What the Heart Wants

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Title: What the Heart Wants
Author: Marion Myles
Publication date: 03/31/2016
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
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I almost didn’t read this book. At some point many, many years ago, I had the stomach flu and ended up stuck on my couch with no remote. As a result, I was stuck watching The Horse Whisperer on TV. I HATED the movie. I mean, really, REALLY hated it. So when I saw the first line of the blurb, the words “horse whisperer” jumped off the page and smacked me in the face, bringing to mind images of puking while helplessly watching Kristin Scott Thomas cheat on her husband with a crusty old cowboy while a broken child and a broken horse looked on.

But, because the author is super-charming and assured me her book was nothing like the movie that still makes me nauseous to this day, I gave it a read. And I’m glad I did. Mostly.

First, the good stuff:

1. I could read an entire book about nothing but what Elle experiences while riding her horses. (And no, there’s nothing dirty to be read into that. Minds out of the gutter, folks!) The feelings of joy she can pick up from the animals and how they manifest themselves visually is totally unique and beautiful to read about. I loved every minute of it.
2. I like romances that weave some supernatural elements into the story. It was subtle in this story, but nicely done nonetheless.
3. There’s a nice flow to the story and the dialogue. The author’s writing voice is nice and smooth. Pacing is even.
4. Secondary characters were interesting, but didn’t overpower the story. They were just present and well-developed enough to make me interested in whether or not they’d get their own stories (which, I now understand that they will). I would definitely read Nicholas’s sister’s story. ​

But that being said, I also have a few things that irked me a little:

1. The first few pages of the book that talked about Elle’s bad history with relationships and the blurb led me to believe that her history would be an impediment in her relationship with Nicholas. I didn’t find that to be the case at all. It was actually Nicholas and his past that proved to almost be the couple’s undoing time and time again. Elle was actually amazingly calm, cool, collected and rational about her feelings.
2. I would’ve preferred if this had been a switching point-of-view novel. Nicholas was reserved and repressed to the point of seeming cold and uncaring at times. It would’ve been really cool (and would’ve helped me connect to his character a little better) if I’d been able to catch a few glimpses into his point-of-view.
3. I felt like the angst and back-and-forth (the “yes I want you, but we’re no good for each other”) between Elle and Nicholas was a bit much at times. I have a low tolerance for self-imposed angst. Sorry. Sue me.
4. The villain was a little too cartoonish and onenote for my liking. I would’ve liked to see a little more complexity in her character, anything that could’ve humanized her a bit, making her less of the stereotypical jilted ex.
5. This wasn’t a quick read. I think it could’ve been tightened up and shortened a bit. (Although, admittedly, that might just be me. I enjoy quick reads. Some readers enjoy longer reads. To each his own.)
6. This is kind of off topic, but...what’s up with that image on the cover? If my husband rubbed his stubbly chin on my nose I’d be pissed!  (Note: the cover was updated after this review was posted. This new one is much better.)      

​But all that being said, I think the author has a bright future ahead of her. The good far outweighed the minor nitpicks I had. I would probably read other novels in this author’s world, and at the end of the day, can any reviewer really give a better recommendation than that?   
Full disclosure: the author generously provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
I can’t say that I’ve seen too many stories about horse whisperers, and it was well-written, so I’d say this one manages to steer clear of the romance stigma.  

Other reading suggestions
For other good “western” reads, try Kiss My Boots by Harper Sloan, Wild Card by Karina Halle, and The Lucky Heart by Devney Perry. ​

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