Hearts Reclaimed

I like the twist of the trope second chance romance. Normally I find authors write about high school sweethearts who find their way back to each other. This one is after divorce and tragedy two people have a second chance at life with love. Very cute, I love how they tease each other lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Narration review: 5 stars! This is duet narration by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross. Kai and Wen are terrific performers! Both have clear voices and are easy to understand. Kai voices all of the female characters and Wen voices all of the male characters. Duet narration is great. With traditional narration, it takes longer to get into the story while you adjust to the voices, but with duet narration, no adjustment is necessary. And Kai and Wen…. I’d listen to the phone book if they were duet reading it.
Story review- 4/5 stars
MMC/FMC- Scott and Ashlyn
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat- they do the thing and name the parts whilst using the P word.
Series- Y, book 1/6
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Mild Violence, Karaoke.
Tropes- New Kid In Town, Not Exactly Instalove, Widower, Tragic Past, Evil Ex
What I liked- Scott didn’t immediately get to a place where he could be immediately in love and together with Ashlyn, it was a journey. The author treated Scott’s journey with respect. And that erotic scene on the porch- so hot!
What I didn’t- The story got a little slow in parts.
Verdict- recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book is a heartfelt delight and I loved everything about it. The story is beautifully written, it captured my attention right from the start and held it all the way to the end. The characters are easy to connect with and relate to, I adored both leads Ashlyn Rivers and Scott Grillo. After catching her fiancé with another woman Ashlyn leaves him, her job and her city life behind to start a new venture. She inherited her Grandmother’s house in Ardor Creek, she plans on renovating it and then have it included in the town’s Haunted House tour, her other business will be running a food truck. After researching contractors she aimed to hire the best one, only to find out he was not the easiest one to get. But she is a go getter and does not take no for an answer. Scott Grillo own of Grillo Design and Construction does not deal with new clients but a newcomer in town does not get the hint. But the work would be good for his company and its employees so he decides to take it on, Ashlyn was already working on another way to win him over. I loved these two together and for each other, they match up intellectually and the chemistry between them is undeniable which leads them to a friends with benefits type of relationship. Scott still carries a torch for his late wife and Ashlyn feels she will only be second best and when she realizes she can not turn her feelings off she does what she has to to prevent having her heart broken. Scott has closed himself off for so long, he has not been able to let go, not just the loss but guilt and anger too. But can Scott save himself from himself? I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story flows naturally and is wonderfully plotted, there is plenty of drama, heartfelt and emotional moments, some humor, a touch of angst and some hot romance. I loved the small town charm of Ardor Creek, how everyone knew everyones business and were not ashamed to talk about it or meddle. Also loved the premise of Grandma Jean’s home, the hauntings of Sally Pickens. I could go on about what else I loved I will just say I highly recommend reading and/or listening to the book. Ayla Asher, thank you for another fabulously beautiful story.

I listened to the audiobook edition, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross did an awesome job portraying the characters, grasping each of their personas, perfecting the role and making it their own. Kai Kennicott was the perfect Ashlyn, she brought out her strength and confidence, yet allowed you to hear her vulnerable side. Wen Ross perfected Scotts role as well, brought out his angsty broody side and then his soft side. Their duet performance brought a lot to this story, they handled the witty dialogue and back and forth banter with ease. Another added bonus was how they captured the chemistry between the two lead characters, as well as all of their emotions which could be heard in their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen🎧