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Echo #1
Echoing Hearts
This is an almost complete rewrite of the original novel with the same title, published in 2018.
An enemies to lovers love triangle romance
The harder they resist, the louder their hearts echo each other.
Rae Allen doesn't believe in the happily-ever-after. After watching her mother deteriorate from a broken heart into a full depression, she vowed never to fall in love. She is living her dream, traveling the world, and getting paid for it. She does not need a man.
Dean Rowland has no complaints. He has a thriving business, more money than he'll ever need, and supportive family and friends. Even after his fiancée ditched him at the altar, he kept going like nothing had happened. Swearing off women and affairs was his best decision.
One spring afternoon in Georgia, their lives collide. Rae's first impression of Dean is that he's hot; her second is he's an ass. Dean isn't expecting a sassy redhead trespassing into his property, let alone having to play host to her. Unknown to them, this unexpected weekend is only the beginning that will change their lives forever.
Until Rae's rockstar best friend, Brandon, comes into the picture, stirring up jealousy and doubt between them. Struggling with unexpected passion, longing, and distrust in this emotional rollercoaster ride, will they recognize and embrace love when being in love is their biggest fear?
An enemies to lovers love triangle romance
The harder they resist, the louder their hearts echo each other.
Rae Allen doesn't believe in the happily-ever-after. After watching her mother deteriorate from a broken heart into a full depression, she vowed never to fall in love. She is living her dream, traveling the world, and getting paid for it. She does not need a man.
Dean Rowland has no complaints. He has a thriving business, more money than he'll ever need, and supportive family and friends. Even after his fiancée ditched him at the altar, he kept going like nothing had happened. Swearing off women and affairs was his best decision.
One spring afternoon in Georgia, their lives collide. Rae's first impression of Dean is that he's hot; her second is he's an ass. Dean isn't expecting a sassy redhead trespassing into his property, let alone having to play host to her. Unknown to them, this unexpected weekend is only the beginning that will change their lives forever.
Until Rae's rockstar best friend, Brandon, comes into the picture, stirring up jealousy and doubt between them. Struggling with unexpected passion, longing, and distrust in this emotional rollercoaster ride, will they recognize and embrace love when being in love is their biggest fear?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2022
About the author
C.R. Alam
6 books90 followersC. R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories with strong yet vulnerable characters readers would root for. There hasn't been a main character she's written about whom she didn't fall in love with despite their shortcomings. She'll laugh with her characters, cry along with them, then laugh again in the end. When she's not reading or writing, you'll most likely find her in the kitchen, cooking, baking, or eating while wearing her trusted Birks, sweatpants, and "I'm emotionally attached to fictional characters" T-shirt. After a whirlwind decade of living abroad, C. R. now lives in Durham, NC, with her husband, daughter, and cat.
Connect with her on:
- Muse Den readers group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/crala...
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cralam_author
- Newsletter: https://www.cralam.com/newsletter
Connect with her on:
- Muse Den readers group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/crala...
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cralam_author
- Newsletter: https://www.cralam.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 16, 2019
This was a great read! I really enjoyed Dean and Rae’s journey to love, and it wasn’t an easy ride as both carried issues from the past. Dean knows quite early on that there is something special about Rae worth pursuing, and the chemistry between them is HOT. I was rooting for them to work through their problems and found the book hard to put down at times. It was well written with good insights into the main characters motivations and struggles. I also liked Rae’s best friend, Brandon and look forward to his story in the authors next book.
December 8, 2019
Review of Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
What a great story! I fell in love with the characters. When I wasn’t reading the novel I was thinking about it. It was difficult to put the book down.
What a great story! I fell in love with the characters. When I wasn’t reading the novel I was thinking about it. It was difficult to put the book down.
April 22, 2019
Echoing Hearts is a beautifully written slow burn love story. Rae and Dean meet by chance at a time when both of them have sworn off love to insulate themselves from the pain of past heartbreaks. Fortunately for them, undeniable chemistry had other plans.
The attraction is palpable though Rae is a little more reluctant at the start, when the romance blooms, it’s a gorgeous sight to behold.
The secondary characters were engaging and were wonderfully fleshed out. I loved Dean’s family and Rae’s friendship with Brandon, who I hope will get his HEA soon.
This was a great read. I love that Rae’s character is so strong and Dean allowed himself to be vulnerable.
The HEA was so well deserved and worth the wait. I really enjoyed this book.
The attraction is palpable though Rae is a little more reluctant at the start, when the romance blooms, it’s a gorgeous sight to behold.
The secondary characters were engaging and were wonderfully fleshed out. I loved Dean’s family and Rae’s friendship with Brandon, who I hope will get his HEA soon.
This was a great read. I love that Rae’s character is so strong and Dean allowed himself to be vulnerable.
The HEA was so well deserved and worth the wait. I really enjoyed this book.
June 2, 2019
A romance novel with depth, I appreciated the amount of thought and effort that was put into crafting it. It was an enjoyable read, however, there was some trouble with the grammar—odd tenses and the frequent incorrect use of plurals—that suggest English is not the author’s first language. Another thing is there is quite a bit of telling, especially in the instances where Brandon is thinking of Rae and her issues. Still, I was invested in Dean and Rae whose individual hang ups challenged their relationship and hindered their HEA.
July 29, 2019
Be still my beating heart
I was just witness to an amazing story of love, betrayal, pain, pleasure, anger and bliss. As you live every breath with Rae and Dean, the experiences are personal, compelling and spellbinding. The author brings so much life into her characters, the settings are divine and the story is compelling. You will root for Rae and Dean, I promise you. Now I await book 2.
I was just witness to an amazing story of love, betrayal, pain, pleasure, anger and bliss. As you live every breath with Rae and Dean, the experiences are personal, compelling and spellbinding. The author brings so much life into her characters, the settings are divine and the story is compelling. You will root for Rae and Dean, I promise you. Now I await book 2.
April 1, 2023
C.R. Alam did an amazing job of grabbing your attention and never letting it go. Rae Allen has not had a great example of successful love in her past, and she is a bit tarnished to the idea of falling in love. She is a successful travel blogger with an amazing set of friends, she is good doing life on her own. Dean, he has been broken in the past, and decided he didn't need a woman in his life. When they meet, things might change.
I love this enemies to lovers, love triangle story. Like, most romances, you have an idea where the story is going, but this journey was definitely not a straight path forward. Lots of detours, dead ends, and u turns lead to a captivating, real feel story that you can't put down. I cannot wait to read more!
I love this enemies to lovers, love triangle story. Like, most romances, you have an idea where the story is going, but this journey was definitely not a straight path forward. Lots of detours, dead ends, and u turns lead to a captivating, real feel story that you can't put down. I cannot wait to read more!
December 30, 2018
A beautiful love story
The love story between Rae and Dean is a beautiful one. I enjoyed their exchanges and the love they shared. The first night they shared together was especially beautiful. I gave the book only 3 stars because I found it hard to believe a man would fight as hard as Dean did for a woman who repeatedly turned him down time and time again without better reasoning explained. I also found it frustrating to constantly see Rae pull back time and time again. You can tell the author took a lot of time to make this book with extra long explanations and descriptions. Some of it added to the book but some was over done and overly repeated. I wish at times the overdose of description could have given way to more between the two main characters. I liked Dean a lot. Even Rae’s best friend Brandon was very like-able and I will be curious to read his story. Rae was a difficult character for me to like although. A good read, and I give the author extra credit for the labor you can tell she put in with research she must have done.
The love story between Rae and Dean is a beautiful one. I enjoyed their exchanges and the love they shared. The first night they shared together was especially beautiful. I gave the book only 3 stars because I found it hard to believe a man would fight as hard as Dean did for a woman who repeatedly turned him down time and time again without better reasoning explained. I also found it frustrating to constantly see Rae pull back time and time again. You can tell the author took a lot of time to make this book with extra long explanations and descriptions. Some of it added to the book but some was over done and overly repeated. I wish at times the overdose of description could have given way to more between the two main characters. I liked Dean a lot. Even Rae’s best friend Brandon was very like-able and I will be curious to read his story. Rae was a difficult character for me to like although. A good read, and I give the author extra credit for the labor you can tell she put in with research she must have done.
March 23, 2024
Stood up at the altar has left Dean Rowland a bitter man when it comes to women. When Rae Allen arrives in Georgia at his home, he thinks she is a brazen trespasser. Rae is there to do a job, she writes articles for magazines as well as does a travel blog. A couple of months later Dean can't get Rae out of his thoughts. He has been burned before and no one stands up to him the way Rae does. He wants to take a chance with Rae and as they are beginning a best friend reappears and Dean questions everything. Can he trust Rae or is she like all the rest?
New to me author and I am so glad I got to read this one. Had everything I look for in a book and I thought the introduction of Dean and Rae was terrific. Sizzling chemistry, I enjoyed every moment of this book. Would be perfect reading material for a lazy day.
New to me author and I am so glad I got to read this one. Had everything I look for in a book and I thought the introduction of Dean and Rae was terrific. Sizzling chemistry, I enjoyed every moment of this book. Would be perfect reading material for a lazy day.
May 17, 2019
A romance novel with depth, I appreciated the amount of thought and effort that was put into crafting it. It was an enjoyable read, however, there was some trouble with the grammar—odd tenses and the frequent incorrect use of plurals—that suggest English is not the author’s first language. Another thing is there is quite a bit of telling, especially in the instances where Brandon is thinking of Rae and her issues. Still, I was invested in Dean and Rae whose individual hang ups challenged their relationship and hindered their HEA.
July 20, 2019
It's been a while since the last time I read a romance novel, so I had no idea what to expect when I first read this book.
I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the story is, and before I knew it I was already on the last page, having a hard time saying goodbye to Rae and Dean.
On many books I've read before (whatever the genre) I often find it 'annoying' when the characters talk and think the same way with one another, even when they are supposed to be completely different characters. Of course the reason is because there is only one writer for each story, but it makes the characters less believable for me. However, I raise my hat off for C. R. Alam for making her characters completely believable and different from one another. I can clearly see how the author put a lot of thought into the characters and the development of their behaviors.
The story is quite simple and somewhat predictable, and I did wish it has more going on than 'just a love story' (hence the 4 stars), but all in all it was a very entertaining read. Another thing I wish to see from this author is a wider variety of characters (from different ethnicity background, etc.), because I believe she would be able to do it so well.
If romance novel is your thing, I definitely recommend reading this book. Can't wait to see what the author will come up with next!
I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the story is, and before I knew it I was already on the last page, having a hard time saying goodbye to Rae and Dean.
On many books I've read before (whatever the genre) I often find it 'annoying' when the characters talk and think the same way with one another, even when they are supposed to be completely different characters. Of course the reason is because there is only one writer for each story, but it makes the characters less believable for me. However, I raise my hat off for C. R. Alam for making her characters completely believable and different from one another. I can clearly see how the author put a lot of thought into the characters and the development of their behaviors.
The story is quite simple and somewhat predictable, and I did wish it has more going on than 'just a love story' (hence the 4 stars), but all in all it was a very entertaining read. Another thing I wish to see from this author is a wider variety of characters (from different ethnicity background, etc.), because I believe she would be able to do it so well.
If romance novel is your thing, I definitely recommend reading this book. Can't wait to see what the author will come up with next!
August 19, 2019
A messy, emotional, and satisfying steamy romance
Dean’s been jilted at the altar, and subsequently completely uninterested in a real relationship. Rae is much more deeply scarred, and similarly isn’t willing to give her heart to someone. But some attractions can’t be fought and are seemingly meant to be. Or, at least that’s how it seems at first. Because what fun would it be if it was just that easy? No, our lovebirds both fight it tooth and nail.
I love that each of their issues are so realistic and believable. That “fate” isn’t enough, that they are each forced to fight for love, and thus fight their own demons. It’s messy, emotional, and makes for a satisfying story. Because though they have to earn it, it’s the kind of love they both deserve, and the kind we all want.
With some deliciously steamy scenes, a great cast of supporting characters, and some seriously intense moments, I found myself more engrossed than I expected to be. I was a little thrown out of the story at times by odd turns of phrase here and there, but there was such a heartfelt, honest quality to the writing that I burned through this read quite quickly. I’d definitely recommend it for romance readers looking for the love story that doesn’t give up its HEA easily but is totally worth every angsty twist and turn.
Dean’s been jilted at the altar, and subsequently completely uninterested in a real relationship. Rae is much more deeply scarred, and similarly isn’t willing to give her heart to someone. But some attractions can’t be fought and are seemingly meant to be. Or, at least that’s how it seems at first. Because what fun would it be if it was just that easy? No, our lovebirds both fight it tooth and nail.
I love that each of their issues are so realistic and believable. That “fate” isn’t enough, that they are each forced to fight for love, and thus fight their own demons. It’s messy, emotional, and makes for a satisfying story. Because though they have to earn it, it’s the kind of love they both deserve, and the kind we all want.
With some deliciously steamy scenes, a great cast of supporting characters, and some seriously intense moments, I found myself more engrossed than I expected to be. I was a little thrown out of the story at times by odd turns of phrase here and there, but there was such a heartfelt, honest quality to the writing that I burned through this read quite quickly. I’d definitely recommend it for romance readers looking for the love story that doesn’t give up its HEA easily but is totally worth every angsty twist and turn.
March 9, 2023
Rae is a woman focused on her job that has no time to look for romance. She is happy to travel and write articles for magazines without worrying about settling down. Rae does not believe in the concept of a fairy-tale romance with a happily ever after ending because she watched as her mom fell into a deep depression after she had her heart broken. When Rae takes on a last-minute assignment as a favor for a friend, she is only expecting to write an article on an up-and-coming female architect.
When Rae arrives on the property she is to write the article about she is greeted by a man who accuses her of being a trespasser. The man greeting her so coldly unbeknownst to her is the homeowner, Dean. Her first impression of him is that he is good-looking but that does not make up for how rude he is. Dean is home on a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city and his flourishing business. He is not expecting a sassy little redhead to come wandering into his life so unexpectedly. Although he finds her attractive, he has no desire to be in a relationship and wants nothing to do with women after his fiancée left him at the alter. Rae and Dean spend the weekend remaining cordial to each other for Dean sister’s sake. Dean does not want to ruin his sister’s career and Rae finds his sister to be a genuinely kind person.
Once the weekend is over, Rae and Dean expect to go their separate ways and never see one another again. Life has unexpected plans for them when they both end up at the same club. Dean is there for work and Rae is there to see a friend of hers that plays in a band that is playing at the club. Dean cannot take his eyes off Rae but refuses to admit that he is drawn to her. Rae does her best to ignore her attraction to Dean and still thinks he is a jerk. Despite their denial they feel the intense attraction towards one another but refuse to act on it.
This book was very well written, and I enjoyed reading it to see how things would play out between the characters. Both Rae and Dean had their own emotional baggage they were carrying around that came from past hurt and trauma. This made them fearful of getting hurt again so they decided it was best to just stay away from relationships. When they meet they realize that they have to work through their demons and heal from their past trauma so they could move forward. The ensuing journey is an emotional rollercoaster ride as Rae and Dean struggle to overcome their past. A beautifully written love story with passion, chemistry, drama, emotional scars, family, friends, jealousy and raw emotion.
When Rae arrives on the property she is to write the article about she is greeted by a man who accuses her of being a trespasser. The man greeting her so coldly unbeknownst to her is the homeowner, Dean. Her first impression of him is that he is good-looking but that does not make up for how rude he is. Dean is home on a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city and his flourishing business. He is not expecting a sassy little redhead to come wandering into his life so unexpectedly. Although he finds her attractive, he has no desire to be in a relationship and wants nothing to do with women after his fiancée left him at the alter. Rae and Dean spend the weekend remaining cordial to each other for Dean sister’s sake. Dean does not want to ruin his sister’s career and Rae finds his sister to be a genuinely kind person.
Once the weekend is over, Rae and Dean expect to go their separate ways and never see one another again. Life has unexpected plans for them when they both end up at the same club. Dean is there for work and Rae is there to see a friend of hers that plays in a band that is playing at the club. Dean cannot take his eyes off Rae but refuses to admit that he is drawn to her. Rae does her best to ignore her attraction to Dean and still thinks he is a jerk. Despite their denial they feel the intense attraction towards one another but refuse to act on it.
This book was very well written, and I enjoyed reading it to see how things would play out between the characters. Both Rae and Dean had their own emotional baggage they were carrying around that came from past hurt and trauma. This made them fearful of getting hurt again so they decided it was best to just stay away from relationships. When they meet they realize that they have to work through their demons and heal from their past trauma so they could move forward. The ensuing journey is an emotional rollercoaster ride as Rae and Dean struggle to overcome their past. A beautifully written love story with passion, chemistry, drama, emotional scars, family, friends, jealousy and raw emotion.
July 16, 2019
I’m giving this book 5 starts and here’s why: I don’t read romance. I try very hard to stay away from romance because it’s just not my thing. I don’t watch romantic comedies either.
Anyway, this is a romance that I enjoyed. I looked forward to reading about Dean and Rae. It’s a slow start and I did have to push through... but it was worth it.
I want to add that I won this book in a giveaway. It was signed by the author and I received a sweet card. I am so happy I enjoyed this book. I was really nervous I wouldn’t. But they say your tastebuds change every 7 years so maybe so do your taste in books!
Anyway, this is a romance that I enjoyed. I looked forward to reading about Dean and Rae. It’s a slow start and I did have to push through... but it was worth it.
I want to add that I won this book in a giveaway. It was signed by the author and I received a sweet card. I am so happy I enjoyed this book. I was really nervous I wouldn’t. But they say your tastebuds change every 7 years so maybe so do your taste in books!
June 2, 2019
A must read love story! I haven’t read a romance novel for a long time and I really enjoyed reading Echoing Hearts. Rae and Dean’s love story is magical, erotic and full of surprises.
A highly recommended novel.
A highly recommended novel.
September 5, 2019
Dean and Rae certainly stirred so many emotions. Both are vulnerable yet not quite ready to give up on love. The writer has briliantly told a love story which twisted me like a roller coaster ride. Enjoying this book so much and looking forward to more stories from C.R. Alam!
March 10, 2023
This book has everything from drama, some sassiness, and romance. The book is the first in the series by this author. I was drawn in by the synopsis of what the book is about. I love a good feisty book. This story did not disappoint. The main characters from the beginning are real sassy towards each other but yet they have this independence to do things their way which makes it even better. I am a sucker for strong lead characters. Going through what threading female did growing up, it would make anyone jaded when looking at life. This is where most of that sassiness that I love comes form. She is used to doing things on her own to get things done. Meanwhile, the leading male character has had a relatively easy lifestyle compared to the leading female. However, they both bring their own hurts for the past to what they are working with now. They are reluctant to even consider a relationship because of those hurts but like any true romance story they overcome those obstacles. This book had me laughing out loud during certain parts and swooning with others. It does start out a little slow in my opinion, like it is slowing building into what the climax of the book. Normally that bothers me but this time I felt like it needed to start slow for the reader to fully grasp what the characters have bene through. I would recommend taking a day to read this book because you wont be disappointed. It is a true slow burn romance that will have your emotions all over the place while reading.
Read
March 12, 2023Rae is sent in to interview a property owner and write an article about a home when the original woman gets sick. However, the man at the house is not expecting her. He is rude and arrogant…and good looking…and did I mention arrogant? Dean is intrigued by the woman trespassing on his property. When he finds out the reason she is there, he entertains her for the weekend with thoughts of never seeing her again.
When their paths cross again, they start building a friendship…and, later, a relationship. But the betrayal from Dean’s past and the abandonment issues from Rae’s past keeps them from opening up completely to each other. This creates roadblocks that they can’t seem to overcome. When Rae shuts him Dean out completely, there is nothing he won’t do to tell her the truth…but is Rae willing to listen? Or has she closed off her heart forever?
This was a good story. It is a slow-burn that requires the main character to really work for it. There is a lot of emotional baggage to wade through, from both of them…but it feels so real because they are things that normal people go through in their own relationships. I could literally feel the highs and lows of the characters (and wanted to slap Dean upside the head a few times). I found myself immersed into their story and was rooting for them to find their happy endings.
When their paths cross again, they start building a friendship…and, later, a relationship. But the betrayal from Dean’s past and the abandonment issues from Rae’s past keeps them from opening up completely to each other. This creates roadblocks that they can’t seem to overcome. When Rae shuts him Dean out completely, there is nothing he won’t do to tell her the truth…but is Rae willing to listen? Or has she closed off her heart forever?
This was a good story. It is a slow-burn that requires the main character to really work for it. There is a lot of emotional baggage to wade through, from both of them…but it feels so real because they are things that normal people go through in their own relationships. I could literally feel the highs and lows of the characters (and wanted to slap Dean upside the head a few times). I found myself immersed into their story and was rooting for them to find their happy endings.
March 14, 2023
This book was a great heart-warming read with amazing characters.
This book follows the story of Dean and Rae. Rae is a journalist that enjoys traveling the world and discovering new places. She lives life freely and rarely has a definite schedule. Dean is a businessman whose schedule rarely has time free in it. He likes a schedule and structure in his life. These two meet in a very unorthodox way.
Dean has spent the last few years of his life focusing on his work. Rae also focuses on her work but her work always for her to go to new places and meet new people all the time. She is not in charge of a business like the grumpy Dean. These two met due to Rae doing a favor for one of her friends and surprising the unsuspecting Dean.
What happens when going with the flow meets the scheduled daily routine? Can a grumpy workaholic learn to let loose? Can a person that makes your blood boil be someone you need in your life? Can you rebuild a relationship that lacked trust? Read this amazing book to find out.
This book follows the story of Dean and Rae. Rae is a journalist that enjoys traveling the world and discovering new places. She lives life freely and rarely has a definite schedule. Dean is a businessman whose schedule rarely has time free in it. He likes a schedule and structure in his life. These two meet in a very unorthodox way.
Dean has spent the last few years of his life focusing on his work. Rae also focuses on her work but her work always for her to go to new places and meet new people all the time. She is not in charge of a business like the grumpy Dean. These two met due to Rae doing a favor for one of her friends and surprising the unsuspecting Dean.
What happens when going with the flow meets the scheduled daily routine? Can a grumpy workaholic learn to let loose? Can a person that makes your blood boil be someone you need in your life? Can you rebuild a relationship that lacked trust? Read this amazing book to find out.
March 4, 2019
A really enjoyable romance
The characters are so likeable in this and so human, so very vulnerable that it draws you in. They make mistakes with each other but loving is not always easy, trust is not always easy. A delightful romance read with a lovely feel-good ending.
The characters are so likeable in this and so human, so very vulnerable that it draws you in. They make mistakes with each other but loving is not always easy, trust is not always easy. A delightful romance read with a lovely feel-good ending.
March 11, 2023
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonderful second chance slow burn romance as this is a new author to me and I am looking foward to more!!
Rae Allen and Dean Rowland meet by chance, as Rae is working on a article for a Homes magazine all about Dean's beautiful home in they eyes of Dean's sister Kat. There is some tension at first, Dean is a bit stand offish and rude, Rae is all about business as she is a known blogger and journalist with her many adventures all across the globe. Sparks fly between Rae and Dean and months later, Dean is trying to persuade Rae to more....getting to know each other..Dean's totally intrigued by Rae as she is no holds bar like the other women in Dean's past. What needs to happen is also letting the past go in order for Rae and Dean to move forward. Will the past come back and haunt Dean before he can move on and fall in love?
Betrayal, love, banter, jealousy and mistrust play into this story and it was hard to put down. I loved Dean and Rae as they try and navigate their feelings while trying not to get their heart broken as well. I am looking forward to book 2 in this series!
Wonderful second chance slow burn romance as this is a new author to me and I am looking foward to more!!
Rae Allen and Dean Rowland meet by chance, as Rae is working on a article for a Homes magazine all about Dean's beautiful home in they eyes of Dean's sister Kat. There is some tension at first, Dean is a bit stand offish and rude, Rae is all about business as she is a known blogger and journalist with her many adventures all across the globe. Sparks fly between Rae and Dean and months later, Dean is trying to persuade Rae to more....getting to know each other..Dean's totally intrigued by Rae as she is no holds bar like the other women in Dean's past. What needs to happen is also letting the past go in order for Rae and Dean to move forward. Will the past come back and haunt Dean before he can move on and fall in love?
Betrayal, love, banter, jealousy and mistrust play into this story and it was hard to put down. I loved Dean and Rae as they try and navigate their feelings while trying not to get their heart broken as well. I am looking forward to book 2 in this series!
March 13, 2023
Dean and Rae are both very happy in their lives and having sworn off relationships is a big part of why.
Rae watched her mother die from a broken heart and swore that she would never give it a chance to break her, too. She is living her dream, getting paid while she gets to travel the world. Life is exactly how she wants it.
Dean was abandoned at the altar and decided that was the last time he ever gave anyone power over him. He is a successful businessman and is rich in both money and people who care about him.
When they come together, they never expect it will change their lives forever. I really enjoyed the characters and relationship building. The burn of the emotional rollercoaster feels personally relatable. From jealousy, pain, joy, excitement, betrayal...it is a great read and kept me invested.
Rae watched her mother die from a broken heart and swore that she would never give it a chance to break her, too. She is living her dream, getting paid while she gets to travel the world. Life is exactly how she wants it.
Dean was abandoned at the altar and decided that was the last time he ever gave anyone power over him. He is a successful businessman and is rich in both money and people who care about him.
When they come together, they never expect it will change their lives forever. I really enjoyed the characters and relationship building. The burn of the emotional rollercoaster feels personally relatable. From jealousy, pain, joy, excitement, betrayal...it is a great read and kept me invested.
March 17, 2023
Both of these characters come from a place of hurt. Rae when she watched her mother spiral into a depression stemming from having her heart broken and Dean being ditched at the alter. When they are in close quarters for a weekend they both discover that they in fact have started developing feelings. When Rae's Rockstar friend Brandon shows up feelings of jealousy begin to stir. Can Rae convince Dean that Brandon is strictly in the friendzone? Will they both be willing to take a chance on happiness?
March 1, 2023
Echoing Hearts was a good romance book. It starts with Dean, a successful, handsome, CEO, getting stood up at the altar. Then three years later, he is a changed man who is just walking through life. Rae, is a renowned travel blogger who is asked to go do a piece for Home Magazine on a house in the south. Rae does not know who the house belongs to and seems confused when she pulls up to an empty house, however, it actually isn’t empty when she stumbles upon a sexy man doing laps in the pool. Their meeting was rocky, he didn’t want to be disturbed, and she told him how it is. They quickly however learned to tolerate each other for that short weekend Rae would be doing the piece. Months later Rae is attending an event for her BFF Brandon who fronts a band - Dean happens to own the company that signed the band. The two have sporadically thought about each other, but due to the rocky start were intimidated about running into one another. However, the two do meet and begin a friendship. This quickly turns into something else but you have two individuals not wanting or not “available” for a relationship. Rae doesn’t believe in love and Dean is still “dealing” with being left at the altar. Can the two of them find a middle ground to further their friendship and get over their pasts?
As I stated before, the book was cute. The banter between the characters was on point. The book was a little longer but the chapters went quickly. Rae is an independent, straight shooter. Dean is a stuffy, misunderstood, heartbroken man, but at the same time has an air about him. The two complimented each other well. However, as a 40-year-old woman, I am getting tired of the “miscommunication” romance. The book seems to have a lot of moments where if you just say something and listen carefully, the drama could be avoided, but I guess we live for the drama. I did like how you could feel the change in both characters and the love jumping off the page. I will be interested in reading the next book in the series.
As I stated before, the book was cute. The banter between the characters was on point. The book was a little longer but the chapters went quickly. Rae is an independent, straight shooter. Dean is a stuffy, misunderstood, heartbroken man, but at the same time has an air about him. The two complimented each other well. However, as a 40-year-old woman, I am getting tired of the “miscommunication” romance. The book seems to have a lot of moments where if you just say something and listen carefully, the drama could be avoided, but I guess we live for the drama. I did like how you could feel the change in both characters and the love jumping off the page. I will be interested in reading the next book in the series.
March 11, 2023
I loved Echoing Hearts! Gives off highkey Lifetime movie vibes that I really & truly adore. Steamy & sweet & a touch angsty, I read this book in a day & a half only because I have kids & I guess kids like, need attention or whatever lol. This book also gave me almost painful wanderlust, in the most delightful way though, so I'm cool with it. Brandon is a DREAM I wish I could bring to life, & I hope so much that there's a next book about his wonderful self along with his mysterious past romance. Relatable, fantastically written characters full of self awareness & growth. There's just the right touch of drama to make the love story exciting & make me tear up, without being heartbreaking & making me ugly cry. Definitely a good choice for a book pick me up any time!
March 12, 2023
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam is available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Echoing Hearts is the first installment of the Echo series. C.R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories that feature characters her readers would root for. Echoing Hearts definitely does not fall short in either of those categories. This enemies to lovers romance features two amazing characters who are vulnerable, stubborn, and struggle with relationship insecurities. Dean and Rae were lovable and relatable. At times I wanted to shake some sense into Dean and make him realize how crazy he was being. But in the end I found myself rooting for their relationship all the way. They both deserved to be happy. I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings to the table.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Echoing Hearts is the first installment of the Echo series. C.R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories that feature characters her readers would root for. Echoing Hearts definitely does not fall short in either of those categories. This enemies to lovers romance features two amazing characters who are vulnerable, stubborn, and struggle with relationship insecurities. Dean and Rae were lovable and relatable. At times I wanted to shake some sense into Dean and make him realize how crazy he was being. But in the end I found myself rooting for their relationship all the way. They both deserved to be happy. I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings to the table.
March 12, 2023
This contemporary romance takes us to the story of Dean and Rae. Story is very captivating from the very beginning and just makes you want to keep reading. Dean, who was stood up at his wedding a couple of years ago, has been truly invested in his very successful career but has left something that has been missing in his life. Rae, a product of a divorced family, has seen the devastating effects of the divorce on her mother and vows not to put herself through love’s end result. At a chance weekend meeting, both Rae and Dean meet in-person and in ways are intrigued with each other’s presence. It was quite an experience to see Rae and Dean’s connection unravel into a romance through the challenges brought along the way. I am definitely looking out for the next novel in this series!
March 11, 2023
This book was absolutely one of the best romance novels I have ever read! The development of the characters was amazing, I felt like I was watching a movie as the storyline played out, it was so real. Right from the beginning when we step into the life of Dean Rowland, an extravagantly rich gentleman about to say “I do” to the mysterious Leighton, I felt that he had to be our main character. Then the transition into the life of Rae Allen, the wandering free spirit of a woman, hanging out with her rock band friends and reading an article about Dean Rowland’s runaway bride. I knew right there that at some point this would be our leading lady, but boy I had no clue what kind of a rollercoaster ride we would be on with these two. I could not put his book down from the second that I picked it up, I’m a romantic and I wanted to see Dean and Ray find their happier ever after, whether it be with them, or with Leighton and Brandon, the illustrious rock star who believed everyone deserved their soul mates.
@Brandy Rymer 3/2023
@Brandy Rymer 3/2023
March 11, 2023
I did not know if I would love or hate this book upon first glance. It was outside of the box for me because I don’t typically enjoy love triangles. This author is new to me and I would 100% pick up another book they have written. The story was heartfelt, romantic, emotional, dramatic, and felt down to earth. Rae and Dean had a story that most can humanly relate to.
Ray and Dean each had a background where heartbreak shaped their outlook on where their lives would go. With determination and distraction, they successfully avoided, the L word, and their past demons. As they find their feelings, unavoidable, they just give in and go where things lead. Both prove to be stubborn and jaded. They dive in headfirst and learn what it is like when love is meant to be.
Ray and Dean each had a background where heartbreak shaped their outlook on where their lives would go. With determination and distraction, they successfully avoided, the L word, and their past demons. As they find their feelings, unavoidable, they just give in and go where things lead. Both prove to be stubborn and jaded. They dive in headfirst and learn what it is like when love is meant to be.
March 11, 2023
What a fantastic book by a truly wonderfully talented author. I really enjoyed following Rae and Dean as these two remarkably strong willed and determined characters fell for each other while fighting against past hurts that they believed not only formed them but also protected them. This book is a really great read with wonderful characters, both main and side characters are well developed, vivid writing that enables you to completely envision the world they live in and a creative storyline to keep you reading page after page! It's a fantastic start to what I am sure will be a fabulous series! Bring on the next book I say!!
March 15, 2023
This book was amazing. It is the first book I have read from this author and cannot wait to read more. The story of Dean and Ras was never ending. It is a happily-ever-after story. I could not set it down. It captures your heart. I was even crying at the end. I highly recommend this author!!!
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