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Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor: A Later in Life Contemporary Romance (Snowbirds Series Book 2) Kindle Edition
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMarch 12, 2016
- File size1.3 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This delightful story proves that not only is it possible to not have sex before marriage, but it's also possible to find lasting love without it, even after 40 or 50 years old. In an interesting twist for modern times, Hank is the one hiding things, holding back until he's certain he won't be used by Esme, though she certainly is hiding her need to be married... Anyone wanting to know that love can happen at any age will adore their journey." 2017 RONE FINALIST FOUR STARS InD'Tale Magazine
First Impressions: "... I could really identify with Esmeralda's rather cynical approach to dating. It was almost like I'd found a kindred spirit in her pessimism! I think for many people their default assumption in regards to Esme would be that she must be ... catty to not even give him a chance. But that's so far from the truth...! Her obsession with pointing out his ... flaws says... more about her own character than his. It reveals her insecurity with herself... Girl, I feel you. A lot of us feel you. And I love it soooooo much!
... cemented my positive opinion of Hank. It wasn't just that he didn't want to pressure a woman into entering a sexual relationship with him before she felt ready. He chose to stand by her, and go at her own pace. Hank never made her feel guilty for taking things slow, or weird over the fact she's never had sex at her age. You a good dude Hank.
This is a tale of a quick romance. Hank and Esme really don't know each other that long, but they are quite open with each other in regards to their pasts... It's still a sweet romance though showing that it's never too late for people to find each other, and have their dreams come true. Reviewed by Lauren Szymanski at romance4thebeach
From the Author
Hank, on the other hand, was raised in an orphanage and thrust into the world at an early age where he managed to put himself through college and become a professional. But his first two marriages end in divorce, and he's been laid off from his management job and unable to find steady employment.
At the beginning, Esmeralda is uneasy around Hank because of his checkered past and his unconventional approach to life. He takes contract work but just enough to get by, while he enjoys living his life to the fullest. He's learned, the hard way, that money isn't everything. Esmeralda is the direct opposite, believing money provides security, something she desperately needs as a single woman.
Despite their differences, they're attracted to each other and enjoy their time together. Can their blossoming love overcome the obstacles they face and give two very deserving people a happily-ever-after resolution?
From the Inside Flap
"No, I'm not," Hank replied.
"Why not?" The stricken look on her face almost undid him.
"Because I got a contract job and need to make an early start tomorrow."
"Oh, that's nice." She smiled. "I'm happy for you. But I thought work was secondary and money was no object." She trailed her fingertips along his jawline.
He kissed the palm of her hand. "It is, but I do have to live." Then he grinned and admitted, "And it's for a friend and he's given me a rather aggressive deadline."
"How aggressive?" She settled her hands on his shoulders and massaged them with her fingers.
He tilted his head to one side and said, "Mmmm, that feels good. Don't stop."
"Can I come in and give you a more private massage?" Her dark brown eyes glittered in the half-light thrown from his porch lamp.
He grinned. "I wish. I've got a two-day deadline. I'll probably start tonight, not even wait until tomorrow."
"Okay." She stopped massaging his shoulders and let her hands stray down his chest. "I understand, especially if it's for a friend."
"Good, but when it's done, I want to see you again." And he did.
He hated being without her, hated missing her, trying to fill up his lonely days. Esme was a force of nature, a quiet and unassuming force of nature, but for him, she was special. After what Melanie had done to him; he hadn't known if he was capable of caring again. And two failed marriages to boot. You'd think he'd learn and give up.
But Esme was like no other woman, not even his first wife, who'd also been innocent and naïve when they'd started dating. He couldn't say what was so special about Esme, but he knew how he felt. As if he could see himself spending the rest of his days, making her happy.
Good Lord, was he falling in love with her?
"I want to see you again, too. When would be convenient?" she asked.
He frowned and tried to get his bearings. What had he said and what was she answering? Then he remembered. But the thought that he was falling in love with a woman he'd never been intimate with had blanked out his thoughts, stolen his reason.
"Uh, yeah, I think I need to work the weekend, but then I should be free. I'll give you a call."
She grabbed the lapels of his shirt and stroked down, smoothing them. "Uh, Hank, I had an idea." She smiled. "But I don't want you to think I'm being pushy or trying to get you to work more. I, uh, after today, I--"
"Spit it out." He grinned back at her. "I'll take what you say with a grain of salt."
She shook her head and her pink tongue snaked out between her teeth. Seeing it, he almost groaned. He leaned closer, wanting to kiss her again.
"My father used to say that but in Spanish."
He pulled back. "I'm not certain I want to remind you of your father. I know I told you how old I am today, but still..."
She giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Okay, spill it." He shook his head."I've gotten over your subtle innuendo about my age."
"Oh, Hank, you know that's not what I meant. I like you just as you are."
His groin tightened, and a warm feeling rushed through him. "You mean that, don't you?"
She nodded. "Yes, yes, I do."
Well, that was a first. With all his other relationships, the women he'd loved had wanted to change him.
From the Back Cover
Set in an RV Park and with a changing cast of characters, the series features mature couples, finding romance under the most unlikely of circumstances. If you like "Esmeralda," don't miss out on the first book of this series, "Catalina and the Winter Texan."
"Catalina" features the fiery-tempered owner of the RV Park and her relationship with a snowbird contractor from the mid-West, Manny, who helps her renovate her Park. Their mutual attraction sizzles throughout the book as they deal with their grown children and the looming threat of Manny's return to the north.
About the Author
Her WESTTEXAS CHRISTMAS TRILOGY is an Amazon Bestselling and Award-Winning series. Her firstcontemporary romance, SUMMER DREAMS, was #1 in Amazon fiction and romance. Hermedieval historical romance, THE PRINCESS AND THE TEMPLAR, was selected for theAmazon Encore program and was #1 in medieval fiction.
Her book, BORDER HEAT, was a Los Angeles TimesBook Festival selection. RUTH: THE RESCUED BRIDE was a Still Moments Top TenReader's Choice book for 2018. She has been a RONE Finalist three times and inthree different categories. Her romantic comedy entry, REAL COWBOYS DON'T EATTOFU, won first place in a national Harlequin contest.
She is blessed to have all her family living nearbyin north Texas, especially her two granddaughters, Mackenzie Reese and PresleyDavis. Hebby lives in Arlington, Texas with her husband, Luis, and a maltipoo,Maximillian, who watches TV.
Product details
- ASIN : B01BQSSWHC
- Publisher : Estrella Publishing
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : March 12, 2016
- Edition : 1st
- Language : English
- File size : 1.3 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 188 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Book 2 of 3 : Snowbirds Series
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,882,426 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #7,355 in Later in Life Romance (Kindle Store)
- #8,709 in Later in Life Romance (Books)
- #18,572 in Multicultural & Interracial Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Hebby Roman is a New York traditionally published, small-press published, and Indie published #1 Amazon best-selling author of both historical and contemporary romances.
Her WEST TEXAS CHRISTMAS TRILOGY is an Amazon Bestselling and Award-Winning series. Her first contemporary romance, SUMMER DREAMS, was #1 in Amazon fiction and romance. Her medieval historical romance, THE PRINCESS AND THE TEMPLAR, was selected for the Amazon Encore program and was #1 in medieval fiction.
Her book, BORDER HEAT, was a Los Angeles Times Book Festival selection. RUTH: THE RESCUED BRIDE was a Still Moments Top Ten Reader’s Choice book for 2018. She has been a RONE Finalist four times and in three different categories. Her romantic comedy entry, REAL COWBOYS DON’T EAT TOFU, won first place in a national Harlequin contest.
She is blessed to have all her family living nearby in north Texas, especially her two granddaughters, Mackenzie Reese and Presley Davis. Hebby lives in Arlington, Texas with her husband, Luis, and a maltipoo, Maximillian, who watches TV.
Visit her website at: http://www.hebbyroman.com
or Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHebbyRoman
at Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hebby-roman
Contact her at Twitter: @hebby_roman
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy this romance book, describing it as a beautiful love story with wonderful characters. One customer notes it features older characters, while another mentions it has a very happy ending.
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Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, describing it as a beautiful love story with a very happy ending.
"...Ms. Roman has written an engaging tale of two very opposite people. It was a delight to read!" Read more
"I really enjoyed Hank and Esme's beautiful love story. This is my favorite kind of romance, one with a very happy ending!..." Read more
"...Wonderful storyline and wonderful characters. Must download book 1 and book 3. JudyE" Read more
"What a cute romantic story about an older couple....still younger than I am, but at least they weren't young and stupid!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning it features older characters in a charming contemporary romance.
"...This charming contemporary romance features older characters along with a heroine that, despite her age, is naïve to men and romance...." Read more
"...Wonderful storyline and wonderful characters. Must download book 1 and book 3. JudyE" Read more
"Authentic characters, absorbing descriptions and just the right amount of sexy romance" Read more
Customers enjoy the book, with one noting how nicely it was played.
"...This is an obstacle the hero must overcome and it’s nicely played...." Read more
"Enjoyed this book so much. Nice to have a couple who are over forty, hoping for a second chance at finding love...." Read more
"Great book, really a cute plot..... I enjoy Ms Roman 's books!" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2016Format: KindleVerified PurchaseHank McCall has come to south Texas to spend time fishing. Twice-divorced, he has no desire to wed again and looks forward to paring down his life. When he encounters Esmeralda those intentions become muddled as he becomes more drawn to her. Esme is in need of a husband and fast. Her father’s late wishes include a stipulation that she must marry or lose half her grapefruit orchard to her cousin and the deadline is quickly approaching. But as she comes to care for Hank, she is less inclined to use him for her own gain.
This charming contemporary romance features older characters along with a heroine that, despite her age, is naïve to men and romance. This is an obstacle the hero must overcome and it’s nicely played. Esme must get past the fact that Hank had two failed marriages and their courtship is filled with just the right amount of angst and passion. Ms. Roman has written an engaging tale of two very opposite people. It was a delight to read!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI really enjoyed Hank and Esme's beautiful love story. This is my favorite kind of romance, one with a very happy ending! When two people have a past filled with many sad and unfortunate events, I love it when they meet each other and fall in love. It seems like destiny! I can't wait to read another one of Hebby's books. I hope it's as good as this one!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2016Format: KindleAs I have become woman of a certain age, (*cough* over 40 *cough*), many of the problems of women in their twenties no longer relate to me. I find myself drawn to more mature characters, though good luck trying to find them. I was intrigued when I stumbled across the first book in a series by a new to me author, Catalina and the Winter Texan. The male on the cover had gray in his hair. I was like "What?!" So of course, I had to take a closer look. Both protagonists are widowed, and not sure about taking a second chance on love, and a possible long distance one at that. It was a quick read, and I gave it 3 stars and posted a quick review on goodreads and amazon. Imagine my surprise when the author wrote me and offered me the next book. Obviously I said yes.
We met Esmeralda and Hank in the first book, and they were minor secondary characters. In this book, we see those same scenes, now through their eyes. I do believe that this book would work as a stand alone if you aren't interested in the first one.
There was quite a bit of tension based on Esme's inexperience in relationships and the dating world. Additionally, Hank wasn't really looking to settle down, so much as a find someone who would enjoy doing the same things he enjoys doing. Misunderstandings and differences in culture, added even more tension to this book. This book had a richer and deeper tone than the first, mainly I believe due to Hank being a more flawed character than the male protagonist from the first book.
I appreciated the realistic issues that were addressed for the more mature audience I believe it is targeted toward. I enjoyed this read and will happily stick around for the next book. I gave this 3 stars.
The author provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseEnjoyed this book so much. Nice to have a couple who are over forty, hoping for a second chance at finding love. Wonderful storyline and wonderful characters. Must download book 1 and book 3. JudyE
- Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2016Format: KindleThis a romance story between a 40-year-old virgin and a 55-year-old, twice divorced, and once dropped significant other.
If that is not trouble enough, she’s catholic and he’s divorced twice, which means NO catholic wedding.
To make matters even more difficult, Esme is shy, but when she does speak, she can be remarkably rude (Like scolding Hank for not working full time.)
Hank is enchanted with Esme, but she constantly pushes him away from start to finish.
But she does just enough that he keeps coming back. When Esme is not being a jerk, she ‘s a sweet character, although self-absorbed with her ‘wants’ and troubles. So in my opinion, Hank was far more likable.
While Hank was pretty forthcoming, Esme is not. She spends a great deal of time mistrusting him and even when she does claim to trust him and wants to marry him, she fails to tell him about the details of her father’s will, so Hank has legitimate reason to this think he’s just being used.
Before you think this a no-sex story, let me say: while the two take an incredibly long time to have intercourse, there is some rather spicy pre-sex fun going on in the story.
For me, while being well-written, is it a bit too real for my liking. I prefer less ‘iffy’ romances.
Still, while I was tempted to strangle Esme at times, I never was tempted to give up on the story… So I give this four stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2016Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWhat a cute romantic story about an older couple....still younger than I am, but at least they weren't young and stupid! Esmeralda is a forty year old virgin who is very naive about men and relationships. Hank has been married twice before and on the surface does not look like a good match for Esmeralda. But love is strange and they work! Really enjoying this series and I hope there will be more!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI was surprised threads novel close to home. I found it very interesting. Even though it was fiction I recognized the actual places she mentioned.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2016Format: KindleVerified PurchaseGreat book, really a cute plot..... I enjoy Ms Roman 's books!
Top reviews from other countries
- HeyerFanReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2017
3.0 out of 5 stars Romance is not just for the Young
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseInteresting to read a romance with an older couple, Esme is 40 and Hank 55. Esme has led a very sheltered life and rarely dated, whilst Hank is twice divorced and just come out of a third long term relationship. Much of the relationship is one step forward and then two steps back, with both of them having insecurities but despite that they fall in love and marry within 8 weeks of meeting. An undemanding, clean read.