After posing for a Military Calendar, Rafe had a ready career when he left the Army. But he soon tired of modeling and longed for a change.Accepting an offer to work as a groundkeeper for a shut-in near his family in Virginia, he jumped at the chance to return to his roots. Drawn to the enigmatic woman, he desired to learn all about Eleanor. But secrets abound between the two and when they are … two and when they are revealed, will he have lost his chance for a new forever?
A Heroes at Heart novel. These men, raised in the loving foster home by the benevolent Miss Ethel, discovered there lies a hero in all of us. Based loosely the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.
Subject matter is similar to what you would find in an R-rated movie. Please be advised, for 18+ readers.
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Rafe, OMG. I fell head over heals for Rafe. The connection between Rafe & Eleanor was so sweet. Every time I read one of Maryann’s books I say it is the best yet, but I have been wrong. Rafe’s book is her best. I love this series.
Rafe’s tale
This is the tale of another one of Miss Ethel’s boys. The reader is treated to Rafe and Eleanor’s journey to love in excellent retelling of beauty and the beast. This is a stand alone story however as part if this series, we get to get more views of other characters and family which enhances the story. Definitely find a comfortable seat because you will not want to put this one down. Authors copy with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Whenever I pick up a book by Ms Jordan, I know I will be reading another wonderful story. This one is no exception.
Though this a stand alone, I would encourage you to read book one, ZANDER. The background of all the stories centers around foster boys who spent their youth in the loving home of Miss Ethel. As adults ,they have grown to be honorable men.
Rafe served his country, and by chance became a model. But that life is no longer for him. He returns home for the summer to ponder on his future and ends up working for a recluse as a grounds keeper.
Eleanor, the recluse has suffered great pain and losses , both emotionally and physically. Injuries have caused her to hide . Will Rafe open the world up for her?
This was a heartbreaking but also heartwarming story. The journey these two take individually as well as together is touching. One discovers himself , the other realizes that love can heal if you trust and believe in the one who loves you.
Loved the various quotes from classical books intertwined in the story. In addition to some of the author’s quotes. I specially loved, “the measure of a man was not in the mistakes he made, but in how he handles those mistakes” and “…roses take a long time to cultivate…but when they bloom, it’s worth the wait”.
Lastly, Ms Jordan reminds us that the brave men and women who fight for our freedom , frequently return with emotional and physical injuries. We as a society, need to embrace as well as help them in their return to civilian life.
Another wonderful story by this talented author.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Finding his career tedious and mot at all what he wants after 2 years Rafe takes time out, to think and decide what he does want, while actually spending time doing something he loves. Well really this was a no brainer as far as I was concerned. This story though is moving and sensitive, it handles subjects that should be normal. Looks are only skin deep it is the character and behaviour of the person inside that should be judged not the surface, if only more people understood that perfection does not exist then the world would be a far better place. This story covers that, it has you understand it and hopefully open up minds to accept a bit more readily. It is also romantic and very loving.
This is another wonderful book by Ms Jordan.
I loved this story and I love the connection to the classics. It was such a sweet story.
Cant wait for the next book in the series
Love this author and this series!
This is one of Ms Jordan’s best. Rafe was escaping the shallowness of California and Eleanor was hiding from the cruelty of some people. Getting them together is some of the best reading ever.
Rafe is book 2 in the Heroes at Heart series. The books in this series have connected characters but can be read as standalones.
Former military turned model, Rafe is tired of his busy life in the limelight. He takes the summer off to return to spend time alone and visiting his foster family in Virginia. I’ve completely fallen in love with Miss Ethel and the amazing men she has raised!
“It’s okay. It’s time I stopped hiding and came out into the light. I need to let others know that scars don’t define the person. But, instead, love can.”
Eleanor has become somewhat of a shut in. She hides her beauty and strength behind the walls of her big home, but Rafe helps her see beyond her scars.
“Nodding slowly, he replied, “Yeah. I think sometimes we do go searching but what we find is often not what we were looking for.”
Rafe is another amazing story from this author. Maryann Jordan gives us alpha heroes who are good and kind with hearts of gold and strong heroines to root for and admire.
-5 Stars!-
What a heartwarming and intriguing story. It has drama, romance and some very real challenges. The way the story line is written it keeps your interest from start to finish. The characters are well developed and loveable. I really like that Rafe isn’t ruined by what his good looks can offer him. The plot reminds us that there is more to a person that looks, good or bad. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this series. I highly recommend.
Rafe and Eleanor are both heroes of war. Their lives differ greatly Rafe becomes a model , Eleanor a reclusive shut in. Thru some twist and turns they begin to heal each other but they have a few obstacles in their way. Well written as always by this amazing author. Looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Another powerful book written by the amazing Maryann Jordan! This is one that will draw you in and not let you go until the very last page. I’ve been thinking of how Rafes book would go and Maryann did NOT let us down with this heartfelt story. A story of two people who couldn’t be more opposite who find love and will fight for it till the very end. Both having to give in to their qualities and both finding that once love is there nothing can stop it.
This book will make you cry, it will make you laugh and it will make you swoon. Highly recommended.
When does life become plastic? Rafe is ready to make a change. Eleanor lives a reclusive life that is so vastly different from Rafe’s. She is scarred not only on the outside but within. Rafe only sees her beauty, her resilience and her strength. Lies and the deceit of others cause a temporary rift between the two lovers but eventually the truth is told and trust is rebuilt. The love that Rafe and Eleanor share gives them both the courage and resolve to pursue their dreams and their HEA. They get to live their fairytale!
I am loving this series. This one is a take on Beauty and the Beast.
Having reached the end of his modeling contract, Rafe has had more than enough of the shallow, self-serving world surrounding him. He returns home to Virginia, set on finding something he really loves to do.
Miss Ethel, the woman who raised him and his ‘brothers’, is a crafty woman. She entices him to take the job as groundskeeper for a nearby shut-in. Of course she neglects to mention said shut-in isn’t old or infirm.
As Rafe gets the outside of the estate looking pristine, our heroine Evelyn, starts thinking about her life and the cruelness of the world that caused her to hide away.
Storms lead the way to them actually meeting face to face. The twists and turns in this story will keep you wondering if these too will ever get together.
It’s a good thing Rafe isn’t one of those sit and watch TV guys, the cottage that comes with the contract has no TV, it does however have books. Lots and lots of books. Having him settle in to read after dinner is inspiring in itself. I really loved that when he looked around his temporary home he thought of a Hobbit house.
Full of references to several classics including Jane Eyre and The Hobbit. This is an entertaining love story you won’t want to miss!
The Heroes at Heart series by Maryann Jordan is a fairy tales for adults who still believe in happily ever afters. I love this series. In this book we meet Eleanor, mysterious and recluse. Eleanor suffers in the privacy of her own castle. Rafe handsome and successful model is unhappy and unsatisfied with his life. Wanting to get back to his roots and reconnect with his family he heads home. On the suggestion of his foster mom he takes a job gardening for a shut in he assumes is an elderly lady. Both Rafe and Eleanor are surprised by each other. Eleanor wants privacy of the walls she has built, but Rafe wants to tear down those walls…pushing his way in. This story is a sweet surprise and a tale as old as time….I hope you enjoy this play on Beauty and the Beast as much as I did.
I have loved all of Ms. Jordan’s books, but this series is truly touching my soul. The loose reference to the fairy tales and the stories are absolute perfection.
Rafe and Eleanor’s story is one of incredible loss and tragedy and digging deep to overcome so much pain. This story definitely should be read with a box of tissue handy. The tale will run you through every emotion. Eleanor has so much strength and when you first meet her, you don’t realize what an incredible person she is and what a strong woman she is. I loved Xander’s book and Rafe’s book just takes it to another level for me. The beauty and the beast play of this story was absolute perfection.
I love the group of guys that Ms. Ethel has raised. This is such a special group of stories. Ms. Jordan gets better with each book. I always think this one is my favorite and she always tops it the next time out. This is a definite must read series!