Ardor Creek

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?

Sometimes you squander all your second chances... At the tender age of seven, Peter Stratford fell in love with the only woman who would ever claim his heart. But Carrie represented Ardor Creek, the town Peter detested. Determined to make something of himself in New York City, he leaves her behind, breaking both their hearts. Carrie Longwood accepted that Peter would never love her enough to stay. Embracing her inner strength, she married another and had her precious boys before her messy divorce. Alone in Ardor Creek, she builds her life around her small family unit. When Peter returns to Ardor Creek, battered and broken from addiction, he begins to heal, knowing Carrie will never forgive him. But Carrie kept her own secrets and, whether they're ready or not, all of their illusions will be unveiled... Welcome back to Ardor Creek! If you love second chance romance, this book is for you! As with all of Ayla's books, there's a slight holiday theme, and this one ends with a lovely Thanksgiving. The main character is a recovered addict whose addictions are discussed openly so please consider before reading. Enjoy!

Ardor Creek, Book 3 It was supposed to be a casual affair... Dr. Teresa Roe moved from the bustling city to small-town Pennsylvania, hoping the slower pace would help her focus on finding a partner and building a family. Unfortunately, life had other plans, and Teresa finds herself single in her mid-forties, unable to have the children she craves. Determined to focus on the positives, she builds her thriving therapy practice and joins a hook-up app looking for a fun, no-strings-attached affair. Mark Lancaster has no time to date or cultivate a relationship, so meeting women on hook-up apps is perfect for his busy schedule. When he meets Teresa, he can't believe his fortune at finding someone so smart, sexy, and funny. In fact, his casual affair with her quickly becomes the highlight of his hectic life. When Mark decides to run for County District Attorney, his opponent quickly reveals their relationship, spinning their affair as nefarious and creating a scandal that almost derails the campaign. Thankfully, Teresa agrees to enter into a fake engagement, saving him from ruin. But the road to victory isn't easy, and as they grow closer, the relationship they both swear is casual begins to grow into something real... Can two fiercely independent souls find true love amidst scandal? Welcome back to Ardor Creek! If you love fake relationship shenanigans that lead to true love, this audiobook is for you! As with all of Ayla's books, there's a slight holiday theme, and this one ends with a romantic Christmas. There are discussions of infertility and domestic abuse so please consider that before you listen. Enjoy!

Ardor Creek, Book 5 What if your soul mate had been right in front of you the whole time? Justine Lancaster made every possible mistake in her disastrous marriage. After finally leaving her abusive ex-husband, she forges ahead, creating a new life with her daughter. Although she craves companionship, she wonders if she has the foundation to try dating after her traumatic past. Police officer Gary Lincoln fell in love with Justine somewhere between the end of his divorce and the first time he showed up on her doorstep with a deep need to protect her from her husband. After silently loving her for years, he continues to watch over Justine and her daughter, knowing they deserve happiness...and understanding a woman as special as Justine deserves more than he can give. As their friendship grows, Justine observes the desire simmering in Gary's deep brown eyes and wonders why he holds back. Determined to find out, she discovers the secret Gary has been keeping and sets out to prove she'll stop at nothing until both their passions are fulfilled. Welcome back to Ardor Creek, dear listeners! You asked for Justine and Gary's book after meeting them in Desires Uncovered, and I'm so happy to bring it to you. If you love friends-to-lovers stories with a sweet, steamy, sometimes awkward, but oh-so-rewarding storyline, this book will rock your world. There are discussions of domestic abuse and male infertility, so please consider that before listening. Enjoy your time in Ardor Creek!

Does a former mean girl deserve a happily ever after? Heather Combs grew up in Ardor Creek, stuck in a home with zero love or emotional support. In response, she lashed out, becoming a popular but cold ice queen. Hoping to escape her unstable home, she married her high school boyfriend, only to realize she'd entered into another emotionally unfulfilling relationship. Convinced she didn't possess the capacity to love, she divorced her ex and left Ardor Creek. Years later, Jeremy Kramer, a successful author and single dad to twin girls, moves to Ardor Creek and instantly falls for the small-town charm. His busy life leaves little room for love, even if newly returned former bad girl Heather Combs continually catches his eye. When Heather and Jeremy become neighbors, they quickly realize their chemistry is off the charts. But he's a dad who prefers serious relationships and she detests feelings. After all, love has never been her forte, but in the hidden corners of her soul, she can't deny her yearning for her handsome neighbor and his sweet, precocious girls…. Welcome back to Ardor Creek! In this series finale, we see a childfree-by-choice middle-aged heroine finally get her happy ever after. There are discussions of mental illness, including animal cruelty and childhood hardships, so please consider that before listening. Love is in the air in Ardor Creek for our sexy-geeky author and reformed mean girl. Enjoy!