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Hearts of Snow Lake #6

Stethoscopes and Spirits

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Jasper:

Simon's off-limits. Off-limits in so many ways I can’t even keep track of them all. And I think he’s oblivious to how much I want him. 

At least I hope he is. I’ve been trying to keep it to myself, trying not to cause any issues with my job or his internship at my clinic. It’s the kind of thing that could be a lot of trouble for us both, and not just because his dad, one of my closest friends, would have my head and lock him in a closet for safekeeping.

Simon might be cute, he might be charming and good at his job, but he’s not worth losing focus for. 

Nothing is.

So we make some bad decisions. Call it casual.

I’m not supposed to be feeling above-the-belt things for Simon Blunt. I’m especially not supposed to be feeling this wild need to claim and protect him.

Simon:

I don’t know how I’m going to deal with this crush that’s still alive and well after all these years. At first I figured it was just a stupid kid thing and when I saw Dr. Twill again I’d have easily outgrown it.

Of course that didn’t happen.

Shadowing him, seeing how he interacts with people, how much he cares about his work, I know this isn’t the same horny teenage crush I had a decade ago.

Jasper’s an older man, a doctor, former military, insanely fit. Who wouldn’t have a crush in those circumstances? But with us, there’s an extra level--the history, the nostalgia… the wrongness. I know my dad would flip his lid if anything happened between me and Jasper. 

But... is that enough of a reason to stay away? 

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2019

36 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Ashton Cade

23 books102 followers

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5 stars
54 (36%)
4 stars
60 (40%)
3 stars
29 (19%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
5,704 reviews40 followers
December 4, 2019
very cute story.. interesting with some angst.. love and emotions. i enjoyed this story.. it was fun to read and made me laugh. very good
Profile Image for mich ⚘.
569 reviews26 followers
December 12, 2019
This was my first book I’ve read in this series but despite that I didn’t really feel like I was missing much. It was a very enjoyable, cute read featuring two MCS that had enough chemistry and good storyline to keep me invested. Giving this 3.5 stars because while I enjoyed the book I felt like it was a bit rushed at points and something was missing. I will, however, be definitely checking out the other books in the series!
Profile Image for Calila.
1,178 reviews103 followers
December 12, 2019
*A copy was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review*

I rounded up for this rating, it's somewhere between 2 and 3 stars for me. I wasn't enjoying it that much at the beginning. It felt very rote and typical. Nothing special. It got more interesting by the end. The drama picked up and I found myself actually caring about the couple at some point. Though I wish Simon had stood up for himself more with his father. It felt like his dad was suffocating him, with good intention but still, and then only backed off because he thought someone else would take care of Simon rather than realizing Simon's an adult who can take care of himself. He does back off, like I said, but it still irked me. But I did enjoy the relationship between Simon and Jasper once it got more emotional and serious than I did at the beginning when it was all lust and bow chicka wow wow times. The drama with Simon's ex was interesting, until it comes to a head. Then it was over so quickly and easily that I was disappointed. There were no stakes really. So yeah, 2.5ish stars.
Profile Image for DTM.
1,205 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2019
3.5-4.0 stars..I found this to be a sweet, sexy read..I haven't read any of the books in the series but I didn't feel like I was missing all that much. The end was a bit rushed and I would have liked to have spent more time with the MC's other than sex...and I don't completely understand the title. But overall, it was a fast, enjoyable read.
1,564 reviews12 followers
August 21, 2022
I think, one of my favourites in the series! I loved the age-gap, the dad’s best friend’s trope, the fact that they are both doctors, and though Simon’s technically Jasper’s intern, they are basically equals, so there’s not really a power imbalance, and the crazy stalker ex is just the icing on the cake to make this book absolutely irresistible!
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,688 reviews51 followers
December 10, 2019
Stethoscopes and Spirits is my second book by Ashton Cade and I'm really liking this authors writing style. This book is about Jasper, a doctor in Snow Lake, and Simon, the son of one of Jasper's closest friends and an intern at Jasper's clinic. So Simon is off-limits. I loved Jasper and Simon's story.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,564 reviews49 followers
December 9, 2019
This book for me has taken the series back to winning ways. I really enjoyed the time taken for the characters to get together and the overall plot of the book. There's a workplace romance blossoming between Jasper and Simon, who is sixteen years junior and happens to be the son of Jasper's closest Army buddy who would quite probably flip out at the idea of the two together.
Attraction is clear straight away when Simon turns up at Jasper's clinic as the new intern. It doesn't help Simon that he's had a crush on Jasper since he was a teen and it seems nothing has changed except the man getting better with age. Jasper has the same idea about Simon as he has really grown into his looks and is someone Jasper seriously considers as a partner, something that hasn't happened for years.
It takes a few chapters for anything to Jasper to get out of his own way and admit anything to Simon but it is agreed that there is a time limit on whatever they may have with the internship being only 6 weeks and Simon's dad being a guilty thought in the back of their minds. Simon also has his own issues with an ex turned stalker that will stop at nothing to show Simon who he belongs to.
There is heat and time to build a relationship between the MC's which I really enjoyed but also the undercurrent of danger as they may be found out by work or Simon's father but also the fear that Simon experiences whenever he's reminded of the ex. Simon balances out Jasper's heavy hand when it comes to work, mellowing the man out slightly as he's only lived for work in recent years.
There are several aspects going on throughout the story which pull everything together well to make an entertaining read. I enjoyed getting to know Jasper more after only an odd appearance in previous books and Simon is a good addition to the series. We get a bit more interaction with known characters as well as some possible future MC's that I'd be interested to find out more about, including Simon's dad.....
Recommend this book, back to winning ways for me for Ashton Cade and look forward to finding out who the next couple will be to get their HEA.
Profile Image for Bette.
3,367 reviews23 followers
September 11, 2022
More Greatness in Snow Lake! Fantastic Narration & Audible Listen🎧

Stethoscopes and Spirits
Hearts of Snow Lake, Book 6
By: Ashton Cade
Narrated by: Cam Walker

It is great to be back in Snow Lake for another enjoyable novel written by Ashton Cade and to have Cam Walker in my ears again. Jasper Twill, the doctor is the town’s medical clinic, has a new intern coming in, not just any intern but his friend’s son, Simon Blunt. Jasper feels things for Simon that he shouldn’t and he does not need complications in his life. Besides, he is off limits and his friend would not be happy with him if he took advantage of his son. Simon was happy to get this internship in Snow Lake. Despite no recent threats from his ex, he is still glad to get away and put it all behind. Plus, he has been looking forward to working with Jasper, the man he always had a crush on and it seems the man improved with age. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and they can only deny themselves for so long. But can Jasper get past doing the right thing and give in to his desires and what he wants? This beautifully plotted story has plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, angst, some thrilling suspense, and a slow burn but, oh so worth the wait, romance. Ashton Cade, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Ashton Cade continues to do an amazing job of bringing these characters and their story to life. He gives each character their own voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. His portrayal of each character is spot on and I love how he takes each role, runs with it and makes it his own. He sets the perfect tone for the story and captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. Cam Walker is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to and his narration enhances is an already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another wonderful listen.
430 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2019
This is the story of Jasper and his intern, Simon. Simon also happens to be much younger than Jasper, not to mention his old army buddy and best friend's son. When Simon shows up for his first day of work, Jasper is immediately aware that the next six weeks are going to be a constant battle to remain professional and loyal to his friend.

Simon had a teenage crush on his dad's best friend, but was sure he had outgrown it by now. That was until he saw Jasper at the clinic and realized how wrong he had been. Sure, Dr. Twill is a bit heavy handed, and sending some serious mixed signals, but after Simon's disaster if his last relationship, he's sworn off men anyway. Right?

Although there's some dancing around, there is a time limit. There's a bit of angst involved, but when Jasper learns of Simon's situation, things change. Until one of the reasons that kept them apart actually materializes, and the situation changes once again. Jasper turns into a bit of a hypocrite for a beat, but quickly realizes his mistake and makes things right.

When things get completely crazy, the severity of the delusional antics took me a little by surprise. I'm still not sure exactly how things turned out the way they did, but the situation is handled. My biggest complaint is that the ending was too rushed. Everything seemed forced and wrapped up too quickly. But in the end, our MCs get their HEA.

Happy reading!

* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
3,798 reviews44 followers
December 4, 2019
💕Love lives in the doctors' lounge: better start than finish
🙈 Good romance with plenty of🔥 passion as small-town Snow Lake's physician finds instant attraction with a substantially younger, visiting intern. With some ethical reservations about starting something with his junior colleague, who is also the son of his old military buddy, Jasper gets mired in secret hook-ups with Simon while they both grapple with an unhinged stalker. I liked both men and particularly Jasper's emotional backstory resulting from his stint in combat, and I was glad they figured things out for the better.

I found the epilogue too long and only half focused on the couple's HEA. Otherwise, I like the author's writing style, the small-town Upper Peninsula setting and the occasional reintroduction of characters like sheriff Sean and gym owner Aspen who featured in earlier book in the series.

I have read every book so far in the Snow Lake series. Jasper gives Simon a five minute tour of the town and they eat at Snow Lake's few watering holes but this story has less of a flavor of the town. Then it went full throttle including other residents in the epilogue. I found all the name dropping at the end a bit much and, if read as a standalone, I believe this could be confusing.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Reed.
1,210 reviews21 followers
September 10, 2022
I’m reviewing the audio edition. This was a easy listen story for me. The narrator, Cam Walker, made this very easy to feel the characters, the emotions and kept my attention on the story. This story is easy to like. The main characters are both likable.
Jasper is pretty set in his ways. All of a sudden, his clinic is bought out and he is having to deal with more employees and a friend of his son is going to be his intern.
Simon had a crush on Jasper when younger but felt he had out grown it until he was faced with Jasper again and found his feeling if anything had grown.
The attraction between the two quickly causes Jasper to question his ethics not only on the age difference but on having this attraction to his friend’s son.
Simon has no reservations about the attraction between them but he is made to be uncomfortable when faced with his dad.
There is a little bit about issues with an ex but overall this is a easy story to enjoy. My only complaint is I feel Simon’s dad doesn’t seem to be too upset and it seemed that the concern he did have just disappeared. I also felt the ending is too rushed. I have not listened to any other in this series so maybe that is just the flow to the stories.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
December 10, 2019
4.5 Stars

The sixth book in Ashton Cade's Heart of Snow Lake series, Stethoscopes and Spirits, is a great age gap romance.

At almost twice Simon's age, Jasper can't help but to fall for his friend's son.

In town for an intership with Jasper, Simon discovers he's still attracted to his father's friend, the handsome older doctor. What follows is a relationship full of doubts, fears, and a whole lot of sexy times. Seriously, I love the conflict involved with falling for each other. That's always an aspect I enjoy in a romance, and the author does a god job with this one, without it being too angsty.

It's a good, passionate romance that also happens to have a stalker storyline. And damn, it's intense, as the guy is completely unhinged. It's also a relationship with a time limit, hot chemistry, and sizzling scenes.

The only flaw was the ending seems forced and wrapped up a little too quickly.

I absolutely love this series, and Stethoscopes and Spirits is a perfect addition to it. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a small town romance. And with this book, it's one of my favorites so far.
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,682 reviews
September 12, 2022
Simon Blunt has a lot on his plate, what with an overprotective father and a crazed-stalker ex-boyfriend. He’s in Snow Lake to complete his medical internship with Dr Jasper Twill, an old army buddy of his father’s, a guy whom Simon had a crush on when he was younger. While Jasper’s a great doctor, he’s not exactly a people person, but he seems more standoffish than Simon remembers. Little does each man know that the other is fighting feelings of attraction. I always like Ashton Cade’s writing, especially her balance of light and dark, it’s not too fluffy or too angsty, and I thoroughly enjoyed this dad’s-best-friend / age-gap romance. There were some juicy storylines and I liked the excitement and frustration of hiding the relationship from Simon’s dad and the increasing suspense cast by the shadow of the stalker - it all drew me in. I enjoy Cam Walker’s audio narrations and he was absolutely superb here: Ashton Cade writes in such a way that it feels like the characters are confiding in you and Cam’s style, pace, and tone really enhance that intimate familiarity between listener and character.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,698 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2019
Stethoscopes and Spirits is the sixth book in the Hearts of Snow Lake series by author Ashton Cade. This book is written in dual POV. We have a much older man Jasper falling for his intern Simon who is 16 years younger than him. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone and understood just fine.
Jasper is Snow Lake’s doctor. He has seen combat, he like order, and he likes his routine. His best friend is Simon’s dad. Which will cause some problems later on in this story too.
I liked Jasper he is kind, sweet, and super-hot too.
Simon, he is a doctor interning at Snow Lake. He wanted to be more personal with his patients and decided a small town was the way to go. He has always had a crush on Jasper but figured he was off-limits.
Simon is strong, sweet, and perfect for Jasper. They really compliment each other well.
I loved this story and all its twists and turns. I cannot wait for more from Snow Lake and who falls in love next.

Five Shooting Stars
1,017 reviews
December 3, 2019
I loved this latest book in the Hearts of Snow Lake Series!! Jasper is the local doctor in town and is in need of some help at the clinic. He hires an intern Simon who Jasper knows well, Simon's father is his best friend. Growing up Simon had the biggest crush on Jasper but knew that it was probably one sided. However when Simon sees Jasper again, all of the old feelings come rushing back. Jasper is taken back on how good looking Simon is but he can't act on his attraction to him, he is only there for 6 weeks and its his best friends son. Nothing can come from this attraction or can't it? Simon knows how he feels and he won't fight it any longer, Jasper doesn't stand a chance from a determined Simon. When something ugly from Simon's past resurfaces, he will need Jasper more than ever.

What a great story, I was hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to all. I can't wait to see what is next from this author, well done!!!!
Profile Image for Mary Mary.
1,035 reviews49 followers
December 9, 2019
A great addition to Snow Lake series!
I loved it!

I absolutely ADORE this series - it is simple and lovely. This is a fast, easy and super cute read with likable MCs. There is a huge age gap (16 years) between Jasper and Simon and sometimes it was too much for me. Sometimes it was just weird, especially when they talked about Simon's father who was also Jasper's best friend.
It is the most dramatic story in this series, but nothing really drastic. THe story is super sweet and full of scorching hot scenes. The mutual atraction between MCs is obvious right from the start, but I wish they have spent more time OUTSIDE of bedroom (or thinking about getting in each other pants). I think that if they went on DATES and TALKED more the story would be more believable and the age gap would not be a problem for me.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was relaxing and sexy read with interesting plot.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed ARC copy if this book *
Profile Image for Fran.
1,061 reviews11 followers
November 30, 2019
Age isn't always important.

Attraction knows no limits. Whether it be age difference, a close friend's son, or a crazy "ex" a heart
is drawn like a magnet and attaches to the other's soul. So is the essence of Jasper's attraction to
a much younger Simon. Jasper fights like a champ through his reasoning brain to deny what's
happening to his heart but what he doesn't realize is that Simon is in the same boat though Simon
has been fighting his attraction since forever (age 16) and the 17 year difference has never been an
obstacle for his love. Jasper is the doctor of Snow Lake and Simon is his intern but job positions
can go to blazes. Jasper is a protector and Simon is a victim of abuse. The lines are in the sand and
both are ready to meet the challenges of a May/December matching. This is my voluntary review.
1,488 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2019
As a huge fan of this series, I can assure you that it can be read as standalone, but I highly recommend that you read all the previous books to understand better the dynamic in Snow Lake and the familiar faces all around town. Now this next book in the series featured the story of Jasper and Simon and how they got together. However, besides all the sweet romance and hot scenes, this book manages a really strong topic about domestic violence and harassment so it had a lot of angst situations that kept me on edge trying to read them as quick as possible to know how everything is going to end. I loved how Ms Cade always created deeply emotional characters with complex interactions and reactions that got your full attention and that are so interesting to read about. Wonderful reading!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
664 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2019
Loved this addition to the Snow Lake series. It just goes to show the heart knows and wants what it wants. Jasper, the town’s only doctor for so long, has agreed to take on an intern. Not just any intern though, the son of his best friend that he hasn’t seen in years. When Simon walks into the clinic Jasper can’t get over the man he has become. But, with their age difference and what with Simon being his best friends’ son he can’t really act on his desires, or can he? Simon has had a crush on Jasper since he was a teenager. It will take a lot of pushing to get the stubborn doctor to give in, but Simon is determined. But, danger in the form of an ex could either push them closer or push them apart for good. But, sometimes, if you listen to your heart it will not lead you astray. Definitely check out this latest addition to the Snow Lake and fall for a new couple along the way 😍.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,276 reviews23 followers
December 5, 2019
Best in the series so far.


This is probably my favourite of this series so far. Jasper is worried that he's older than Simon. He's his teacher, a close friend of Simon's dad and feels that falling for Simon would be a double betrayal, of both Simon and his dad.

There's some angst here due to the nature of the relationship, but really it's all small fry when it's revealed that Simon is in serious trouble. This really upped the ante in the story, and turned it into more than a straightforward romance.

Simon lives his life afraid, I liked the way Jasper comes through for him, eventhough at the same time betraying Simon. Jasper and Simon have a lot to work through, before we discover if love, ultimately, can be enough for them both.

Best of the series so far. Well written story and good character development. Nice epilogue.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,162 reviews27 followers
December 1, 2019
Rating : 4.5 stars

Small town age gap romance

Another wonderful instalment in the Snow Lake series. This is another well written, easy to read small town romance with minimal angst, a dash of drama, and likeable main characters, with lots of chemistry and lots of heat.

Jasper is the gruff, former military local doctor who has a case of “lust at first sight” when Simon comes into town to be his intern for 6 weeks.
Simon is cute, charming and his Dad is Jasper’s best friend from their military days. Simon has had, since he was a teenager, a bit of a crush on Jasper.

I enjoyed that although, the main characters did have their flaws, it didn’t stop them from jumping the hurdles to their HEA.

This is book 6 in the series it can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Courtney Diane.
301 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2019
Love this Series!!

I have loved this series! It took me a while to find it, but Ashton Cade creates an amazing town and characters with backstories and deserving of more. I love may/December romance and knowing that Simon and Jasper have the age gap and have their own holdups/obstacles and are able to get through and help heal is just an amazing addition to the story... if you haven’t read the series I feel like you miss out on a bit and getting the “intro” to these characters.

I loved this book, the angst and heartbreak of what Simon has been through along with the fact that jasper is older and his fathers buddy adds to it. But they fit like a puzzle and with the story being short, I’d look forward to more.
Profile Image for R.
2,133 reviews
December 6, 2019
Jasper is the doctor for Snow Lake. He agrees to take on an intern. His friends son Simon. The chemistry between them is off the charts. They both know getting involved is a mistake, Jasper is considerably older and he knows his friend Ryan won’t approve. Simon worries about his dad too. But even more worrisome is that he thinks his stalker has come back.

This has been an interesting series, lots of different, enjoyable personalities. This book was okay but I didn’t ever really warm up to Jasper and Simon together till almost the end of the book. The series I’d definitely worth reading, I’m looking forward to the next book.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,136 reviews40 followers
December 15, 2019
Jasper is the local doctor. He is heading a clinic and has told one of his good friends that his son could do his final medical internship at the clinic. The trouble is that Simon is not the young boy he once was and Jasper is very much attracted to him. Simon has always had a crush on his dad's friend. Being in close proximity was difficult until they decided to stop fighting their attraction. The biggest concern overall was the relationship between Jasper and Simon's dad would be affected. Overall, I enjoyed the story of Jasper and Simon.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Audrey Pott.
680 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2019
Jaspers best friend has a son Simon who’s interning with Jasper, so under no circumstance can there be anything between them, unfortunately the chemistry is off the charts. You have adorable characters and add an evil ex to the mix for a powerful punch of deep emotions, ingenious writing and hot sensual scenes made this storyline a page turner.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book from Ashton.
108 reviews
December 11, 2019
Another great installment in this series from Snow Lake city. This time we are spending time with Simon who is an intern at the Snow Lake Hospital where Jasper is a doctor. Oh he he..I just get this *doctor-patient* vibe going here... Simon is definitely not the patient here.
both the mcs have baggages, and we are bystanders when they tell their story.
I love this series to the moon and back. There are so many great characters in it and a lot of minor characters who fills in the bits and pieces to make the story whole.
This series is definitely on my to be read again list.
Profile Image for jennrubenstein.
148 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2019
Age gap and a content warning

Age gap is not my favorite theme, but Simon and Jasper are sweet together. This book has a darker underlying theme than most of this series so far, content warning for stalking, DV (referenced and on the page). The last few chapters seemed like somebody had pressed fast forward and sped up the tempo to get to the end. I wish the epilogue scene had been set further into the future. 3.5/5 stars (rounded to 4 for reviewing purposes)
Profile Image for Celine.
803 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2019
Great love story

This was a very nice age gap story.

I am really enjoying this series so far and it was another great instalment.
You can't help but fall in love with both Jasper and Simon. I really liked them both, they are very sweet in their own way, the chemistry between them is off the charts and the push and pull of the story was interesting.
I loved the outsides elements as well in this one, as it made more complex in a way.
Overall a great story
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,901 reviews
December 10, 2019
This instalment from Snow Lake is a best friend’s son, workplace romance, that is filled with heat, sexiness, meetings in closets and a bit of angst all woven together into a good story.

Doctor Jasper and Simon his intern make a very cute couple, who have a hot, instantaneous attraction that seems to transcend logic and several reasons why they shouldn’t work. I really enjoyed this easy to read book, a good addition to this lovely series.
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