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quinnreads2's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.