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Ember Hollow Romance #2
Splintered Memories
She needs to catch a serial killer. He's hired to protect her. They weren't supposed to fall in love, but with danger lurking around every corner of their small town, you never know what to expect next...
I am determined to bring a serial killer to justice. I take my job as a true crime podcaster seriously, not only because it’s important to bring awareness to lesser known cold cases, but because I have a personal connection to the local killer who abducts and tortures young women. No one can hide in the shadows for long if enough eyes are looking for them.
When I’m shot at on the streets of my small town, the last person I expect saves me…August Ramsey. He’s the treasured son of the Ramsey clan—the Marine who gallantly came back home after being injured in the line of duty to start a security company—but I’m not convinced of his heart of gold. August makes me feel things I don’t want to acknowledge, things that make me feel dangerously out of control. I hate it.
But when my father hires August as my personal bodyguard, it makes it hard to avoid the infuriatingly handsome Marine. Trapped with a man I want nothing to do with, August falls with ease into my daily life…constantly looking out for me, protecting me. As my icy heart begins to melt, danger threatens not only my life, but the ones I love most.
Together, August and I must find the truth about who is after me before it’s too late, and everything I’ve ever cared about burns to ashes.
Splintered Memories is book two in a small town, suspenseful romance series. Each book in the Ember Hollow world stands alone, but are connected by the Ramsey brothers. Follow each brother as they heal past wounds and find their happily ever after!
**All Ember Hollow Romances have plenty of sizzling kisses and intimacy, but the spice is not explicit.
I am determined to bring a serial killer to justice. I take my job as a true crime podcaster seriously, not only because it’s important to bring awareness to lesser known cold cases, but because I have a personal connection to the local killer who abducts and tortures young women. No one can hide in the shadows for long if enough eyes are looking for them.
When I’m shot at on the streets of my small town, the last person I expect saves me…August Ramsey. He’s the treasured son of the Ramsey clan—the Marine who gallantly came back home after being injured in the line of duty to start a security company—but I’m not convinced of his heart of gold. August makes me feel things I don’t want to acknowledge, things that make me feel dangerously out of control. I hate it.
But when my father hires August as my personal bodyguard, it makes it hard to avoid the infuriatingly handsome Marine. Trapped with a man I want nothing to do with, August falls with ease into my daily life…constantly looking out for me, protecting me. As my icy heart begins to melt, danger threatens not only my life, but the ones I love most.
Together, August and I must find the truth about who is after me before it’s too late, and everything I’ve ever cared about burns to ashes.
Splintered Memories is book two in a small town, suspenseful romance series. Each book in the Ember Hollow world stands alone, but are connected by the Ramsey brothers. Follow each brother as they heal past wounds and find their happily ever after!
**All Ember Hollow Romances have plenty of sizzling kisses and intimacy, but the spice is not explicit.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2024
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September 14, 2024
This is book 2 in the Ember Hollow Series and I highly recommend you read Kindled Hearts and then Splintered Memories. Both excellent books and I know you are going to love them, I did.
Here the book starts when Delainey one of the murdered roommates in book one and her brother Jake and younger sister Emersyn Hawthorn are growing up. Their dad Tristan Hawthorn was away from home a lot either on business trips or working on his political career so the house was ran by their mother. She was harsh on the kids and would punish them for no reason. Jake got locked outside a lot and it is cold in Ohio in the winter months. Emersyn would get locked in her room with no food for days. Delainey was older so she did not get punished so often anymore but they all three had a hard childhood. This treatment made them grow up tough and to never cry because their mother liked it when she made them cry.
After Delainey and Thea were murdered I made it my mission to catch the serial killer. So here I am 9 years later and I run a true crime podcast. I feel it is important to keep the cold cases in the spotlight and find the killers and because of Delainey I have a front row seat to the pain left by the man who kidnaps, tortures and kills young women. No one can hide in the shadows for long if enough eyes are looking for them. When Delainey was killed Jake turned to drugs and became addicted, thank God that he survived and has gotten clean and has been clean for about 3 years.
I have a lot of followers on my podcast and I must be getting too close to discovering a clue as to who is the serial killer because one day I was shot at while out on the streets of our small town. That is when my dad Tristan hired August Ramsey to protect me and be my personal bodyguard.. August was Thea's older brother and when he got wounded as a Marine in the line of duty and came back a hero he started up a security company which is what his parents and brothers all work at now. August makes me feel things I do not want to feel, I do not want to have feelings for anyone or learn to love them to have them taken away. But soon my icy heart begins to melt and danger not only threatens me but the ones I love as well. Can we catch this serial killer and put him out of commission before he hurts anyone else?
I got this book from Book Sirens and will be happy to leave my review.
Here the book starts when Delainey one of the murdered roommates in book one and her brother Jake and younger sister Emersyn Hawthorn are growing up. Their dad Tristan Hawthorn was away from home a lot either on business trips or working on his political career so the house was ran by their mother. She was harsh on the kids and would punish them for no reason. Jake got locked outside a lot and it is cold in Ohio in the winter months. Emersyn would get locked in her room with no food for days. Delainey was older so she did not get punished so often anymore but they all three had a hard childhood. This treatment made them grow up tough and to never cry because their mother liked it when she made them cry.
After Delainey and Thea were murdered I made it my mission to catch the serial killer. So here I am 9 years later and I run a true crime podcast. I feel it is important to keep the cold cases in the spotlight and find the killers and because of Delainey I have a front row seat to the pain left by the man who kidnaps, tortures and kills young women. No one can hide in the shadows for long if enough eyes are looking for them. When Delainey was killed Jake turned to drugs and became addicted, thank God that he survived and has gotten clean and has been clean for about 3 years.
I have a lot of followers on my podcast and I must be getting too close to discovering a clue as to who is the serial killer because one day I was shot at while out on the streets of our small town. That is when my dad Tristan hired August Ramsey to protect me and be my personal bodyguard.. August was Thea's older brother and when he got wounded as a Marine in the line of duty and came back a hero he started up a security company which is what his parents and brothers all work at now. August makes me feel things I do not want to feel, I do not want to have feelings for anyone or learn to love them to have them taken away. But soon my icy heart begins to melt and danger not only threatens me but the ones I love as well. Can we catch this serial killer and put him out of commission before he hurts anyone else?
I got this book from Book Sirens and will be happy to leave my review.
June 7, 2024
This is book two in The Ember Hollow Romance series and it is Emersyn and August’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Emersyn is doing a job that she loves as a true crime podcaster and she has become so popular and hopes in time she will be able to get the evidence that is needed to hopefully bring The Shadow Stalker to light and then eventually find out who it is so that he can be identified and then bring him to justice for everything that he has done and all the crimes that he has committed. August is a retired marine after being injured in the line of duty so now along with his brothers they run Hearthstone Security which keeps them all busy which is what August needs especially as he suffers from PTSD so doing something that he loves and protecting the people that needs there services by keeping them safe. August likes watching Emersyn’s podcast and how passionate she is about what she does and when they literally bump into each other and someone shot multiple bullets at her it is August who protects her with his body and then gets her to safety. Even though Emersyn had not spoken to her father for years because her childhood was so difficult and he never protected her or her brother and they went through a lot at the hands of the people that was supposed to love, protect and be there for them when he suddenly showed up and decided that Emersyn needed a bodyguard she fought back telling him to leave but she had to give in because he was threatening her brother and he had only just started to sort his life out so that is how Emersyn ended up with August as her bodyguard. The twists and turns keep coming at a break neck speed along with danger, kidnapping, suspense, suffering, PTSD, panic attacks, childhood trauma, hope, forgiveness, great characters, love, moving forward and difficult situations that will have you on the edge of your seat while holding your breath and turning the pages because you are unable to put this book down and I absolutely loved Emersyn and August together even though they had many ups and downs and things were not plain sailing for them but the outcome made everything worth it in the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing and action packed series.
June 16, 2024
Splintered Memories is the second book in a stand-alone, but interconnected series based in Ember Hollow.
This book picks up where Kindled Hearts ends, with the Shadow Stalker at large and the town in confusion after a secret is revealed. Emersyn, a true-crime podcaster has been unraveling the town’s secrets and following the mysterious Shadow Stalker. But her work puts her in danger, and her estranged father hires August Ramsey as her body guard. Their close quarters reveals pasts that haunt them and ignites a fire between them-literally! But danger draws closer and August risks losing the woman he loves for good.
Abbey Easton has become one of my favorite authors. I love how she weaves her characters past into the stories-just enough to answer immediate questions, but leaving secrets to be discovered later in the book. Her characters hold the true small town connections and attitudes.
I am very curious to see the rest of the series as this book leaves you feeling like the big secret is revealed, but there's more Ramsey brothers looking for love. I wish we'd seen more of the internal conflict. They went from reluctant roommates, to caregiver and protectors of each other with the flip of a switch. I understand what triggered their switches, but it was so quick with no question on their part. I felt like their personalities would have fought the switch a little more. But I loved how caring and protective they both were of each other, I would have loved to see more of that. Those little scenes would have raised this fun and good read to amazing.
Despite the minor flaws, I still found this book well worth the time to read it! This book is great for readers who enjoy low-spice, romantic suspense with a small town twist (after all small towns can hold the biggest and darkest secrets!).
This book picks up where Kindled Hearts ends, with the Shadow Stalker at large and the town in confusion after a secret is revealed. Emersyn, a true-crime podcaster has been unraveling the town’s secrets and following the mysterious Shadow Stalker. But her work puts her in danger, and her estranged father hires August Ramsey as her body guard. Their close quarters reveals pasts that haunt them and ignites a fire between them-literally! But danger draws closer and August risks losing the woman he loves for good.
Abbey Easton has become one of my favorite authors. I love how she weaves her characters past into the stories-just enough to answer immediate questions, but leaving secrets to be discovered later in the book. Her characters hold the true small town connections and attitudes.
I am very curious to see the rest of the series as this book leaves you feeling like the big secret is revealed, but there's more Ramsey brothers looking for love. I wish we'd seen more of the internal conflict. They went from reluctant roommates, to caregiver and protectors of each other with the flip of a switch. I understand what triggered their switches, but it was so quick with no question on their part. I felt like their personalities would have fought the switch a little more. But I loved how caring and protective they both were of each other, I would have loved to see more of that. Those little scenes would have raised this fun and good read to amazing.
Despite the minor flaws, I still found this book well worth the time to read it! This book is great for readers who enjoy low-spice, romantic suspense with a small town twist (after all small towns can hold the biggest and darkest secrets!).
January 31, 2026
✅ Contemporary
✅ Romantic suspense
✅ Small town
✅ Protector/Bodyguard
✅ True crime podcaster heroine
✅ Brothers Security Company
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Page-turner
✅ Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
Splintered Memories is the second book in the Ember Hollow series. The story was immersive and engaging. The author's portrayal of a true crime podcast is authentic and captivating. Emersyn lives in a small town Ember Falls, where she hosts a popular true crime podcast. She is determined to catch the Shadow Stalker, the person responsible for killing her sister and best friend. Although Emersyn has faced trauma before, she remains committed to her passion for justice. Recently, she has been receiving threatening messages, which have escalated to becoming a target of a shooting. That's why her father hires August, a former Marine turned security specialist, to protect her. August is struggling with PTSD and panic attacks, but he agrees to take on the job despite not wanting to get involved in Emersyn's life. As they spend more time together, August begins to develop feelings for Emersyn, which complicates his work. Soon, he realizes that she's more than just his assignment. They share undeniable chemistry. As August tries to protect Emery from the threats, they begin to open up about their past traumas and vulnerabilities. This mutual understanding creates a bond between them. Emersyn and August face numerous challenges and obstacles. The twists and turns kept me engaged, making it impossible to put the book down.
✅ Romantic suspense
✅ Small town
✅ Protector/Bodyguard
✅ True crime podcaster heroine
✅ Brothers Security Company
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Page-turner
✅ Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
Splintered Memories is the second book in the Ember Hollow series. The story was immersive and engaging. The author's portrayal of a true crime podcast is authentic and captivating. Emersyn lives in a small town Ember Falls, where she hosts a popular true crime podcast. She is determined to catch the Shadow Stalker, the person responsible for killing her sister and best friend. Although Emersyn has faced trauma before, she remains committed to her passion for justice. Recently, she has been receiving threatening messages, which have escalated to becoming a target of a shooting. That's why her father hires August, a former Marine turned security specialist, to protect her. August is struggling with PTSD and panic attacks, but he agrees to take on the job despite not wanting to get involved in Emersyn's life. As they spend more time together, August begins to develop feelings for Emersyn, which complicates his work. Soon, he realizes that she's more than just his assignment. They share undeniable chemistry. As August tries to protect Emery from the threats, they begin to open up about their past traumas and vulnerabilities. This mutual understanding creates a bond between them. Emersyn and August face numerous challenges and obstacles. The twists and turns kept me engaged, making it impossible to put the book down.
June 8, 2024
Emersyn lives in a small town called Ember Falls. Emy is a true crime podcaster and she absolutely loves doing it. She has a big following. She’s doing a story of the Shadow Stalker, where she’s hoping to identify him. Emy isn’t a stranger to crime. Her sister was murdered along with her best friend. She feels like she can help solve other murders. Lately she’s been getting threatening messages. She just blows them off but when her father finds out that someone was shooting at Emy, he decides to hire the best bodyguard in their town. August was a marine and now he’s opened Hearthstone Security with his brothers. August is struggling with PTSD after he was injured in the military but he loves to help others. Will he be able to protect Emy? Will their chemistry get in the way? Neither are looking for a relationship. As things start to happen, August wonders if he’s the right person to protect her. He suffers panic attacks and she struggles with childhood traumas. Maybe the two can help each other. The twists and turns had me not wanting to put the book down. The characters are wonderful and deserves to find their own love and happiness. If you love a good thriller and a little romance, this book’s for you. I couldn’t figure out who was threatening her. Was it just one person? Was it more? Read it to find out. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
July 3, 2024
Anything by Abbey Easton has earned an immediate yes from me. From the moment I read her first romantic suspense, I was completely hooked. Not just on the story, but on her writing style and her abilities to pull me in as a reader from the first sentence and refusing to let me go even after the book is over. She is an absolutely incredible author and every time I read one of her books, I completely devour it and then anxiously await the next one.
This book was no different. I fell in love with both Emersyn and August and from the moment I read about them on the page, I wanted them to have the happy ever after they deserved. Emersyn being a true crime podcaster really pulled me in too because I'm such a fan of that and Abbey made it feel so real. It left me actually wanting to listen to Emersyn's podcast. Add in August being a security specialist, and you know I was a total goner for this book and this couple.
The danger and suspense had me on the edge of my seat in the typical fashion that Abbey always seems to have me in with her books. I couldn't put it down and feel that anyone else who reads it will have the same feeling. So make sure you set aside some time for this one. You won't be sorry you did until it's over and you're left waiting for the next one like the rest of us. And you know that I'm going to recommend you read this book and all of the others by Abbey Easton!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was no different. I fell in love with both Emersyn and August and from the moment I read about them on the page, I wanted them to have the happy ever after they deserved. Emersyn being a true crime podcaster really pulled me in too because I'm such a fan of that and Abbey made it feel so real. It left me actually wanting to listen to Emersyn's podcast. Add in August being a security specialist, and you know I was a total goner for this book and this couple.
The danger and suspense had me on the edge of my seat in the typical fashion that Abbey always seems to have me in with her books. I couldn't put it down and feel that anyone else who reads it will have the same feeling. So make sure you set aside some time for this one. You won't be sorry you did until it's over and you're left waiting for the next one like the rest of us. And you know that I'm going to recommend you read this book and all of the others by Abbey Easton!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2024
This is an exciting and suspenseful romance written by a new (to me) author. Both of the 2 main characters have had difficult pasts that collide when they must (reluctantly at first) work together. Emersyn is a true crime podcaster focusing on cold cases in her town. She's determined to expose unsolved crimes, especially those committed by a serial killer. August is a Marine who returned home after being injured in the line of duty to start a security company. After there's been several attempts on Emersyn's life, her estranged father hires August as her bodyguard. Emersyn is against having a personal bodyguard but changes her mind when her home is set on fire. Emersyn and August share a common tragedy: Their sisters were both murdered by a serial killer known as the "Shadow Stalker". And, between PTSD and a traumatic childhood, they both are broken people struggling to survive. There's plenty of suspense, danger, and twists and turns that kept me up reading late into the night.
Will Emersyn and August survive long enough to catch the Shadow Stalker? Will their icy hearts melt as they come to depend on each other? I enjoyed the close-knit Ramsey family that helps to bring healing to Emersyn's heart, but I was put off by the cursing and idea of casual sex. Otherwise, I found "Splintered Memories" to be an exciting page turner. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Will Emersyn and August survive long enough to catch the Shadow Stalker? Will their icy hearts melt as they come to depend on each other? I enjoyed the close-knit Ramsey family that helps to bring healing to Emersyn's heart, but I was put off by the cursing and idea of casual sex. Otherwise, I found "Splintered Memories" to be an exciting page turner. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
June 19, 2024
Tropes:
Suspense Romance
Mystery Romance
Small Town
Forces Proximity
HEA
Book 2 in the Ember Hollow Series, can be read as a standalone. But to get background, reading the book 1 is recommended
Triggers:
Violence
Dearth
Child abuse/neglect
PTSD
Serial Killer
She's determined to catch a serial killer. He's hired to protect her.
This book picks up where Kindled Hearts ends, with the Shadow Stalker still in the loose.
Emersyn is a true-crime podcaster, who has been trying to find out who the Shadow Killer is.
August is a retired marine with PTSD, who runs Hearthstone Security, and is one of the Ramsey brothers.
When Emersyn’s research and work put her in danger, August is hired to be her bodyguard. Working so closely together ignites a spark between them and reveals painful memories of the past, that haunt them both.
The suspense and the intensity of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns of the story, with the push and pull of the main characters, made this. Wonderful read. I could not stop reading until the very end. A wonderful read.
Great job in book 2 Abbey. It was great being back in Ember Hollow and revisiting old friends. Looking forward to reading about the other Ramsey brothers.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Suspense Romance
Mystery Romance
Small Town
Forces Proximity
HEA
Book 2 in the Ember Hollow Series, can be read as a standalone. But to get background, reading the book 1 is recommended
Triggers:
Violence
Dearth
Child abuse/neglect
PTSD
Serial Killer
She's determined to catch a serial killer. He's hired to protect her.
This book picks up where Kindled Hearts ends, with the Shadow Stalker still in the loose.
Emersyn is a true-crime podcaster, who has been trying to find out who the Shadow Killer is.
August is a retired marine with PTSD, who runs Hearthstone Security, and is one of the Ramsey brothers.
When Emersyn’s research and work put her in danger, August is hired to be her bodyguard. Working so closely together ignites a spark between them and reveals painful memories of the past, that haunt them both.
The suspense and the intensity of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns of the story, with the push and pull of the main characters, made this. Wonderful read. I could not stop reading until the very end. A wonderful read.
Great job in book 2 Abbey. It was great being back in Ember Hollow and revisiting old friends. Looking forward to reading about the other Ramsey brothers.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2024
Emersyn is a true crime podcaster trying to catch a serial killer who has continually avoided capture from law enforcement. To say she is obsessed is putting it mildly. Someone has taken a shot at her, so her father intervenes by hiring a bodyguard for her. She has not had a good relationship with her father in quite some time, so needless to say she is not happy about his little arrangement.
August Ramsey is the one hired to protect Emersyn. He is not really happy about the arrangement either, but her father is adamant that she needs protection and August is the one for the job. August does not realize that he is going to have his hands full with this one. This case is made even more difficult by the fact that there is undeniable chemistry between these two.
This book is filled with scary, suspense-filled scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see when the other shoe is going to drop. This was a twisty mystery that stole my entire afternoon as I could not put it down.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August Ramsey is the one hired to protect Emersyn. He is not really happy about the arrangement either, but her father is adamant that she needs protection and August is the one for the job. August does not realize that he is going to have his hands full with this one. This case is made even more difficult by the fact that there is undeniable chemistry between these two.
This book is filled with scary, suspense-filled scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see when the other shoe is going to drop. This was a twisty mystery that stole my entire afternoon as I could not put it down.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2024
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dates Read - May 20, 2024
*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @authorabbeyeaston and @booksirens!
The prologue of Splintered Memories is the whole reason I decided to review this series! I read the excerpt on BookSirens and was hooked! I ended up liking the first book better than this one but I still liked it. I always find it frustrating when the main character makes bad decisions while their life is in danger... you KNOW something bad is going to happen! It gave me the same energy as yelling at the tv when watching a horror movie (I’m assuming because I don’t watch horror movies!) and someone decides to investigate a creepy sound on their own. This book had a similar formula to the first one but I wasn't able to guess everything, which kept me reading to the end.
Overall, 4 star series!
The first two books in the Ember Hollow Series are now published so read them today! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Dates Read - May 20, 2024
*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @authorabbeyeaston and @booksirens!
The prologue of Splintered Memories is the whole reason I decided to review this series! I read the excerpt on BookSirens and was hooked! I ended up liking the first book better than this one but I still liked it. I always find it frustrating when the main character makes bad decisions while their life is in danger... you KNOW something bad is going to happen! It gave me the same energy as yelling at the tv when watching a horror movie (I’m assuming because I don’t watch horror movies!) and someone decides to investigate a creepy sound on their own. This book had a similar formula to the first one but I wasn't able to guess everything, which kept me reading to the end.
Overall, 4 star series!
The first two books in the Ember Hollow Series are now published so read them today! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
September 23, 2025
Emersyn is the best friend of Lark, from the first book and August is Reid’s brother. Emy has the podcast about the Shadow Stalker, she starts getting threats to stop investigating or else. August is contracted by her estranged father to protect her, he isn’t sure it’s a good idea because a) he’s attracted to her b) she’s his sister in laws bestie and c) her sister was murdered with his sister. Emersyn is furious she doesn’t want a bodyguard especially if it’s paid for by her father, is a man she’s pretty sure dislikes her immensely and she has a crush on.
On top of dealing with her unwanted muscle and the threats , her father keeps appearing, her brother is nearly clean and she’s supporting him. Thank goodness for Lark and her uncle returning to the town and she loves him, he was the person who supported her and her siblings and she’s missed him.
So many questions, who is the shadow stalker? Is it him that’s threatening her and now trying to kill her? and how is she going to cope with August in her space 24/7?
On top of dealing with her unwanted muscle and the threats , her father keeps appearing, her brother is nearly clean and she’s supporting him. Thank goodness for Lark and her uncle returning to the town and she loves him, he was the person who supported her and her siblings and she’s missed him.
So many questions, who is the shadow stalker? Is it him that’s threatening her and now trying to kill her? and how is she going to cope with August in her space 24/7?
July 18, 2026
Ember Hollow: August and Emersyn
Book two picks up a few months after Lark and Reid's story and opens with a heartbreaking glimpse into everything that Emersyn endured growing up. Considering her sister was murdered a decade earlier made her determination to uncover the truth even more compelling.
The tension between her and August was one of my favourite parts. Their forced proximity worked well, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as he tried to protect her, despite her determination to keep him at arm's length.
Her relationship with her father was frustrating for most of the story. He seemed far more concerned with appearances than being the parent she needed, but I did like that he finally stepped up when it mattered most.
Like the first book, I guessed the twist fairly early, but I still enjoyed watching the investigation unfold. Another solid romantic suspense with great chemistry and a mystery that kept the series moving.
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book two picks up a few months after Lark and Reid's story and opens with a heartbreaking glimpse into everything that Emersyn endured growing up. Considering her sister was murdered a decade earlier made her determination to uncover the truth even more compelling.
The tension between her and August was one of my favourite parts. Their forced proximity worked well, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as he tried to protect her, despite her determination to keep him at arm's length.
Her relationship with her father was frustrating for most of the story. He seemed far more concerned with appearances than being the parent she needed, but I did like that he finally stepped up when it mattered most.
Like the first book, I guessed the twist fairly early, but I still enjoyed watching the investigation unfold. Another solid romantic suspense with great chemistry and a mystery that kept the series moving.
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2024
Emersyn has her own true crime podcast. She works hard on it in order to give victims a voice. Victims like her sister who was killed by the Shadow Stalker. Now someone is gunning for her and August is hired to protect her. Will he be able to protect her or will he be distracted by their growing connection?
This is the second book in the Ember Hollow series and I must say that I'm on the fence. Abbey Easton writes great characters, I was very invested in both Emersyn and August. They are both strong, well rounded characters. I enjoyed the suspense and the plot moved at a good pace. It just didn't all flow authentically for me after reading the first book in the series. I don't want to say any spoilers for either book because I do think they are worth reading, I just think I would have enjoyed this one more if I had not read the first. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This is the second book in the Ember Hollow series and I must say that I'm on the fence. Abbey Easton writes great characters, I was very invested in both Emersyn and August. They are both strong, well rounded characters. I enjoyed the suspense and the plot moved at a good pace. It just didn't all flow authentically for me after reading the first book in the series. I don't want to say any spoilers for either book because I do think they are worth reading, I just think I would have enjoyed this one more if I had not read the first. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 3, 2024
Emersyn and August's story is the second in the Ember Falls series. You can enjoy it as a standalone but you do get the background info on the Night Stalker killer and some of Emersyn's background from book 1 (Lark and Reid's story). Emersyn is ferociously devoted to solving the Night Stalker case and uses her podcast to get to the bottom of it but she must be onto something because some one is trying to kill her. August has been hired by Emersyn's father to protect her but it's hard to protect someone who doesn't want it. August and Emersyn are both a bit broken by life. Their story is a fast paced romantic suspense. You will see characters from the previous book in this one. Can't wait to read the third book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2024
When I finished this book, it felt like I'd read a novella. It was such a gripping piece that it felt like I rushed through it. Then I looked at the page count and realized it was just one of those books that grabs you, enthralls you, and makes you forget everything but the book. This is a gruesome read, no doubt about it, but there's a falling in love aspect of the book that just smoothes out the gruesome and makes it tolerable, makes it one where you want to know how the characters got on after the book ended.
Could there have been more character development? Maybe. But there was enough to justify the main characters and there was probably enough warning about the antagonist's identity as well, but I didn't catch it and I guess you won't either.
I think you'll enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Could there have been more character development? Maybe. But there was enough to justify the main characters and there was probably enough warning about the antagonist's identity as well, but I didn't catch it and I guess you won't either.
I think you'll enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 7, 2024
A compelling sequel:
This was the second book in the series and whilst it could technically be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the preceding book first as it provides some valuable background and insight. It was good to get some answers after the first book had left me wondering who the perpetrator was. I did enjoy the suspense, however I didn't find it quite as intriguing as the prior book. It seemed as if the emphasis fell more on the relational aspects, which were well done. I thought Emersyn and August made a wonderful couple and their sweet (and clean) romance felt authentic. I also really enjoyed watching these two broken individuals find healing and a future in one another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This was the second book in the series and whilst it could technically be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the preceding book first as it provides some valuable background and insight. It was good to get some answers after the first book had left me wondering who the perpetrator was. I did enjoy the suspense, however I didn't find it quite as intriguing as the prior book. It seemed as if the emphasis fell more on the relational aspects, which were well done. I thought Emersyn and August made a wonderful couple and their sweet (and clean) romance felt authentic. I also really enjoyed watching these two broken individuals find healing and a future in one another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
October 28, 2024
This is a second book in the series of Ember Hollow, a standalone, and interconnected with book one.
I really enjoyed Emersyn and August's story. Emersyn, a true crime podcaster, and August, retired Marine, helps run Heartstone Security with his brothers, and so, Emersyn finds herself with security, AND not willing!! As the story plot thickens with mystery, intriguing twists and adding in some romantic suspense this turned out to be a fantastic book!! I almost forgot the small town vibes and added bonus of great family and friends that added to their story!! So grab this series or add to your TBR list for that cozy night read!!!
I received this as a free copy for review, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed Emersyn and August's story. Emersyn, a true crime podcaster, and August, retired Marine, helps run Heartstone Security with his brothers, and so, Emersyn finds herself with security, AND not willing!! As the story plot thickens with mystery, intriguing twists and adding in some romantic suspense this turned out to be a fantastic book!! I almost forgot the small town vibes and added bonus of great family and friends that added to their story!! So grab this series or add to your TBR list for that cozy night read!!!
I received this as a free copy for review, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
June 16, 2024
August and Emersyn met at their friends wedding. August was enamoured with her, and follows her crime podcast. He runs a security business with his family. She is getting threats but is determined to carry on with her podcast. Her father who has been rubbish in the past, is trying to make amends for his treatment of his children.
August and Emersyn get closer but she has huge trust issues and although she's very interested in him she's finding it hard to change.
Then the unthinkable happens. Will August be able to do his job?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A great romantic suspense from Abbey
August and Emersyn get closer but she has huge trust issues and although she's very interested in him she's finding it hard to change.
Then the unthinkable happens. Will August be able to do his job?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A great romantic suspense from Abbey
August 27, 2024
This was a pretty good sequel to the first book. Once again, I was sucked in from page one and read the book in one sitting.
I liked Emy and August as a couple. They were both tortured by their past, and it was nice to see them work through it together.
What I didn’t quite like were the last chapters of the book. Everything felt rushed, and oversimplified after that whole buildup with the serial killer. It left me dissatisfied and, to be honest, a bit disappointed. I guess I expected there to be more.
Still, it was worth getting into that story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked Emy and August as a couple. They were both tortured by their past, and it was nice to see them work through it together.
What I didn’t quite like were the last chapters of the book. Everything felt rushed, and oversimplified after that whole buildup with the serial killer. It left me dissatisfied and, to be honest, a bit disappointed. I guess I expected there to be more.
Still, it was worth getting into that story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2025
Simply excellent romantic suspense! This was thrilling, romantic and steamy. Everything I look for in a romantic suspense read.
The characters are fantastic. Emersyn is a true crime podcaster trying to catch a serial killer and August is hired to protect her. I mean this is just my catnip in story form. I loved the heroine. I totally thought she was badass and August is a protective swoon worthy hero. I really liked them apart and together. The romance blossoms nicely and I found the chemistry to be electric.
The mystery was great and unfolded nicely. Totally kept me guessing!
Can be read as a standalone. Would recommend for fellow romantic suspense and bodyguard romance lovers.
The characters are fantastic. Emersyn is a true crime podcaster trying to catch a serial killer and August is hired to protect her. I mean this is just my catnip in story form. I loved the heroine. I totally thought she was badass and August is a protective swoon worthy hero. I really liked them apart and together. The romance blossoms nicely and I found the chemistry to be electric.
The mystery was great and unfolded nicely. Totally kept me guessing!
Can be read as a standalone. Would recommend for fellow romantic suspense and bodyguard romance lovers.
May 26, 2024
This book was amazing! The suspense until the very end. This was the second book I have read in this series and I’m glad it didn’t drag out the storyline any longer, although it was great I’m not good at waiting 😂 also totally wasn’t who I expected either!
But August & Emersyn are so cute. Both broken but both growing together. I cannot wait to read about Fox, Graham & Roman! And more family dinners!!
This was a great ARC and I would recommend this to everyone! Thank you Abbey!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But August & Emersyn are so cute. Both broken but both growing together. I cannot wait to read about Fox, Graham & Roman! And more family dinners!!
This was a great ARC and I would recommend this to everyone! Thank you Abbey!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
I love this book. It has love, trauma, and danger. August is a sexy damaged MC who is hired to protect Emersyn, the feisty, independent, wounded FMC. Emersyn gets the attention of the town's serial killer, the Shadow Stalker by keeping his crimes alive in her podcasts. August and Emersyn find love amongst the danger surrounding her. They take out the killer and find their HEA. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2024
Emersyn is completely devoted to finding out the identity of the Shadow Stalker. When she's shot at and stalked herself, her father hires August as her personal bodyguard. She was downright mean to him at times, thinking that she can protect herself. I had thought that they might have found common ground seeing as they both lost a sister to the Stalker. It's still a five-star book, as they navigate town activities with her safety as a priority. And I never saw that ending coming - the who and the how just blew me away. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2024
Splintered Memories by Abbey Easton, I found this to be a very enjoyable read. This appears to be the second book in a series, which I did not realize until after I read it. Having said that it can very well be read as a stand alone book. The book contained plenty of suspense, some danger and romance tossed into the mixture. I would certainly recommend this book to others
I received an ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 10, 2024
This is a wonderfully, well written romantic suspense book! The storyline is an interesting adventure and will have you on the edge of your seat with the suspense and danger. I love these characters! Watching their relationship unfold was exciting and swoony as August protects and looks after Emersyn. This was a great addition to this series and I love the Ramsey Brothers. I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2024
I enjoyed this suspense filled second book in the series! The pov from both main characters was written so beautifully and their story was nothing like I've enjoyed before. Easton's way of describing the characters feelings really makes you feel as though you're experiencing them too. The story flowed so well and concluded smoothly. I want to read it all over again! I received an advance copy of this book for free and my review has been left voluntarily.
December 29, 2024
This book picks up right where book one finishes and the mystery that surrounds this small cute town definitely doesn’t end. While sometimes I found myself a bit lost in the plot, I still greatly enjoyed the story as the characters were very strong in personality and there was plenty of suspense and romance to keep you flipping through its pages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 30, 2025
Full of Deep Emotion and Trauma! Great Read!
This book is full on from the get go and I loved how fast paced it was, I loved the bodyguard dynamic and I loved August so so much!
They both have been through horrendous times and their jagged edges really did fit together perfectly!!
I hated how the stubbornness just caused trouble time again and I was literally shouting and shutting the book when she did more to put herself in danger however a great storyline to read!
This book is full on from the get go and I loved how fast paced it was, I loved the bodyguard dynamic and I loved August so so much!
They both have been through horrendous times and their jagged edges really did fit together perfectly!!
I hated how the stubbornness just caused trouble time again and I was literally shouting and shutting the book when she did more to put herself in danger however a great storyline to read!
April 9, 2026
This story is fast‑paced, set in a small‑town and sharpened by romantic suspense that blends emotional tension with slow‑burn chemistry. The story is both gripping and surprisingly tender. At its core, it’s a tale about two people - Emy and August forced together by circumstances. The romance is made possible by Emy’s emotional thawing and August using his quiet strength to break through Emy’s shell. Low heat but worth the wait.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2026
I didn't like this one as much as I had hoped... I think the suspense was very well done. It twisted and turned at all the right places, but the characters were just.... bland. Emyrson was cranky at first, but that was quickly forgotten. I would've loved to see her stick with that more. And the reader didn't really get to know much about August's past until something dramatic happened. It was not bad by any means, I just felt like it could've been so much MORE.
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