Audiobook review: Hearts Reclaimed by Ayla Asher
May’s TBR optional theme: Older Couple
Ashlyn recently resigned from her Manhattan corporate job, left her cheating ex, and moved to Ardor Creek into the home her grandmother bequeathed to her. She plans to renovate the house for the local haunted homes tour and start her own food truck business. Scott’s construction company is the best in town, so Ashlyn wants to work directly with Scott; however, he turns her down.
This month’s optional theme is Older Couple. I stretched the definition a bit and picked a story that features a widower and a love-burned city gal who is dealing with the loss of her beloved grandmother. Although they aren’t “older,” both have been around the block and have dealt with some heartache and loss.
Hearts Reclaimed is a decent second chance at love romance. I appreciated that once the pair started dating (or is it more friends with benefits?), they keep the line of communication open and have a mature outlook, especially when it comes to difficult feelings. That said, it took me a long time to warm up to Ashlyn. Her big city ways come across as entitled, rude, and pushy. I honestly don’t understand Scott’s attraction, although the author makes the case that he agrees to the contract for financial reasons. Even after she softens and apologizes, she still has an edge to her that rubbed me the wrong way.
The pair have a mutual attraction and find a common interest in running. This leads to a FWB situation, and feelings eventually are involved. Ashlyn’s ex makes a couple ugly appearances. Scott can’t give Ashlyn was she deserves emotionally, and then is hurt and upset when he assumes she’s moving on. It’s predictable but not boring. I do appreciate the author’s attention to the professional help Scott receives, and even sitting in on a session or two as he tries to figure things out.
Narration: The story is shared via third person POV, with duet style narration. Most of the story is alternating between Ashlyn and Scott, but there are POVs from Peter, Scott’s business partner. Kennicott has a firm, matter of fact feminine voice, with modifications for emotions. Ross has a deep voice which is great for the cranky Scott. Neither narrator does much to distinguish other characters, with slight distinction between characters of the same gender. At times, the narrators add sounds to their performance, with laughter being most common. However, when things get a little hot and heavy and Scott growls and Ashlyn moans. Both sound goofy and out of place.
In the end, Hearts Reclaimed is simple and easy to listen to. The story is okay: not bad but not great. And it gets another book off my TBR.
My Ratings
Story: C
Narration: B-
Jen
About the Book:
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?
Author: Ayla Asher
Narrators: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Series: Ardor Creek #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Audiobook Release Date: December 22, 2020
Publisher: self-published
Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.35x-1.6x