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A review by rellimreads
Passions Fulfilled by Ayla Asher
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.