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Forbidden #0.5

From the Ashes

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A dark, steamy story that will leave you needing a cold shower, and a melted Kindle. Take a journey with Kael and Skyla, and see how destiny plays a part in their lives.

A second chance prequel to the Forbidden Series.

Under the spotlight, I can be anyone I want to be.
I’ve risen from the ashes of my past, until he walks in.

She’s still as alluring as I remember.
It takes all my restraint not to steal her away.

Dark eyes and a devilish smirk ask me for one night.
I shouldn’t, but I find myself relenting to his charm.

She is mine, she always has been.
And now It’s time to claim my Phoenix.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2017

49 people are currently reading
525 people want to read

About the author

Dani René

121 books2,348 followers
Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark and deviant romance with a seductive edge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she now lives in the UK where she explores old buildings and cemeteries while plotting her next book.

When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design either for herself, or other indie authors.

She enjoys reading books about handsome villains and feisty heroines, mostly dark, always seductive, and sometimes depraved. She has a healthy addiction to tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.

You can find more information on her website, www.danirene.com, or find her on social media, Instagram and Facebook being her favorites. Along with her newsletter, which you can sign up for here - https://bit.ly/DaniVIPs

Find me online: Facebook Page | BookBub Page | Instagram | Amazon Page | TikTok | Pinterest

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,026 reviews1,140 followers
August 13, 2021
DRR Day 1 B4

It's the too much sex for me. I mean, have a bloody orgy all you want, but I want a plot.

There's a semblance of a plot. Kinda.

But all the sex scenes took it away from me. In every single chapter. Even the ones the heroine had with her coworker (she's a sex club worker btw) and their clients.

I don't want to read that. Once, fine, that set up the setting and her job. But more than that, it just seem gratuitous.
Profile Image for Diana.
690 reviews166 followers
December 23, 2020
goodreads-pic

A short and highlyyyy steamy introduction to a series of forbidden couples. I was immediately invested into what was going on. It was entertaining. There was an underlying mystery that kept me on my toes. What exactly happened between these characters!??!?!? I went on to read the next books right away.

ORIGINAL COMMENT
This was a whole snack. Can't wait to devour the entire series!

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Profile Image for Lisa.
239 reviews26 followers
February 6, 2017
First off, let me say I read many draft copies of From The Ashes this book has had quite a journey and every time I got a new version I fell harder and harder every damn time! Disclaimer: Before I go further into my review you must know I own every aspect that is Mr. Kael Wolfe I mean head to toe! (* insert evil laugh && knife emoji here) lets go on.

If a book was able to fully combust into flames cause of the heat it harbours inside of it, This book would be it! From The Ashes has all the makings of one of the sexiest dark reads I've ever read I might be biased since I'm Mrs.Kael Wolfe but trust me when I tell you this novella is scorching!

The main characters Kael and Skyla have dangerous tormented past and 5 years later fate steps in and gives them another chance but sometimes that second chance comes with consequences.

My Final Thoughts:

Each time I read the ending of this novella I was left broken and screaming at my poor kindle
I NEED MORE ANSWERS!!!! Even though knowing damn well this is part of a series ( *glaring evil eyes at Dani Renè*) She loves to torture me!!! I can't wait till you all get to dive into this dark sexy read Mrs Renè has created. Definitely another 5 *star read from the #kweenoftease .
Profile Image for Cat Imb || The Reading Cat ||.
418 reviews42 followers
April 25, 2017
I received an ebook of this novella in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Dani René!

WOW! What an emotionally packed dark romance novella. It was absolutely riveting and captivating. René is able to capture such darkness, yet such light at the same time within her characters. She makes them multifaceted and complex. Makes them human.

Kael and Skyla have so much to overcome in this novella. They are people who want to forget the past. People who want to heal from it. People who want to redeem themselves in some way. It's hard to fathom how René achieved all of this is such a small amount of words. It truly demonstrates how concise, and efficient her writing is.

I loved the references to phoenixes throughout the novel - they're my favourite mythical creature. They were so relevant to the story and added poeticism to the novella. The whole symbolism of the phoenix was a great metaphor for Skyla.

Another great read by Dani René!
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,992 reviews430 followers
April 23, 2019
This is my first read by this author and it's just oh so good. The author has given us a quick read, a novella, to whet our appetite and she sure did that.

This is Skyla and Kaels story. I'm so looking forward to reading more of this series as I really like these two. The chemistry between them is hot.

I'm off now to read Crave :)
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,301 reviews30 followers
May 9, 2018
The prologue sets the mood for all this story is about, goosebumps in the most beautiful way and then we head into the story of Kael and Skyla and things just get hotter and hotter. I just love a strong alpha male and Kael doesn't disappoint at any point in time. Skyla's story is a bit sad to hear but she's so damn good at what she's been taught to do and when she's into the moment... ooohwiiii. I'm telling you know to be prepared for a hot and sizzling read, keep your B.O.B near by cause you're going to need em. Must must MUST read and I cannot wait for more. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.



Second Round Audiobook Version:

Gregory Salinas has brought this story into a whole new light, I was hooked before reading but now listening to it I’m blown away. You can feel the passion through the narration and I didn’t want to ever hit pause. Gregory keeps me wanting to listen and it feels like I’m hearing the story for the first time. Phenomenal job and highly recommend grabbing the audio version.
Profile Image for Kate.
Author 4 books30 followers
February 6, 2017
This book is aptly titled, as having now come out the other side, I certainly feel like I've been scorched by Skyla & Kael's story.

Raw, gritty & filthy hot - this is a dark erotic romance read that is unapologetic in its story telling - so don't go into it expecting a few hot sex scenes and the hero wooing the heroine with chocolates, red roses and fruity bubble baths. This ain't that kinda book.

It's decadent, taboo & uninhibited, exploring the darker side of the human sexual appetite, it will have you clenching your thighs so often you'll never need a thigh-master again.

The hinted at back story of both our leads is the stuff of nightmares for most of us, and Dani doesn't shy away from taking us into their world. She easily took me from curious, to aroused, to anticipatory, to comfortable, to shocked, to repulsed, to questioning WTF? - and she did it several times over.

The kicker of course is, that as the introductory / teaser novella to the up coming Forbidden Series, there are still plenty of flames to survive ahead... and I can't wait!


*I was provided an ARC of this book, with no expectation on the part of the author that they would receive a positive review in exchange. My review reflects my genuine opinion of this book.*
Profile Image for Julie's Book Land Reviews.
538 reviews35 followers
January 18, 2017
First of all I wanna say that I saw a lot of teasers for this story on the author's  instagram page and thought to myself, I really want to read about Skyla and Kael cause they seem like characters that I could get into and I was right these characters kept me intrigued throughout the whole story from the first page til the very last page. So without giving out any spoilers, I will tell you this, Skyla tries to figure out how Kael knows her throughout the whole novella cause at first she doesn't recognize him cause of all the tats he has now in which he didn't have when they first met five years ago. So in order to find out what happens between these two and their relationship you have to go preorder their story.
Profile Image for Sheena.
988 reviews26 followers
February 17, 2022
Oh this book was so dark and erotic in the most delicious of ways..he was an artist and she was an exotic dancer and both have known hell in a previous life..together they are two damaged people who get a second chance at rewriting their past and changing their future ....

Although this was a short story the world, where the action took place, and the characters within it were wonderfully described and believable; even the supporting actors came alive on the page......and the development of the complex relationship between the two main characters was captivating.... imperfectly perfect and searingly hot....

Once started the story was so gripping that I could not stop until the final page was turned....this book made a big impression and now I have dipped my toe into the murky waters of this series I can not wait to take the plunge into the next installment ...I received a copy of this novella as an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review...
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,046 reviews52 followers
January 14, 2017
Arc provided by author for honest revirew. I can't get anymore honest than this. Dani you nailed it this one Hun! You definitely have niche to write dark romance I know this is first. And it's grand slam!!
Profile Image for Mackenzie Bibliophile.
376 reviews10 followers
February 1, 2017
Not for the faint of heart! You’ve been warned! This book is so steamy you may need to shut the heat off. Even in the dead of winter I needed to open a window just to cool down. Skyla and Kael are HOT! With a capital H! I can’t get over these two honestly! The whole book! It’s not something that I would normally pick up, a gentleman's club with so many… well "gentleman's club" scenes and dark undertones, however I did and I loved it! I don’t think this bad boy… and I don’t mean Kael… is for everyone. Though I still recommend it to everyone to try it can be fun to broaden your book horizon. If you like the dark and edgy pick it up. If you stay in the light, still give it a try, you might be a vanilla girl like me and find out how fun the dark side can be. Being a prequel Novella we just get a taste of what is to come for these two and for the rest of the series, just enough of a taste to leave you begging for more!

Did I mention this read is hot? I can’t say it enough, Skyla and Kael are freaking hot. And foul mouth, Kael’s dirty mouth gave me chills. I could not get enough of this boy. A classic Dani Rene novel, it doesn’t seem to matter what her subject is she always succeeds in writing addicting men and intriguing females with such intense chemistry you can feel it through the pages. Their connection is intense, palpable regardless of how long they have known each other. You can’t deny that kind of connection.

From the Ashes is a beautiful, dark, and slightly twisted in its nature, though I feel that this book only scratched the surface of the twistedness that is to come from this series. I look forward to the darkness; I am ready to embrace it with open arms.
-Mackenzie
Profile Image for Annamaria.
702 reviews11 followers
June 10, 2017
Five Amazing Stars! This story is a dark erotic romance and if you have triggers please be forewarned. Skyla is working as an exotic dancer after being held by a sex slavery organization. Kael was in love with a girl but it has been 5 years since he has seen her. When he goes to the club he can't believe his eyes when he sees the redheaded girl. Kael meets with Skyla and she does not recognize him. When they get together she feels the passion and strong attraction she has with him. Will Kael and Skyla be able to rekindle what they had 5 years ago? I was hooked to this book from the first pages and was unable to put it down until I finished! The author did an amazing job with writing this story. I loved the characters and I could feel their emotions while reading this story. The story was hot, exciting, thrilling, and passionate. I now cannot wait for the next book in the series which is called Covet and see where Skyla and Kael's lives take them! Their journey of how they met is one I must read! I highly recommend this book!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Profile Image for Jane Anthony.
Author 27 books657 followers
April 4, 2017
Dani Rene is an evil woman! EVIL!! And I mean that in the most loving way possible. Every word of this book is dripping with feeling - whether it's desire, hope, anger, or plain old sensuality - and I was gripped from the start. Kael is not your typical "dirty dom". The sweet nature of his character took me by surprise. That's not to say he's a pansy by any means. He's the perfect mix of naughty and nice. His heart is so beautiful, and the love he has for Skyla makes it hard not to fall for him, but he's also a man who knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it. These two SIZZLED off the proverbial pages of my Kindle. At times, I felt my own face get hot while reading! Phew!! Ms. Rene sure does know how to write the hell out of a naughty scene! That's for dang sure! I need a stiff drink and, like, 37 orgasms now.
Profile Image for Wendy.
695 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2017
I am a faithful follower of this author and from what I knew about this book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. This story is amazing, hands down. It is full (I mean full) of steamy sex scenes and an even better story line. Just be warned, it is a cliffhanger but, I'm practically giddy with excitement impatiently waiting for the next one.
Due to the nature of this story, I won't delve inside the characters until the series is complete.
Note that this book is labeled as a dark read. I didn't find it dark but it definitely has some scenes that include female-female, females-female-male & female- female-male-male along with kidnapping and/or prostitution.
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews15 followers
February 7, 2017
Hell of a lot of hotness happening in this book! First let me say that these characters are so very well defined and well written. Second the storyline is intriguing in that you are offered glimpses into Sky's past and to what has made her who she is today. Some of the glimpses made me feel a little uneasy as I just didn't know what to expect or that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. One thing I do know, there is much more to her story than what was let out of the bag in this book and I am sure the rest will come out in the next book, which will be a nail biting wait. Then comes HIM, the mystery man who sees her, recognizes her, wants her for his own, for his "toy". But it's not only his want, it is his need, his heart's need. He knows her, he's trained her, he's loved her and he left her. But he's back and doesn't know how to tell her who he really is.
The draw between the two of them is there and it is strong. She doesn't understand why, but she knows something is different with him, he's not like the other's she dances for and the pull she feels towards him is baffling to her, but she can't get him out of her mind no matter how hard she tries.

Problem with all of this is, when she finds out, how will she react? This storyline is extremely well written and leaves enough out so to keep you guessing and reading on to see what will happen with these two as soon as possible. But alas, you will have to wait. Stay tuned folks, we may be in for a bumpy ride with this one. I have my seat-belt ready...do you??

Highly recommend this new series! Don't let yourself get caught trying catch up..start now!
Profile Image for Nikita Parikh.
Author 1 book18 followers
January 24, 2017
I have to say I am thoroughly impressed by Dani René. The book is downright raw and gritty and is an exploration of that part of the human that though everyone has but are rarely explored. I loved the fact that she was courageous enough to depict this fact and I kid you not she has successfully accomplished that! Hats off to her. Also I am a huge fan of the Phoenix bird so I think she has appropriately protrayed that in the novella as well. Keeping all of that in mind, I already had seen a lot of teasers of this book so I was very eager to read the book. And dayum has the book justified and satisfied my curiosity. Damn, this book needs to come with a warning label. 5 hot burning flames!!

ARC provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,626 reviews61 followers
January 15, 2017
Just WOW! What an awesome novella and lead in story to the Forbidden Series. The author has written a super Hot and Sultry story about the lives of Skyla and Kael, a couple with a past that ended badly. But 5 years later and a lot of “life’s miles” having happened to both of them, Kael finds her working at a strip club. Can he make her forget and forgive him? Will Skyla ever let anyone in again? This is a very erotic, sensual story that will have your heart melting and toes curling. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND 1-clicking From the Ashes - you won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
529 reviews29 followers
February 6, 2017
This was Dani's first steps into dark romance and boy, did she just jump in with both feet and produce some of the sexiest scenes I have ever read. This is just the beginning of the Series and I can already tell that it is going going to get better from here. This is just a novella but I can tell you that there is nothing short about it, it gives you all the feels of a full-length story and more. Word of advice, don't bother wearing knickers because Kael will just melt them right off!
Profile Image for Kate_mrs539.
377 reviews8 followers
March 25, 2017
Dark, emotional quick read

I literally stumbled upon this novella a while back but didn't read it at the time. Now I'm sorry I wasted that time.

This book hints at a dark past for Skyla and in the short time it took me to read it, brought me to the verge of tears a couple times. I love those emotional responses. This author does a great job pulling them out.

Can't wait for what is next in this series! Dani René is now on my one-click list!
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
2,130 reviews55 followers
August 9, 2018

**Review of the audiobook**

STORY: 2 stars
PERFORMANCE: 4 stars
OVERALL: 3 stars

STORY
What a huge disappointment this book was! Skyla is a stripper/hooker working at, “Inferno”. Kyel just happens to visit Inferno where he sees his long-lost love Skyla performing. Of course Skyla is fascinated by the alluring man yet she doesn’t recognize him (even though she calls her by the nicknames he always called her). Aside from that far-fetched, unlikeliness Skyla and her best friend engage in sex acts together like it’s no big deal and Skyla never has any realistic discussions or inner dialogue other than her commenting on how close to orgasming she is. If you want to read porn, you will probably enjoy this but if you want a meaningful plot and well
developed characters, look elsewhere.

PERFORMANCE
I listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Gregory Salinas. Although Mr. Salinas could benefit from some acting lessons, his performance wasn’t terrible. He does attempt to alter his voice to differentiate between characters and evokes emotion through his tone of voice. He’s especially good at speaking for the female characters, using a very realistic, feminine voice.
Profile Image for MillsyLovesBooks.
807 reviews36 followers
February 6, 2017
Hot Damn!! Dani René
From The Ashes is a Short Hot Sexy read that will you panting for more.
This is a great start to this series and although this is a novella it packs a smutty punch right from the first chapter. Because this is a novella and i don't want to give spoilers away i'm not going to give to much away.
Skylar and Kael are both intriguing characters both have a past that they don't discuss with many. When they meet there's an instant connection which both bothers and comforts Skylar, bringing up past memories and she doesn't know why. Kael on the other hand does......

You'll want to know so get to one clicking this Hot slightly dark read you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,570 reviews26 followers
January 31, 2017
this is a fantastic short story, I just couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. The characters are fantastic. This is a dark read, which left me wanting more and more. This is a sexy emotional read which will leave you speak less. This book will grip you from the first page, sucking you in till the very last page. I cant wait to read from this author, I absolutely love this author.

Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
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Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews75 followers
March 18, 2019
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I didn't know where to go with this review. This book took me for a short little ride and then stopped just when it was about to hit the highway. I need the rest of Kael and Skyla's story.

Kael has been in a funk ever since he lost his muse. Never did he think his inspiration was at a club swinging on a pole. Skyla needed somewhere where she could forget her past and be in charge of her future. She chose to be a stripper and felt empowered by doing so. But when a man comes in and starts taking charge of some of her life, she feels like she knows him. Will she recognize Kael from her past?

These two are so freaking impressive as characters. I loved them. I am jumping right into the rest of the Forbidden Series.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,618 reviews150 followers
April 23, 2019
I wish all novellas were this good. This is an introduction to The Forbidden Series and I'm hooked. Skyla and Kael are a matched made in sexy hotness, seriously they are scorching together. We get flashes of Skyla's past and how he fits into it. That ending is not what I'd call a cliffhanger more a you can't leave it there moment.
Profile Image for Bridget R99.
130 reviews13 followers
August 10, 2020
Great Read.

Wow.
Loved this prequel. You must read it before the 2nd full length book in the series, Covet.
This is one hot and great story of a woman working in a strip club where she came to hide after being abducted and used as a sex slave. This book is all about her as she really is.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews361 followers
June 13, 2017
☆☆☆☆☆
~Lynzi
Wow!! Just, wow!!

I am blown away. Novella's always, and I mean always, end too soon for me. But I am so glad that I get to jump into the next book. The one that follows these characters. I can't wait to jump into more depth of their past, their relationship, and their future. With the chemistry these too have, there has to be a future. But there is so much hurt, pain, anf heartbreak in their past, I don't know how they will move forward.

Skyla has been taken, trained, and used. She has love and lost. She has been freed and given a choice, but she still isn't fully happy. She may never be happy again. Because the one person she gave her heart to, shattered it by leaving, and he never looked back. She survived hell and survives her today's by guarding her heart and not feeling. Going through the motions. Until a set of familiar eyes changes it all.

Kale turned his back on the life his father had laid out for him. But not before he found something more. Someone more. In the life he had to lead under his family's shadow, he found light. He found love. But he left anyways. Following his dreams, getting a new start, he heads to New York. Trying to become the one thing he wants, he lacks inspiration. So a friend helps him try to get someone through women. Going to an elite club called Inferno, he tries to relax. Until he sets eyes on the woman on the stage. The woman he has loved. The woman he walked away from, is in front of him, and now he doesn't plan on letting her go again.

This one was so good. Short, to the point, but rough at the same time. I can't wait to read more of this couple because I know there is more important detail to dive into and uncover.

So, onto the next book I go!!
2,617 reviews25 followers
May 20, 2017
omg this book was amazing! so glad i finally got to read it! its about a young woman who has run away from her past life. she meets a hot guy who might just bring her past life back. will she get sucked back into the life she once knew? thanks for giving me a chance to read this book!
Profile Image for Jenny Prose.
746 reviews10 followers
May 30, 2017
From the Ashes is a Forbidden Series Novella. I received an ARC of this novella to read and review. I was excited to read this novella in preparation for Dani Rene's new release coming soon, Covet.This is a dark romance that includes Skyla who had been owned in sex slavery, but that was over five years ago. She's working as a exotic dancer and one night HE walks in. Kael can't believe after five years and there she is. While Skyla doesn't realize this man is the one who trained her five years ago while she was held in slavery, but Kael knows her. There is attraction, with passion, in a twisted situation, with a ever more twisted past. Can these two find what they both so desperately want and need?
4 stars
Profile Image for Wendy Fisher.
181 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2017
What a great start to a new series. Skyla has a dark past. Saved from a devastating life. Kael used to train submissives. Not a life he wanted for himself. Kael has moved on from that life, but with regrets. Until the night he walks into the club and sees the one woman he never expected to see again. What will happen if he tells her the truth? Will she run or stay? I absolutely loved this novella. Each character has something to offer the other, but the past weighs heavily on how skyla protects herself from heartache again. I have a feeling this series is going to be phenomenal! 
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

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