Mangled Memory

Aspen & Evergreen

by Hadley Finn

I wish I could say there are moments in life I’ll never forget. Times like meeting the love of my life, marrying him, or finding the ultimate career success.

But all of those things are locked away in shadowed corners of my mind where trauma has blocked the light from shining.

I’m an amnesiac who can’t figure out how I crafted this life, who I can trust, and, frankly, if I’m even safe in my own home.

My husband is gorgeous, stupid rich, and … dangerous. I don’t know if he’s the reason I “fell.” Big quotes there since no one knows how I ended up over that cliff face. There are also glimmers telling me he’s dark, perhaps even sinister.

I’m Ayla Barone, professional photographer, daughter, sister, and, apparently, wife to one of Denver’s most successful real estate magnates.

Even so, I have no clue how I got here…
… or how to live through the dark.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

Hadley believes strongly in the healing power of salsa, is fully and unapologetically addicted to coffee, and feels it’s her duty to keep the book world financially viable by bingeing great stories that are wonderfully told. She also loves adverbs.

Hadley loves to cook, dance, and have conversations with the figments of her imagination.

For newsletter & more, visit: hadleyfinn.com

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a mangled memory, who do you trust?
 
Ayla wakes up in a hospital and can’t remember the last two and a half years. These years included meeting and marrying her husband, Christian, and opening a business. Did she fall or get pushed off the cliff that took her memories? Christian is angry, hurt, and protective of his wife, even if she can’t remember him.
 
Hadley Finn did a fabulous job bringing the reader along with Ayla on the frustrating and bewildering ride. The book’s first part is told predominantly from Ayla’s POV, and I was as fractured as she was. She didn’t know who the man she lives with is, who she can trust, if her fall was an accident, and why her father was so adamant she not trust her husband. Once the story shifts and we start getting Christian's POV along with Ayla’s, the story picks up pace, and I found myself holding my breath more than once at the plot twists and turns. I enjoyed her journey to discover what happened during her last two and a half years and who was behind her accident. While Ms. Finn’s voice in this series differs from her Ranger series, there is plenty of action, suspense, emotion, and heat to immerse in Aspen & Evergreen. I’m really looking forward to seeing where we go next in this series. I know that Ms. Finn will bring us on an exciting and emotional trek.  

[Leisa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read! This is one of those books that once you start it you won’t want to take a break so prepare yourself for that lol. The mystery begins in chapter one and it’s a troupe I’ve never read (and honestly didn’t think I’d like)….the heroine suffers a fall and has amnesia. She has no recollection of the circumstances surrounding her fall and no recollection that she’s married which left me guessing if Christian was the good guy or a bad guy. Ayla’s sense of humor would make this more of a rom com but the mystery surrounding her fall puts this squarely in the romantic suspense column and I loved every minute of the twists and turns! Highly recommend

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley Finn has found the sweet spot and her voice with Mangled Memory. Think thrillery vibes plus epic love story, then throw in some steamy scenes that leave you panting for more. That’s what you’re getting from the beginning and it never lets up. I was on the edge of my seat, literally white-knuckling my way through each chapter, not knowing what to expect next. Hands down one of my favorite reads of the year!

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

I really.liked this plot and the story too. I thought the sex scenes were cringe though and there are quite a few of them. I thought i knew who the guilty party was from the start but I definitely suspected several more before the end of the story. Several attempts to get to the heroine kind of stymied me too. The main couple had good chemistry too. I liked that. Just the steam was kind of iffy for me! It.kind of felt tacky and overdone but I am over 60 and have decided that missionary is probably all I can expect from here out so it.might be bitter grapes. I would read this author again.

[CourtneyS · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Advanced Reader Review*
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥹/5
•Banter: 😂😂/5
•Platform:Ebook

•Trope: Amnesia, Suspense, Twist and turns.

• THOUGHTS:
I am speechless! I was seriously on alert the entire time. It starts off with a bang! and Hadley keeps you guessing! I was so suspicious of everyone in Ayla life! Christian is a MC who is obsessed with his wife. I highly recommend going in blind and just enjoybthe ride. This book is a book were you absolutely loved it, but are not Abel to put into words how awesome it is. You dont want to give anything away. so I am just going to say, pick the book up and go for it!! It was so good. I couldn't put it down! What an incredible story to start off Hadley's new book series!!! Bravo and I am so looking forward to the next book!! 10 out of 10!

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend has recommended Hadley Finn books before, but this is the first book I’ve read. What I will say, she draws you in immediately. One of the characters was annoying, at best… but not enough to put the book down. I will definitely read the next book in the series 😁.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent. It’s the perfect balance between the debut (which if you haven’t read, why not? Go, now!) and the Rangers series. A little danger. A lot angsty and worrisome with that shadowy “what’s true and what’s not” fear poking at the edges of your mind. And wow. If Christian is faking his love, I’ll eat my own shoe.

But what about the rest of it? Too many things aren’t adding up. Too many corner pieces are on the table without any matching middle pieces to complete the puzzle. Who’s innocent, who’s guilty? Who’s lying and who’s telling the truth? Can it all be uncovered? Do we want it to be? Because the truth is something I can assure you is unexpected. Some of it, you’ll probably think you’ve got solved, but the why and the who and the how and the what the heck? Yeah, you’ll be a little bit thrown.

I adored this rekindling of love when it was already there but one doesn’t remember any of it. I so desperately want the Murphy brothers to find their forevers. And I’m pretty sure they will. I just have to be patient and wait for those to come our way.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Top favorite of 2025**


Ayla wakes up in the hospital to….nothing. No memories from the last 2+ years. This is where we begin.
Mangled Memory’s plot unfurls like a coiled snake. You don’t even see the drama coming and then BAM….Hadley Finn’s writing strikes. She sinks her fangs in you and you just can’t stop reading.
This book has everything. Unreliable narrators, a villain you can EASILY hate and more questions than there is time to ask.
Mangled Memory is part thriller, part romance and part true crime investigation. Ayla just wants to gain her memories back and know who she can trust. Plus….there’s a dog, Ellie. She’s the goodest good girl there is. How could you NOT want to read this book?

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series! Trust me when I say fasten your seat belt. This story is one heck of a wild ride! Ayla wakes up in the hospital with no clue of what happened to her. The man holding her hand says he is her husband, but she has no memory of him. To say she is scared out of her wits is an understatement. Luckily, her brother walks in the room. She is relieved to recognize someone she knows. What follows is a series of twists and turns that are mind-blowing. The plot is brilliant. This story has everything. Suspense, romance, humor, crime solving, and more dangerous situations than you can shake a stick at. I highly recommend this book. Hadley Finn has outdone herself. I could not put this book down. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

disappointing read but promising premise

2.5 stars rounding up to 3 stars for Amazon. I loved the premise of this story but was disappointed in how things played out. The FMC has amnesia after a mysterious fall and thinks her husband could be a part of what happened to her and feels afraid of him but then they also have this insta-lust situation that felt very incongruous with her inner monologue. Also, I was expecting this intricate unraveling of what happened or many memories trickling in or something, but I felt like the way the truth was revealed was very expository and just sort of happened all at once.

[Lulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing recommendation that I saw on Bookstagram! When I saw an amnesia troupe I HAD TO read it! There’s not a tone of these but im a bit obsessed and it’s hard to do right and THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!

Ayla’s journey through all this is so intriguing! Her original suspicions were REALLY believable! I mean it was all sort of pointing that way right? But then…. So many things happen and Christian is so Alpha! But you cant NOT fall for him because he is so protective!! And i can’t say too much more! I don’t want to spoil it!

Love love loved the brothers!! And I hope there’s follow up books about them!!!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This is a fantastic romantic suspense story!! Christian & Ayla are put through quite the wringer. As she puts it early in the story - she's not sure if she's in a thriller or a rom-com.

The twists & turns kept me on my toes, surprises around every corner at several points. And the 🔥🔥🔥! Have a fan handy! The burn starts slow, their chemistry evident from the beginning, & when they ignite... boom! 😁

We get lots of puppy time, too, which is nice. And I love the brothers! 🥰

The mystery is awesome & the couple is fantastic & the story is amazing! Highly recommend!

😍😍😍

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I think this is Hadley Finn‘s best writing to date!! These characters sucked me in from the very first page and kept me on the edge of my seat to the very last!!
I’ve written this review so many times and kept redacting because there are so many twist and turns that I am afraid anything I say is going to give something away. So with that said, I’m only gonna tell you how great the writing was and how invested I was in this story.
I promise you this is a 5 star read and once you start this book, you will not be able to stop so sit back and enjoy the ride

[AnneMarie Davee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protector ❤️☕️📷💙

This book was a roller coaster of emotions. From the first chapter to the last, the relationship between Ayla and Christian is a testament to love and devotion. Her brothers are also amazing.

It’s hard to imagine losing memories, but the way Christian assures Ayla that she’s loved and protected is his priority. I could feel their pain and confusion, and the passion between them felt genuine.

There’s a lot of action and drama, but it’s a good read. The description of her photos felt real. Adorable epilogue.

[Audrey Krofchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy……can I give this book more than 5 stars?! This book will keep you on the edge of your seats and guessing throughout. Ayla is put through so much. Expect many twists you didn’t see coming, spice, and so many more emotions. I highly recommend this book. Prepare to want to leave all responsibilities behind to finish this book. You’ve been warned. lol!

[George Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wee bit different in a very good way from previous ones. A little bit of mystery. A lot of coffee. Theres:
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Well there's memory loss and a well definitely read and find out what happens.

[Lisa Tantsits · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ayla woke after falling off a mountain ledge, she can’t remember the last 3 years of her life. She doesn’t even remember her husband or the business that she loved. Watching Ayla sort through life as she remembered it and whether she can trust the man she sleeps next to, was such a wonderful ride. Can’t wait for the next book!

[LeeAnn Gasparri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley Finn is so talented and this book is AMAZING! So beautifully written in a way that you feel what the characters feel as if you are in there with them. Ayla and Christian’s story is everything!! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what came next. It is a must!!!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will definitely keep you on your toes and I couldn’t put it down. The only thing I would have liked was more from Christians point of view.
I love Hadley’s writing and can’t wait for more of her books. Xx

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed. Addicted. Blown away. Mesmerized. No adjective is enough to tell you just how freaking good Hadley Finn's Mangled Memory is! She is a new to me author but dear lord, why was I sleeping on such epic writing?


Christian Barone is top tier book husband. All extreme possessive protective alpha. He just makes me swoon so good! Ayla is his perfect match. This fierce woman has gone through so much. Almost losing her life, losing memory of her love, fighting back to her husband, fighting the evils trying to ruin her life..and she comes out stronger and stronger. It had a beautiful suspense part that kept me on my toes as I tried to put the puzzle pieces together! The spice was insane. All dirty talking filthy scorching hot beauty. And the emotions hit me so hard! The angst was epic.

Imagine waking up in a hospital bed and not remembering about the gorgeous dominating controlling intense man in the room who is your husband. Ayla lost 3 years of memories and she is all torn. Her body is immediately attracted to her husband but her heart is paranoid and doesn’t tust anyone. Its an uphill battle for Christian and he fought it valiantl. He was patient and careful but he never stopped showing his devotion and love. It was breaking my heart. And external forces kept on putting them in danger and interrupting their reconnecting. Christian will forever own a piece of my heart. Ayla found love for second time because she opened her heart again and believed in the power of her connection with Christian

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so good! What a wild ride! All I can say is buckle up! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint! I love a good amnesia novel where the heroine wakes up and doesn't know what happened or who to trust. This novel checked so so many boxes for me. I was excited to jump into this novel and it did not let me down. From the first chapter this novel reached across the pages and grabbed ahold of my heart and attention and held on tight until the very last page. I was on the edge of my seat reading with the my heart in my throat trying to figure out what was coming next. My heart hurt for Ayla as she was trying to put all the pieces back together. So so good! Once I started reading I did not and couldn't put this novel down even if it meant staying up most of the night to finish. I needed to know and it was so worth losing sleep over. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

[CinLou Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things, Hadly Finn. Especially The Ranger series. This book is very different from that series—it showcases a different side of the talented writer Hadley is.

The first half of the book is almost entirely from Ayla’s POV. Was what happened to her and accident or intentional? I felt for her waking up and not remembering the last 2+ years of her life and not knowing who to trust. But my heart hurt more for Christian. I would have liked to have read some of Christian’s POV in the first half. Without it, it felt like something was missing. It felt disconnected. But maybe that was the author’s intention. If Ms. Finn intended to keep me off balance by having only Ayla’s POV in the first part of the book, she succeeded.

There are lots of twists and turns and ultimately a HEA.

I really hope there will be more books in this series!

[Anna Mcdonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cow, what did I just read? Mangled Memory by Hadley Finn was excellent! Ayla Barone wakes up in a hospital with a bump on her head and no idea how she got there. She also has no idea who the gorgeous and mysterious man is who is holding her hand. What unfolds is Ayla trying to remember who she was while discovering who she is now. Danger lurks around every corner. Will Ayla ever regain her memory? Will she figure out who is after her?

I went into this read just like our main character, with no previous information on what it was about. I was hooked from the first chapter and needed to know how Ayla and Christian's story ended. 5 Stars for Mangled Memory.

[Jill Ortego · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally stayed up until 3:30 in the morning on the last Monday of the school year because I could not put this book down!!!!! It was the most amazing rollercoaster ride!!! Hadley Finn always creates characters with so much depth and she has topped herself with Ayla and Christen!!! I will be rereading this one over summer break!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great mystery, the character development and the overall story was unique since main character has a mangled memory. Who is good, who is not, who can be trusted? There were some things that weren’t resolved that left me needing more, which is why it’s a 4 star for me. Since this is a series maybe more will be revealed in later books. Great read and do recommend!

[Diana Lepine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was good but I have to admit that you could correctly guess who did it. Christian was very controlling and the breath control choking during sex did nothing to improve his image. Their lifestyle was way beyond most of our actual experience and not relatable. However, it was very well written and hard to put down. In spite of the few things I didn’t like, I enjoyed reading this book.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first by Hadley and this one kept me page turning and intrigued the entire time! I was captivated from chapter one. Christian was a bit mysterious, alpha, but also you'll fall in love with him lol. And I loved the fire and fight of Ayla. Terrific story and I'll definitely be reading more!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mangled Memory...

Aspen & Evergreen. A new author for me. I swear she is an awesome storyteller. So twisty with extra angst and some gut wrenching drama. No spoilers from me. These characters take you there every chance they get. Nothing is as it seems. Hot chemistry, so steamy and oh so tingle worthy. A fanfreakingtasic start to a fabulous series.

[Katlyn Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this was a twisty turny crazy suspense. A family with a lot of secrets, a relationship with even more. Who can you trust? Which storyline makes the most sense to you? It’s full of questions and some get answered some might be waiting for book 2. Over all this was a great suspense read.

[J Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

Steamy thriller vibe novel that keeps you guessing from the first to the last page with a heart tugging love story and hot sexy scenes thrown in.

Fabulous.