Ashes Before the Storm: A Why Choose Paranormal Romance Prequel Novella

Ashwing Ascension Adventures #0

by Candice Bundy, Piper Fox

I'm Adara Ashwing, and being the Elemental Phoenix means my life revolves around cleaning up magical catastrophes before they shred reality apart. Usually, immortals manage their messes without dragging me in—but not the Crimson Veil Coven. These reckless vampire nobles have torn open a rift that's devouring magic itself, threatening all immortals—and maybe more.

Entering their twisted gothic fortress, I'm prepared for hostility, danger, and dark magics. What I didn't expect was Lord Evander Nightshade—infuriatingly handsome, dangerously mysterious, and too skilled at drawing out feelings I shouldn’t entertain. Phoenixes and vampires aren't supposed to mix, especially not with corruption bleeding through the walls and immortals losing their powers left and right.

But with each step deeper into this supernatural nightmare, it's clear Evander and I might be our only hope. Can I trust him enough to battle by my side, or is he just another distraction destined to burn me? One wrong move could ignite more than my heart—it could incinerate everything we’re fighting to protect.

Join me in this fiery tale of forbidden passion, dangerous conspiracies, and supernatural peril—where love might just burn brighter than the apocalypse itself.

***

This fiery prequel kicks off a sizzling "why choose" reverse harem series featuring a fiercely protective wolf shifter, a steadfast bear shifter healer, a passionate dragon shifter warrior, an enigmatic fae trickster, a powerful human mage, and a seductive vampire noble—each alpha hero as irresistible as the next. But here's the they're fierce rivals who'll have to set aside centuries of animosity and unite with me, the phoenix destined to save all realms, before magic itself is torn apart. Prepare yourself for scorching romance, dangerous alliances, and epic battles that will ignite your imagination and your heart!

Genres: Shapeshifters

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

About the author

After lifetimes spent spinning data webs in information technology and crafting alchemy in a winery, Candice now pens tales filled with murder, magic, and romance in the paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction genres. She likes to throw fierce, clever heroines off cliffs and into the arms of heroes who stand at the ready to catch them.

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Email: candice@candicebundy.com

Reviews

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I could not put this down. Vampire and a Phoenix in humans form. I need to read more of this series! If you haven't read this one you definitely should.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime lover of paranormal romance—especially the kind that blends heart-pounding action with a “why choose” dynamic and elemental magic—Ashes Before the Storm hit all the right notes for me. This prequel novella is a quick, fiery intro to a world I already know I’m going to be obsessed with, and Adara Ashwing? She’s the chaotic queen I didn’t know I needed.

Adara is the Elemental Phoenix, which already sounds epic, but what truly drew me in was her voice—strong, snarky, and powerful, yet still layered with the weight of responsibility that comes from constantly being the one who saves the world (or at least keeps it from unraveling). Her job? Cleaning up magical catastrophes before they blow reality apart. Her latest problem? A magical disaster involving the mysterious and very dangerous Crimson Veil Coven… and a certain brooding, compelling immortal named Evander.

Let’s talk about the chemistry between Adara and Evander—whew. Their connection practically scorches off the page. It’s steamy, intense, and brimming with that electric tension that paranormal romance does so well. But it’s not just about the spice (though there’s plenty to enjoy there). The novella lays intriguing groundwork for deeper emotional entanglements and a wider cast I can't wait to meet in the full series.

The mystery surrounding the coven and the storm brewing in the magical realm is compelling, and the writing flows effortlessly, balancing heat and heart with fast-paced plot. Candice Bundy and Piper Fox clearly have something explosive planned, and this novella teases just enough danger, passion, and mythic world-building to leave me begging for more.

🔥 "Why choose" romance (yes, the kind where no one has to choose)
🔮 Elemental magic and immortal politics
💋 Steamy tension with a side of danger
🌪️ High-stakes magical messes and badass women who fix them
📚 A prequel that actually matters to the main story

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Candace Bundy introduces Adara and the first of her harem, her vampire, Evander. They’re facing a catastrophic crisis in the Vampire Coven of the Crimson Veil and Evander’s sister’s life is slipping away. Together, Evander and Adara, work to find a solution to save them all, hit obstacles that might be man made, and find unexpected feelings for each other are harder to resist than they thought. Mind that Cliff!

‘Ashes Before the Storm’ is a solid foundation to ‘The Ashwing Ascension Adventures’ series. I enjoyed it and look forward to book 2, ‘Ashes of Destiny and Desire’.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Evander
FMC:
✨Adara
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Bittersweet, to be continued
Series:
✨ prequel to The Ashwing Ascension Adventures
Tropes:
👉fantasy romance
👉monster romance
👉vampire x phoenix
Triggers:
💥18+
💥Sex
💥violence
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please! Adara and Evander were so explosive in this novella. An absolutely amazing beginning to what I can see us going to be an amazing series. A vampire and phoenix. I’m stoked. I’m obsessed, I’m invested. I can’t wait tot read what comes next.

[Selma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Luckily this is the prequel

[ajscenic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good intro into the why choose series with Adara and Evander.
It showcases this world, the politics and her role, which means that the later books can go straight into the story, the nitty gritty, the good stuff.
This is a good read, but it does end on a cliffhanger!

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mystery Beckons

This prequel sets up a story that is bound to explode with suspense, we excitement and heat. Adara and Evander have such intense chemistry that it was hot and steamy throughout this read. However, the added mystery was very compelling, and I can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I’ll admit I’ve gone off vampire romantasy books but this one was interesting and it was so addictive. It literally pulled you in from page one and it didn’t let go. I only wish you got to know a bit more about the council and that side of it but I’m guessing that might be in book one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. The two main characters have good charisma. Lots of mystery with secrecy and HEAT.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katarina Väisänen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adara, the Elemental Phoenix, having to team up with a dangerous vampire, Lord Evander Nightshade, to stop a magic-devouring apocalypse? Yes, please! Their forbidden chemistry was already sizzling, and the gothic fortress setting was so atmospheric. I loved the tension of the world ending and the sparks flying between them. Knowing this is just the start of a why choose RH with all those other amazing shifters and mages coming? I'm so hyped! It's a super strong 4-star read that sets up an incredible world and dynamic perfectly. That cliffhanger has me desperate for book one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What would happen if chaos wore heels and could incinerate a room with a wink?”, then allow me to introduce you to Adara Ashwing, the Elemental Phoenix you didn’t know you were waiting for—and trust me, she’s not here to play nice.

From the very first sentence, Ashes Before the Storm had me cackling with delight and furiously flipping pages like my Kindle owed me money. This isn’t just a prequel novella; it’s a fiery, glitter-bombed cannonball into a world teeming with magic, mayhem, and that delectable paranormal tension we hopeless romantics live for.

Adara is chaos personified—with sass sharper than her spells and a penchant for cleaning up magical disasters before reality spontaneously combusts. She’s the savior of realms, the reluctant heroine with a biting wit, and possibly the most hilariously unbothered phoenix to ever grace the page. I want to be her. Or maybe just buy her a drink and watch the world burn.

And let's talk about Lord Evander Nightshade. Yes, that’s his real name, and yes, it’s just as broody and delicious as it sounds. A dangerously seductive vampire with secrets as layered as his cheekbones, he crashes into Adara’s life (and heart?) in the middle of a magical catastrophe—and the chemistry between them? Let’s just say my eyebrows are still singed.

But while there’s a smolder (oh, there is definitely smolder), this novella isn’t all about the spice. There’s an intriguing whiff of vampire politics, a tantalizing mystery around the Crimson Veil Coven, and just enough world-building to make me suspicious that Bundy and Fox are plotting something delightfully wicked in the full series.

In short: Ashes Before the Storm is fast, furious, and fantastically fun. If you like your paranormal romance served with elemental fire, sizzling banter, magical intrigue, and a heroine who could out-snark a room full of immortals, then pull up a chair and prepare to be obsessed.

I’m officially on Team Adara. And if Evander wants to brood somewhere nearby, well… I won’t stop him.

[Angie Reads A Lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable start to the series, but there were a couple of inconsistencies that bothered me. First, we talk about how Adara doesn’t remember much about her past lives. Then we suddenly spend a whole night having a sexy slumber party sharing memories of those lives. Also Evander is a born vampire but his “mortal life” and vestiges of it are talked about a couple times. The authors could have been making a point about his mortality/humanity rather than a mortal life lived, but it doesn’t come off that way. The final thing that grated on me was the repetitious description of Evander’s scent: old parchment and winter nights. We get it—he’s a walking Bath and Body Works limited edition candle. Sheesh.
The other thing I’m a bit nervous about is that while reading the blurb for the next book in the series, there is NO MENTION of Evander, but plenty of mention of FIVE other potential love interests? Maybe Evander is meant to be end-game but not to see him even mentioned in the next book blurb was jarring. It makes me worry for what happened to him at the end of this prequel. 😫

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a self contained prequel introducing Evander and Adara; this story will become a why choose but is M/F for this book. I found the pacing towards the start a little slow but once the plot picked up it was easy to get swept up in. The focus is on the vampire coven and I'm interested to find out more about the other supernaturals in this universe. I loved the back and forth between Evander and Adara; their book chapter banter was the best part hands down.

I'm interested to see how Evander develops in the next book as the ending was not what I was expecting!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read.

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. It was a quick read because the prose flowed smoothly and the setup gave you just enough detail to be enlightening but not leave you confused. I am very interested in reading the first book in the series because of this. I have questions about what will happen next and that is always a good sign when reading! My only point of criticism comes from a part that I will have to spoil, so if you like surprise then stop reading now. I definitely recommend the book for anyone who loves fantasy romance.

The only part of the writing that threatened to pull me out of immersion is the constant use of describing "a jolt" or "a shock" when the two main characters came into contact. It is a very common situation in fated mates stories, but it was used just a tad too much. There might have been other ways to describe what happened when they felt close or brushed each other's hands or shoulders.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adara Ashwing Elemental Phoenix has lived many lifetimes and has risen after each fiery death with little to no memories of those previous lives. Lord Evander Nightshade a vampire of the Crimson Veil Coven is immediately attracted to Adara, but his attraction must take a backseat to their investigation on how to close a magical portal that is rapidly expanding and consuming all other magic.
Oh, my goodness, I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. I loved it and recommend it to other readers. Magic and mayhem with greedy and power-hungry vampires as well as fast-paced and riveting dialog, plenty of twists to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and some steamy romance. This book has all of that plus an introduction to a fascinating and unique new world to explore.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can they close the rift in time?

When Phoenix Adara Ashwing is summoned to the Crimson Veil Coven of vampires, she has no idea what to expect. When she sees all the stolen artifacts the vampires have collected from other supernatural beings, she knows whatever it is will be bad. Really, really bad. Sadly, she isn’t wrong. Turns out there’s a magical rift and that rift is growing bigger and stronger. When the Council asks for her help, Adara agrees and has Lord Evander Nightshade to assist her. No surprise, that there is an attraction between them. Fire and Ice, who would have thought? This story is very well written and there is a lot of suspense in the plot as well. The world-building is spot on as well. This is definitely an interesting story and kept my interest throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great descriptive read that pulls you into the story. Adara is a strong heroine who uses humor as deflection. Evander is a dark and broody hero. The two team up to save Evander's vampire coven but there's more going on than meets the eye. It's really a story of two people who are from different worlds coming together to fight. Adara is a strong character who holds her own and doesn't need rescuing. Her humor adds to the story, although at times it became annoying. She's kind of like that one friend that never seems to let up on sarcastic comments. I enjoyed watching her get closer to Evander as they raced for a solution. The book ends with a cliffhanger and I'm eager to find out what happens next.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to The Ashwing Ascension Adventures series.

'This fiery prequel with a cliffhanger kicks off a sizzling "why choose" reverse harem series featuring a fiercely protective wolf shifter, a steadfast bear shifter healer, a passionate dragon shifter warrior, an enigmatic fae trickster, a powerful human mage, and a seductive vampire noble—each alpha hero as irresistible as the next.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and quick read. The prequel sets you up with some basic facts and knowledge going into the next book. Gives a bit of would be hidden context if you will…just a tiny teaser to get you going. This prequel gives you the much needed early insight on the players behind the scene and the severity of the calamity going into the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Candice Bundy & Piper Fox have created pure magic! I was lost in the pages from the start! Loved the tension, secrets, the powerful characters, and the adventurous storyline! Just perfect! I can’t wait for more! Highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really draws you in. It is the prequel to the story so you are left with a cliffhanger and the very beginnings of conflict. The growing relationship between Adara and Evander had you rooting for them. I am intrigued to see where the story goes. I am looking forward to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Migla M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the introduction to the fmc and the mmc. The mystery behind the crisis that overtook the vampire realm, the secrets stacked with dark layer after layer, the delicious, seductive, sassy banter and thick tension between Adara and Evander is so good and on point.

[Arabella Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book before the book 1, it gives you an idea of what is going on and introduces you to the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a wonderful prequel and sets us up for one epic adventure in this world and I can not wait to see more!

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this prequel so much. Evander was just an absolute amazing character. One of my faves. Great Series

[Jessi L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Short Prequel Novella to the Ashwing Ascension Adventures.

I found myself caught up in the story. The characters are well written, and I feel like this book sets up the world well for what will be encountered in books 1 and 2. The chemistry between the mains is intense and palpable. The story is chaotic (in a good way) and very entertaining to experience. Ashes Before the Storm that perfectly sets the reader up for the first novel in the series.

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adara the Snarky Phoenix

Maybe it's because I don't usually read paranormal romance, but I've honestly never considered the possibility of a fantastical race based on the phoenix. It seems really unique, and a great premise for a why-choose romance. I've actually never read a why-choose or reverse-harem novel before, but I imagine that living so many previous lives and carrying over some of those feelings into a next life could create many opportunities for diverse love interests.

This prequel tells the story of just one such romance, though I imagine more will come in the official first book. It's a great introduction to the world Adara lives in and the many other mystical races I look forward to learning about in the series proper.

The novella is written in first-person with Adara narrating all except one chapter. Adara's snarky personality comes through both in her dialogue and her internal monologue. I could see someone growing tired of her frequent sarcastic remarks, but I also think much of it is a coping mechanism. Living so many lifetimes, seeing so much death and destruction, watching civilizations make the same mistakes and sacrificing herself so often to rectify them, I imagine the weight of all that could easily crush a weaker character. Adara's tendency to add sardonic humor to every situation is much more understandable when considering how strong-willed she has to be to withstand that pressure.

One thing I will say is that certain aspects of the novella can seem a bit repetitive, but not in a way that makes it hard to read through. There is also consistent tension between Adara and Evander that does make it satisfying when it finally comes to a head. There is spice in that head (hehe) so be aware that it is not closed-door.

Like I said, I'm not usually a paranormal romance girl, but I'm so intrigued by the world concept and really want to see more of Adara's past and future lives, as well as the other races and their history. I look forward to reading Ashes of Destiny and Desire soon to see how much of that worldbuilding itch is scratched.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.