The Heart of Us

Love in Isolation, Book 4

By: Kennedy Fox

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Tor Thom

Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

What happens when you’re on the run from your psycho ex-husband, and your sexy, younger boss goes into hiding with you, to keep you safe? You slowly remember what it’s like to fall in love, and hope he feels it too.

The Heart of Us is an older woman/younger man age gap, close proximity, standalone romance.

©2022 Kennedy Fox (P)2022 Kennedy Fox

Loved the Slow Burn Romance

Tatum is on the run from her ex. She’s staying in an apartment above a surf shop owned by Easton who is also her boss. From the moment these two meet they had an attraction but they just never acted on it. And Tatum is just not ready for another relationship. So when her ex shows up Tatum knows that the safety she was trying to get just disappeared.

Especially when their place of employment and their apartments go up in smoke… Literally… Now they are living together at his parents beach house until the crazy ex can be caught… Being so close to each other and buried feelings come back to the surface might not be the right time, but definitely what they both need 😊

I loved how flippen sweet Easton was with Tatum. And he was patient with her while she was working through her past. What I loved was when the story started you could see they had an easy going relationship before any of the romantic feelings started. Slow burn low angst filled romance which was definitely what Tatum and Easton needed for their story. Loved the narrators. Andi Arndt was one of the first female narrators I listened to and I loved her as Tatum and Tor Thom will always be a favorite for me 😊

absolutely perfect

probably my favorite book in the love in isolation series! Tatum is so strong and amazing, I relate to her in many ways which make me love this story even more! Easton is such a kind and caring man, perfect to help Tatum find herself. the narrators were a perfect match to bring Tatum and Easton to life.

Emotional and steamy age gap!

An age gap romance is one of my favorite tropes. But a reverse age gap where the woman is older than the man? That is at the top of my list. “The Heart of Us” is a story of getting the second chances you deserve and the once in a lifetime love people dream of.

We met Easton in “The End of Us” and he was a flirty and sweet delight. When he finds out that Tatum has been on the run from an abusive ex, he goes in to protective mode and vows to help her. The two go to the infamous beach house after a fire takes down Easton’s shop and their apartments.

Easton is classic Kennedy Fox yumminess. He’s caring, sweet, swoony and protective of Tatum. But he isn't crazy or overbearing. He just wants to keep her safe and make sure that her crazy ex husband doesn’t get to her. Tatum reminds of a phoenix, rising from the ashes to be her best self. Tatum is a strong woman who was able to leave an abusive situation to save herself. One of my favorite things from the story is how caring and patient Easton is with Tatum. He never once forced her to share more than she was ready with. He is a true partner and friend.

The last couple chapters and epilogue left me with some happy tears and a happy smile on my face. I cannot wait for the next books in the series. The “Love in Isolation” series has quickly jumped to one of my favorites.

Andi Arndt and Tor Thom were amazing as Easton and Tatum. This is an emotional and steamy story about second chance and the brought everything to this narration. I always enjoy listening to anything they narrate.

Fantastic emotional roller-coaster

The narrators nailed this. I really enjoyed Easton and Tatum. Easton is a strong, passionate, supportive man. Tatum is a woman trying to find herself after heartbreaking life events. She is strong and resilient. Instant chemistry and circumstances force them alone together. These two have their struggles but overcome them, together. Such a heartwarming HFN ending. Love it!

Fabulous Story & Narration🎧 Gripping & Heartfelt!

I loved everything about this book, from Kennedy Fox’s wonderful writing style to the fabulous characters and storylines they created to the perfectly cast narrators who bring it all to life from the page to your ears. The “Love in Isolation” series has become one of my favorite, interconnected standalone novels, each featuring different lead characters and their stories are refreshingly original and I highly recommend them all. This book is Easton and Tatums’s story, Easton was first introduced in “The End of Us”, he is Tristan’s brother and owns a surf shop in Florida. I liked Tristan right away, you could tell that he was a good person with a great heart, the type of person you want to have in your corner in a time of need. And Tatum learns that quickly, she escaped an abusive husband with limited resources and needed a job and a place to stay, Easton saw something in her and wound up offering her both. And when her past catches up to her, it is Easton who offers her the moral support she needs, encouraging her to stop running and to not only battle her demon but face it too. But her ex is evil and relentless to find her and get her back doing whatever it takes. Easton takes her to the safety of his family’s beach house, the two spend grow even closer, and he learns her husband really did a number on her but he is patient with her and helps her get past her own her own insecurities, including thoughts of being too old for him. This book pulled me in like no other, it not only captivated my attention but it tugged on my heartstrings the entire book, the emotions just pour off the pages and into your heart. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted with drama, a touch of angst, heartfelt and emotional moments and a wonderful slow burn romance. Kennedy Fox, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. It was great to see and catch up with Tristan & Piper again too.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Andi Arndt and Tor Thom are superbly talented narrators and voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Andi Arndt played Tatum’s role with perfection, capturing her every emotion and had you feeling them. Tor Thom did the same and aced it as Easton. Both were fabulous at performing the roles of the secondary character as well. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

Great book and narration!

So worth a listen (or two)! Kennedy Fox continues her amazing Love in Isolation series. Andi and Tor are phenomenal in the narration. Highly recommended.

Great story and narration!

The Heart of Us is another addition to the close proximity series. This is a reverse age gap, and almost has a bodyguard feel since Easton is totally protective and want to protect Tatum from her dangerous ex.

This story follows Easton, who is Tristan's younger brother from the book The End of Us. Easton owns a sports clothing store, and he's hired Tatum to work there. Although she's 8 years older, Easton's always felt attracted to her. Tatum is running from a dangerous past, specifically from an ex who's violent and possessive. When danger threatens her, Easton takes her away to his family's beach house to keep her safe while the police try to resolve her problem. Tatum and Easton are forced to spend time together, and have to confront their feelings for each other. I enjoyed this one as you get to see Tatum really come into her own and be stronger. With Easton, she learns to love herself again and find strength to move on from her past.

I listened to the audio for this, and loved the narrators! Andi Arndt and Tor Thom did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life, of highlighting their vulnerabilities but also their strengths. Highly recommend this audio for a compelling story about loss, love, and moving on.

5 Swoon Worthy Stars!

The Heart of Us is Book 4 in Kennedy Fox’s Love in Isolation Series. Narrated by Andi Ardnt and Tor Thom. If you read/listened to Book 3, The End Of Us, this Book is Tristan’s brother Easton’s story. It’s a forced proximity, reverse age-gap, boss/employee, friends to lovers romantic suspense.

Tatum Nicholas is on the run from an abusive ex. She finds herself in Florida where Easton Belvadier hires her to work at the Surf Shop he owns and also rents her the apartment across from his over his shop.

Easton Belvadier has had a thing for his employee, Tatum, since the day she showed up at his shop asking for a job and needing a place to live. The fact that she’s 9 years his senior makes no difference to him. In fact, he’s always had a thing for older women. He could tell she had been going through something and felt this innate need to help and protect her.

When her ex shows up looking for Tatum and she asks him to lie regarding her whereabouts, he does so without hesitation. And when that same night someone sets his shop and their apartments above on fire, Easton and Tatum head to his family’s beach house to hide out until it’s safe to return home. While living in close quarters, their easy going friendship becomes something so much more.

The chemistry between these two in undeniable. I would consider this one to be a slow burn but so well worth the wait. Let me just say: Easton, gah, that man is swoon worthy. He was so patient with Tatum, taking everything at a pace she was comfortable with — all while offering the support, encouragement, and confidence boost that she needed. That man knew what he wanted from the very beginning and he brought his A game. As is the case with most KF novels, they brought the perfect amount of suspense to keep you on your toes. I look forward to reading/listening to the next book in the Love In Isolation Series.

When it comes to the narration, Andi Ardnt and Tor Thom were an excellent duo that complimented each other well. They did an amazing job portraying Easton and Tatum’s characters to life.

Yasssssssss

I absolutely loved listening to Tatum and Easton's story, Kennedy Fox once again did an amazing job with this story. Tor Thom and Andi Arndt did an amazing job bringing the characters to life.

Love me some age gap!

This story alone was intense and I am living the life that Arndt and Thom gave this story. There are so many levels of complexity that are within this one and I lived for it hands down. I had been intrigued with Easton since we met him in the previous book being Tristan’s brother. I was not disappointed. This story is such a slow sizzling burn between him and Tatum that you legit want to combust with how these two play off of each other. Age is not a factor in this reverse age gap either regardless of how much Tatum is concerned about it. The wit and banter between these two. Those passionate moments that are so endearing and heartfelt just warms your soul. With the psycho ex in play with this one, it adds more depth to the story.

Easton and Tatum!

Tatum managed to escape her abusive husband and relocated to Florida where she has created a new life for herself however she knows if her husband finds her it could all be over in the blink of an eye. When she arrived not only did Easton give her a job but an apartment as well however it all comes crashing down when her husband comes to town looking for her and she knows it isn’t a coincidence when Easton’s shop catches fire.

Easton has been attracted to Tatum from their first meeting but when he learns about her past it only attracts him more and he is determined to protect her. They retreat to his family’s beach home until the threat can be dealt with and he hopes that the house can work the same romantic magic as it did for his brother.

Ethan is exactly who Tatum needs in her life as with every word and action he shows her that she is beautiful inside and out and helps her reclaim the woman she was meant to be. I enjoyed the performance of the narrators as they brought out the swoony romance and the suspense of the story.

My Thoughts on The Heart of Us

I loved this older woman/younger man romance. It also had a touch of suspense and forced proximity thrown in. It addressed pregnancy and loss, abuse in many forms, and so many other topics, but addressed them in a way that felt delicate and respectful. Tatum and Easton were so easy to like just as individual characters but them together was in turns adorable and off the charts steamy. I loved the growth and independence Tatum experienced after leaving her abusive relationship. You could tell how she’d grown when she thought back on her behaviors and mentality when she was with her ex. And of course, was happy when she opened herself to the possibility of finding love again. I was already excited about Easton from the previous book of the series but fell for him even more in this one. I loved how he not only appreciated Tatum for who she was but also helped her have new experiences as well. This was just a good listen overall and only made better by the excellent narration. Andi Arndt and Tor Thom felt like excellent fits for both these characters. They both brought a great energy and I enjoyed listening no matter which of them was performing.

great listening

Tatum and Easton were an absolute delight to listen to. It may have been a slow burn, but it was an inferno once that fire ignited!

The chemistry between the two of them was unmistakable—their connection, electric—undeniably mutual.

I loved the cameo from Tristan and Piper, how protective and supportive they both were, and how Tatum was welcomed into the fold instantly.

Once again, Kennedy Fox have demonstrated their inclusive nature.

I don't want to ruin anything for anyone so let's just say: it's nice to see this family dynamic encompassed in such a beautiful and genuine way.

Andi and Tor did a fabulous job narrating.

a sweet slow burn

Tatum and Easton were great together. Easton was amazing - excellent book boyfriend!! Lots of sweet, relationship building. Small suspense storyline with the ex-husband. Glad there were no cougar comments and if the ages were reversed I'm not sure it would have been called age-gap. It was a slow, slow burn. Given the main plot it fit but it might have been a bit too slow in the middle for me.

The narration was good. They are both pros and Andi Arndt's voice fit a lot better for Tatum than it did for Piper (previous book) but I personally find her overused in the audiobook world.

Another fantastic read

I am really enjoying this series a whole lot. It gives me just enough of all the tropes I love without being overly angsty and it's exactly the kind of book I can sink into and forget the whole world until it's over. This is the story of Easton (the brother of the hero in book 3) and his older female employee Tatum. Tatum is on the run from an abusive relationship and this is dealt with with the utmost of care. They are forced together after an attack on the surf shop that they work at. They are both fighting their attraction to each other for different yet obvious reasons. This was so good. Easton is so tender and understanding and let's Tatum go at her own pace, and no matter what he has her back. And Tatum is learning to love not only a younger man, but herself and we love to see that! I volunteered to listen and review a complimentary copy of this. All opinions are my own.