Roses in Ecuador by Heather Huffman

Unknown to each other, they each escaped to the heart of Ecuador to make the world a better place, having sworn off the possibility of love… but disaster pulls them together.

Jane Russell is certain she’s had enough heartbreak for one lifetime, and love is the last thing on her mind when she arrives in Ecuador. Focused and determined, she settles in to write a book on the local jaguar preservation.

Devon McAllister, the wealthy and handsome son of a corporate mogul in the U.S., has broken his share of hearts despite his best intentions. He moved to Ecuador to escape his father’s destructive greed and pursue his passion to do good in the world, opening a fair trade rose plantation.

When the jaguar preservation comes under attack by what appears to be a group of angry locals, Devon jumps in to help Jane fight for the animals they love. As the danger grows, the motives of the attackers are revealed to be much more sinister than either could have ever imagined.

Unsure of whether they’re more frightened by the prospect of love or the danger to the jaguars, they must decide whether they can open their minds–and their hearts–to trust again.

Goodreads Summary

Roses in Ecuador gleams with radiance as Heather Huffman creates and reveals captivating characters that draw you in and leave you wanting more the further you get into this adventure. The funny banter, exotic location of a jaguar preserve, the mystery of the motive behind the attacks, and the blossoming love story between Jane Russell and Devon McAllister make for a magnetic and entertaining story.

The great character development displayed in this story begins in one of the early scenes. Devon and Jane meet at a bar and Devon is unsuccessful at wooing Jane's affections with his typical playboy ways. His background of love 'em and leave 'em precedes their meeting and Jane's over-skeptical, charming sarcasm sees right through Devon's front. Their personalities shine through right away and I found myself smirking and shaking my head yet still feeling sorry for Devon's initial shut-down. This carries throughout the book and you get a good grip on how much the characters grow as people through the experience of saving the preserve.

With both Jane and Devon having colorful back-stories, Huffman creates a strong desire to know more and more about each character and to understand why they are both reluctant to dive into each other. The suspense of "will they or won't they?" keeps you on the edge of your seat, interested, and craving more. Alongside that there are confrontations with the locals, and injuries that add a slight action side to the story. This adds some good variety and sustains this romance's vivacious style. There is certainly something for everybody in this easy to read, mesmerizing affair.

4 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.