Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Windy Harbor #1

Take This Heart

Rate this book
A sizzling, small town, enemies to lovers, workplace romance by USA Today bestselling author, Willow Aster

After an annoying, albeit sexy, encounter with Milo Lombardi, he's the last person I want to see in Windy Harbor, Minnesota. Being in my favorite small town near Lake Superior with my family is my idea of heaven, and after clashing with Milo at an art event, and then kissing his face off right after – I'd be fine if I never saw the man again.
Even though he is sinfully gorgeous, and knows how to use those unforgettable lips.
But my dad has other ideas, and because he's been dealt a blow that threatens to turn our family's world upside down, I want to do what's best and keep the peace.
Which means, I'm stuck working on a project with Milo, all day, every day.
And if I thought we didn't get along in the beginning, it's nothing compared to dealing with him on a daily basis. He has a unique way of bringing out the worst in me, while showcasing his annoying smirk in the process.
If only I could forget how his mouth felt on mine, and the way his strong arms felt wrapped around me.

Take this Heart is book one in the brand new, interconnected standalone Windy Harbor series.

392 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2025

1151 people are currently reading
7962 people want to read

About the author

Willow Aster

48 books4,574 followers
Willow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling Author of emotional, angsty love stories with a side of quirk. She is co-writer of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher and co-writer of the G.D. Taylors series with Laura Pavlov.


Website: http://www.willowaster.com/

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/willowastera...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/

Living in the Pages podcast with our favorite authors: https://apple.co/2FraLVV

Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/WillowAster/

Reader group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/87097...

Newsletter:
http://www.willowaster.com/subscribe/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
800 (37%)
4 stars
855 (40%)
3 stars
372 (17%)
2 stars
79 (3%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 553 reviews
Profile Image for megan ◡̈.
846 reviews589 followers
October 11, 2025
golo and mildie supremacy!!!

oh my goodness, i cannot get over how much i loved these two and the new universe willow is taking us on a journey in!! as sad as i was to say goodbye to silver hills i am SO ready & excited for what windy harbor has in store after listening to this 🤭

goldie was such a fun character and i loved getting to know her, theres just something about a sunshine girl with a heart of gold (haha get it) who becomes the biggest grump over a hot “evil” man lmaooo. she was absolutely hilarious and i am prayyyying we get to see her constantly through out her brothers books.

milo was also so much fun, he knew exactly how to push all of goldie’s buttons in the most humorous way. he was SUCH a sweet heart, one very specific scene comes to mind () that just solidified him being a top tier mmc (he already was, but like this turned me to MUSH). i loved that he let goldie believe he was the villain in her story meanwhile he was doing anything possible to make her life better & easier.

i feel like they fell for eachother in a very soft & sweet way and i loved that even though they had this softness to them their chemistry was still fiery and passionate from the moment they met. it was a really fun duality that they had to them.

one of my favorite things about willows books are always the found family aspects and in this were lucky enough to get to see how this beautiful family interacts with one another and cares for each other and they way that they take in milo during the process of project was SO lovely 😭

the narrators did such an incredible job bringing this book to life, this story was such an insanely good way to kick off a new series, i feel like im always chomping at the bit for the next book every time i finish a book of willows and this is no different. i CANNOT wait to see what kind of shenanigans her brothers get into and getting to spend some more time with such beloved side characters.
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
105 reviews18 followers
October 1, 2025
4🌟, 3 🌶️

Take This Heart will, quite literally, take your heart with its blend of small-town charm and spirited enemies-to-lovers romance.

Goldie, strong-willed and sassy, collides with Milo, a smug yet secretly soft architect who quickly proves he’s more cinnamon roll than rival. Their less-than-perfect start only heightens the wit, the sparks, and the surprisingly sweet moments that follow.

Family, loyalty, and healing run through the story, giving depth to the playful workplace clashes and slow-burn attraction. While the conflicts stay on the gentler side, the mix of humor, heart, and steam makes this romance engaging from start to finish.

Windy Harbor shines just as brightly as the romance—filled with quirky relatives, loyal friends, and a family dynamic that feels as chaotic as it is comforting.

With humor and heart, this book launches a series you won’t want to miss!

~~~~

Many thanks to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Jenn (The Book Refuge).
2,667 reviews4,489 followers
October 14, 2025
This series has me so giddy for what it has in store. I am a Minnesota native myself and I even lived in Duluth for 2 years. Though I am a transplant to Fargo, ND, I hold great fondness for the area that is described in this romance. And honestly, Willow Aster hit on it all SO well. I felt the cozy vibes of the seasons and her love for the North Shore come through. I felt right at home in this small town and I can't wait to spend time there again.

Milo and Goldie were the perfect amount of rivalry for this story and I loved how they challenged one another and fought for the best of the project. I do think Goldie gave him a bit too much of a hard time, and for things beyond his control, but over all, they had a really sweet romance. The way Milo became determined to win her over was so heartwarming.

I also want to give a shout out to Goldie's dad, he is a huge part of the "Heart" in this story. I teared up multiple times when he was sharing about his wife and seeing his family jump into action when they found out his diagnosis. Milo became like another son to him too and there were some wonderful interactions. I can't wait to see more of him and his family in future books.

There were some slow bits to this one and I did find that the romance sometimes took a back seat to a bigger story, instead of the other way around. But I still enjoyed it so much!

This was narrated in duet by Andi Arndt and Christian Fox and they knocked it out of the park. I really enjoyed their pairing and I loved how they told this story. They also handled the accents perfectly and I appreciate that they didn't overdo every MN voice. Haha!

4 Stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: Cancer, loss of a parent (past)

*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
Profile Image for Megan Coggins.
679 reviews149 followers
October 9, 2025
4.25 ⭐️

I am super excited about this new series of Willow Asters.

Windy Harbor is being set up to be fun!

I’ve come to expect WAs books to be fun but sweet.
But this one hit the enemies to lovers vibe.
It was still sweet but I loved the extra tension.
These two were magnetic.

Goldie & Milo 💕
Artists & architect
Family feuding vibes
Small town
Billionaire
Workplace romance

This also hit on a touch of tough topics, illness and grief and ugh I almost cried right along with.

There was also a little bit of a mystery going on. No details to spoil.

All the brothers up next???

Arc review ✨
Profile Image for all.the.smut.things.
627 reviews459 followers
October 31, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
🎧: AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

Okay, Goldie and Milo are starting this series out with a bang. I love them so much! And this family…. I need more of them. I love them.

If you want a book with so much banter and tension and just delicious chemistry, then this one is what you need. Goldie and Milo are going to tease you so hard

✨ Small Town
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ He Falls First
✨ Architect x Designer
✨ Family Banter

Goldie and Milo had me hooked from the first time they laid eyes on each other. These two were do drawn to each other and then one little tiff led them to this amazing hav I and forth until they finally gave in I loved that they really just couldn’t scape each other either.

And when they did give in… they were so so good.

Plus this storyline is so interesting because outside of Goldie and Milo falling for each other, they are also working together to build a resort and there is so much going on below the surface.

I couldn’t put it down.

Also let’s talk about the audio. Christian Fox could recite me the phone book and I would thank him for it. The audio really brings emotion and I couldn’t put hear Milo and Goldie come through so clearly with his and Andi Arndt’s performances.

Highly recommend the audio it’s soo so good! I loved this book in both forms and can’t wait for the rest of the Whitman Siblings!
Profile Image for Amy.
2,642 reviews2,023 followers
October 2, 2025



Willow Aster kicks off her new series with a bang—this small town enemies to lovers romance has everything I need; sizzling chemistry, sharp banter, and the perfect mix of steamy + heartfelt. Goldie is the kind of heroine you root for instantly, she’s fiery, strong, and unwilling to back down, while Milo hides his soft, sweet core behind billionaire competence. Their romance is fun, sexy, and full of emotional depth as they navigate grief, family, and second chances. I loved the family dynamics for both characters and can already tell this series will be one I don’t want to miss. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

💕 Tropes:  

🏡 Small Town 
🔥 Enemies ➝ Lovers 
💼 Workplace 
💸 Billionaire 
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,344 reviews203 followers
December 23, 2025
I'm trying so hard to focus on books that I have marked "currently reading" because I always get distracted by other books. That being said, I finally finish Take This Heart after downloading it over a month ago. The characters were okay, and I really enjoyed the small town vibes throughout it. Sure, we had some drama here and there that possibly spiced things up. In the end, I'm glad that Milo and Goldie found their happily ever after with each other. They were cute... didn't really get enemy to lover vibes between those two.. but sure.
Profile Image for Amity Bailey.
247 reviews38 followers
September 28, 2025
ALC Review

4.5 stars rounded up!

Absolutely loved this audiobook! Narration by Andi Arndt & Christian Fox! They were perfect for this small town romance!

This was a true enemies to lovers and I was here for all the banter! I absolutely loved Milo & Goldie. There was so much wit, banter, emotion, and added family drama, yet just a heartfelt story. What a great start to this new windy harbor series by Willow Aster! I am super excited for more from this series.

Smalltown Romance
Workplace
Forced Proximity
Enemies to lovers

Thank you Valentine PR & Willow Aster for this ALC opportunity
Profile Image for Cristina.
523 reviews2 followers
Read
November 21, 2025
Adorable! It's a perfect start to this series. I've fallen in love with the whole family, their dynamics, their banter and their suffering.

Goldie and Milo are attracted to each other almost as much as they hate each other the moment they meet. But Milo is shocked by Goldie and when they meet again at the family project, he tries to win her over.
Goldie has had a bad experience in the past and no longer dares to trust anyone. She believes that everything Milo does has ulterior motives.

But Milo is fantastic, the whole family falls in love with him, and sooner or later, Goldie will fall too.

The family's enmity with the Grangers is not completely resolved in this book, so I hope to read more about this.

I love all the Whitman brothers and I will be waiting for their books. The father, the grandmothers, the friends, this book is full of wonderful characters. There is also a small cameo appearance by characters from the previous series.

The setting and description of the Great Lakes is very beautiful.

I definitely recommend this book.

------------------------------------

Adorable! es un inicio perfecto para esta serie porque me he enamorado de toda la familia, de sus dinámicas, sus bromas y su sufrimiento.

Goldie y Milo se atraen casi tanto como se odian en el mismo momento en que se conocen. Pero Milo queda impactado por Goldie y cuando vuelven a encontrarse en el proyecto familiar, va a intentar conquistarla.
Goldie ha tenido una mala experiencia en el pasado y ya no se atreve a confiar, todo lo que Milo hace cree que es con otra intención.

Pero Milo es fantástico, toda la familia se enamora de él y tarde o temprano, Goldie va a caer.

La enemistad de la familia con los Granger no se resuelve completamente en este libro, espero seguir leyendo más sobre esto. Hay varias cosas más no resueltas que seguro que siguen y otras que creo que ha dejado en el olvido, esto es un pequeño fallo, entiendo.

Todos los hermanos Whitman me encantan y estaré esperando sus libros. El padre, las abuelas, las amigas, este libro está lleno de personajes maravillosos. También hay un pequeño cameo de personajes de la serie anterior.

La ambientación y la descripción de los grandes lagos es muy bella.

Definitivamente, es un libro que recomiendo.
Profile Image for tegan ✩ cozywtea.
259 reviews36 followers
October 6, 2025
damn this was adorable.

take this heart was such a delight to read. especially loved: sassy FMC, cinnamon roll MMC (who is also a billionaire), the banter, workplace romance, small town setting. my favourite part was falling in love with a new comfort family & the sibling group chat had me giggling.

extra points because the audiobook features duet narration.

if you’re a fan of laura pavlov & corinne michaels, you need to start this series with this book.

thank you to willow aster & valentine pr for the ALC. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Sienasummerrreads.
616 reviews347 followers
October 26, 2025
First off, I highly recommend the audiobook for this it’s brilliant. Andi and Christian are two of my favorite narrators. I really enjoyed reading about Goldie and Milo. Goldie was a firecracker who wore her heart on her sleeve, while Milo was playful and loved the back-and-forth with her. That said, Goldie’s emotions were a bit all over the place one minute she was angry, then happy, then crying. I did love the family dynamic, thought, and how close they all were.

That being said, while the story was good, it wasn’t my favorite. For such a close-knit family, I struggled to wrap my head around the big secret that was revealed. Based on how the parents were described, I just find it hard to believe that something so major wouldn’t have ever been discussed in their household. Also, I don’t know if I was distracted or just zoning out, but I had trouble visualizing what was happening throughout parts of the story. I’m not sure what it was with me and this one, but overall it was good. I’m a fan of Willow’s work and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 5mins
Narrators: Andi Arndt and Christian Fox - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Windy Harbor Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Enemies To Lovers, Billionaire, Workplace, Forced Proximity, Cancer, Banter, Chemistry, Truth or Dare, Grand Gesture and Sexual Content
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Profile Image for Lauren Keith.
292 reviews
October 13, 2025
I didn’t enjoy Take This Heart, and I was tempted to DNF a few times but I ended up finishing the book just to make sure. At first, I thought the issue was that I just had the reading order wrong, as a lot of the book seemed to reference other characters in this world. It seems like the Windy Harbor series is supposed to be standalone, but it does, in fact, reference other series by this author. I don’t think I was missing much by not having read the other books by this author, but I also didn’t like the way it was written in like I should’ve known, given there was no instruction to do so in the synopsis or on the author’s reading order webpage. I wish it had been written in as a more basic cameo and a nod to the other series instead of building on relationships and other seemingly important information that I just wasn’t privy to.

As I kept reading, I noticed that a lot of the writing was missing the descriptive elements I would hope for, and it felt like telling instead of showing in scenes that I just couldn’t conjure up without more help from the author. Too much of the plot referenced things that were supposed to have happened off page, but other times I felt like things were written in for no reason. (Why was Goldie in a car accident? Was that necessary at all for the plot, other than sort of explaining her move away from California?) And I really could not feel more than insta-lust from the MMC and FMC.

I think my biggest problem with this book overall was the fact that I just never liked the FMC. Trying to set aside the fact that I cannot stand miscommunication as a trope, Goldie took everything a step too far for me, creating problems where there were none, and I didn’t like that Milo accepted it and came back for more.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,640 reviews965 followers
October 9, 2025
I’m so so excited that this charming series has been introduced to the world- I’m just so in love with the Windy Harbor world and this whole endearing family. The close knit relationships, the emotional moments, the magical setting, the DELICIOUS enemies to lovers banter and chemistry, and of course the grannies and HOTDISHES- I just adored Take This Heart so much! Milo and Goldie were just so special- I loved their connection, how they grew together, how fiery but tender their romance was. This series has already stolen my whole heart, and I can not WAIT for all the brothers to get their HEAs…..I may already have a favorite, but I can’t tell you who just yet.

Charming and swoony, quirky and fun, deliciously dreamy, and epically romantic- this book is EVERYTHING I adore about WIllow’s writing and just sparkles with her big beautiful heart. I can’t wait to be back in Windy Harbor again soon. I’m madly in love with this whole town and all the beautiful humans that inhabit it.

🏡 Small Town
🎨Enemies to Lovers
🏡Artist x Architect
🎨He Falls First
🏡Workplace / Forced Proximity
🎨Feuding Families
🏡Large, Tight Knit Family
🎨Twists/Secrets
🏡Found Family Dynamics
🎨Banter
🏡Sassy Grannies and Hotdish
Profile Image for Laura.
313 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2025
Thank you Willow Aster and Valentine PR for the ALC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

I didn’t know what to expect with my first Willow Aster book. Take This Heart is the first in the Windy Harbor series, set in Windy Harbor, Minnesota—a small town near Lake Superior. Goldie returns home and literally collides with Milo Lombardi, who is both infuriating and irresistible.

Their first meeting in years sparks passion and quickly complicates things. What follows is a battle of wills and sharp banter between Goldie and Milo, made even harder while her father’s health is declining. Milo’s smug demeanor gets under Goldie’s skin, but as the story unfolds, she discovers that supporting and loving her family doesn’t mean sacrificing her own happiness.

I enjoyed the themes of family loyalty, small-town community, second chances, and healing. Willow Aster’s ability to capture a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with the perfect amount of spice was amazing! She kept me captivated from start to finish, and I can’t wait for What It Takes (Book 2 of the Windy Harbor series).
Profile Image for Afton Gross.
304 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2025
Take This Heart was such a fun, heartfelt small-town romance! The small-town vibes were absolutely impeccable and made me want to pack my bags and move Up North immediately.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic had everything I love: snappy banter, perfectly timed tension, and just the right balance between frustration and chemistry. You could feel the sparks flying in every interaction!

The storyline was so well thought out and concise, with every scene feeling purposeful and engaging. And can we talk about the spice? Because wow… the spice was definitely spicing.

As a fellow Minnesotan, I have to say the little Minnesota nods sprinkled throughout genuinely made me laugh… hello jello salad 😂. It gave the story an extra layer of charm that made it feel even more personal and cozy.

If you’re in the mood for a witty, steamy, small-town romance that hits all the right notes, Take This Heart is absolutely worth the read. 💕
Profile Image for Monika.
1,428 reviews48 followers
December 12, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️ Take this Heart is the first book in the Windy Harbor series. It’s small town, enemies to lovers with healing. Goldie met Milo at an art installation event where she verbally assaults his work, and they ended up kissing. She is back home with her dad when she finds out that her dad bought a large property and hired Milo (an influential architect) to help renovate the property. Goldie is not happy about this, but Milo was very happy to be around Goldie! The banter was perfect! I loved the theme of family loyalty, and knowing to be loyal and when not to be loyal. Milo and Goldie’s characters had great development. The romance was sweet with just the right amount of spice. The audiobook was entertaining and had me engrossed in the story. Andi Arndt and Christian Fox were perfect!

Thank you to Must Love Audio for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for BookishRaquel.
750 reviews89 followers
October 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️ | 4.5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- Workplace Romance
- She’s an Artist
- He’s an Architect
- Feuding Families

My Thoughts:
Goldie and Milo's story was the perfect start to the Windy Harbor series. This story is a sweet small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance that’s full of heart, humor, and healing. Goldie and Milo meet at an art show where Goldie has some strong opinions about Milo’s work, but sparks fly anyway. Later, when she goes home to help her dad, she learns he has hired Milo to help renovate a property, forcing them to work together. What starts as a tension-filled, one-sided enemies-to-lovers dynamic slowly turns into something neither of them can ignore.

I loved everything about Goldie and Milo's journey. There is some really fun banter, some heavy emotional moments, family drama, and the perfect amount of heat. Milo was so perfect for Goldie, and I loved watching their relationship grow in such a natural and real way. I really enjoyed Goldie's family and can't wait to read more about them. The grandmothers definitely stole the show! This was such a fun and easy read, and I am super excited to see what comes next for the folks in Windy Harbor.

Narration:
Andi Arndt and Christian Fox performed this audiobook in duet. I loved hearing these two amazing voice actors together. What a treat! Andi and Christian were the perfect voices for Goldie and Milo, and brought their story to life beautifully. I highly recommend enjoying this book in audio.

Thanks to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for the early review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amber (Amber Reads Romance).
1,259 reviews192 followers
October 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Take This Heart is the first book in the Windy Harbor series. This was a great setup for her new small town series set in the cute town of Windy Harbor, Minnesota. This was a cute low angst enemies to lovers romance, but it also had an emotional storyline.

Goldie and Milo clashed when they met at an art installation, but it ended with a steamy kiss. She is frustrated to learn that Milo was hired by her father as the architect in a big renovation project. Now they are working together and spending a lot of time together. Goldie had more issues with Milo, but he was smitten from the start.

The banter was fantastic, and the chemistry was amazing between these two. However, Goldie was betrayed in her last relationship, so she had a hard time trusting him. Milo was so sweet, though, and started to bring down her walls.

This book had some emotional content with Goldie's father's illness. I loved how the family came together and supported him. It was a good start to the series.


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Christian Fox & Andi Arndt

Christian Fox and Andi Arndt did a great job, and the duet narration made it even better. They performed the banter and spice perfectly.

Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ALC.

CW: Parent with cancer
Profile Image for Heather.
505 reviews20 followers
October 5, 2025
What a way to kick off a new series! This book was such an enjoyable read. I immediately fell for the small town vibes and the unique storyline. From the second Goldie and Milo met, I was hooked by their incredible tension, banter, and chemistry.

I absolutely adored Goldie and the whole Whitman family. The way they show up for each other, no matter what was heartwarming. The family drama and rivalry woven into the book added additional intrigue!

I loved how patient and sweet Milo was, and the fact that he actually listens to the things Goldie likes warmed my heart. I loved the side characters in this book. I'm already so excited for more from this series!

Thank you Willow Aster and Valentine PR for an ARC of the book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.
Profile Image for Nada A..
509 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2025
4.25 stars
This is my first book by Willow Aster and honestly I bought it because of the cute special edition cover and I love a good enemies to lovers. I’m very happily surprised with the pacing and characterization (which is what I look for in my fiction reads) and the little crumbs leading to her prior work and her next one has me intrigued. Just added all her stuff to my TBR!
Profile Image for Anca A.
466 reviews34 followers
October 16, 2025
#Review: *Take This Heart* - Willow Aster - ARC [18+]
4.5/5✨
3/5🌶️

I really like these small town romance stories Willow is writing, so I didn't think for too long before signing up for this. Thank you so much Willow and Valentine Pr for making it happen 🤗.

Goldie and Millo have met for the first time at an art gallery where they had an intense connection, which ended with them sharing a passionate kiss. But that was all that happened. Now they found out that they need to work together at a project in Windy Harbor and that meant being non-stop in each other's company. Goldie needed to accept that because of her family, being a project which involved them, especially her dad. But that will come with a little scandal and some threats which they'll need to figure out who was making them. Will Goldie and Millo succeed in working together and get pass their little bickering?

This story was a pretty relaxing read until that plot twist from towards the end. It was super nice to be part of that little town which offered Goldie so much comfort and the chance of being close to her dad. The tension and constant banter between her and Millo were super fun and I liked how things slowly shifted, how Goldie started to get her walls down. It was pretty hard for her to let someone else in after the past disappointment and betrayal in her love life, being unsure if she could trust another guy again. And neither Millo won't make things that easy😅. But their chemistry was super intense and I just loved that feeling of just wanting to constantly be in each other's presence and always getting the chance to touch each other. They were addicted to one another, having that magnetic pull which always threw them in each other's arms.

After that intense start involving our main characters, I haven't expected for this story to have so many surprise elements. It was emotional, hot, intriguing and sweet. I liked all of those combined, being super immersed into the feud and the cute love story of this book.

✨Tropes
#EnemiesToLovers
#WorkplaceRomance
#SmallTown
#Billionaire
#HeFallsFirstAndHarder
#Banter
#ForcedProximity
Profile Image for Victoria Franklin.
182 reviews33 followers
November 16, 2025
My first Willow Aster book and wow… I was not prepared to fall so hard for a fictional family! 🥹

The love and loyalty within this family absolutely warmed my heart. And Goldie’s circle of friends? An incredible group of women who hype each other up in the best possible ways. I adored their friendship just as much as the romance.

Milo teams up with Goldie’s dad to build a stunning new lodge for the cozy small town of Windy Harbor. As an architect, he’s talented and thoughtful even though his first encounter with Goldie didn’t exactly leave a shining impression. If only Goldie knew he’s both a grandma whisperer and a dog whisperer!🤣🤭

Goldie struggles with trust, and when certain secrets come to light, her walls snap right back into place. Her love for her family is so genuine, even when she gets in her own way. Watching her grow and open up again was incredibly beautiful.

There are multiple plot twists sprinkled throughout, which kept me hooked from start to finish.

✨ If you love small town romance with heart, humor, found family vibes, and a swoon worthy slow burn, I highly recommend picking this one up! ✨

💖Tropes💖
✔ Small Town Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔ Found Family
✔ Workplace Romance
✔️Family Rivalry
✔ Fierce Female Friendships
✔ Second Chances at Trust
✔️Forced Proximity
Profile Image for Ashley .
554 reviews69 followers
October 3, 2025
Take This Heart is book 1 in the new Windy Harbor series. Goldie & Milo definitely start off on the wrong foot but somehow still end the night with a kiss. Now Goldie finds out that her dad has hired Milo (an architect) to take on a new big project so he's going to be around A LOT. Goldie is strong willed and definitely put up a fight against Milo. The banter was fantastic because of it. It takes a while but eventually he gets her guard to drop. This was a sweet romance and definitely had just the perfect amount of spice.

I love this family. I love the grandma's! I love how close Goldie is with her dad & brothers. I found myself emotional a few times with what Goldie's family is dealing with because I've been there. This book definitely dealt with some deeper issues such as grief & sickness.

Overall, 3.5/5 stars! I'm looking forward to more of this series.

Take this Heart releases on October 9. Thank you to Willow Aster & Valentine PR for this ARC.
Profile Image for Kaelea Babner.
659 reviews14 followers
October 9, 2025
What a great start to a new series with some cameos of the characters I fell in love with in the single dad playbooks series. I love how interconnected these books always are.

Goldie and Milo’s relationship started rocky, but the attraction was there from the very first moment. This isn’t a full enemies to lovers but god the angst and back and forth with these two was so fun to read!!!

This book made me emotional at times. I love how close the family is and how open and giving them are to people in the community. So many amazing characters to read about in this series and this is just the beginning!!

I loved the banter between Goldie and Milo. Even when they didn’t like each other, you could feel the pull they had towards each other. I was so ready for them to give in, and I was not disappointed when they did!!

Willow Aster always gives the best found family vibes in her books. This one is no different. Between the Whitman crew and also Goldie and her friendships with Juliana and Erin. There’s just so much wholesome love for one another that I ate it up!!

Can’t wait to see where this series takes us!! I REALLY can’t wait for Camden and Juliana’s story. I need to know what the heck happened there!!
Profile Image for Sweet treats and Smutty reads.
110 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2025
Take This Heart is exactly what this first installment in Willow Aster’s Windy Harbor series will do.

Goldie and Milo may have had a frosty first encounter, but when forced proximity pushes these two together, there is no stopping the love that follows.

Milo may just be the ultimate cinnamon roll hero. The man falls hard and loves harder. It’s instantaneous for him. He loves Goldie with every fiber in his being and it was truly so beautiful to read.

Goldie is sassy and strong, although she has to be with four brothers. This girl has been through it and yet she continues to shine bright. When others might be jaded she gave Milo a chance, and that man did not disappoint.

With meddling midwestern Grandma’s, a family you wish you were a part of, and some amazing friend groups, Take This Heart will have you entranced.

I can’t wait to return back to Windy Harbor!
Profile Image for Jen | The Jenny Edit.
615 reviews32 followers
October 10, 2025
4.5⭐️

There’s nothing Willow writes that I don’t fall hard and fast for — and Take This Heart is no exception! 🫶🏼

This story is a hug in book form with all the cozy vibes you would ever want. Willow does small town so well and the charming Minnesota town she’s created here is just perfect. From quirky characters to an amazing and loving family, to the enemies to lovers dynamic that added drama and spice, Goldie & Milo's story was just wonderful!

As for the romance — it’s full of a witty kind of banter and super hot tension that made it addictive to read. Add to that the charming and realistic evolution of Milo and Goldie’s relationship, grounded in some insane chemistry — and well, I ate this one up.

What a start to this new series — one I can't wait to see what happens next in!

Thanks to Willow and VPR for this arc and for having me on her team!
Profile Image for Francesca.
65 reviews
October 16, 2025
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing me with the ALC copy of Take This Heart by Willow Aster. This is my first time reading Willow, and I am very excited to add the rest of her books to my TBR!

Take This Heart follows Goldie and Milo as they learn to work together to build a new resort that her father always wanted for their small town of Windy Harbor. The only catch, they both cannot be in each other's presence without starting a fight.

The banter in this book was so good, and I especially loved Goldie's family dynamic. I was thrilled to see Christian Fox and Andi Arndt were the narrators for this book, and they made the characters come to life. I am so excited for book two in this series, which comes out next year!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 553 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.