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elbow1227's review
emotional
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. I absolutely loved Justine and Gary's relationship. I know that in Resolutions Embraced, we got to see a bit of Justine and Gary's chemistry. And hearing about Gary and Justine's experiences with love and with sex had me almost crying. Gary literally shows Justine his love for her in so many ways, and they both deserve each other. They both deserve the happiness that they got with each other. I just love the representation and the diversity in the different experiences and aspects of each respective couple. I cannot wait to continue the series, even though I know that it'll be the last book I read from Ayla Asher for a little bit.
rellimreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is book 5 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 starting with Hearts Reclaimed.
Ah! Some of my favorite tropes/themese here: small town, single mom and adorable child, friends to lovers, and wounded hero. Asher again tackles sensitive topics with compassion, grace, and sometimes a little humor. Justine leaving an abusive relationship and finding herself, Gary dealing with a line of duty injury that has him suffering with ED, and infertility. There's authenticity and relatability that people can bring emotional and physical issues into the relationship and still find fulfillment.
Gary is so sweet with Justine and her daughter Avery. My favorite part of friends to lovers is when the main characters realize that they both have been carrying feelings for each other beyond "just friends". Bonus here is that Gary has a great family friend relationship with Avery as well. So sweet.
I love, love the grand gesture ending as well as the cute little epilogue.
I'm excited to see where Asher takes Heather & Jeremy in Futures Entwined.
Note: As I'm making my way through the series, I find some of the dialogue "mannerisms" by the characters to be too similar. Specifically the endearment "honey" which every male character uses toward their FMC and most of the female characters in general. It doesn't keep me from enjoying them, but I definitely have to take breaks between them.
Narration:
Kai Kennicott & Wen Ross continue to rock the duet narration for this series. Enjoyable listen.
Ah! Some of my favorite tropes/themese here: small town, single mom and adorable child, friends to lovers, and wounded hero. Asher again tackles sensitive topics with compassion, grace, and sometimes a little humor. Justine leaving an abusive relationship and finding herself, Gary dealing with a line of duty injury that has him suffering with ED, and infertility. There's authenticity and relatability that people can bring emotional and physical issues into the relationship and still find fulfillment.
Gary is so sweet with Justine and her daughter Avery. My favorite part of friends to lovers is when the main characters realize that they both have been carrying feelings for each other beyond "just friends". Bonus here is that Gary has a great family friend relationship with Avery as well. So sweet.
I love, love the grand gesture ending as well as the cute little epilogue.
I'm excited to see where Asher takes Heather & Jeremy in Futures Entwined.
Note: As I'm making my way through the series, I find some of the dialogue "mannerisms" by the characters to be too similar. Specifically the endearment "honey" which every male character uses toward their FMC and most of the female characters in general. It doesn't keep me from enjoying them, but I definitely have to take breaks between them.
Narration:
Kai Kennicott & Wen Ross continue to rock the duet narration for this series. Enjoyable listen.
girlpant44's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. An easy, fun read. Such a different story than others out right now and I LOVE it everytime Ayla Asher makes sure to include the characters from the rest of the Ardor Creek series. It really feels like you're in this friend group with them, just hanging out and laughing. (I did gasp at one point in the book from suspense but it only lasted a handful of pages).
Another great book by Ayla Asher. I cannot wait for the next in the series!
Another great book by Ayla Asher. I cannot wait for the next in the series!
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Passions Fulfilled
by Ayla Asher
Narrated by Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Series Ardor Creek #5
Small town romance is one of my favorite, and Ardor Creek is a favorite town of mine that I just love to visit. Ayala Asher writes unique stories in this community that are relevant and easy to relate to. Justine had an abusive marriage. From the first time she had the police come,and Gary responded, he had begun to fall for her. Now single, she is ready to move on. But his injury from years ago has him second guessing that it's his time! Until Justine takes the reigns. And their story begins. This story goes to show that no matter the circumstance, with some time and effort, things can be overcome. I love how Justine shows compassion and patience with Gary. And Gary's alpha side comes out, showing just how fierce his love is. But the real selling point for me is Gary with Justine's daughter. Melt my heart. Asher throws a little suspense in this one too, and it will make you jump and even cringe a little! It gives the story depth and realism. Life is messy, and these two show just how you can clean it up.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross continue their narration of this series. One of my favorite teams, these two are fantastic. Kennicott builds Justine up after her dire situation, giving her courage and strength. Her kid voices are spot on too! Ross creates Gary with a false bravado, showing his true vulnerability and love. This is a wonderful listen and great addition to this series. I can't wait until the next visit!
by Ayla Asher
Narrated by Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Series Ardor Creek #5
Small town romance is one of my favorite, and Ardor Creek is a favorite town of mine that I just love to visit. Ayala Asher writes unique stories in this community that are relevant and easy to relate to. Justine had an abusive marriage. From the first time she had the police come,and Gary responded, he had begun to fall for her. Now single, she is ready to move on. But his injury from years ago has him second guessing that it's his time! Until Justine takes the reigns. And their story begins. This story goes to show that no matter the circumstance, with some time and effort, things can be overcome. I love how Justine shows compassion and patience with Gary. And Gary's alpha side comes out, showing just how fierce his love is. But the real selling point for me is Gary with Justine's daughter. Melt my heart. Asher throws a little suspense in this one too, and it will make you jump and even cringe a little! It gives the story depth and realism. Life is messy, and these two show just how you can clean it up.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross continue their narration of this series. One of my favorite teams, these two are fantastic. Kennicott builds Justine up after her dire situation, giving her courage and strength. Her kid voices are spot on too! Ross creates Gary with a false bravado, showing his true vulnerability and love. This is a wonderful listen and great addition to this series. I can't wait until the next visit!
quinnreads2's review against another edition
4.0
Arresting Officer
Justine has had a rough go of things with her first marriage. Gary is also on his second go 'round. I really like how this second chance for love goes.
There are a couple of complications - an abusive ex and erectile dysfunction (ED) plus fertility issues. For the latter, I love how that was handled with steps forward and backwards as they navigate the challenges. As for the former? There's nothing good to say about him.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are a pair of my favorite narrators. They make you feel like these characters could easily be your friends. ❤
Justine has had a rough go of things with her first marriage. Gary is also on his second go 'round. I really like how this second chance for love goes.
There are a couple of complications - an abusive ex and erectile dysfunction (ED) plus fertility issues. For the latter, I love how that was handled with steps forward and backwards as they navigate the challenges. As for the former? There's nothing good to say about him.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are a pair of my favorite narrators. They make you feel like these characters could easily be your friends. ❤
grinningcat's review
5.0
Story Review: 5 stars
MMC/FMC- Gary and Justine
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat- this directly impacts the story and I’m not going to give spoilers.
Safety: No Cheating, No S. Violence, No Cliffhanger.
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Infertility, Past Abuse
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Single Mom, Medical Issues, Adorable Moppet, Delicious Desserts. And both exes suck.
What I liked- this author handles difficult topics with grace and sensitivity, and this story is no exception. A rather sensitive subject is a major plot point, and the characters work through it and with it together. I also like that the couple aren’t in the first blush of youth. Yay Older Love!
What I didn’t- all the descriptions of delicious brownies made me stay up past my bedtime baking.
Verdict- highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Gary and Justine
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat- this directly impacts the story and I’m not going to give spoilers.
Safety: No Cheating, No S. Violence, No Cliffhanger.
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Infertility, Past Abuse
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Single Mom, Medical Issues, Adorable Moppet, Delicious Desserts. And both exes suck.
What I liked- this author handles difficult topics with grace and sensitivity, and this story is no exception. A rather sensitive subject is a major plot point, and the characters work through it and with it together. I also like that the couple aren’t in the first blush of youth. Yay Older Love!
What I didn’t- all the descriptions of delicious brownies made me stay up past my bedtime baking.
Verdict- highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
katkinney's review
5.0
This was such a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance. One thing I love about the Ardor Creek series is the way each couple faces some tough, real-life problem. In this one, Gary and Justine are dealing with quite a few. Gary is a small-town cop who was shot in the line of duty years before, and nearly bled out. His injury has left him with physical issues that affect him when he tries to get intimate and his ex-wife wasn’t exactly nice about it. Artist Justine had a terrible abusive relationship with Dave in a previous book, who is now under a restraining order. Can these two friends finally become more? I loved how sweet this relationship was. Justine already has a child—Avery—and she and Gary aren’t playing coy about where they want things to go. I love how the friend network in this series is so close… couples we’ve seen in previous books come back and are interwoven into the story… every new book in the Ardor Creek series is just a cozy treat to relax and enjoy!
Spoiler
…and I’m super excited to see Heather and Jeremy are up next… yay!!!bookdrgn's review
5.0
It took me a little longer to read this than I hoped. Domestic violence is something I’m personally familiar with and needed to make sure I’d be okay reading it.
Justine is an amazing character. Ayla Asher is fantastic at writing strong, capable women. Justine is free of her abusive ex, she has their daughter safe from him, and she is making a living with her art. Her life has done 180 from where she was a year ago. She’s been welcomed into the core Ardor Creek group of characters we know and love and finally feels at peace. She is ready to acknowledge her feelings for Gary as more than a friend and protector.
Gary is complicated. As a police officer, his job is risky; something he knows up close and personal. An on-the-job injury ruined his first marriage and has kept him single. Performance issues are something men fear and seldom talk about, and Gary is no exception. He’s been in love with Justine for a long time. He adores her young daughter and does everything in his power to keep them safe. Even if they don’t know it.
I loved how patient Justine was after the advice from Theresa. Gary and Justine work well as a couple. I love how the characters in Ardor Creek are all late 30’s and up but they aren’t written as older. They have fun, use popular vernacular, ‘bang’ like teenagers, and aren’t afraid to say what they need. Inside the bedroom and out. Justine stood at Gary’s side. Which is an important milestone for a former domestic violence victim. She was his equal partner.
Domestic violence is referred to but save a short reiteration of events mentioned in a previous book, and not written in a triggering way.
I can’t get enough of these books. I want to move to Ardor Creek and have Scott build me something, eat Ashlyn’s food, talk Theresa’s ear off, buy Justine’s art and watch them all sing karaoke at the local bar. I hope this series continues to grow. The characters and their lives are realistic and resilient.
I received an advanced copy of this from the author. All opinions are my own.
Justine is an amazing character. Ayla Asher is fantastic at writing strong, capable women. Justine is free of her abusive ex, she has their daughter safe from him, and she is making a living with her art. Her life has done 180 from where she was a year ago. She’s been welcomed into the core Ardor Creek group of characters we know and love and finally feels at peace. She is ready to acknowledge her feelings for Gary as more than a friend and protector.
Gary is complicated. As a police officer, his job is risky; something he knows up close and personal. An on-the-job injury ruined his first marriage and has kept him single. Performance issues are something men fear and seldom talk about, and Gary is no exception. He’s been in love with Justine for a long time. He adores her young daughter and does everything in his power to keep them safe. Even if they don’t know it.
I loved how patient Justine was after the advice from Theresa. Gary and Justine work well as a couple. I love how the characters in Ardor Creek are all late 30’s and up but they aren’t written as older. They have fun, use popular vernacular, ‘bang’ like teenagers, and aren’t afraid to say what they need. Inside the bedroom and out. Justine stood at Gary’s side. Which is an important milestone for a former domestic violence victim. She was his equal partner.
Domestic violence is referred to but save a short reiteration of events mentioned in a previous book, and not written in a triggering way.
I can’t get enough of these books. I want to move to Ardor Creek and have Scott build me something, eat Ashlyn’s food, talk Theresa’s ear off, buy Justine’s art and watch them all sing karaoke at the local bar. I hope this series continues to grow. The characters and their lives are realistic and resilient.
I received an advanced copy of this from the author. All opinions are my own.
cozyupwithfictionandtea_sarah's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It was SO nice to get Gary & Justine’s story!! Loved the switch up regarding fertility issues & I believe Asher did an excellent job in writing Justine’s character & personality. It was nice to have cameos of the other characters & I appreciated the main topics this book covered.
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