Kitty's review:

Everything His Heart Desires took me totally by surprise. New-to-me author, Patricia Preston reallyimpressed me with her mix of emotions and her storytelling abilities. The story was both compelling and emotional.
Two insecure and misunderstood people. Brett was motivated. He came from the wrong side of the tracks and worked to get where he was. He had no right wanting Natalie Layton, the princess of the Castle. But he did. He always did and never felt he was good enough for her. So, instead of showing any feelings, he was the typical teenager. Now, grown and successful, he has a chance but still feels that he’s not worthy. It’s time for him to become the new wind beneath her wings and he will do whatever it takes to show her that he will stand beside her, that he loves her, that he’s changed.
Natalie was a Slacker. She’ll admit it but no one knows the real reason. For some reason, getting to know the real Brett has her telling him everything. From her mother’s death to her husband’s murder to her time as a photojournalist, Natalie is not the Princess Brett thought her to be, she’s also not the girl she was in high school. She knows that he is only using her to get the Chief Cardiologist position. She must keep her heart separate from her lust.
I was amazed at how much Natalie and Brett were made for each other. Their back stories were so interesting and were written in a way that you didn’t mind them looking back at the way things were. They meshed, much to the chagrin of Nana. I loved the muscle car angle; Pharaoh, Aunt Clara and Miss Piggy just made the story a little lighter.
Patricia Preston brought Everything His Heart Desires to life with her complex characters and interesting storyline. You felt Brett’s confidence and insecurity. You felt Natalie’s heartbreak and pain. The story was beautifully written, fluid and fast paced. I am definitely looking forward to more from this author.

A well written romance with characters who are both rising above their own histories. Brett and Natalie are drawn to one another, like it or not, and getting them there isn't always easy. I had not read Preston before, so thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This was a good read on a rainy miserable day but it would be just as good at the beach or any other time. You'll like this if you enjoy reading feel good stories.

Brett Harris and Nathalie Layton were enemies in high school. Brett was from the wrong side of town, Natalie was a senator’s daughter. Brett resented everything about Natalie, especially the fact that he had no chance with her, although he had a secret crush on her.
Thanks to his hard work, ambition and multiple scholarships, Brett has become a respected cardiologist. His job is his calling. In order to be endorsed as chief of cardiology of his hospital, he accepts to play a part in a scheme to convince Anna Layton to agree to medical treatment of her heart condition. Anna is Natalie’s grandmother. She is definitely not a nice, sweet old lady, but rather a ruthless, aloof and shrewd bully! She can be a very contrary woman when she sets her mind to it, and she doesn’t trust doctors. Anna’s determination to get rid of poor Brett was hilarious. Even her evil cat hated him. Brett is persistent, but he has his work cut out for him with Anna. And some scenes were laugh-out-loud funny!
Natalie has become the key to her former nemesis’ professional success. Brett was a jerk and a bully in college and she has the opportunity to get even with him. But she doesn’t really want that, she isn’t spiteful. Natalie is at a crossroads in her life. She has lost her beloved husband and was badly hurt in a terrorist attack. She was a photojournalist and has traversed the world’s most dangerous places for her job. She has come home to reconnect with her roots and reestablish ties with her family. Natalie is a combination of strength and fragility, she is charming, honest, not at all a spoiled rich girl . She is very insecure, though.
The attraction Brett and Natalie denied when they were teenagers is still there. Their chemistry was undeniable, but Brett is still unsure when it comes to Natalie. Can he give her what she needs, happiness, a reason to stay and a common future?
I devoured this tender, funny and romantic story. I loved the characters, although I was unsettled by Natalie’s insecurities. This is my second book by Patricia Preston and I definitely recommend this author. She creates engaging, relatable characters and well-written, charming and romantic stories that I enjoy reading. This novel is a standalone, with some cameo appearances of Marla, the heroine of “One Week in Your Arms”.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.