Hidden Under Her Heart

Chance for Love Series, Book 2

By: Rachelle Ayala

Narrated by: Charley Ongel

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A tiny life hangs on the balance. Is it worthless because it is unwanted?

Maryanne Torres is a compassionate nurse who fails at relationships. After a string of losers, she swears off premarital sex, hoping to land a marrying type of man.

Lucas Knight, a dedicated triathlete, is smart, sweet, and everything Maryanne wants in a man. Their romance is cut short when she is pregnant after being raped at a party.

Lucas and Maryanne struggle with her decision to abort. He asks her to seek alternatives and pledges to support her through the pregnancy. However, the rapist has other ideas and is determined to destroy the baby and Maryanne.

With Maryanne’s life in danger, Lucas races to save her and her baby. However, Maryanne hides a secret that threatens to tear them apart forever.

©2013 Rachelle Ayala (P)2019 Rachelle Ayala Publishing, LLC

Emotionally gripping romance

Maryanne and Vera had a pact of celibacy and the first to break I had to foot a fancy spa day. Maryanne has had no problem until the sexy Lucas comes into their clinic. They develop a friendship that leads to more. She doesn’t know that Lucas knows about her pact with Vera. Then a night she is upset with Lucas and goes out with a rich guy Vera hooked her up with turns into a nightmare. Lucas finds her dumped in an alley naked and nearly choked on her own vomit from too much alcohol and they find out she was drugged. He wants her to press charges as does her dad, then bad gets to worse when she finds herself pregnant. She doesn’t want the baby and Lucas doesn’t believe in abortion and Maryanne believes in women’s right to choose. If Lucas is upset now a secret, she holds could end any chance of a life with Lucas.

I loved this story. Her characters are well written and I fell for Lucas right away. The story is poignant and deals with the social issues of both rape and the right to choose (abortion) so if either of these is triggers for you beware.
Charlie Ongel is one of my favorite female narrators. She has good pacing, and enjoyable voice, and brings life to both characters and stories.

Different Perspectives

This story started out a little slow. Maryanne Torres was pregnant after being raped at a party. Lucas Knight wanted to convince Maryanne not to have the abortion. The story dealt with themes of rape and the possibility of abortion, which can put one through an emotional wringer. The sentimental seesaw between the two protagonists was filled with angst. Charley Ongel's narration was good, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which included my opinions.

Heartfelt and Unforgettable

This is a beautiful story that is both moving and endearing in its subject matter and tender handling of the characters involved. This is a journey that is sure to touch the life of every listener and reader and leave a lasting impression. The audio book added to its power and unique approach to this sensitive subject matter. What you experience is a wonderful adventure of two hurting and distrusting hearts that have to learn to look beyond themselves in love and forgiveness. What they give you is an incredible love and hope that you will carry with you for a very long time.

Charley Ongel gives us a fabulous performance that is unforgettable and truly memorable. She never fails to delight and entertain me no matter the subject matter. I enjoyed listening to her pour her heart and soul into this story! it is honestly the best way to savor a story that is so much bigger then any of us alone.