Haunted Hearts

Little Hope Series, Book 1

By: Ariana Cane

Narrated by: Maeve York

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

“My heart demands I be near this broken man. Maybe we can be broken together.”

Alex: The only thing I’ve ever wanted was to be left alone in my secluded cabin, deep in the woods. I wear my scars as a badge of dishonor to ensure that people will stay away from me. And severe PTSD after years in the Navy just about seals the deal.

And this is how I like it: alone and quiet…Until a beautiful trouble gets dumped on my doorstep.

Freya: The only thing I want is to fix my car and get the hell away from Little Hope, where I got stuck thanks to a popped tire and ‘helpful’ locals. Unfortunately, fate - apparently - has other plans for me.

That’s how I find myself at Alex’s doorstep. A local ex-navy recluse, Alex is rude, obnoxious, and scorching as hell with his grumpiness and f-off attitude.

I just want to run from this little town and from this growly man people constantly warn me about. But why does he suddenly feel like home?

They say All Roads Lead to Maine. But do they end there?

This slow-burn, strangers-to-enemies-to-lovers, contemporary romance is a standalone filled with angst, battling the demons of the past, and finding peace. Each book contains a story about a different couple. No cheating. No cliffhangers.

HEA.

TW: PTSD, anger issues, mentioning of abusive relationships (for FMH in the past, not from MMC). Strong language and adult situations.

©2022 Ariana Cane (P)2024 Ariana Cane

Love Axel Audio

The book was amazing and the readers were spectacular! Hope Axel voices more audiobooks soon!

love it!

I love this book and I absolutely LOVE Axel. Please have him narrate more books

This will be listened to multiple times!

I absolutely loved this debut novel when I read it and I am here to say this audiobook DOES. NOT. DISAPPOINT!!!! Axel and Maeve York could not have been any more perfect for Alex and Freya. Axel has the growly voice that matches Alex's grumpy demeanor and Maeve nails Freya's sunshine and snark!

This small town, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine story is one of my favorites. The attraction between Alex and Freya is so strong and yet this is a very slow burn. They both have issues from their past keeping them from moving forward in life. Eventually though, the attraction becomes too much and they cave.

I have to say a huge thank you to Ariana Cane for the chance to listen to this and experience Alex and Freya being brought to life.

A Promising Author’s Debut!

Congratulations to Ariana! She truly wrote a fantastic story and I’m honestly so surprised and impressed this was her debut story.

I generally loved that this was a story about the traumas of these 2 characters coming together ultimately healing and transforming each other’s lives. I genuinely loved both of our protagonists. I enjoyed that the development of their relationship had many ups and downs and that they were both flawed characters with their own tribulations that often clashed throughout the story. I thought the story was well paced with some unexpected moments. Ariana did a great job handling side characters and building anticipation for the sequel because I’m genuinely curious about what happened between Kayla and Justin.

Last but certainly not least, our narrators. I thought Maeve York and Axel both did fantastic jobs as Freya and Alex. Maeve did really great with showcasing Freya's light hearted, fun moments along with her serious, darker tones when it came to Freya’s trauma. Maeve has a pleasant voice and I enjoyed listening to her.

I knew from the moment Freya described Alex’s voice that Axel was going to be perfect for that role and he indeed was. Axel has the voice of a natural conversationalist and the dark notes of his voice have a pleasing depth. That depth was perfect for Alex and the guilt and darkness he’s drowning in throughout the story. My heart literally skipped a beat every time he spoke. I wish we had more of Alex’s pov but perhaps Axel left much to be desired and I simply wanted to hear more of him because his voice vibrated in my ears so beautifully.

I definitely recommend this story without a doubt. I genuinely enjoyed all 11 hours of the audiobook! Congratulations again to Ariana’s debut!

Loved it!

I loved the story and both Axel and Maeve did an amazing job narrating!!

worth the credit 5 🌟

worth the credit to read. excellent all around and the narrators were phenomenal and sucked you into the story

Small Town Heat!

The narration was fantastic and the small town setting with a kind of enemy to lovers story line hits the spot. I could do with a touch less wining from Freya, but it really didn’t take away from the book.

LOVED IT

it is dual narration, which I didn't realize because Axel isn't listed. I was pleasantly surprised, I've heard him before, very deep and quiet voice.

The story was small town, and I loved it and I can't wait for the other books in the series to be available on audio.

Fantastic audiobook and fantastic story!

This book is absolutely amazing, and the narrators have knocked it out of the park.

I genuinely cannot say enough wonderful things about this book.
Genuinely. If you’re a fan of small-town, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romances, this is for YOU.
I can’t believe this is the author’s debut novel.
The characters will make you fall in love, and I’m so interested in what the other townspeople have going on in their lives. I feel like that nosy neighbor. I want to know the gossip now! Excited for the next books to come!

The plot is excellent, the characters are well-written and deep, and overall, this book is absolutely fantastic.

🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

This book is Ariana Cane's debut novel, and what a debut it is. There is a lot of past pain for both Alex & Freya. Neither is able to give 100% of themselves at the start of knowing each other, and it makes for a really beautiful love story where both individuals need to grow and work on themselves before they can truly ever be together. This fact is something that is portrayed so well in this book & I loved how it is achieved, especially for Alex.

There is so much depth to the characters in this story and I definitely loved the enemies to lovers aspect of it. Add in the growly former military mountain man that we have in Alex & this makes for one wild ride. I seriously love this man. He has so many faults & he still try’s his best to do what is right for Freya.

The narrators do an amazing job of bring this story to life. It is so well done & I loved hearing this story in the audiobook.

This is a great small town romance & I can’t wait for the next book in the series.