Take This Heart

Windy Harbor Series, Book 1

De: Willow Aster

Narrado por: Andi Arndt, Christian Fox

After an annoying, albeit sexy, encounter with Milo Lombardi, he’s the last person I want to see in Windy Harbor, Minnesota. Being in my favorite small town near Lake Superior with my family is my idea of heaven, and after clashing with Milo at an art event, and then kissing his face off right after – I’d be fine if I never saw the man again.

Even though he is sinfully gorgeous, and knows how to use those unforgettable lips.

But my dad has other ideas, and because he’s been dealt a blow that threatens to turn our family’s world upside down, I want to do what's best and keep the peace.

Which means, I’m stuck working on a project with Milo, all day, every day.

And if I thought we didn’t get along in the beginning, it’s nothing compared to dealing with him on a daily basis. He has a unique way of bringing out the worst in me, while showcasing his annoying smirk in the process.

If only I could forget how his mouth felt on mine, and the way his strong arms felt wrapped around me.

Take this Heart is book one in the brand new, interconnected standalone Windy Harbor series.

©2025 Willow Aster (P)2025 Willow Aster

A great read!!!

What a great start to a new series!! I really enjoyed this one!! I have enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author and this one is no exception! If you enjoy reading and listening to audios I definitely recommend doing both! The narration was so good! The narrators brought so much life to the authors words! The narration is duet style (which is my favorite) so it really kept me anchored into the story. It truly did play out like a movie in my mind. The author did a great job of setting up a new world without taking away from the story that was being told. I can’t see what else unfolds! If you enjoy reading small town, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, workplace romances make sure to read this one!!

golo and mildie supremacy!!!

golo and mildie supremacy!!!

oh my goodness, i cannot get over how much i loved these two and the new universe willow is taking us on a journey in!! as sad as i was to say goodbye to silver hills i am SO ready & excited for what windy harbor has in store after listening to this 🤭

goldie was such a fun character and i loved getting to know her, theres just something about a sunshine girl with a heart of gold (haha get it) who becomes the biggest grump over a hot “evil” man lololol. she was absolutely hilarious and i am prayyyying we get to see her constantly through out her brothers books.

milo was also so much fun, he knew exactly how to push all of goldie’s buttons in the most humorous way. he was SUCH a sweet heart, one very specific scene comes to mind that just solidified him being a top tier mmc (he already was, but like this turned me to MUSH, when you know youll know). i loved that he let goldie believe he was the villain in her story meanwhile he was doing anything possible to make her life better & easier.

i feel like they fell for eachother in a very soft & sweet way and i loved that even though they had this softness to them their chemistry was still fiery and passionate from the moment they met. it was a really fun duality that they had to them.

one of my favorite things about willows books are always the found family aspects and in this were lucky enough to get to see how this beautiful family interacts with one another and cares for each other and they way that they take in milo during the process of project was SO lovely 😭

the narrators did such an incredible job bringing this book to life, this story was such an insanely good way to kick off a new series, i feel like im always chomping at the bit for the next book every time i finish a book of willows and this is no different. i CANNOT wait to see what kind of shenanigans her brothers get into and getting to spend some more time with such beloved side characters.

A Heartwarming Start to An Amazing New Series!

Willow Aster takes you to “Windy Harbor” for her next series, a small town in Minnesota on Lake Superior. After meeting the characters, I could already tell it was going to be one of my favorite places to visit and spend time in. The first book of the series is Goldie Whitman and Milo Lombardi’s story, an enemies-to-lovers romance like no other, and one that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. Goldie is an artist who loves to paint, but her day job is interior design, so she has an eye for art, honors and appreciates the classics. So while attending a gala at the Walker Art Center and viewing an exhibit, she was not happy that it did not include a classic piece in its landscape. While critiquing the exhibit, she did not realize she was speaking to the creator, the architect, Milo, until her friend introduced her to him. He infuriated her, and there were sparks flying between them, but after the introduction to him she moved on, hopefully never seeing him again. Except that is not what happens, and not only does she see him again, but he and her father are working together on a new project, a project she and her brothers will help with. These characters are amazing, and I am loving the Whitmans and their family dynamics and camaraderie amongst them, which is seen not only in person but with their hilarious group chats. The back-and-forth banter between Goldie and Milo was fun, and I thought they were great together and for each other, and despite Goldie’s doubts and trust issues which she needed to get past, it was great watching their relationship morph into something so much more. I loved all the layers of this wonderfully written and plotted story, and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, family, project and relationship, a surprising twist, some charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions and passionate romance. Willow Aster, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful audio listen, Willow Aster cast the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. Andi Arndt and Christian Fox did a fabulous job voicing the characters, sounding believable and like I imagined they would sound. Both were naturals in their roles, with Arndt nailing it as Goldie and Fox as Milo, embodying their character’s personalities completely, from her sassy wit to his smart and knowing demeanor, playing off and into each other. They were just as fabulous at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. Their pacing and tone were ideal for the story, and they conveyed all the characters’ emotions in their performance, making you feel each one. These two are versatile voice artists, and their captivating performance keeps you glued to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

Small-town, enemies-to-lovers romances

Take This Heart is the first book in Willow Aster’s brand-new Windy Harbor series, and it delivers exactly what small-town romance lovers crave: sizzling chemistry, family drama, and the kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you glued to the page. Set in a picturesque Minnesota town on the edge of Lake Superior, this story blends fiery banter, heartfelt family moments, and a workplace enemies-to-lovers romance that’s equal parts fun and emotional. If I’m honest, the only thing I found myself wishing for was just a bit more drama or conflict the stakes stay relatively safe and predictable at times, which makes it a little tamer compared to other enemies-to-lovers romances. Still, the heart, humor, and warmth in this story more than make up for it, and it’s a solid, thoroughly enjoyable start to the series.

The Story
After a disastrous (and unexpectedly steamy) first encounter, the last thing she wants is to work side by side with Milo Lombardi. But when family obligations force them into daily contact, sparks fly both in the form of frustration and undeniable attraction. Milo’s smirk might drive her crazy, but the pull between them is impossible to ignore. With her father’s world turned upside down and family loyalties on the line, she must decide whether resisting Milo is really worth it… or if letting go might be the key to healing.

What I Loved
✔️ The small-town setting Windy Harbor feels warm, inviting, and alive.
✔️ A fiery enemies-to-lovers dynamic with crackling banter and undeniable chemistry.
✔️ The family loyalty themes that grounded the romance in heart and emotion.
✔️ A slow-burn romance that builds naturally without ever dragging.
✔️ That perfect mix of swoon-worthy and steamy moments.

🎧 Narration
Christian Fox and Andi Arndt absolutely nailed this duet narration. Christian’s smooth delivery captured Milo’s charm and intensity perfectly, while Andi brought warmth, wit, and emotion to the heroine. Together, they made the banter sizzle and the emotional beats hit even harder. This is the kind of narration that elevates a romance and makes it feel cinematic I loved every minute.

Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Workplace Tension
✔️ Family Loyalty & Healing
✔️ Picturesque Lake-Side Setting
✔️ Slow-Burn with Steamy Payoff

Final Thoughts
Take This Heart is a fiery, heartfelt start to Willow Aster’s Windy Harbor series. It may not pack the highest drama levels, but its mix of romance, humor, and family warmth makes it a feel-good listen that fans of small-town, enemies-to-lovers romances will adore. As my first Willow Aster read, it definitely left me curious (and excited!) for the rest of the series especially What It Takes, book two.

So incredible!!!

I am so excited for this new series! Milo and Goldie are absolutely wonderful together—their chemistry is undeniable! I also love the small-town setting; it adds such warmth and charm to the story. The side characters are a fantastic addition and make me even more excited for what’s to come in future books!! 💜💙

Loved every minute of Take this Heart! Andi Arndt and Christian Fox were amazing!

Take this Heart exceeded all my expectations and then some. It’s filled with heartbreaking yet beautiful moments, and the way this family supports each other is truly awe-inspiring. I laughed, I cried, and I swooned—and boy, did I swoon! Willow Aster truly outdid herself with this one, and it’s an incredible beginning to the Windy Harbor Series.

Andi Arndt and Christian Fox absolutely nailed it. The way they brought these characters to life and made me feel so connected to them was AMAZING.

Thank you Willow Aster and Valentine PR for my first-ever ALC.

A great start to a new series!

Take This Heart was such a great start to The Windy Harbor Series. I can already tell that I am going to absolutely adore the Whitman family.
 
In true fashion, Willow has created the most cozy and dreamy small town vibe, a colourful cast of new characters and a tight knit family navigating life together.

I adored Goldie and Milo together. Goldie with her sassy attitude and Milo with his cockiness made for fun banter, tension and a slow burn. Milo was down bad for Goldie and I loved to see it. Meanwhile Goldie was definitely very hot and cold with Milo. Sweet Milo in the hair scene 🥺(iykyk) turned me into a puddle.

Erin and Christian did a great job bringing the story to life, capturing the emotions, the tension, and creating an overall enjoyable book to listen to. They were able to capture the family rivalry, tension, emotion, and love so well.

I loved how supportive and close the Whitman family is. Willow always writes such strong found family vibes. When their dad needed them, they all came through to be there to support him. I’m excited to see what comes next for this family as each sibling begins to settle down and see more of this cute small town.

Overall this was a great easy to listen to audiobook. The story was a great mixture of cozy, emotional, tension, spice and family vibes. If you are a small town romance reader make sure to add this to your tbr.

Small town enemies to lovers perfection

I've been missing Willow Aster's small town magic since her Single Dad's Playbook series ended & she delivers once again with Book 1 of this new series, Windy Harbor. We have a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic on our hands, where Goldie, a strong-willed artist/internal designer who doesn't trust easily, has a not-so-great meet-cute with the arrogant yet sweet Milo, a well-known architect who ends up being Goldie's rival.

This story is really about family, second chances & a rivalry that takes a twist I did not see coming. Milo & Goldie's evolving relationship is something that just hooked me in. Milo is a cinnamon roll through & through. He falls first & hard for the skeptical Goldie and does everything to prove to her that she can trust him. I just loved the pace & the endearing moments that have their relationship changing from rivals to lovers. This is also very steamy & I am here for it!

This first story sets up the series nicely & Goldie's family is at the center. I can't wait to see where Willow takes us in the next book!

Also, if you love audio, this is one not to miss. The duet narration by Andi Arndt & Christian Fox is absolute perfection. They bring Goldie & Milo to life & the banter is phenomenal.

4.5 stars

What a great start to a new series! Take This Heart is Book 1 in The Windy Harbor Series. This is Milo and Goldie's story. They meet at an art gala and have quite an encounter. There's immediate sparks between the two. Milo is the last person Goldie expected at Windy Harbor. All Goldie wants to do is spend time with her father and brothers especially after the unexpected news her father gets. Now Goldie and Milo have to work on a new project together. As they spend more time together the stronger their feelings for eachother get.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the banter and the chemistry between Milo and Goldie. It was giving a little bit of enemies to lovers vibes. Milo was very charming and Goldie had some sass to her. She was a go getter and very passionate about the projects she did. I loved how this story focused on architecture and interior design. I loved the tight knit family dynamic and Goldie's brothers are hilarious. I'm excited to read their stories. Loved the unexpected plot twist too.

As for the audiobook narration, it's amazing! Performed in duet by Christian Fox and Andi Arndt. These two were perfect as Milo and Goldie. Christian conveyed Milo with so much confidence and exuded his charm. Andi conveyed Goldie with a sweet tone that exuded her sass. I loved their character transitions and the duet narration elevated the banter and chemistry. I would recommend the audiobook.

he falls first and hard

🤎 dislike-to-lovers
🤎 small town
🤎 workplace romance
🤎 forced proximity

Goldie and Milo have a tension filled encounter at an art exhibit that ends in a kiss, but she hopes to never see him again.

When Goldie's family starts a major project to make improvments to their land in Windy Harbor, Milo is hired as the architect. Goldie isn't happy, so she fights Milo at every decision. Tension simmers between the two. During trivia night, Goldie lowers her wall and they discover they have things in common. This is a sweet, swoony, small town story with a lot of heart and some spice.

I'm already in love with this new series and can't wait to continue on.

Narrated in duet by Andi Arndt & Christian Fox. Christian had the perfect tone for the calm, sophisticated Milo. His voice was soothing. Andi was great as the fiesty, strong Goldie.