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Heroes at Heart #6
Asher
Two outcasts shared a friendship in childhood, but for Asher Swain, his memories were tortured by an accident that claimed his only friend.
Years later, he met a woman reading as she sat by a pond in a park. The two strangers began a friendship over a love of literature that developed into love for each other.
But, when Asher realized they shared a past as well as their present, he kept his secret, afraid for Penelope to find out who he really was.
When the truth is revealed, will they be ripped apart or will their love make them stronger?
Loosely based on the fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling.
Language and sexual situations similar to what you would find in an R-rated movie.
Years later, he met a woman reading as she sat by a pond in a park. The two strangers began a friendship over a love of literature that developed into love for each other.
But, when Asher realized they shared a past as well as their present, he kept his secret, afraid for Penelope to find out who he really was.
When the truth is revealed, will they be ripped apart or will their love make them stronger?
Loosely based on the fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling.
Language and sexual situations similar to what you would find in an R-rated movie.
- GenresRomance
248 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2019
226 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Maryann Jordan
152 books1,278 followersAs an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.
My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.
My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.
I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.
I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.
When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!
I love to hear from readers, so please email me!
authormaryannjordan@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/authormaryann...
www.maryannjordanauthor.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 13, 2020
What a nice surprise I enjoyed this book very much. This is my first read by Miss Jordan. This is a adult romance version of Ugly Duckling. The story and the plot is powerful by using a simple honest words. It is very touching to see the childhood friendship between Penny and Asher. Both of them have a very heart breaking, lonely childhood.
An accident tear them apart and fast forward 24 years later, somehow fate brings them together again. Their meet in the pond is a very subtle and a respect to old classic literature. Then the story progresses into romance. A sweet melancholic romance.
Overall this is a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
An accident tear them apart and fast forward 24 years later, somehow fate brings them together again. Their meet in the pond is a very subtle and a respect to old classic literature. Then the story progresses into romance. A sweet melancholic romance.
Overall this is a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
July 26, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It is everything I want in a romance story. Characters I could love and root for. Heartache, heartbreak and heart-soaring feels. I never struggled to feel the emotion of the characters.
“Your scars don’t bother me, sweetheart,” he said. “They’re part of you. Tragic badges of what you went through, but badges of honor of what you survived.”
She held his gaze and asked, “Who’s quote did you just repeat?”
Shaking his head slowly, he replied, “No one. That’s straight from my heart to yours.”
Every time I read a book by Maryann Jordan I’m struck by how much thought and meaning she puts into every name, every quote and every event that she weaves into her stories. In Asher, these meanings and connections are really highlighted as this story of “ugly ducklings” who find that they are truly magestic “swans”.
-5 Stars!-
“Your scars don’t bother me, sweetheart,” he said. “They’re part of you. Tragic badges of what you went through, but badges of honor of what you survived.”
She held his gaze and asked, “Who’s quote did you just repeat?”
Shaking his head slowly, he replied, “No one. That’s straight from my heart to yours.”
Every time I read a book by Maryann Jordan I’m struck by how much thought and meaning she puts into every name, every quote and every event that she weaves into her stories. In Asher, these meanings and connections are really highlighted as this story of “ugly ducklings” who find that they are truly magestic “swans”.
-5 Stars!-
August 3, 2019
This was a heartfelt twist on The Ugly Duckling. No one was ugly in this story except for the niece of Penny’s boss. Nice tribute to classic reads and Asher is an awesome alpha. Penny learns to accept herself and Asher is able to let go of guilt he was holding onto for years. Completely safe and inspiring story.
August 25, 2021
As children, fellow ugly ducklings Asher and Penelope were best friends, until his stepfather hit her with his car, injuring her severely (and making Asher think she died). Fate has them meeting again in a park, where their attraction to each other grows, until Asher realizes that she's his friend who he thought was dead. He doesn't tell her for a while, which is one of the problems with this book. He should have told her, especially as their emotional relationship (and physical relationship) was progressing. Otherwise, I really like the characters and they end up as a really great couple.
August 12, 2019
Asher has come a long way from the boy with the painful past and has created a good life for himself but the only thing missing is love. Penny has a painful past of her own that she has tried to overcome but it is hard when others won’t let her.
Penny is more comfortable with books than people so when Asher sees her in the park reading he is intrigued by her and wants to know more. As they spend time together feelings develop but when Asher realizes that their pasts are entwined due to a tragedy how will Penny react?
This is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story about two people whose hearts have always belonged to each other and they find each other under the most unlikely of circumstances.
Penny is more comfortable with books than people so when Asher sees her in the park reading he is intrigued by her and wants to know more. As they spend time together feelings develop but when Asher realizes that their pasts are entwined due to a tragedy how will Penny react?
This is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story about two people whose hearts have always belonged to each other and they find each other under the most unlikely of circumstances.
June 22, 2019
I always get excited when Maryann Jordan comes out with a new book, and I absolutely love that I get the pleasure of reading it before anyone else!!
Asher is a beautiful love story that I had a hard time putting it down. It had me hooked on the first page, and I knew this book would have everything I look for in a book.
I don’t want to post any spoilers so I will just say that this book is beyond amazing, it’s a true love story that you can’t wait to find out how it ends!!!
I wish I could it a 100 stars because it deserves it. Take a chance on this book and I promise you won’t be disappointed!!!!
Job well done MaryAnn, thank you for taking me on that book journey
Asher is a beautiful love story that I had a hard time putting it down. It had me hooked on the first page, and I knew this book would have everything I look for in a book.
I don’t want to post any spoilers so I will just say that this book is beyond amazing, it’s a true love story that you can’t wait to find out how it ends!!!
I wish I could it a 100 stars because it deserves it. Take a chance on this book and I promise you won’t be disappointed!!!!
Job well done MaryAnn, thank you for taking me on that book journey
July 29, 2019
Wow, what a story. Mary Ann Jordan never ceases to amaze me as a writer. This book will grab your heart and take you on a romantic journey. Heartbreak and heartwarming at the same time. This is Asher and Penny's beautiful love story. Grab a comfortable spot because once you start reading you'll find this book hard to put down. Emotional and gripping. Asher was one of Miss Ethel's boys and this story is loosely based on the fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling. A great read that I read as an arc and voluntarily chose to review.
August 3, 2019
A romance that will last the ages. I could see what was coming and read with anticipation for the author to put all the pieces together. A tale of "The ugly duckling" or rather two of them. These two characters were perfect for each other, I thoroughly enjoyed their story. At times I was choked up with tears. What a beautiful story this was.
July 22, 2019
The book, Asher, written by Maryann Jordan is another superb story with hints of the Ugly Duckling story. It’s a story of friendship and love lost and found again. The characters Asher and Penelope have lived a rough life but are seeing the silver lining with age. This book is a must read.
January 6, 2021
OMW! This story had me in pieces, keep the tissues at the ready because you will need them. Wonderful and very emotional, characters easy to to love. Life can be so cruel and though this is fiction it does make you realise that there are kids out there living this life. It's tough and raw, brutal for children who are so very sensitive, all they want is love and acceptance, something most of us take for granted. To have disabilities then used against you as an adult just adds to the pain, but it isn't just on the surface, some things fester inside for many years before something triggers it enough to finally heal. This story is all of that and such a beautiful but powerful read.
March 14, 2022
Ugly duckling to beautiful swan. What an amazing story
Two childhood best friends separated by a tragic accident and circumstances that are reunited twenty some years later. They didn't recognize each other but when Asher first new she was the Penny from his past that he thought died in an accident, he was so shocked he couldn't say anything. The longer he waited the harder it got to tell her, so he kept it secret even though he knew he should. When she finds out she is hurt and angry and tells him she needs time. Does she forgive him? Will he ever get over the guilt that he always felt because he blames himself for the accident?
Two childhood best friends separated by a tragic accident and circumstances that are reunited twenty some years later. They didn't recognize each other but when Asher first new she was the Penny from his past that he thought died in an accident, he was so shocked he couldn't say anything. The longer he waited the harder it got to tell her, so he kept it secret even though he knew he should. When she finds out she is hurt and angry and tells him she needs time. Does she forgive him? Will he ever get over the guilt that he always felt because he blames himself for the accident?
February 3, 2022
better and better
The Heroes at Heart series by Maryann Jordan is phenomenal. The stories of each of Miss Ethel’s boys from starting at her place as foster mom to growing up into fine upstanding men falling in love and the trials that each man and their ladies have gone through brings me to tears .
The Heroes at Heart series by Maryann Jordan is phenomenal. The stories of each of Miss Ethel’s boys from starting at her place as foster mom to growing up into fine upstanding men falling in love and the trials that each man and their ladies have gone through brings me to tears .
April 26, 2020
This series just keeps going and going - in a good way. Beautiful. Asher and Penny are beautiful inside and out. This story, I do not know where to start. The history of these two, the present and their future. Maryann has knocked it put of the park. I loved it! 🦢❤️🦢❤️🦢❤️
May 4, 2020
Wonderful Series
I love anything Maryann Jordan writes but this series is especially good. I love that each are based on fairy tales and the quotes from literature that enhance special moments. Way to go Maryann! Keep your wonderful writing coming!
I love anything Maryann Jordan writes but this series is especially good. I love that each are based on fairy tales and the quotes from literature that enhance special moments. Way to go Maryann! Keep your wonderful writing coming!
June 29, 2020
Asher and Penny
This is a story of young love that was separated but found it's way back. As always there is a little laughter a few tears and a lot of love. Ms Ethel's boys were so lucky to be placed with her and we are so lucky to be able to learn their stories.
This is a story of young love that was separated but found it's way back. As always there is a little laughter a few tears and a lot of love. Ms Ethel's boys were so lucky to be placed with her and we are so lucky to be able to learn their stories.
March 6, 2023
Wow... what an emotional story, it brought tears to my eyes.
The emotional trauma these two survived is exceptional.
I loved Asher and Penny's story, it's my favourite so far in the series.
Yet another awesome book in the Hero's at Heart series, love all of Miss Ethel's boys.
The emotional trauma these two survived is exceptional.
I loved Asher and Penny's story, it's my favourite so far in the series.
Yet another awesome book in the Hero's at Heart series, love all of Miss Ethel's boys.
April 13, 2020
Great story. I cry so many times. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
April 14, 2020
Really loved both the main characters.
June 17, 2020
One of my favorites!
January 11, 2022
Asher and Penny
This book grabbed me from the beginning. The writing was excellent and my heart broke for both Asher and Penny. It was wonderful how they got to their HEA!
This book grabbed me from the beginning. The writing was excellent and my heart broke for both Asher and Penny. It was wonderful how they got to their HEA!
February 8, 2023
Too predictable, sorry 😔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
Loved
I loved this book by Maryann Jordan. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in series. I would recommend this book and all of Maryann’s books.
I loved this book by Maryann Jordan. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in series. I would recommend this book and all of Maryann’s books.
November 3, 2023
A Miracle
Heartwarming blessings for. Everyone. This. Story should be required reading for graduating into decent society. A must read to think about living
Heartwarming blessings for. Everyone. This. Story should be required reading for graduating into decent society. A must read to think about living
October 16, 2024
Wonderful!
This entire series is so awesome, words can't express how it has made my heart feel! These books are definitely re-read keepers!
This entire series is so awesome, words can't express how it has made my heart feel! These books are definitely re-read keepers!
March 13, 2025
Another great book that could no be put down
March 31, 2025
Asher
This series is very sweet,all have sad backgrounds but happiness is in the future. Poor Asher had it worst until they was both six then penny's life got darker
This series is very sweet,all have sad backgrounds but happiness is in the future. Poor Asher had it worst until they was both six then penny's life got darker
March 11, 2020
Short and sweet review from me this time....
I cried i smiled and i felt the love in this book 5 Stars for an outstanding story.
I cried i smiled and i felt the love in this book 5 Stars for an outstanding story.
March 9, 2020
Another great book
September 2, 2019
Asher Swain suffered horrific abuse as a child at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him, his mother. She allowed men into her life that abused not only Asher, but herself. Asher’s only comfort was in his best friend, Penny. She and Asher met at school and became instant best friends. All hopes of happiness dashed in an instant as his mom’s drunken boyfriend’s truck slammed into Penny. Even though Asher lost his best friend, he’s lucky to have landed with Miss Ethel and her boys. But he never forgot Penny...
After Penny’s mother passed away, she was left alone with her stepdad. He wasn’t physically abusive, just resentful of being left to care for a child that wasn’t his. When Penny was involved in an accident, her stepdad decided he couldn’t make it work. Penny was released from the hospital into the foster care system. Moving from one abusive family to the next. As soon as she’s saved up enough money, she moves into something that’s finally her own. Never forgetting her best friend and wondering whatever happened to him.
This was, by far, the best and most emotional Maryann Jordan novel I’ve read! Asher was so drawn to Penelope, sitting on the park bench that he couldn’t pass her by. After realizing who she was, he didn’t want to risk losing his best friend all over again. I loved the meaning and thought behind Asher’s tattoos! Very powerful. This story was so hauntingly realistic. The foster system has flaws. Even though there are good people willing to care for and love children that are not their own, there are those that are just in it for the money. They may not physically abuse the children, but mental abuse is just as bad. Maybe worse. It was enlightening to see the very different sides to a loving foster homes vs non-loving. Very few children that are treated as Penny was, come out on top. I’m glad Penny and Asher found their HEA. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
After Penny’s mother passed away, she was left alone with her stepdad. He wasn’t physically abusive, just resentful of being left to care for a child that wasn’t his. When Penny was involved in an accident, her stepdad decided he couldn’t make it work. Penny was released from the hospital into the foster care system. Moving from one abusive family to the next. As soon as she’s saved up enough money, she moves into something that’s finally her own. Never forgetting her best friend and wondering whatever happened to him.
This was, by far, the best and most emotional Maryann Jordan novel I’ve read! Asher was so drawn to Penelope, sitting on the park bench that he couldn’t pass her by. After realizing who she was, he didn’t want to risk losing his best friend all over again. I loved the meaning and thought behind Asher’s tattoos! Very powerful. This story was so hauntingly realistic. The foster system has flaws. Even though there are good people willing to care for and love children that are not their own, there are those that are just in it for the money. They may not physically abuse the children, but mental abuse is just as bad. Maybe worse. It was enlightening to see the very different sides to a loving foster homes vs non-loving. Very few children that are treated as Penny was, come out on top. I’m glad Penny and Asher found their HEA. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
August 8, 2019
This book truly tugged at my heartstrings and I love how this series interprets a fairy tale in each book. This one begins as two children find acceptance and friendship in each other, and are separated by circumstances that were out of their control.
Asher has built himself a small real estate empire. He buys older homes renovates and updates then rents them out. He also has one small apartment building not too much for one man to handle. One of the biggest things he's done is bought a building, renovated it and gifted it to be a homeless shelter, he remembers staying in one before his mother moved in with Tim, the man who caused he so much pain.
Penelope is a bookkeeper for a small real estate firm, she's looking forward to the retirement of the current office manager, sure she will get the promotion and the raise. One of Penny's favorite things to do is read in the park by the pond before heading home from work. She has a different sort of story, all related to a childhood accident and the attitudes of others.
It's while Asher is on a run in that park, he first meets up with Penelope. An avid reader, he is attracted not only to the woman, but the fact she is reading a hard copy book, one of the classics.
This little conversation about Pride and Prejudice has all the elements for a great friendship, only thing is he forgets to introduce himself and get her name.
There's a lot of healing for both Penny and Asher in this book, but it doesn't come easy especially when he realizes she is his Penny from all those years ago.
I love seeing all the guys and Miss Ethel is a gem. The family they've formed definitely has room to add in the women these men have found.
I laughed and cried, and I may have growled a time or two as well. Once again this series has provided me with an uplifting story to read with just the right amount of heat.
Asher has built himself a small real estate empire. He buys older homes renovates and updates then rents them out. He also has one small apartment building not too much for one man to handle. One of the biggest things he's done is bought a building, renovated it and gifted it to be a homeless shelter, he remembers staying in one before his mother moved in with Tim, the man who caused he so much pain.
Penelope is a bookkeeper for a small real estate firm, she's looking forward to the retirement of the current office manager, sure she will get the promotion and the raise. One of Penny's favorite things to do is read in the park by the pond before heading home from work. She has a different sort of story, all related to a childhood accident and the attitudes of others.
It's while Asher is on a run in that park, he first meets up with Penelope. An avid reader, he is attracted not only to the woman, but the fact she is reading a hard copy book, one of the classics.
This little conversation about Pride and Prejudice has all the elements for a great friendship, only thing is he forgets to introduce himself and get her name.
There's a lot of healing for both Penny and Asher in this book, but it doesn't come easy especially when he realizes she is his Penny from all those years ago.
I love seeing all the guys and Miss Ethel is a gem. The family they've formed definitely has room to add in the women these men have found.
I laughed and cried, and I may have growled a time or two as well. Once again this series has provided me with an uplifting story to read with just the right amount of heat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews