Heartquake by Terry Newman is the story of Charlee Lightheart and Riley Brockton. Charlee is a simple lady who runs a Coffee shop. But she does have a chip on her shoulder for those rich assuming people who feel they own the world. Riley is a Billionaire who also is a Lion shifter. When he meets Charlee he feels something for her but doesn't realize at first that she is his mate. This starts their story to love.

In spite of the proliferation of paranormal shapeshifter novels, it's rare to see a lionshifter as a supporting character let alone the hero of the story. Apparently, it's because lionshifters do NOT have game. That in itself is not a criticism, but it does lead into the issues I had with this story.

First off, it's a cute story with decent protagonists and a worthy plot that delves into fracking and the environmental problems it creates. i.e, It's not NOT worth reading (double negative intended).

But...

Issue 1: I'm completely confused as to why this contemporary romance needed the paranormal element. Adding shapeshifting to Riley's talents added nothing to the story except, perhaps, to give the evil journalist a soft spot to grab on to. Including the shifter element just raised more questions for me. Specifically, the presence of lionshifters in the community was supposedly common knowledge in the very recent past (with people who lived with shifters still very much alive?, so the journalist's attention to trying to out the Brockton brothers doesn't make sense.

Issue 2: Although I liked both Charlee and Riley, there was virtually no chemistry between them. Part of this issue could be because I'm more familiar with shifters knowing immediately and unequivocally when they've found their mates, which is not what Riley experiences (see: lionshifters do NOT have game). That in itself isn't necessarily problematic--shifter instalove can seem like a cop out--but the lack of confidence Riley and to a lesser extent Charlee have in their relationship is a little disappointing.

Issue 3: All that ^^^ brings me to the third issue. When the scat hits the fan, Charlee is too quick to assume the worst of Riley and Riley is too passive in his acceptance. The scat comes as no surprise, by the way, because that type of plot twist has been done a billion times, but with regard to how Riley got there in the first place? Passive passive passive.

Speaking of billions, I don't think Riley needed to be a billionaire; a very successful businessperson would have sufficed. And then add a bit more business acumen.

In summary: Cute novel, nice people, no spark. Readable but forgettable.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

This book is not what I typically read and was the first Newman novel I have read. It won't be the last. The animal magnetism between Riley and Charlee provides sexual intensity and the social conscious of antifracking feeds off of that intensity. The cast of supporting characters deserve some books in their own right and help make the story believable even though it has paranormal happenings. It pulled me so quickly to the end that I went back to read some of my favorite parts again. I give it an unqualified recommendation.

It is absolutely fantastic! Well written, well developed, well described, witty, emotionally deep, engaging, and relatable with drama and ups and downs. The characters are strong and believable. This book is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended!