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Nothing Left But Ashes: Book One
The identical twin sisters, Cadence and Cassandra Wrye, have devoted their lives to serving as the midwives and holistic healers in Grover while hiding their true identities as witches. With rumors that the hunts have begun again, fear and suspicion are sown, turning neighbor against neighbor in pursuit of the wicked magic. When Cadence has a disturbing vision one night, it makes her question the sisters’ future in their village.
Fleeing his own troubled past, Dr. Nathaniel Axton drifts from town to town before settling in Grover, afraid to connect with those around him. But no matter how much he tries to distance himself, the quiet doctor keeps crossing paths with Cadence, a fierce healer in her own right. Cadence keeps a wide berth of the new doctor, shocking them both when she arrives at his door one morning, her own life in peril. While he nurses her back to health, the two develop a friendship that pulls him into a world he didn’t know existed.
The relationship between Cadence and Nathaniel doesn’t go unnoticed by the villagers, and as they grow closer, the suspicions of those they once called friends and neighbors begin to rise. When tragedy strikes, it might just be the first domino to fall in fulfillment of Cadence’s doomed vision, threatening everything she’s ever known and loved.
Will Cadence be able to protect everyone without losing herself?
Fleeing his own troubled past, Dr. Nathaniel Axton drifts from town to town before settling in Grover, afraid to connect with those around him. But no matter how much he tries to distance himself, the quiet doctor keeps crossing paths with Cadence, a fierce healer in her own right. Cadence keeps a wide berth of the new doctor, shocking them both when she arrives at his door one morning, her own life in peril. While he nurses her back to health, the two develop a friendship that pulls him into a world he didn’t know existed.
The relationship between Cadence and Nathaniel doesn’t go unnoticed by the villagers, and as they grow closer, the suspicions of those they once called friends and neighbors begin to rise. When tragedy strikes, it might just be the first domino to fall in fulfillment of Cadence’s doomed vision, threatening everything she’s ever known and loved.
Will Cadence be able to protect everyone without losing herself?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 28, 2023
Wow. This book.
The book starts right off with an ominous vision of the future. It leaves our FMC Cadence and her twin sister Cassandra on edge. What could it mean?!
As the sisters try to figure out who is in the vision and what could cause it, we, as readers, get to learn and see how the two operate. Cadence is all ferocity. As a witch, her main power is physical healing. She can help give the body strength to fight off an illness. She can sense the injuries in herself to help identify what the problem could be. Cassandra is the other side of her coin, Cadence’s balance. A calming presence, Cassandra’s power works to heal the mind. She helps those who have lost and are having a difficult time.
As the sisters move through their village, helping those as they are able, we find out MMC, Dr. Nathaniel Axton. He is the medical doctor of the town and constantly struggles to balance his absolute adoration for Cadence and the respect the villagers have for her and his ability to say just the right thing to set her off. Watching these two learn to work together and learn about each other, was a roller-coaster, but they mostly sorted it out. Cadence is set in her independence and Dr. Axton just wants her to let him help.
The book did feel a bit slow moving in the first third to half, but I always felt engaged in the story. Perdue does a great job of hooking the readers in at the start and letting Cadence’s vision hang over us, always nervous if it could be around the next corner.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and heartwarming, but also absolutely gut-wrenching.
Please read the content/trigger warning before jumping into this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
The book starts right off with an ominous vision of the future. It leaves our FMC Cadence and her twin sister Cassandra on edge. What could it mean?!
As the sisters try to figure out who is in the vision and what could cause it, we, as readers, get to learn and see how the two operate. Cadence is all ferocity. As a witch, her main power is physical healing. She can help give the body strength to fight off an illness. She can sense the injuries in herself to help identify what the problem could be. Cassandra is the other side of her coin, Cadence’s balance. A calming presence, Cassandra’s power works to heal the mind. She helps those who have lost and are having a difficult time.
As the sisters move through their village, helping those as they are able, we find out MMC, Dr. Nathaniel Axton. He is the medical doctor of the town and constantly struggles to balance his absolute adoration for Cadence and the respect the villagers have for her and his ability to say just the right thing to set her off. Watching these two learn to work together and learn about each other, was a roller-coaster, but they mostly sorted it out. Cadence is set in her independence and Dr. Axton just wants her to let him help.
The book did feel a bit slow moving in the first third to half, but I always felt engaged in the story. Perdue does a great job of hooking the readers in at the start and letting Cadence’s vision hang over us, always nervous if it could be around the next corner.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and heartwarming, but also absolutely gut-wrenching.
Please read the content/trigger warning before jumping into this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
March 29, 2023
Book review- nothing left but ashes
💌 ARC Review 💌
I loved every moment of this read, an easy 5 star read and a great debut novel. I was curious, I was upset, I laughed... I felt all emotions throughout reading. If you love magic, witches, hurt, betrayal, fierce fmc's and puppy mmc's then I definitely recommend this book.
My trope lists tend to be very detailed so it could contain spoilers!
Nothing Left But Ashes is/has,
✨NA fantasy romance
✨if I get hurt, you get hurt fmc
✨strong, puppy-like but also touch her and d!e mmc
✨Witches, healers, visions
✨Twins
✨more plot less smut
✨🌶🌶/5
✨Enemies to lovers
✨found family
✨miscommunication trope
✨First person
✨dual pov
✨Slowburn
✨Sarcasm and jealousy
✨hurt, betrayal
✨drunk confessions
✨Lgbtq+ representation
✨Different triggers (always check trigger warnings before reading a book)
🔴!SPOILERS AHEAD!🔴
There were some things that could be improved, such as;
- the girls powers and the way magic works could've been explained more
- the story about Nathanial's last lover could've been more detailed as to how he got over it, it looked like he got over his lover quite easily which doesn't suit his character
- the hate that Alice's dad has over 'witches'. why does he hate them? is there a backstory?
- why and how Caleb died?
💌 ARC Review 💌
I loved every moment of this read, an easy 5 star read and a great debut novel. I was curious, I was upset, I laughed... I felt all emotions throughout reading. If you love magic, witches, hurt, betrayal, fierce fmc's and puppy mmc's then I definitely recommend this book.
My trope lists tend to be very detailed so it could contain spoilers!
Nothing Left But Ashes is/has,
✨NA fantasy romance
✨if I get hurt, you get hurt fmc
✨strong, puppy-like but also touch her and d!e mmc
✨Witches, healers, visions
✨Twins
✨more plot less smut
✨🌶🌶/5
✨Enemies to lovers
✨found family
✨miscommunication trope
✨First person
✨dual pov
✨Slowburn
✨Sarcasm and jealousy
✨hurt, betrayal
✨drunk confessions
✨Lgbtq+ representation
✨Different triggers (always check trigger warnings before reading a book)
🔴!SPOILERS AHEAD!🔴
There were some things that could be improved, such as;
- the girls powers and the way magic works could've been explained more
- the story about Nathanial's last lover could've been more detailed as to how he got over it, it looked like he got over his lover quite easily which doesn't suit his character
- the hate that Alice's dad has over 'witches'. why does he hate them? is there a backstory?
- why and how Caleb died?
March 28, 2023
Nothing Left But Ashes is a great debut novel!
Starting out with an ominous vision, we meet twins Cassandra and Cadence in the quaint town of Dover. Most of the world believes witches were cleansed from the Earth, but the twins know they’re hidden both among villages and in hidden covens. When a new doctor comes to town, triggering the events from the vision, the sisters do what they can to help stop it from happening.
Cadence, is a brilliant healer, but beyond frustrating. Every chance she gets, she picks the same argument with Dr. Axton and it does get repetitive. While it demonstrated that she has difficulty differentiating between someone demonstrating their love and support and someone trying to limit her independence, there’s no evidence she had a history of this happening in the past, so it starts to feel frustrating as even her former lover said Cadence could take care of herself. Whereas Nathaniel had a history of his love being ripped away from him and defamed, and so it made sense he wanted to love and support and protect her. He is unwavering in his love for her, and does his best to show it, even asking multiple times how he can be there for her.
Now the intimacy was on point. There was the perfect amount of tension and any spice (there is definitely some) was very well written. I’d take a date with Dr. Axton any day.
Cadence and Cassandra’s relationship was lovely. Cadence being temperamental and highly protective, Cassandra being warm and balancing her out. You could feel the true love between the sisters. And I absolutely adored Cassandra’s slight meddlesome streak 😏😏
The real star of the show was Tabitha - iykyk
Overall, I recommend reading Nothing Left But Ashes, especially if you like witches, tension, and a fierce FMC
Starting out with an ominous vision, we meet twins Cassandra and Cadence in the quaint town of Dover. Most of the world believes witches were cleansed from the Earth, but the twins know they’re hidden both among villages and in hidden covens. When a new doctor comes to town, triggering the events from the vision, the sisters do what they can to help stop it from happening.
Cadence, is a brilliant healer, but beyond frustrating. Every chance she gets, she picks the same argument with Dr. Axton and it does get repetitive. While it demonstrated that she has difficulty differentiating between someone demonstrating their love and support and someone trying to limit her independence, there’s no evidence she had a history of this happening in the past, so it starts to feel frustrating as even her former lover said Cadence could take care of herself. Whereas Nathaniel had a history of his love being ripped away from him and defamed, and so it made sense he wanted to love and support and protect her. He is unwavering in his love for her, and does his best to show it, even asking multiple times how he can be there for her.
Now the intimacy was on point. There was the perfect amount of tension and any spice (there is definitely some) was very well written. I’d take a date with Dr. Axton any day.
Cadence and Cassandra’s relationship was lovely. Cadence being temperamental and highly protective, Cassandra being warm and balancing her out. You could feel the true love between the sisters. And I absolutely adored Cassandra’s slight meddlesome streak 😏😏
The real star of the show was Tabitha - iykyk
Overall, I recommend reading Nothing Left But Ashes, especially if you like witches, tension, and a fierce FMC
March 20, 2023
What a ride!!! Initial rating: 4.25⭐
Full review to come soon 🔥🔥
Full review to come soon 🔥🔥
March 28, 2023
This book opens with the FMC having a vision of fire, with a mysterious doctor who, in truth, she's seen in her town but doesn't really know personally
With the secret of being a witch and the fear of witch hunts still present, Cadence and her twin Cassandra pass as healers in their community and try to use their power for good, but with her vision looming in the distance Cadence tries to stay clear of Nathanial (the hot, cinnamon roll, doctor), who is by the way... totally smitten by Cadence
With a temper that can rival any volcano in explosiveness, Cadence constantly misinterprets Nathanial's (poorly chosen) words to her and even when miscommunication can be infuriating... in here I just felt this want to laugh because
1. Nathanial didn't mean to he's just very bad at talking to her....
2. Cadence is quick to assume the worse and has a bad temper to support that 🤣🖤
Then... the pieces for her vision start to align and a VERY BIG AND SCARY TWIST shows up... I was crushed after that and I sped ready the remaining % of the book because I was afraid of being to scared to continue if I didn't do it in that moment...🥲💔
I was crushed by this book but I can't wait to see what happens next, be prepared but also give this book a chance is so well written and it has several characters who deserve their own review for their amazing contributions to the story ❤️ truly a work of art 💓
With the secret of being a witch and the fear of witch hunts still present, Cadence and her twin Cassandra pass as healers in their community and try to use their power for good, but with her vision looming in the distance Cadence tries to stay clear of Nathanial (the hot, cinnamon roll, doctor), who is by the way... totally smitten by Cadence
With a temper that can rival any volcano in explosiveness, Cadence constantly misinterprets Nathanial's (poorly chosen) words to her and even when miscommunication can be infuriating... in here I just felt this want to laugh because
1. Nathanial didn't mean to he's just very bad at talking to her....
2. Cadence is quick to assume the worse and has a bad temper to support that 🤣🖤
Then... the pieces for her vision start to align and a VERY BIG AND SCARY TWIST shows up... I was crushed after that and I sped ready the remaining % of the book because I was afraid of being to scared to continue if I didn't do it in that moment...🥲💔
I was crushed by this book but I can't wait to see what happens next, be prepared but also give this book a chance is so well written and it has several characters who deserve their own review for their amazing contributions to the story ❤️ truly a work of art 💓
March 27, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this debut novel by Lauren Perdue, but all thoughts and this review are my own. This book is full of witchy goodness and sisterhood, and will have you asking, “Will they? Won’t they?” (And I don’t just mean the romance between the FMC and MMC).
Cadence and Cassandra Wrye are twin sisters who have lived and helped their little town for as long as they remember. Both act as healers in different ways and seem to be loved by the women of Grover, and well-liked (or at least tolerated) by the men.
Dr. Nathanial Axton is the new doctor in town who works alongside Cadence, even if she resents him taking the place she thought she would hold as healer, simply because of his gender.
The story starts with an ominous vision and we see both Cadence and Nate’s POVs as they navigate the town’s prejudices, their feelings, and their pasts.
Cadence is a stubborn, proud, and sometimes infuriating FMC as she goes through life with grief over the loss of those she can’t help, the tension of hiding her true self, and the resentment of being treated as less than because of her sex.
Nathanial is a gentle, honest, and, non-manipulative MMC (which I found refreshing) who made me blush (right as he does) and curl my toes. Who doesn’t love a guy who’s got a heart of gold, but who will take an axe with him to handle anyone who messes with their love interest?
This book includes a dash of spice which was very well done, a cast of side characters I want to learn more about, and pulled some visceral and painful reactions from me alongside the pining and cheek flushing.
Cadence and Cassandra Wrye are twin sisters who have lived and helped their little town for as long as they remember. Both act as healers in different ways and seem to be loved by the women of Grover, and well-liked (or at least tolerated) by the men.
Dr. Nathanial Axton is the new doctor in town who works alongside Cadence, even if she resents him taking the place she thought she would hold as healer, simply because of his gender.
The story starts with an ominous vision and we see both Cadence and Nate’s POVs as they navigate the town’s prejudices, their feelings, and their pasts.
Cadence is a stubborn, proud, and sometimes infuriating FMC as she goes through life with grief over the loss of those she can’t help, the tension of hiding her true self, and the resentment of being treated as less than because of her sex.
Nathanial is a gentle, honest, and, non-manipulative MMC (which I found refreshing) who made me blush (right as he does) and curl my toes. Who doesn’t love a guy who’s got a heart of gold, but who will take an axe with him to handle anyone who messes with their love interest?
This book includes a dash of spice which was very well done, a cast of side characters I want to learn more about, and pulled some visceral and painful reactions from me alongside the pining and cheek flushing.
March 24, 2023
In Lauren Perdue’s first novel, you will find twins deeply intertwined in magic, secrets, and sisterhood.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of NLBA, and I was immediately drawn in by the relationship between Cadence and Cassandra. The two will leave you giggling and mystified on the page, and Dr. Axton, or lovely Nathanial, will have you cooing and gasping in delight.
Follow along in the twins lives as they navigate through an unclear future, and prejudice beyond their control. Cadence is a fire ball, and our main protagonist; I found myself often relating to her temper, whilst simultaneously frustrated by her stubbornness. Cassandra is the aunt that you would always go to for comfort, secret keeping, and the best gossip, and I found myself immediately enthralled by her quick wit and cheeky remarks. I love the world Perdue has set forward, the uniqueness and individuality of each character, and the amount of times I found myself highlighting something was insane. This was a thrilling read, and I can’t wait to see what else Lauren has to offer us. Some wonderful tropes include: let me take care of you, who hurt you, found family, and one smart ass of a FMC.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of NLBA, and I was immediately drawn in by the relationship between Cadence and Cassandra. The two will leave you giggling and mystified on the page, and Dr. Axton, or lovely Nathanial, will have you cooing and gasping in delight.
Follow along in the twins lives as they navigate through an unclear future, and prejudice beyond their control. Cadence is a fire ball, and our main protagonist; I found myself often relating to her temper, whilst simultaneously frustrated by her stubbornness. Cassandra is the aunt that you would always go to for comfort, secret keeping, and the best gossip, and I found myself immediately enthralled by her quick wit and cheeky remarks. I love the world Perdue has set forward, the uniqueness and individuality of each character, and the amount of times I found myself highlighting something was insane. This was a thrilling read, and I can’t wait to see what else Lauren has to offer us. Some wonderful tropes include: let me take care of you, who hurt you, found family, and one smart ass of a FMC.
April 12, 2023
Fantastic first book by Lauren
What can I say, except this book was so overwhelmingly deep and emotionally raw. I am exhausted from the highs and lows that Cadence and Nathaniel experience.
I love how strong, determined, and capable Cadence is. She loves and hates fiercely. She wants to save everyone and takes it as a personal failure if someone can't be saved. She is so hard on herself, an attribute many of us are well acquainted with. She relies so much on Cassandra and then tries to do the same with Nathaniel, but it is difficult for her to trust.
Nathaniel is trying to build a new life away from a troubled past. He is drawn to Cadence but believes she despises him, and he is also afraid he is not good enough for her. They are pushed together by fate, and sparks fly when they finally allow themselves to give and take from each other.
The spice is moderate, open door, and a slow burn before the fire.
The ending of this book may not be the end of the story. It could be, but I hope there will be more.
What can I say, except this book was so overwhelmingly deep and emotionally raw. I am exhausted from the highs and lows that Cadence and Nathaniel experience.
I love how strong, determined, and capable Cadence is. She loves and hates fiercely. She wants to save everyone and takes it as a personal failure if someone can't be saved. She is so hard on herself, an attribute many of us are well acquainted with. She relies so much on Cassandra and then tries to do the same with Nathaniel, but it is difficult for her to trust.
Nathaniel is trying to build a new life away from a troubled past. He is drawn to Cadence but believes she despises him, and he is also afraid he is not good enough for her. They are pushed together by fate, and sparks fly when they finally allow themselves to give and take from each other.
The spice is moderate, open door, and a slow burn before the fire.
The ending of this book may not be the end of the story. It could be, but I hope there will be more.
March 28, 2023
This is a fantastic debut fantasy novel.
We follow sisters, Cadence and Cassandra, as they navigate life and changing attitudes in their small town. Cadence’s world is made more complicated by the every charming Doctor Nathanial Axton.
As Cadence wrestled with her ever-changing place in the world and her abilities she must also contend with her feelings for the Doctor. Though she is stubborn, she does everything she can for those she cares about.
Nathanial takes us outside the box for many book boyfriends but trust me he is worthy of the title. Sweet and swoony as he tries to break Cadence’s outer shell and really get to know her.
This book contains adult themes including some spice. It is the first in a series and does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
We follow sisters, Cadence and Cassandra, as they navigate life and changing attitudes in their small town. Cadence’s world is made more complicated by the every charming Doctor Nathanial Axton.
As Cadence wrestled with her ever-changing place in the world and her abilities she must also contend with her feelings for the Doctor. Though she is stubborn, she does everything she can for those she cares about.
Nathanial takes us outside the box for many book boyfriends but trust me he is worthy of the title. Sweet and swoony as he tries to break Cadence’s outer shell and really get to know her.
This book contains adult themes including some spice. It is the first in a series and does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
June 5, 2023
I am emotionally devastated! It was so good! I loved so much this book had to offer! A feisty stubborn stabby FMC, that good good longing and romantic tension, I love when they want each other even if they don’t like each other! Nathaniel my man you deserve the world. This book made me happy and giddy, and stressed and crying which I love when a book does this! If I’m not crying are stressed, I am not having a good time lol! Please go read this book! I can’t even think of words to describe how much I enjoyed this book!
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April 24, 2023This one will tug at your heart strings. I’m curious to see where book 2 takes us
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! The love between sisters Cassandra & Cadence makes me wish me and my sister were closer. I also loved the MLI, Nathaniel, and especially loved how bumbly and nervous he got any time he was around Cadence. Definitely takes you back to the days when you'd be around your crush and be the absolute dorkiest you could be. So cute! I love how their love story developed as well, just, everything about this story is great! Cannot wait to see what happens next
May 10, 2023
Excuse me, this is a debut novel!? I had to sit with this book for a few days before I could write my review because it honestly left me in pieces.
The story kicks off with Cadence's terrifying vision, with no idea which sister she saw, how it got to that point, or how to prevent it. As witches, it's imperative they hide their gifts, so what would drive one of them to flaunt their powers in such a destructive way?
Cadence and Cassandra need to continue their normal lives whilst trying to prevent whatever disaster will leave them and the town ruined.
A good portion of this story is based around the relationship between Cadence and the town's doctor Nathaniel and we are so glad for this. The push and pull as it builds with forced proximity thrown in (my favourite), has our MFC fighting her own desire for our handsome and attentive doctor.
The emotion in this story builds as more people from in and outside of the village cause issues for the sister's. I struggled to put this down because it was a slow build to this pinnacle event that you could see playing out. It has sat heavy in my heart because I researched a lot about witches and witch trials when I was younger and knowing that, I was scared to see if that is what would happen.
I am so very glad this is book 1, knowing that there will be more to their story as I hope to find out more about Nathaniel and Cadence as well as their backstories in more detail than we received. Cannot wait to see where this story goes!
The story kicks off with Cadence's terrifying vision, with no idea which sister she saw, how it got to that point, or how to prevent it. As witches, it's imperative they hide their gifts, so what would drive one of them to flaunt their powers in such a destructive way?
Cadence and Cassandra need to continue their normal lives whilst trying to prevent whatever disaster will leave them and the town ruined.
A good portion of this story is based around the relationship between Cadence and the town's doctor Nathaniel and we are so glad for this. The push and pull as it builds with forced proximity thrown in (my favourite), has our MFC fighting her own desire for our handsome and attentive doctor.
The emotion in this story builds as more people from in and outside of the village cause issues for the sister's. I struggled to put this down because it was a slow build to this pinnacle event that you could see playing out. It has sat heavy in my heart because I researched a lot about witches and witch trials when I was younger and knowing that, I was scared to see if that is what would happen.
I am so very glad this is book 1, knowing that there will be more to their story as I hope to find out more about Nathaniel and Cadence as well as their backstories in more detail than we received. Cannot wait to see where this story goes!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews