Scan barcode
rellimreads's review
4.0
Note: All of Asher’s books & audios are in KoboPlus at the time of this review.
This is book 3 in Ayla Asher’s Ardor Creek series. While this stands alone in terms of the couple's relationship, characters and events are introduced in earlier books which make these best enjoyed in order.
Asher is great at combining burgeoning relationships with serious topics. There’s angst but it isn’t over the top or needlessly drawn out. I enjoyed this no-strings lovers becomes fake engagement romance. When their "just sex" relationship threatens Mark’s run for DA, Teresa agrees to become his fiancé.
While few people in town seemed to think it was actually real, the real focus was on whether or not they would eventually become more. A lot of hurdles to overcome and honest conversations. Add in a nefarious political opponent and a family member on trial.
There was a third-act-breakup, but it was resolved quickly and I liked their HFN and the epilogue. I’m excited for Chad’s story, Resolutions Embraced as well as Justine & Gary’s book, Passions Fulfilled.
Narration:
Wonderful duet narration by Kai Kennicott & Wen Ross. They continue to do a fantastic job bringing Asher’s characters to life. Especially with all the emotions.
This is book 3 in Ayla Asher’s Ardor Creek series. While this stands alone in terms of the couple's relationship, characters and events are introduced in earlier books which make these best enjoyed in order.
Asher is great at combining burgeoning relationships with serious topics. There’s angst but it isn’t over the top or needlessly drawn out. I enjoyed this no-strings lovers becomes fake engagement romance. When their "just sex" relationship threatens Mark’s run for DA, Teresa agrees to become his fiancé.
While few people in town seemed to think it was actually real, the real focus was on whether or not they would eventually become more. A lot of hurdles to overcome and honest conversations. Add in a nefarious political opponent and a family member on trial.
There was a third-act-breakup, but it was resolved quickly and I liked their HFN and the epilogue. I’m excited for Chad’s story, Resolutions Embraced as well as Justine & Gary’s book, Passions Fulfilled.
Narration:
Wonderful duet narration by Kai Kennicott & Wen Ross. They continue to do a fantastic job bringing Asher’s characters to life. Especially with all the emotions.
elbow1227's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Ayla Asher for allowing me to listen to a copy of this book. Teresa and Mark's relationship was just so wholesome. And the infertility representation was great in my opinion. And Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross's performance was so wonderful, and it makes listening to audiobooks by Ayla Asher come to life more. And the plot was just so gripping and wanting me want to listen more and more. I cannot wait to continue the Andor Creek series in the future.
girlpant44's review
5.0
Everytime I read one of Ayla Ashers books I think its my favorite and everytime I read a new one it becomes my favorite. I adore how each book works with the books that came before it and stories flow effortlessly.
Another wonderful book in the series
Another wonderful book in the series
pattyfgd's review
5.0
Desires Uncovered
by Ayla Asher
Narrated by Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Series Ardor Creek #3
Back to Ardor Creek I go! I love visiting this small town and I love that Ayla Asher features more mature characters in this series. It's a pleasure to relate to women close to my age. This story features Dr Theresa Roe. Unable to get pregnant, even with medical help, she finds herself looking for companionship on a dating app. These two hit it off immediately, but decide to keep it casual. Now Mark is running for DA and his opponent will use anything to prevent him from being elected. Even how he met his current girlfriend. How will these two handle it? Sparks fly, plans are set and it's time to find out how it all plays out! I love these two characters. Mark is attentive and swoony, and has a good handle on where his life is going. It's fun to see how Theresa can throw a wrench into his plans. Theresa is sweet and caring, lover her with Mark's niece and is willing to do what it takes. I love how Asher weaves in relevant issues like domestic abuse into her plots too, making the story current and realistic. It's a wonderful addition to this series.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross continue to bring Ardor Creek to life. This team never ceases to amaze me on how they find the characters' voice and create their personalities. Each one is perfectly fit. The chemistry between them is always evident and makes the romance flourish. Another fantastic listen!
by Ayla Asher
Narrated by Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Series Ardor Creek #3
Back to Ardor Creek I go! I love visiting this small town and I love that Ayla Asher features more mature characters in this series. It's a pleasure to relate to women close to my age. This story features Dr Theresa Roe. Unable to get pregnant, even with medical help, she finds herself looking for companionship on a dating app. These two hit it off immediately, but decide to keep it casual. Now Mark is running for DA and his opponent will use anything to prevent him from being elected. Even how he met his current girlfriend. How will these two handle it? Sparks fly, plans are set and it's time to find out how it all plays out! I love these two characters. Mark is attentive and swoony, and has a good handle on where his life is going. It's fun to see how Theresa can throw a wrench into his plans. Theresa is sweet and caring, lover her with Mark's niece and is willing to do what it takes. I love how Asher weaves in relevant issues like domestic abuse into her plots too, making the story current and realistic. It's a wonderful addition to this series.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross continue to bring Ardor Creek to life. This team never ceases to amaze me on how they find the characters' voice and create their personalities. Each one is perfectly fit. The chemistry between them is always evident and makes the romance flourish. Another fantastic listen!
quinnreads2's review
5.0
Pure Attraction
4.5 stars - Teresa and Mark's story is absolutely amazing! They are two lonely people in their 40s looking for a connection, even if only physical, via an app. From the beginning, they each recognize something in the other that makes it just feel right.
Circumstances make their private matters very public. There is a clear case of David and Goliath in this story as the incumbent DA uses some underhanded tactics. It's sickening, some of the things he does but not an uncommon fact, in reality.
I love the stories in this series and how they feel so real. You feel like you could step into Ardor Creek and be welcomed into the community. Specific to this book, I like how Teresa grounds Mark and gets him to focus on the big picture a few times. I also really loved how she publicly thrashed sensationalist journalists and used the opportunity afforded her to set the record straight on her profession. Then there are the events with Mark's sister and how Teresa rolls with all of the changes.
The engagement might be fake but the ride they hop on makes it obvious that there's more between them than just what happens in the bedroom. There's a LOT of heart, steamy encounters, silliness, and genuine tenderness between this couple. They have supporting friends and family who are fantastic! Many of whom we've met in prior books in the series.
Do know that there are domestic violence encounters and corrupt politicians in this book. Another topic that takes the stage, and nearly steals the show, is infertility.
I listened to this book. I've said it before - I like Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross a lot. They do a wonderful job and I like how the male voices are consistently done by Wen and Kai with the females. If you've ever listened to a two person narration team that divided the book based on the POV of certain character(s) named at the beginning of each chapter, you'll understand how this seemingly little thing enhances the experience.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
4.5 stars - Teresa and Mark's story is absolutely amazing! They are two lonely people in their 40s looking for a connection, even if only physical, via an app. From the beginning, they each recognize something in the other that makes it just feel right.
Circumstances make their private matters very public. There is a clear case of David and Goliath in this story as the incumbent DA uses some underhanded tactics. It's sickening, some of the things he does but not an uncommon fact, in reality.
I love the stories in this series and how they feel so real. You feel like you could step into Ardor Creek and be welcomed into the community. Specific to this book, I like how Teresa grounds Mark and gets him to focus on the big picture a few times. I also really loved how she publicly thrashed sensationalist journalists and used the opportunity afforded her to set the record straight on her profession. Then there are the events with Mark's sister and how Teresa rolls with all of the changes.
The engagement might be fake but the ride they hop on makes it obvious that there's more between them than just what happens in the bedroom. There's a LOT of heart, steamy encounters, silliness, and genuine tenderness between this couple. They have supporting friends and family who are fantastic! Many of whom we've met in prior books in the series.
Do know that there are domestic violence encounters and corrupt politicians in this book. Another topic that takes the stage, and nearly steals the show, is infertility.
I listened to this book. I've said it before - I like Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross a lot. They do a wonderful job and I like how the male voices are consistently done by Wen and Kai with the females. If you've ever listened to a two person narration team that divided the book based on the POV of certain character(s) named at the beginning of each chapter, you'll understand how this seemingly little thing enhances the experience.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
grinningcat's review
4.0
Story Review:
MMC/FMC- Mark and Teresa
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat level- they do the thing early on and name the parts.
Series? Y
Cliffhanger? N
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Abuse, Fertility Issues, The Bachelorette
Tropes- Fake Relationship, Midlife Love
What I liked- I liked that the romantic couple are older! And I liked that there was an HEA, but no miraculous Deus Ex Machina to solve every problem.
What I didn’t- now I’m going to have to watch a Bachelorette marathon….and I’m not a fan of the show.
Verdict- enjoyable. Give it a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Mark and Teresa
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat level- they do the thing early on and name the parts.
Series? Y
Cliffhanger? N
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Abuse, Fertility Issues, The Bachelorette
Tropes- Fake Relationship, Midlife Love
What I liked- I liked that the romantic couple are older! And I liked that there was an HEA, but no miraculous Deus Ex Machina to solve every problem.
What I didn’t- now I’m going to have to watch a Bachelorette marathon….and I’m not a fan of the show.
Verdict- enjoyable. Give it a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
katkinney's review
5.0
I absolutely love this contemporary romance series for the way it features slightly more mature characters (we need love, too!) facing real life struggles. At 46, Dr. Theresa Roe hasn’t yet found a life partner. She has established a successful therapy practice. But she’s privately hurting after years of expensive IVF treatments that have failed to help her get pregnant and have also left her with extensive debt. She meets Mark on a dating app and the two of them agree to keep it casual (this novel has everything I love—both sweet and steamy), but of course, an instant connection is obvious. But when Mark decides to run for DA against a crooked opponent, his advisors tell him his only option is a fake engagement (another of my favorite tropes!)
There was also a domestic abuse plotline involving Mark’s sister that was really well written. One thing I really love about Ardor Creek is getting to see what happens with the other characters from older books, as well as guess which characters might be getting a book coming up in the future! This one was one of my favorites.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
There was also a domestic abuse plotline involving Mark’s sister that was really well written. One thing I really love about Ardor Creek is getting to see what happens with the other characters from older books, as well as guess which characters might be getting a book coming up in the future! This one was one of my favorites.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
bookdrgn's review
5.0
It's official. Ardor Creek is in the top five places on my fictional location bucket list.
I adore this series and jump at the chance to review the books. They're the kind of books you think about if you can't read them in one sitting because life interferes, or days later they enter your mind.
I love that these characters are older, together. There are slight age differences, but most of these characters are similar in age, mostly in the '40s. They have mature responses to life events and circumstances and their dark moments are always deeply emotional and need more than a simple conversation to solve them.
We've briefly met both Mark and Teresa in previous books and they are both interesting characters on their own, but wonderful together. Their "meet-cute" is one we don't see often in romance, using a hook-up app, but suits their personalities well. hooking-up adult style.
As always, Ayla's female characters are sensually assertive, not shy about what they want and what they don't, and Teresa is no different. She's honest about her capabilities and very self-aware, even in difficult times. She handles everything life throws at her in a calm, rational way. She is independent and capable and enjoys her solitude as much as she enjoys socializing. She's a well-written, well-rounded, mature character.
Mark is currently a perpetual bachelor. His professional life doesn't leave him much time for personal relationships, much like Teresa's. He's a stand-up guy. Passionate about his work, protective of his family, and a fantastic friend. He doesn't take much for himself, seemingly happy with his lot in life until he meets Teresa. He's a man of character who defends things he believes in and fights for justice.
I enjoy how Ayla writes these books and shows that healthy, inventive sex doesn't have to diminish as we age. These characters take a direct and humorous approach to both sharing intimate moments and aging. It's a fresh take on characters and I truly appreciate it.
Like other books, she has written, there are elements of seriousness within the pages. We explored the issue of domestic violence in Illusions Unveiled and even further in this book with Mark's sister and niece. This issue and Teresa's powerlessness to naturally have children are written thought-provokingly, informatively, and sensitively. Any reader who has struggled with these, and the other things we see in these books, won't feel alone in their struggle.
The fact that these books are very progressive and feminist is a huge drawcard for me.
Ayla never fails to make her readers think, laugh, and cry all within the space of one book.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest, voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
I adore this series and jump at the chance to review the books. They're the kind of books you think about if you can't read them in one sitting because life interferes, or days later they enter your mind.
I love that these characters are older, together. There are slight age differences, but most of these characters are similar in age, mostly in the '40s. They have mature responses to life events and circumstances and their dark moments are always deeply emotional and need more than a simple conversation to solve them.
We've briefly met both Mark and Teresa in previous books and they are both interesting characters on their own, but wonderful together. Their "meet-cute" is one we don't see often in romance, using a hook-up app, but suits their personalities well. hooking-up adult style.
As always, Ayla's female characters are sensually assertive, not shy about what they want and what they don't, and Teresa is no different. She's honest about her capabilities and very self-aware, even in difficult times. She handles everything life throws at her in a calm, rational way. She is independent and capable and enjoys her solitude as much as she enjoys socializing. She's a well-written, well-rounded, mature character.
Mark is currently a perpetual bachelor. His professional life doesn't leave him much time for personal relationships, much like Teresa's. He's a stand-up guy. Passionate about his work, protective of his family, and a fantastic friend. He doesn't take much for himself, seemingly happy with his lot in life until he meets Teresa. He's a man of character who defends things he believes in and fights for justice.
I enjoy how Ayla writes these books and shows that healthy, inventive sex doesn't have to diminish as we age. These characters take a direct and humorous approach to both sharing intimate moments and aging. It's a fresh take on characters and I truly appreciate it.
Like other books, she has written, there are elements of seriousness within the pages. We explored the issue of domestic violence in Illusions Unveiled and even further in this book with Mark's sister and niece. This issue and Teresa's powerlessness to naturally have children are written thought-provokingly, informatively, and sensitively. Any reader who has struggled with these, and the other things we see in these books, won't feel alone in their struggle.
The fact that these books are very progressive and feminist is a huge drawcard for me.
Ayla never fails to make her readers think, laugh, and cry all within the space of one book.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest, voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
cozyupwithfictionandtea_sarah's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
Loved this one!! I’m finding that I love age gap stories & this one was a pleasant read. Being 37 myself, I related with Teresa’s inner turmoil regarding her recent barrenness. It’s a devastating loss for a couple let alone a female that’s feeling time skip by. I loved Mark’s responses & reactions to her issues. He wasn’t angry or disrespectful in addressing her misconception about their relationship & I also loved that he took the initiative in looking into the other options for parenting. All in all, I’m really liking the topics Ayla choose to incorporate in each book of this series so far.
More...