint, hint)

The Snuggly: Heart of a Soldier had some of the best small romantic gestures and tender, thoughtful dialog of any book I have read in a long time! That alone had my heart going pitter-pat. Then you add the way the character's fell into love with one another and all of the intimate scenes were poignant and beautiful. There is explicit intimacy involved so this is not the book for just anyone.

Final Thoughts: Oh, to have been Charlie during the timeline of the story! This is not just a one trick pony however; the feelings involved cover a large part of the emotional spectrum. You will be so engrossed in reading this book, that if you do read it at lunch time, it is a good thing that it ends after 39 pages or you'd be late getting back for sure! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to lovers of romance everywhere. Heart of a Soldier is well worth your time.

4 Satin Pillows

Heat rating of 4 pillow mints

About Tamara:

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Disclosure of Material Connection: I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my personal opinions on the subject. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."