The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman – a Review

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Description:
New York Times bestselling author Janet Chapman welcomes her fans back to Spellbound Falls, where no one is immune to the magical powers of love…

Originally from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis, Nicholas has spent the last year deep in the mountains of Maine, serving as Director of Security for the Nova Mare and Inglenook resorts. Fully embracing his life in the twenty-first century, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to a trouble-prone employee, and is determined to keep her safe.

The last thing Julia Campbell needs is a man with a hero complex, especially one as handsome and imposing as Nicholas. All she has to do is keep it together until her younger sister turns eighteen, and then she can focus on her own life. But strange things have been happening at the resort—and it’s Nicholas who keeps coming to her rescue. When Nicholas is suddenly the one in trouble, Julia realizes he’s not quite what he seems—and that she’ll do anything to help the man who’s stolen her heart…

Review:

The Heart of a Hero is Janet Chapman’s aptly named, 4th installment in her latest series titled Spell Bound Falls.  This time around readers can enjoy the story of Nicholas, our recently introduced warrior from the Mythical Island of Atlantis…who found himself (happily) divested of his duty as guardian to wild hearted Princess Carolina Oceanus; in book 3.  Having been tasked with this “honor” since the age of seven–upon falling in love with the screaming, minutes old baby girl thrust into his arms while adults rushed to save her mother–Nicholas feels compelled to stay within this time that has brought ‘Lina’ such contentment. 

What is a warrior to do upon suddenly realizing his life now belongs to him, to do with as he sees fit?  Nicholas accepts a job offer befitting this new “world” from Maximillian Oceanus (one of his previous “bosses” from Atlantis, and hero of book 1) and utilizes his warrior instincts, as Director of Security for the Nova Mare; and Inglenook Resorts.  Those of which, are nestled in the mountains of Maine near an inland Sea named Bottomless that “mysteriously” formed a few years ago–and of which was coined as the 9th natural wonder of the world–and made a booming tourist attraction over night.    

Unaware that leagues of local women are plotting on how to garner the attention of the mysterious, dark haired, blue eyed stranger with no last name….Nicholas remains oblivious of the fact that he is considered Nova Mare’s most eligible bachelor, and takes his job dead serious. It isn’t until his attention is required for a suspicious altercation, and his path crosses with Julia Campbell that just Nicholas becomes interested in the chase of a different kind. 

Enter Julia Campbell.  Our heroine avoids the people of  SpellBound Falls altogether as a general rule.  She keeps to herself, works hard, trusts few, dates NEVER, and relies on no one.   Daughter of the town drunk, and labeled “the town slut”–her ex-husband leaves her with a ruined reputation, and a small mountain of credit card debt; to thank her for working 6 years to put him through college.  Lacking the finances to complete college herself, Julia’s sole purpose in life is providing for herself and her younger sister, and to prove everyone wrong.  Finding herself in somewhat of a bind when dealing with her brother, Julia comes face to face with the Resort’s mysterious, and far too handsome; Director of Security. 

Everything changes for Julia that night, in one instant, when she finds herself drawn into the powerful arms of this same man, and thoroughly kissed.  Knowing this stranger’s act was an effort to shelter her from her father’s drunken anger, only done to keep her safe, as is his job, Julia plans to put aside the haunting memory.  Certain the possibility of being shoved off the mountain by a jealous female is very likely, and the possibility for the town slut to receive the attentions of Nova Mare’s most highly sought after single male….not so much.    

Intrigued, and inexplicably drawn to this very private, stubborn, and intensely independent woman named Julia, Nicholas cannot help but make it his personal mission to see to her safety….and to discover if she likes….cats…six in particular…:) 

The stakes are raised when Nicholas is called to action once more as the warrior he is, for Atlantis.  Soon he discovers that someone wants him dead, that there is more to his past than being left on the beaches of Atlantis as a baby; by an ornery “whale” named Leviathian.  And that gaining the affection of one trouble prone 21st century woman…will be the greatest battle of his life.  A battle that cannot be won with use of his sword…but achieved only by The true Heart of a Hero.

In Chapman’s signature blend of humor, magic, action, suspense, and romance; we watch the tables turn drastically as Nicholas’s secrets (as well as the secrets of the town itself) begin to unravel; and it is up to Julia to pursue, protect, and provide help for the man who has shown her the joy belonging to someone can bring.  

This was a wonderful read from beginning to end, furthering the wonderful story arc Ms. Chapman began with SpellBound Falls, filled with an entire cast of fantastic main and secondary characters, as well as a few old friends.  Janet Chapman only continues to get better with each book, and I for one cannot wait for the next installment For the Love of Magic.

Reviewed by Miranda