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Ashforth #2
Holding Her Heart
Their first touch is magic. Will the next one pull them in too deep? Deep breath, Aster. Freelance photographer Aster Bennett reminds herself to stay calm as she meets Eden Kline, the north of England’s most successful event planner. But one look at Eden’s million-dollar smile and gentle chocolate eyes, and Aster’s enchanted. And giving herself a mental shake. By all accounts, the woman is straight. Besides, what could someone as stunning and accomplished as Eden see in Aster, whose crippling inner critic never shuts up? Eden has everything under control—except for relationships. She’s never found a man who truly “gets” her. Whatever that means. With Aster there’s an instant connection that Eden can’t quite pin a label on. All she knows is she wants more of this feeling. With a little help from their friends, Eden and Aster’s professional association warms into genuine friendship. But is taking the next step the right thing to do…or will they find themselves in too deep?
This book can be read as a stand-alone novel
This book can be read as a stand-alone novel
316 pages, ebook
First published June 18, 2021
99 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
40 books752 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 19, 2021
This is book two in the Ashforth series and I loved it just as much if not more as the first. This time it’s about Eden (Blair‘s best friend) and Aster that is a friend of a friend of Dom. ☺️
Eden and Aster never really had a happy and fulfilling relationship. Eden actually was always looking for the right man. While Aster‘s self-confidence is lacking a lot that she doesn’t really believe to be worth of much.
When Aster is showing her work to Eden to get a job as a photographer for a wedding both feel a sudden connection. But while Aster recognise this is as attraction right away, Eden the straight one doesn’t know what this means. So first they only enjoy each other’s company as friends. But of course the attraction grows and grows. And seriously at some point I wanted to shake Aster and actually also talked with her and then with Eden. And later I was totally cheering them on (everyone that reads the book will know where...). I‘m glad no one was home because I’m sure it sounded quite funny. ☺️
To finally experience them together was amazing and so beautiful. I once more knew right then why I love Melissa’s writing so much. All the feelings and emotions, not to forget the heat 🥵 that was just wow. Eden and Aster are just perfect together. I definitely fell in love with both.
And last but not least this epilogue. Omg that was so 🥵🥵 I hope some readers will stay seated while they are reading this book but especially this part. ☺️
If you haven’t read the first book I definitely recommend to read it before you start this one. This way you get to know and understand Blair and Dom‘s dynamics. Also some of the little things that are mentioned during the book will make much more sense.
Oh and last but not least, Melissa was even able to get me to like Fi at the end of the book. There is definitely lots potential. ☺️
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Eden and Aster never really had a happy and fulfilling relationship. Eden actually was always looking for the right man. While Aster‘s self-confidence is lacking a lot that she doesn’t really believe to be worth of much.
When Aster is showing her work to Eden to get a job as a photographer for a wedding both feel a sudden connection. But while Aster recognise this is as attraction right away, Eden the straight one doesn’t know what this means. So first they only enjoy each other’s company as friends. But of course the attraction grows and grows. And seriously at some point I wanted to shake Aster and actually also talked with her and then with Eden. And later I was totally cheering them on (everyone that reads the book will know where...). I‘m glad no one was home because I’m sure it sounded quite funny. ☺️
To finally experience them together was amazing and so beautiful. I once more knew right then why I love Melissa’s writing so much. All the feelings and emotions, not to forget the heat 🥵 that was just wow. Eden and Aster are just perfect together. I definitely fell in love with both.
And last but not least this epilogue. Omg that was so 🥵🥵 I hope some readers will stay seated while they are reading this book but especially this part. ☺️
If you haven’t read the first book I definitely recommend to read it before you start this one. This way you get to know and understand Blair and Dom‘s dynamics. Also some of the little things that are mentioned during the book will make much more sense.
Oh and last but not least, Melissa was even able to get me to like Fi at the end of the book. There is definitely lots potential. ☺️
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
June 19, 2021
The best Quote: Sweet Jesus, The name is Aster babe!
In this story we meet Eden and Aster, Eden is the best friend of Blair, whom we met in Playing For Her Heart, this is the second novel in the The Ashforth Series.
Eden has a “relationship”with Liam, they go out together, dinner and drinks, nothing more.
Eden is also a successful businesswoman as a wedding planner, as a boss of her own company she searches for a new photographer.
Aster is on the soccer team with Dom, Blair’s fiancée and also a great photographer.
She falls in for a wedding planned from Eden.
Eden and Aster hit it off straight away, but Eden thinks she’s straight and feels attracted to Aster.
Aster think’s Eden is straight and is also attracted to her.
This story goes a long way, with ups and downs, whom do you trust, your heart? Friends? Family or each other?
Reed the book and find out.
In this story we meet Eden and Aster, Eden is the best friend of Blair, whom we met in Playing For Her Heart, this is the second novel in the The Ashforth Series.
Eden has a “relationship”with Liam, they go out together, dinner and drinks, nothing more.
Eden is also a successful businesswoman as a wedding planner, as a boss of her own company she searches for a new photographer.
Aster is on the soccer team with Dom, Blair’s fiancée and also a great photographer.
She falls in for a wedding planned from Eden.
Eden and Aster hit it off straight away, but Eden thinks she’s straight and feels attracted to Aster.
Aster think’s Eden is straight and is also attracted to her.
This story goes a long way, with ups and downs, whom do you trust, your heart? Friends? Family or each other?
Reed the book and find out.
June 26, 2021
You will be holding YOUR heart while reading this book that's for sure!
I will never get tired of Tereze's book because she definitely has a way with words, every time I start reading one of her books is like jumping on a roller-coaster, too many emotions and when you think is getting good and steady and you say "this is it" she surprises you with a 90º drop-down lol
Anywaaays I am getting side-tracked here lol if you are a Tereze's books fan, don't think it twice and read it you won't regret it, and if you are not read it anyways because c'mon:
Age-Gap ✔️
Slow burn - kiss her ALREADY moment - ✔️
Angst ✔️ - Who doesn't love a little bit of it?
Steamy ✔️
Songs that will set the mood and will put you right away inside the story ✔️
This is a sweet romantic story, with perfect chemistry between characters and a HEA. It's part of a series but you can read it as a stand-alone of course it would be more entraining if you read book 1 (Playing For Her Heart) because you will understand a little bit more about 3 of the characters involved in the book that aren't the MC's and this way you could feel it's like it's somehow an extension of book #1 because it was perfectly intertwined, but this is so far my favorite between the two, Melissa really did it with this one! (We aren't taking into consideration Mrs. Middlenton - her masterpiece - because there is no comparison and if you haven't read that one just go ahead and do it 😮💨🔥❤️)
You aren't just only going to find a sweet romantic story between Aster and Eden but you will also find the true meaning of friendship, this is the wonderfulness of this book you have a little bit of everything!!
I will never get tired of Tereze's book because she definitely has a way with words, every time I start reading one of her books is like jumping on a roller-coaster, too many emotions and when you think is getting good and steady and you say "this is it" she surprises you with a 90º drop-down lol
Anywaaays I am getting side-tracked here lol if you are a Tereze's books fan, don't think it twice and read it you won't regret it, and if you are not read it anyways because c'mon:
Age-Gap ✔️
Slow burn - kiss her ALREADY moment - ✔️
Angst ✔️ - Who doesn't love a little bit of it?
Steamy ✔️
Songs that will set the mood and will put you right away inside the story ✔️
This is a sweet romantic story, with perfect chemistry between characters and a HEA. It's part of a series but you can read it as a stand-alone of course it would be more entraining if you read book 1 (Playing For Her Heart) because you will understand a little bit more about 3 of the characters involved in the book that aren't the MC's and this way you could feel it's like it's somehow an extension of book #1 because it was perfectly intertwined, but this is so far my favorite between the two, Melissa really did it with this one! (We aren't taking into consideration Mrs. Middlenton - her masterpiece - because there is no comparison and if you haven't read that one just go ahead and do it 😮💨🔥❤️)
You aren't just only going to find a sweet romantic story between Aster and Eden but you will also find the true meaning of friendship, this is the wonderfulness of this book you have a little bit of everything!!
March 8, 2023
Just Beautiful!
Aster is a freelance photographer who has just landed a job with top event planner Eden. Completely smitten from their first meeting, Aster is faced with knowing Eden is straight and having to try and get over any feelings she has. Eden isn’t having much luck in love but there is something about Aster that intrigues her and she is keen to explore.
Fantastic story and even though it is part of the Ashforth Series you can definitely read this story standalone. It was great to have some familiar characters reappearing and being a big part of Aster and Eden’s story but they really did have something special. Instant connection that sparks something surrounded by tension always creates a great premise for suspense and revelations, which Melissa does brilliantly.
There was lots of lovely moments in this, especially with Aster wanting to be respectful that Eden was her boss and that she shouldn’t pursue something with a woman she can’t be sure is interested but that is why I was glad she had Dom for support. Eden was really the one having the experience though. Her feelings for Aster were unknown and scary, so I’m also glad she had support from her best friend, Blair.
Every connection and moment shared between Aster and Eden was special, and the moment Aster fell for her was particularly beautiful and stayed with me. It was so great when Eden got the nudge she needed and they finally got that chance to be together because they had something truly special and just lovely.
I really enjoyed this, just as much as the first book in the series, and highly recommend it.
Aster is a freelance photographer who has just landed a job with top event planner Eden. Completely smitten from their first meeting, Aster is faced with knowing Eden is straight and having to try and get over any feelings she has. Eden isn’t having much luck in love but there is something about Aster that intrigues her and she is keen to explore.
Fantastic story and even though it is part of the Ashforth Series you can definitely read this story standalone. It was great to have some familiar characters reappearing and being a big part of Aster and Eden’s story but they really did have something special. Instant connection that sparks something surrounded by tension always creates a great premise for suspense and revelations, which Melissa does brilliantly.
There was lots of lovely moments in this, especially with Aster wanting to be respectful that Eden was her boss and that she shouldn’t pursue something with a woman she can’t be sure is interested but that is why I was glad she had Dom for support. Eden was really the one having the experience though. Her feelings for Aster were unknown and scary, so I’m also glad she had support from her best friend, Blair.
Every connection and moment shared between Aster and Eden was special, and the moment Aster fell for her was particularly beautiful and stayed with me. It was so great when Eden got the nudge she needed and they finally got that chance to be together because they had something truly special and just lovely.
I really enjoyed this, just as much as the first book in the series, and highly recommend it.
June 29, 2021
Hands down the BEST book by Melissa Tereze to date. The stories just keep getting better and better. After reading this, I had to take a pause from other books because they weren't comparable to Holding Her Heart.
I received an ARC copy but am going to download on Kindle Unlimited to reread it and get lost in The Ashforth Series all over again.
Holding Her Heart was even better the second time around. Melissa Tereze knows how to perfectly describe "THE MOMENT" when characters realize they want/need something more. I felt how Aster felt as she realized she had strong feelings for Eden.
Well deserved kudos to Tereze for another fine book.
Jae's SRC
coming out later in life
age gap romance
book starts with the first day of a new job
friends-to-lover romance
re-read a favorite
part of a series
set in a country you don't live
character is a business owner
I received an ARC copy but am going to download on Kindle Unlimited to reread it and get lost in The Ashforth Series all over again.
Holding Her Heart was even better the second time around. Melissa Tereze knows how to perfectly describe "THE MOMENT" when characters realize they want/need something more. I felt how Aster felt as she realized she had strong feelings for Eden.
Well deserved kudos to Tereze for another fine book.
Jae's SRC
coming out later in life
age gap romance
book starts with the first day of a new job
friends-to-lover romance
re-read a favorite
part of a series
set in a country you don't live
character is a business owner
June 27, 2021
I really love Melissa Tereze’s writing. I think she’s a great author who can craft wonderfully romantic stories and I was excited to read this book. While this story is good, I just didn’t feel like there was a whole lot of substance. Aster and Eden had an immediate attraction. Aster’s been out for years while Eden, a decade older, had only been out with men. Then Aster began working for Eden’s company. There was a lot of just around and around with the same things....most of the book was spent with our two mains being in their own heads going around and around about what they should do.
We visited with Dom and Blair (well more than visit since they were in so much of the book) from the first book in the series. This was a good book with good dialogue but I just wanted more....more depth to the story (less about the team), more chemistry between our mains, less drama between friends. I look forward to reading her next book!
We visited with Dom and Blair (well more than visit since they were in so much of the book) from the first book in the series. This was a good book with good dialogue but I just wanted more....more depth to the story (less about the team), more chemistry between our mains, less drama between friends. I look forward to reading her next book!
June 21, 2021
Melissa Tereze is definitely a writer that I know I can depend on to give me exactly what I want in a book. Love, angst, some humour and a happy ending!
Aster and Eden have chemistry right from the start, after some poor communication, a bit of jealousy and a little push from their friends they both eventually admit their feelings for each other and then the fun starts 😊
I loved the cross over with book one, and seeing how Dom and Blair’s relationship has developed. Really hoping there are more books from this series, as it one I really enjoy reading about!
Well Done Melissa, yet another great read 👏🏻
Aster and Eden have chemistry right from the start, after some poor communication, a bit of jealousy and a little push from their friends they both eventually admit their feelings for each other and then the fun starts 😊
I loved the cross over with book one, and seeing how Dom and Blair’s relationship has developed. Really hoping there are more books from this series, as it one I really enjoy reading about!
Well Done Melissa, yet another great read 👏🏻
April 11, 2024
This is a reread and my first review. Freelance photographer Aster is enchanted by Eden Kline, the head of the most successful event planner. Aster's work is impeccable and she's hired for another event.
Eden is 42 and hasn't found her forever yet, all the men she's dated, she never had a connection with. But Aster has her attention, but Eden is straight, or so she thought. This is a beautiful age gap/ workplace/slow burn, HOT love story! 5 stars both reads!
Eden is 42 and hasn't found her forever yet, all the men she's dated, she never had a connection with. But Aster has her attention, but Eden is straight, or so she thought. This is a beautiful age gap/ workplace/slow burn, HOT love story! 5 stars both reads!
June 19, 2021
You are never too old to be loved!
Aster is such a sweetie pie my goodness I was definitely rooting for her to get the girl(woman), she posses that ability to love someone unconditionally and it's so rare that we get a character like her these days. Eden was definitely Aster-sexual and that happens quite often I am very glad that she didn't ignore how she felt, although I could have done without the interference from Blair because everyone's relationship is different so some methods that might have worked for Blair and Dom didn't necessarily work for Aster and Eden which caused quite I few problems none too big thank goodness but just enough angst to keep us on the edge. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it took me about a day and half due to work but 5/5 you won't be disappointed!
Aster is such a sweetie pie my goodness I was definitely rooting for her to get the girl(woman), she posses that ability to love someone unconditionally and it's so rare that we get a character like her these days. Eden was definitely Aster-sexual and that happens quite often I am very glad that she didn't ignore how she felt, although I could have done without the interference from Blair because everyone's relationship is different so some methods that might have worked for Blair and Dom didn't necessarily work for Aster and Eden which caused quite I few problems none too big thank goodness but just enough angst to keep us on the edge. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it took me about a day and half due to work but 5/5 you won't be disappointed!
April 15, 2022
Good book
A beautiful coming out story later in life. You can feel how Eden is developing feelings for Aster even though she has never been with a woman. How the author also gives the thoughts of what the characters are also thinking. Aster is out to everyone so you can feel her frustration because she has feelings for a woman who she believes is straight. A slow burn love story a two woman who finally come together after realizing the do love each other.
A beautiful coming out story later in life. You can feel how Eden is developing feelings for Aster even though she has never been with a woman. How the author also gives the thoughts of what the characters are also thinking. Aster is out to everyone so you can feel her frustration because she has feelings for a woman who she believes is straight. A slow burn love story a two woman who finally come together after realizing the do love each other.
June 21, 2021
Wow this book was so freakin good! I was a lil nervous about starting this book bc book one PLAYING FOR HER HEART just didn’t sit right with me.
Im a fan of Melissa Tereze and Im so glad I picked up book two of The Ashforth series. This book warmed my heart from start to finish and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Im a fan of Melissa Tereze and Im so glad I picked up book two of The Ashforth series. This book warmed my heart from start to finish and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
June 20, 2021
Well damn
I am basically speechless right now. What a beautiful love story. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I have yet to read anything of hers that I didn't love. I wish I could give it a 1000 stars.
I am basically speechless right now. What a beautiful love story. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I have yet to read anything of hers that I didn't love. I wish I could give it a 1000 stars.
June 24, 2021
Best book I've read
I have read many similar books mostly American but they don't come close to yours.Now I know you are from Liverpool I can see why.This story was so realistic kit was amazing..
I have read many similar books mostly American but they don't come close to yours.Now I know you are from Liverpool I can see why.This story was so realistic kit was amazing..
June 7, 2021
I liked the intense friendship between Blair and Eden from the start.
In the first book she was the sweetest best friend for Blair!
In my opinion, in many films and of course books, the role of the best friend is what says the most about the character as a person.
Eden is wonderful and I'm glad she got her own love story with Aster.
Aster is super cute, loving and considerate.
No wonder Eden is instantly taken with her.
Her shy manner is a beautiful trait.
I found it interesting that Eden had never been interested in women before and ultimately fell in love with the person "Aster".
It's a different pace than with Blair and Dom.
These two knew that it had to be a woman.
Everything is new and scary to Eden.
We meet everyone else again from book one.
Unfortunately also Fi ...
I hope one day she gets her own story and gets the lesson of her life ;)
Especially after this conversation with Aster, I think it's quite possible ...
This is again a fantastic and beautifully written Love story from one of my absolut favorite authors!!
I received an ARC from the author for a honest review.
In the first book she was the sweetest best friend for Blair!
In my opinion, in many films and of course books, the role of the best friend is what says the most about the character as a person.
Eden is wonderful and I'm glad she got her own love story with Aster.
Aster is super cute, loving and considerate.
No wonder Eden is instantly taken with her.
Her shy manner is a beautiful trait.
I found it interesting that Eden had never been interested in women before and ultimately fell in love with the person "Aster".
It's a different pace than with Blair and Dom.
These two knew that it had to be a woman.
Everything is new and scary to Eden.
We meet everyone else again from book one.
Unfortunately also Fi ...
I hope one day she gets her own story and gets the lesson of her life ;)
Especially after this conversation with Aster, I think it's quite possible ...
This is again a fantastic and beautifully written Love story from one of my absolut favorite authors!!
I received an ARC from the author for a honest review.
March 18, 2024
One thing sometimes what annoys me about books with the previous main characters as side characters it erases the magic of them for me Blair in this book was so annoying and obnoxious and seeing it from a different perspective makes me wanna go back and rate the first book again
January 10, 2023
I started this book a few days after Christmas and when I looked at my "currently reading" list today (only 2 weeks later) I was suprised to find it there- I could not remember this book AT ALL. So I googled early onset Alzheimer's (I really did, I was actually worried!) and it seems I'm not quite there yet. What is good news to me doesn't bode well for the book.
So I read the synopsis and started to remember. And while I didn't hate the book (I actually read 65% which is more than most DNF), to me it was ... bland. So much so that I lost impetus to keep reading somewhere in the middle, and then forgot about it completely.
Sadly, that's what happens with a lot of lesfic books I'm starting. They are not badly written, I just can't picture them working. A 15+ age gap? Angst upon angst upon angst? Romance despite severe trauma? Patiently pining after another person for years? I get how romance books are ficticious, but can't they be *a little* realistic, too? I mean, I am a romantic and I want to feel all the feels- that's why I read this genre. But more often than not I can't relate to the characters, get bored or even irritated and I end up DNFing most lesfic romance.
I feel like many authors have a cute story that would work great as a novella- but they insist on writing a novel, so they add unnecessary stuff to roll out the plot some more. And it's too bad, because I would be super happy with a well-written novella.
If you happen to read this and have book recommendations, please let me know, I'm always on the lookout.
So I read the synopsis and started to remember. And while I didn't hate the book (I actually read 65% which is more than most DNF), to me it was ... bland. So much so that I lost impetus to keep reading somewhere in the middle, and then forgot about it completely.
Sadly, that's what happens with a lot of lesfic books I'm starting. They are not badly written, I just can't picture them working. A 15+ age gap? Angst upon angst upon angst? Romance despite severe trauma? Patiently pining after another person for years? I get how romance books are ficticious, but can't they be *a little* realistic, too? I mean, I am a romantic and I want to feel all the feels- that's why I read this genre. But more often than not I can't relate to the characters, get bored or even irritated and I end up DNFing most lesfic romance.
I feel like many authors have a cute story that would work great as a novella- but they insist on writing a novel, so they add unnecessary stuff to roll out the plot some more. And it's too bad, because I would be super happy with a well-written novella.
If you happen to read this and have book recommendations, please let me know, I'm always on the lookout.
July 17, 2023
"Holding Her Heart" is an extraordinarily attractive novel of its kind.
The second series was more dynamic and interesting in my opinion. And I had the feeling that I was not reading but watching an interesting limited tv-show. Well, because in the second book we already have a lot of familiar faces, it is not necessary to get to know a lot of heroines. They all became family. Especially in "Holding her heart" there is enough drama, longing, disappointments and first discoveries.
In the second book I discovered a new side of Blair and Dom. The second chapter of their story made me realise that there are problems after the overrated happy endings. To be honest, I thought their frequent presence in the book would annoy me, but I was wrong...
Let's talk about the main couple: Eden and Aster. Both heroines are careful not to hurt each other's feelings, and they both have problems with their perception of themselves, but of a different structure. The Aster has problems accepting himself as a talented person, and Eden has with orientation, but Eden and Aster met for a reason. It was they who helped each other to overcome the obstacle step by step.
And all this is described in such detail that it's easy to immerse yourself in the story, as if you were looking at it from the side. Melissa Therese clearly writes erotic novels, as we only get bed scenes and kisses in the last few chapters. However, her descriptions live up to our expectations. She knows how to write all this (in an original, clear and unpredictable way).
The second series was more dynamic and interesting in my opinion. And I had the feeling that I was not reading but watching an interesting limited tv-show. Well, because in the second book we already have a lot of familiar faces, it is not necessary to get to know a lot of heroines. They all became family. Especially in "Holding her heart" there is enough drama, longing, disappointments and first discoveries.
In the second book I discovered a new side of Blair and Dom. The second chapter of their story made me realise that there are problems after the overrated happy endings. To be honest, I thought their frequent presence in the book would annoy me, but I was wrong...
Let's talk about the main couple: Eden and Aster. Both heroines are careful not to hurt each other's feelings, and they both have problems with their perception of themselves, but of a different structure. The Aster has problems accepting himself as a talented person, and Eden has with orientation, but Eden and Aster met for a reason. It was they who helped each other to overcome the obstacle step by step.
And all this is described in such detail that it's easy to immerse yourself in the story, as if you were looking at it from the side. Melissa Therese clearly writes erotic novels, as we only get bed scenes and kisses in the last few chapters. However, her descriptions live up to our expectations. She knows how to write all this (in an original, clear and unpredictable way).
June 22, 2021
The second book in the Ashforth series doesn’t disappoint (not that a book from Melissa Tereze could disappoint). This journey follows Eden and Aster. Eden is a successful event planner and meets Aster when she’s referred as a fill in photographer on a job. Aster is fabulous at her job but also one of the sweetest characters I’ve read in a while. Their circle of friends from the team make it easy to stay in each other’s orbit. Coming out later in life can be hard for many to understand and accept and Eden’s path has more than her own personal pitfalls to get over. I enjoyed the progression of not only how Eden works through her feelings, but how Aster, while managing her feelings for a “straight” woman, maintains a level of understanding and patience difficult for many. Oh, don’t think that just because Aster has so many levels of sweetness she’s a pushover though. She’s not shy in standing up for those she cares about and Eden shares that same passion. While Aster struggles managing her feelings for someone she shouldn’t want, Eden must redefine who she thought she was, not only to herself but also to family and friends. I loved this couple and their journey!
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
May 30, 2022
“I’ve been pushing down these feelings since day one, terrified that you would find out and ask me to leave. Or worse, laugh at me. I considered telling you, but then I couldn’t do it. Because you knowing and nothing coming of it would have meant that there wasn’t a single chance I could ever call you mine. And I guess, deep down, that was the hope I was clinging onto.”
Heroine: 42 year old Eden Kline
Heroine: 32 year old Aster Bennet
Timeline wise it’s 18 months after the start of book #1. Jesus. There’s this really painful scene. It happened so fast. Came out of no where. So many feelings. For the love of all that is holy! I hate meddling. Blair, Dom, and most of the football women made appearances. This is tricky sometimes because in rare cases I don’t like a character that I previously did. Blair was the absolute worst! Anyways… Aster and Eden were a joy.
Cliffhanger – no (book #2 in series)
POV - Eden & Aster
Heroine: 42 year old Eden Kline
Heroine: 32 year old Aster Bennet
Timeline wise it’s 18 months after the start of book #1. Jesus. There’s this really painful scene. It happened so fast. Came out of no where. So many feelings. For the love of all that is holy! I hate meddling. Blair, Dom, and most of the football women made appearances. This is tricky sometimes because in rare cases I don’t like a character that I previously did. Blair was the absolute worst! Anyways… Aster and Eden were a joy.
Cliffhanger – no (book #2 in series)
POV - Eden & Aster
Read
November 19, 2025The uncertainty between the main characters got a little tedious by the end, but I could understand the reality of their lives. Event planning is NOT an easy job and I got Eden's slipping into planner mode at Blair and Dom's wedding. Having a good staff is crucial and says something, sideways, about Eden's skills as a manager. Her mother was underdeveloped. Her "conversion" on the phone was a little contrived. I felt like a page of the story was missing, between Mom being run out of Eden's apartment, and the semi-conciliatory phone conversation when Mom seemed resigned. Not happy, resigned. There weren't even nice words between Mom and her daughter, the maid of honor. Maybe the loose ends are the next book?
April 6, 2024
Blown away…
‘She knew in her heart that she longed for something more, a love so intense that it left her breathless, but as the years passed, it didn’t seem possible. As she aged, she considered whether she’d always be alone.’
These two lines struck me so deeply, I’m still feeling them, even at the end of what was a beautiful love story.
Melissa Tereze writes love in a way that just speaks to every level of me. The way she writes has me longing for more of her characters and the deep, rich genuine love they find themselves blessed with.
I can’t wait to see more of Eden, Aster, Blair and Dom. No Fi thanks, though!
‘She knew in her heart that she longed for something more, a love so intense that it left her breathless, but as the years passed, it didn’t seem possible. As she aged, she considered whether she’d always be alone.’
These two lines struck me so deeply, I’m still feeling them, even at the end of what was a beautiful love story.
Melissa Tereze writes love in a way that just speaks to every level of me. The way she writes has me longing for more of her characters and the deep, rich genuine love they find themselves blessed with.
I can’t wait to see more of Eden, Aster, Blair and Dom. No Fi thanks, though!
June 16, 2021
Book 2 in the Ashforth Series more enjoyable read in sequence but can also stand alone.
This one centers around Eden, premier wedding planner and Aster, free lance photographer. A wedding planning emergency arises and the two meet with a tenuous thread of emotion felt instantly but neither woman wants to admit to it. Feelings grow - Aster can't believe that Eden (a straight woman) could ever be interested in her and Eden is confused and conflicted by emotions Aster raises in her. A supporting cast particularly Grace, Dom and Blair is there to help navigate the self doubt and angst in this slow burn romance. Throw in a pinch of jealousy, a sprinkling of second guessing and a trouble maker with some well placed bedroom heat and you've got another sweet one from Ms. Tereze. Looking forward with pleasure to more in the series.
I rec'd an ARC from the author and this is a voluntary and unbiased review.
This one centers around Eden, premier wedding planner and Aster, free lance photographer. A wedding planning emergency arises and the two meet with a tenuous thread of emotion felt instantly but neither woman wants to admit to it. Feelings grow - Aster can't believe that Eden (a straight woman) could ever be interested in her and Eden is confused and conflicted by emotions Aster raises in her. A supporting cast particularly Grace, Dom and Blair is there to help navigate the self doubt and angst in this slow burn romance. Throw in a pinch of jealousy, a sprinkling of second guessing and a trouble maker with some well placed bedroom heat and you've got another sweet one from Ms. Tereze. Looking forward with pleasure to more in the series.
I rec'd an ARC from the author and this is a voluntary and unbiased review.
June 19, 2021
This second of the Ashforth FC series lives up to the standard of Playing For Her Heart. The best friend of the main character Blair in Playing For Her Heart, previously been only dating men and finding it unsatisfactory, has concentrated only on her work and mostly given up on relationships. As event planner her photographer lets her down and an alternative is suggested by friend of a friend. As Aster walks in the door each of the MCs are struck with the attraction thunder bolt. The rest is history. If you want to find out how you will have to read the story.
I recommend this book as an easygoing read with a touch of angst as normal from this author.
June 19, 2021
This is the second in the Ashforth Series; although it is a stand alone, it would be helpful, for background purposes, to have read the first book ‘Playing for her Heart’.
Eden is beautiful, successful and unhappy in love. Having always gone out with guys, she has never found the right one until she meets Aster. Aster is a woman, someone Eden would never have looked twice at, but there is something there between them. Is Eden brave enough to go after what she wants and is Aster confident enough to acknowledge that a straight woman might be interested in her. Excellent dialogue and a really great storyline to keep you interested right up to the end. Would highly recommend.
June 21, 2021
Melissa Tereze just keeps putting out great book after great book. This book hits on all levels. Eden is straight and has a lot to sort out. Aster is so kind and patient. Throw in some meddling friends and parental issues, and you have a wonderful read. You can always count on some steamy scenes. I love all of Melissa's books and this one is in the top.
October 4, 2022
I love a book that focuses on a character figuring herself out and coming to terms with her sexuality. I know the first book of this series had something similar, but this time around Eden was never aware of what she could potentially feel for another woman. I, however, do love the trope the two novels played with. Forever a big fan of Aster and Eden <3
August 6, 2023
This book is much better than the first of the series ❤️ I fell for Eden in the first book and I was really excited about her own story, I certainly didn’t expect to fall much more but I did. Eden and Aster story is so beautiful and well written 😊 Aster is a such a beautiful, loving person and Eden’s just perfect 🥰 solid 5 ⭐️ for me
November 16, 2023
An engaging romance.
Eden runs an event planning business and enjoys working hard and being with her friends. Aster is a photographer and uses her to cover for her unreliable contractor. From the day the meet Eden, who has never been drawn to a woman, is entranced as is Aster. A wonderful age gap romance between a great couple. Love the series.
Eden runs an event planning business and enjoys working hard and being with her friends. Aster is a photographer and uses her to cover for her unreliable contractor. From the day the meet Eden, who has never been drawn to a woman, is entranced as is Aster. A wonderful age gap romance between a great couple. Love the series.
April 6, 2024
I really hoped that Eden got her own book and love story.
What an amazing friend to have by your side, and then for her to find love in an unlikely person of Aster. Aster is a very sweet and patient person and add Eden and they are really perfect for each other.
So much chemistry from the start add honesty and some heat 🔥
Loved seeing Blair and Dom, great ending in the epilogue 😳🥵
What an amazing friend to have by your side, and then for her to find love in an unlikely person of Aster. Aster is a very sweet and patient person and add Eden and they are really perfect for each other.
So much chemistry from the start add honesty and some heat 🔥
Loved seeing Blair and Dom, great ending in the epilogue 😳🥵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2021
Great series so far
I have read just about every book Melissa has released and loved every one of them. This series is turning out to be one of my favourites. Melissa's books always seem like they're about real life & real women.
I have read just about every book Melissa has released and loved every one of them. This series is turning out to be one of my favourites. Melissa's books always seem like they're about real life & real women.
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