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Ashes
Life changed for Zara the night of her 21st birthday. Her best friend, Trish, was killed in a drunk driving accident. And it’s all her fault. Burdened by guilt, Zara lived a life of drugs, sex, and destruction. Now 5 years later, she is sober, free and on probation. Ready to turn her life around, she calls up the one person she could trust, her sister, Reyna, who offers her a place to stay until she gets back on her feet. There’s only one thing. Trish’s older brother, Vance, who is also the best friend of Reyna’s fiancé, is staying there as well, after a house fire renders him homeless. It’s been years since the accident and he still hasn't gotten over his sister’s death. He is full of rage. And will do anything in his power to make Zara’s life a living hell. Just her luck. Now she has to endure months under the same roof as the man who hates her with every piece of his soul. Not to mention, the same man she’s loved since her teenage years.
Will Zara ever find a way to make him forgive her for his sister’s death? Will she ever learn to forgive herself? Or will the demons of the past destroy them beyond repair?
Will Zara ever find a way to make him forgive her for his sister’s death? Will she ever learn to forgive herself? Or will the demons of the past destroy them beyond repair?
- GenresRomanceAfrican American
Audible Audio
First published February 20, 2015
51 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Taisha S. Ryan
17 books82 followersTaisha Ryan is a writer and artist from New York. Writing has been her passion since the age of 12, allowing her to express her wild imagination through words. Taisha has written short stories, novels, poems, songs, and screenplays. In March 2014, she published her debut novel, Cuffed. And since then, has published three additional novels. She would describe her stories as raw, creatively uninhibited, and true to life. Words are power. And her intent is to take readers on an emotional journey as they experience the world through her mind's eye, while also providing them with a sense of purpose with each word that drips from the page. And with her gift, she believes she can do just that.
Look out for more of her projects in the future!
Look out for more of her projects in the future!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 28, 2016
The emotions I went thru reading this book was well worth it. Excellent read. Zara went through some trials but only to find herself not 100% but some peace in the end.
March 7, 2015
This was a great read. It had me on the edge of my seat wanting more. It could be real life the way that it was written. It depicts a lot of emotions that are involved with love, lust, hurt, heartache and pain. It goes from pure hatred to true love. This is a must read for any and everyone who has ever gone through anything in their life including substance abuse. It shows how you can hit rock bottom, but still end up on top. This was my first read by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
May 4, 2016
3.5 Stars - This book was kind of heavy and dealt with many issues from:: addiction, death, prostitution, guilt, suicide, miscarriage, family issues, etc.
There was plenty going on and plenty for the author to work with, so much so, at times it felt a bit overwhelming. Almost to the point, that I wished that she had focused on just a few of the issues above instead of lopping them all together in one book that was essentially a HEA.
I remember saying "WOW, whew! I'm glad that's over!" not because it wasn't a good book, but because I wanted so much more for Zara and Vince... Even if that meant that they couldn't be together.
This was my second book by this author and overall, I enjoy her themes, so I would definitely give her another try.
There was plenty going on and plenty for the author to work with, so much so, at times it felt a bit overwhelming. Almost to the point, that I wished that she had focused on just a few of the issues above instead of lopping them all together in one book that was essentially a HEA.
I remember saying "WOW, whew! I'm glad that's over!" not because it wasn't a good book, but because I wanted so much more for Zara and Vince... Even if that meant that they couldn't be together.
This was my second book by this author and overall, I enjoy her themes, so I would definitely give her another try.
March 3, 2015
Really good read! I enjoyed the love/hate between Vance and Zara because it really held my attention. I was rooting for him to forgive her but the road was rocky and I felt bad about the people that got hurt in the process! The hateful words people spewed toward one another in this book would make me want to punch them in the throat and render them speechless! And poor Sean! Everything he said about a damaged woman not being able to accept love was sooooooooooooooo true. I don't want to give any spoilers but read it and you will see that this is a really good book.
March 2, 2015
Classic book
I read "Cuffed" by this same author and I liked it. This book showed her growth as an author and I absolutely loved this book. I loved Zara and Vance's journey and I felt every emotion they experienced. The book felt so real and raw. The harsh reality of love after loss and heartbreak. And learning to forgive those that have wronged us because no one's perfect.
I read "Cuffed" by this same author and I liked it. This book showed her growth as an author and I absolutely loved this book. I loved Zara and Vance's journey and I felt every emotion they experienced. The book felt so real and raw. The harsh reality of love after loss and heartbreak. And learning to forgive those that have wronged us because no one's perfect.
July 10, 2016
I saw the reviews and this book's high rating but I did not think it was going to be that good! It was very well written and at no point was I bored because the writer was adding words for the hell of it. If you get the chance to read this you should; I can't believe my luck that it was a Kindle Unlimited novel.
February 24, 2015
Very Very Very Good
This was a very good book. I loved the whole storyline. The character Zara and Vance was very relatable. This is going down as one of my favorite book. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This was a very good book. I loved the whole storyline. The character Zara and Vance was very relatable. This is going down as one of my favorite book. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
August 23, 2016
3.5 stars
December 4, 2017
Rating: 3.75
On a scale of 1 to will I read another book by Taisha S. Ryan. That will be a definite yes. Ashes was an entertaining book with a semi-complex storyline, characters I enjoyed and there were only very small things that I found to be problematic.
Zara is your typical black sheep of the family. She's a difficult kid, turned fast teen, turned troubled adult. Burdened with the guilt of being responsible for the death of her best friend because of one stupid decision, leads her to a path of money, sex, and drugs. Ashes begins with Zara wanting to turn her life around, stay clean, and be a better human being. The first step to her achieve those goals is to reconnect with and move in with her older sister Reyna and her fiance Rodney... The only thing is, her best friend's brother Vance, the man Zara has been in lust with since she was a teenager, the same man who hates Zara with every fiber of his being for taking his sister away from him, is also temporarily, living at Reyna and Rodney's house *dun dun dunnn*
I'm not going to lie, I'm a sucker for the hate to love trope. I love seeing a relationship blossom from one of contention and enmity to intense passion and love. What I ALSO love is reading books with a storyline that I have absolutely ZERO faith can be even remotely believable, and having the authors prove me wrong. For example, a few years back, I read a book about a black woman and a White Supremacist falling in love because I thought there was no way in hell, the author was going to make me believe that something like that could happen, even in a fictional world. Not only that, but I was also confident that the author would in NO way succeed in making me root for the two characters as a couple. I was proven wrong on BOTH fronts.
I went into Ashes with the same approach. I wanted to see how and if Taisha was going to make me believe, that a man could fall in love with a woman whose senseless stupidity, caused an accident that resulted in his young sister's death. Did Taisha succeed in making me believe? For the most part, Yes.
Though at times it seemed forced, the interactions between Zara and Vance were convincing. The conflicted emotions they both experienced as their feelings developed and their relationship progressed, was plausible. I bought it...I just wished there was more to their story than those conflicted emotions and feelings. I would have liked to read about the time they spent with one another that made those feelings of hatred that Vance initially had, dissipate. I would have liked to read about the moments they had with one another that made Zara's feelings for Vance progress from just lingering feelings of teenaged lust to love. I just wanted MORE.
Besides Zara and Vance, I enjoyed the rest of the characters and their roles in moving the story forward. I appreciate the fact that despite all that they went through Zara's sister Reyna always had her back and was there for her when she needed her. I loved the relationship between Vance and Rodney and the rest of their friends. The moments of bantering and ribbing between them was fun to read.
But this leads me to the "problematic" issues. Issues that are presented not only in this novel but other books, in movies and on television as well. I see it all the time, men and their friends are always depicted as these close-knit, ride or die, loyal units, which is fine. The problem I find is that in the same exact stories, our women are depicted as catty, manipulative, sneaky and untrustworthy. There isn't a single female relationship in this novel (besides Zara and Reyna but they don't count because they are sisters) that was not shadowed by some form of negativity.
I know that not everyone in the universe gets along and that goes for both men and woman. However, I feel like the perpetuation of the stereotype that women can never get along or be friends needs to stop. Especially when the author is a woman themselves. I find it hard to believe that these authors and movie/tv show writers don't have a single healthy and thriving relationship with another female to draw inspiration from and include in their work. Two of the closest people in my life that aren't related to me by blood, are women and I have no doubt in my mind that they would never do anything to betray or hurt me. These relationships exist and if we are going to show the men in these books as loyal and supportive of one another, there should be a balance the same should be shown for the women.
All in all, Ashes was definitely a book I thoroughly enjoyed and was able to finish it in a little over 24 hours. Taisha Ryan as a few other novels in her catalogue and I definitely intend to check them out.
On a scale of 1 to will I read another book by Taisha S. Ryan. That will be a definite yes. Ashes was an entertaining book with a semi-complex storyline, characters I enjoyed and there were only very small things that I found to be problematic.
Zara is your typical black sheep of the family. She's a difficult kid, turned fast teen, turned troubled adult. Burdened with the guilt of being responsible for the death of her best friend because of one stupid decision, leads her to a path of money, sex, and drugs. Ashes begins with Zara wanting to turn her life around, stay clean, and be a better human being. The first step to her achieve those goals is to reconnect with and move in with her older sister Reyna and her fiance Rodney... The only thing is, her best friend's brother Vance, the man Zara has been in lust with since she was a teenager, the same man who hates Zara with every fiber of his being for taking his sister away from him, is also temporarily, living at Reyna and Rodney's house *dun dun dunnn*
I'm not going to lie, I'm a sucker for the hate to love trope. I love seeing a relationship blossom from one of contention and enmity to intense passion and love. What I ALSO love is reading books with a storyline that I have absolutely ZERO faith can be even remotely believable, and having the authors prove me wrong. For example, a few years back, I read a book about a black woman and a White Supremacist falling in love because I thought there was no way in hell, the author was going to make me believe that something like that could happen, even in a fictional world. Not only that, but I was also confident that the author would in NO way succeed in making me root for the two characters as a couple. I was proven wrong on BOTH fronts.
I went into Ashes with the same approach. I wanted to see how and if Taisha was going to make me believe, that a man could fall in love with a woman whose senseless stupidity, caused an accident that resulted in his young sister's death. Did Taisha succeed in making me believe? For the most part, Yes.
Though at times it seemed forced, the interactions between Zara and Vance were convincing. The conflicted emotions they both experienced as their feelings developed and their relationship progressed, was plausible. I bought it...I just wished there was more to their story than those conflicted emotions and feelings. I would have liked to read about the time they spent with one another that made those feelings of hatred that Vance initially had, dissipate. I would have liked to read about the moments they had with one another that made Zara's feelings for Vance progress from just lingering feelings of teenaged lust to love. I just wanted MORE.
Besides Zara and Vance, I enjoyed the rest of the characters and their roles in moving the story forward. I appreciate the fact that despite all that they went through Zara's sister Reyna always had her back and was there for her when she needed her. I loved the relationship between Vance and Rodney and the rest of their friends. The moments of bantering and ribbing between them was fun to read.
But this leads me to the "problematic" issues. Issues that are presented not only in this novel but other books, in movies and on television as well. I see it all the time, men and their friends are always depicted as these close-knit, ride or die, loyal units, which is fine. The problem I find is that in the same exact stories, our women are depicted as catty, manipulative, sneaky and untrustworthy. There isn't a single female relationship in this novel (besides Zara and Reyna but they don't count because they are sisters) that was not shadowed by some form of negativity.
I know that not everyone in the universe gets along and that goes for both men and woman. However, I feel like the perpetuation of the stereotype that women can never get along or be friends needs to stop. Especially when the author is a woman themselves. I find it hard to believe that these authors and movie/tv show writers don't have a single healthy and thriving relationship with another female to draw inspiration from and include in their work. Two of the closest people in my life that aren't related to me by blood, are women and I have no doubt in my mind that they would never do anything to betray or hurt me. These relationships exist and if we are going to show the men in these books as loyal and supportive of one another, there should be a balance the same should be shown for the women.
All in all, Ashes was definitely a book I thoroughly enjoyed and was able to finish it in a little over 24 hours. Taisha Ryan as a few other novels in her catalogue and I definitely intend to check them out.
March 10, 2015
Wow!!!
This book was great! First I love that it was a STANDALONE and second I love the ending. Zara went thru and lot but turned it around at the end. I would recommend this book to any one especially some one struggling with an addiction. 5 star book!!
This book was great! First I love that it was a STANDALONE and second I love the ending. Zara went thru and lot but turned it around at the end. I would recommend this book to any one especially some one struggling with an addiction. 5 star book!!
February 24, 2015
Good book
I give this a four the way Zara never give up on love or believe she deserved a second chance . I love the loyalty from for sister.
I give this a four the way Zara never give up on love or believe she deserved a second chance . I love the loyalty from for sister.
March 3, 2015
I enjoyed this read. It was great from beginning to end. I'm glad I gave it a chance!
October 22, 2016
Second chances....we all deserve them. This was a great display of how life does exactly what it wants and we are just along for the ride. Good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2016
Omg!!!!! This book was Soooo good! Plz read it! This book need a part 2
October 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s
It’s 7:24 am and I just spent the last 7 hours reading and finishing this book. I loved it. I’m too tired to write a thorough review and a girl has to go get ready for work (whew, it’s gonna be a struggle cause now I want to sleep, lol). But just know, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It dealt with a lot of heavy topics like cheating, addiction, guilt, death, suicide, physical abuse, rape, and assault. But it also dealt with positive topics like forgiveness, healing, and love. The author pulled emotions out of me and did a great job developing the characters to where I cared about what happened to them. I shed a few tears reading this book because I felt the emotions on the page. I wanted healing and happiness for the primary characters, Vance and Zara. A lot of messages were dropped in this book as well; many I needed to see to challenge my own journey of self-forgiveness and releasing hurt bestowed on me by people I loved.
I took off half a star due to a number of grammatical errors peppered throughout the book. Overall, I recommend reading this book.
It’s 7:24 am and I just spent the last 7 hours reading and finishing this book. I loved it. I’m too tired to write a thorough review and a girl has to go get ready for work (whew, it’s gonna be a struggle cause now I want to sleep, lol). But just know, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It dealt with a lot of heavy topics like cheating, addiction, guilt, death, suicide, physical abuse, rape, and assault. But it also dealt with positive topics like forgiveness, healing, and love. The author pulled emotions out of me and did a great job developing the characters to where I cared about what happened to them. I shed a few tears reading this book because I felt the emotions on the page. I wanted healing and happiness for the primary characters, Vance and Zara. A lot of messages were dropped in this book as well; many I needed to see to challenge my own journey of self-forgiveness and releasing hurt bestowed on me by people I loved.
I took off half a star due to a number of grammatical errors peppered throughout the book. Overall, I recommend reading this book.
November 27, 2017
Hurt people hurt people
Wow Zara had issue after issue. She had to live with loosing her friend for the rest of her life. She had such a heavy burden to bear. Vance was broken as well, he wanted to blame Zara for his pain instead of facing it and moving forward. How they came together was crazy, I didn't want that for Zara. She was looking for love in all the wrong places, not realizing she had to love, and forgive, herself first.
Wow Zara had issue after issue. She had to live with loosing her friend for the rest of her life. She had such a heavy burden to bear. Vance was broken as well, he wanted to blame Zara for his pain instead of facing it and moving forward. How they came together was crazy, I didn't want that for Zara. She was looking for love in all the wrong places, not realizing she had to love, and forgive, herself first.
October 28, 2017
And another one
I recently found this author and am loving her right now. I needed a different story to read. Lately all the books have the same story: drug dealers, crazy baby mamas, too perfect characters. It's nice to read a story where the characters have flaws and they overcome them.
I recently found this author and am loving her right now. I needed a different story to read. Lately all the books have the same story: drug dealers, crazy baby mamas, too perfect characters. It's nice to read a story where the characters have flaws and they overcome them.
September 8, 2020
Holding On to the Past
What happens when your past has at tight hold on you? Well Vance and Zara's has a vice around their necks! Both characters struggle with letting things go and loving themselves, while fighting an intense attraction. The sparks definitely fly, but they have to learn to love and forgive themselves before they can be together. What a journey! Great job!
What happens when your past has at tight hold on you? Well Vance and Zara's has a vice around their necks! Both characters struggle with letting things go and loving themselves, while fighting an intense attraction. The sparks definitely fly, but they have to learn to love and forgive themselves before they can be together. What a journey! Great job!
December 14, 2021
Hidden Gem
This book was suggested by a fellow bookworm and I was not disappointed! Where has this book been until now?! It was soooo good! I’m so mad that I have not read it sooner! I don’t want to give details of this delicious story away because you have to read it for yourself! I highly highly recommend this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was suggested by a fellow bookworm and I was not disappointed! Where has this book been until now?! It was soooo good! I’m so mad that I have not read it sooner! I don’t want to give details of this delicious story away because you have to read it for yourself! I highly highly recommend this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 6, 2018
Broken
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very captivating book it kept me on edge. Every families issued were brought up in this story. The love between two sister's that didn't change. Zara's story was gritty heartbreaking but a lot of people life.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very captivating book it kept me on edge. Every families issued were brought up in this story. The love between two sister's that didn't change. Zara's story was gritty heartbreaking but a lot of people life.
June 4, 2021
I’m tryna find the words lol. I liked it a lot. It wasn’t the typical love story type. I mean... you saw in the synopsis, he hated her. Well chile. Some of the things he said hurt MY feelings. But overall I definitely cried, laughed, rejoiced. I would absolutely recommend reading!
March 17, 2022
This is a book about forgiveness and love. I really enjoyed this book and the dynamics between Zara and her sister gave me all the feels. This is a love story about two broken individuals dealing with childhood traumas that neither has healed from.
October 8, 2017
Good story
Enjoyed reading about Vance and Zara. I liked their chemistry. And Rodney was a really good friend. Good storyline and I liked the message about forgiveness.
Enjoyed reading about Vance and Zara. I liked their chemistry. And Rodney was a really good friend. Good storyline and I liked the message about forgiveness.
March 28, 2025
This was A LOT
February 21, 2016
Zara's entire life changed the night her best friend Trish died in a DUI accident..that she caused. A life filled with pain, she had turned to drugs, alcohol and sex. Five years have passed and she is free from jail, but not her guilt over what happened. She finds comfort in her sister's arms and home. Only problem is, Vance, Trish's brother is staying there for a period too. What happens when the past can't rest in peace and old flames can't fizzle out? Read to find out just how the ashes burn...
This is my second book by this author and I'm quite impressed. I found the plot to be very unique yet plasuible. No punches were held in this plot; Ryan keeps the dialogue raw and in your face but still has that finesse to keep the love aspect refreshing in this book. This author has a knack for writing a storyline that gives you a lot of fire and passion with tension between the lead characters. She is dope at creating that push and pull aspect that drives enemies to become lovers. I must say it was eye opening reading some of the things said by Vance and other characters, but that's just how real it got..and was. The pain and guilt was palpable throughout this storyline. And I felt a need to protect Zara from herself even. The characters were well developed and growth was seen through the progression of the plot. Though I didn't like some actions, I loved the way Vance and Zara gravitated towards each other as if they couldn't resist. Their arguments..and love scenes scorched these pages up!
If you're looking for a refreshing story that has a pinch of urban flair and whole lot of fiery passion, then check this book out!
This is my second book by this author and I'm quite impressed. I found the plot to be very unique yet plasuible. No punches were held in this plot; Ryan keeps the dialogue raw and in your face but still has that finesse to keep the love aspect refreshing in this book. This author has a knack for writing a storyline that gives you a lot of fire and passion with tension between the lead characters. She is dope at creating that push and pull aspect that drives enemies to become lovers. I must say it was eye opening reading some of the things said by Vance and other characters, but that's just how real it got..and was. The pain and guilt was palpable throughout this storyline. And I felt a need to protect Zara from herself even. The characters were well developed and growth was seen through the progression of the plot. Though I didn't like some actions, I loved the way Vance and Zara gravitated towards each other as if they couldn't resist. Their arguments..and love scenes scorched these pages up!
If you're looking for a refreshing story that has a pinch of urban flair and whole lot of fiery passion, then check this book out!
March 7, 2015
Fabulous story, Zara was a young woman who made some very bad decisions. Her choices had consequences and she nearly lost everything because of them. Vance is the brother of her best friend who died. He has been a player most of his life but finally falls in love. His hostility towards the person who killed his sister is of the charts. Zara and Vance are enemies, or so it seems for a long time. However, when she is near her breaking point on her path to recovery, he gives her a chance.
Her sister Rey has been in her corner when it seems all others have left her. However, she nearly loses that relationship as Zara's life starts on a downward spiral because she hasn't faced her demons.
Watch how the two main characters learn a life lesson about how your Demons can cause you REAL pain...Great Read and Great life lessons
Thank you Ms. Ryan, will not be the last read for me..Keep up the great work
Her sister Rey has been in her corner when it seems all others have left her. However, she nearly loses that relationship as Zara's life starts on a downward spiral because she hasn't faced her demons.
Watch how the two main characters learn a life lesson about how your Demons can cause you REAL pain...Great Read and Great life lessons
Thank you Ms. Ryan, will not be the last read for me..Keep up the great work
January 22, 2017
This was an incredibly full, at times gritty, and interestingly written story. It was also an extremely hard story to read at times because it covered subjects and circumstances that were intense with people that were very hard to like or reconcile with. To her credit I always felt Ms. Ryan was keeping her characters honest and the tone and themes of the story realistic. The theme of forgiving others as well as oneself was well and formidably presented throughout the book. So too, was the idea that consequences can be harsh and irrevocable when you aren't honest or you've lost any semblance of mature perspective. As an enemies to lovers story Ms. Ryan succeeded masterfully in building the tension and pull between Zara and Vance. And while the evolution of their relationship felt natural it left a lot of poignant debris in its wake to sift through. A good read.
February 16, 2016
This book was recommended to me. I have to say I thought it was okay. Zara was a wild girl back in the day. She has done a lot of things in her past. She has been through the fire and is now trying to get her life back together. She is the reason her best friend Trish is dead. She has to live with that everyday of her life. Now fast forward to the present and she has reconnected with her sister. There she comes face to face with here past.
I think the book was okay. Overall, I would give it 3.5 stars. There were minor editing issue with the book. I would read something else by Taisha Ryan. Pretty good book.
I think the book was okay. Overall, I would give it 3.5 stars. There were minor editing issue with the book. I would read something else by Taisha Ryan. Pretty good book.
March 17, 2015
Loved this story
Never say a person can't turn their life around. Zara was my girl from the start. I admired her strength to change despite the obstacles she had faced. Vincent was getting on my nerves,although I could understand where he was coming from. This is a story about tragedy,forgiveness, deceit, and love. I loved this storyline from the beginning to the end.
Never say a person can't turn their life around. Zara was my girl from the start. I admired her strength to change despite the obstacles she had faced. Vincent was getting on my nerves,although I could understand where he was coming from. This is a story about tragedy,forgiveness, deceit, and love. I loved this storyline from the beginning to the end.
August 23, 2015
Now that was a good book!!!
I love this story! To have so much hate for a person has to be horrible and tiring....I'm happy that Vance was able to forgive Zara, I really fell bad about Laurie and their baby. I love Reyna and Rodney and how they always was there for Zara and Vance and at the end they happy together. If anyone is look for a great read this is it!
I love this story! To have so much hate for a person has to be horrible and tiring....I'm happy that Vance was able to forgive Zara, I really fell bad about Laurie and their baby. I love Reyna and Rodney and how they always was there for Zara and Vance and at the end they happy together. If anyone is look for a great read this is it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews