Hearts Reclaimed

Ardor Creek, Book 1

By: Ayla Asher

Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Two weary souls find each other against all odds...

Ashlyn Rivers left her cheating fiancé behind and moved to Ardor Creek to revamp her life. Done with men in general, she has plenty to focus on, like building her new business and renovating her house for the local haunted homes tour. Falling in love is definitely not on the agenda.

Scott Grillo lost his family in a tragic accident several years ago. Still processing the loss, he throws himself into his contracting business, pushing away the loneliness and heartache.

When Ashlyn blazes into Scott’s life, he turns down her request to renovate her house, vowing to squelch the desire she stirs deep inside. But Ashlyn is a force to be reckoned with and Scott finds himself longing for her embrace each day she remains in Ardor Creek.

Can these two disillusioned souls reclaim their hearts and choose to love again?

Welcome to Ardor Creek, the small Pennsylvania town where love is in the air! If you like a grumpy hero and feisty heroine, this book is your jam. As with all of Ayla’s books, there’s a slight holiday theme, and Halloween ghosts play a part! The main character is a widower who discusses the loss of his family so please take note of this before listening. Settle in and fall in love with Ardor Creek today!

©2020 Ayla Asher (P)2020 Ayla Asher

Your a great writer

I loved the narration it was almost like watching a movie. . I can’t wait to listen to your other books. Hope you kept the same narrators.

Baskerville Book Reviews

There are a few aspects of this story that I appreciated. I thought the story was going to be predictable, based on how it started out. I was pleasantly surprised by several twists in the direction along the way. While I was somewhat distracted, transcribing text while wiki editing and listening, I noticed mention of how months had passed. Usually, in romance stories, characters fall in love overnight, I always appreciate it when an author adds a believable pace to it.

The characters had obvious chemistry and I liked how the cast of side characters and townspeople played into the plot. I enjoyed the teasing about how they’d end up together, while they continually denied it. The narrators played off of each other well and really brought everybody to life.

I don’t know which one is which, as their names sound made up. They both did an amazing job of bringing characters to life, though the female narrator’s narration sounded lifeless at times. I’ve noticed a lot of narrators either narrate characters well, or narrate the plot well, but rarely both.

I enjoy the nod at the end, where they point out that the relationships in Ardor Creek have only just begun. It reminds me of a series of cozy mystery romance stories I listened to that functioned much the same way.

I enjoyed my time with these characters and I can’t wait to see how they play into the sequels; as well as how their friends play into the sequels.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

Enjoyed this Audiobook

Ayla tells a good story in this audiobook. It is touching and hot. I liked the haunted house idea, and was thinking that the paranormal might be more prominent than it was. I liked the way the narrators spoke together like a real conversation. I especially liked his voice and growls. I also like the picture of the couple on the cover. The only thing I did not really like was the use of the third person. I enjoy a story told in first person point of view better. Overall, great job!