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Ashes Don't Bloom
Rattlesnake Ridge isn’t a place you move to. It’s where you end up when you’ve got nowhere else to go.Delilah Kensington arrives in a busted-up '67 Impala with no plan, no prospects, and no money. She takes a job at The Junction—a bar owned by a gunrunner—and catches the eye of Diesel, an ex-Marine with a criminal record and a dangerous reputation. Their chemistry is immediate, their bond unshakeable. Delilah isn’t interested in playing it safe, and Diesel isn’t a man who needs to be tamed.
But this isn’t just their story.
Monica “Sedona” Verona used to lead convoys through war zones. Now she runs Diesel’s garage with grease on her hands and a Glock in her belt. She’s sharp, lethal, and loyal. When cartel threats begin closing in, Sedona’s past bleeds to the surface, calling sleeping instincts into action. Suddenly, her connection to Duke, another Marine-turned-outlaw, gets harder to ignore.
Told through dual POV—Delilah’s and Sedona's— Ashes Don’t Bloom is a desert noir about found family, survival, loyalty, and easy love in a hard setting. There’s crime, cartel conflict, PTSD, kink, motorcycles, guns, grief, and a whole lot of heat.
Book 1 of the Rattlesnake Ridge series
But this isn’t just their story.
Monica “Sedona” Verona used to lead convoys through war zones. Now she runs Diesel’s garage with grease on her hands and a Glock in her belt. She’s sharp, lethal, and loyal. When cartel threats begin closing in, Sedona’s past bleeds to the surface, calling sleeping instincts into action. Suddenly, her connection to Duke, another Marine-turned-outlaw, gets harder to ignore.
Told through dual POV—Delilah’s and Sedona's— Ashes Don’t Bloom is a desert noir about found family, survival, loyalty, and easy love in a hard setting. There’s crime, cartel conflict, PTSD, kink, motorcycles, guns, grief, and a whole lot of heat.
Book 1 of the Rattlesnake Ridge series
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
314 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 28, 2025
A huge thank you to Victory Editing and Netgalley for the ARC! I'm including my honest thoughts below.
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This book follows two female main characters: Delilah and Sedona. Delilah comes to Rattlesnake Ridge with little else other than her '67 Impala and the money in her wallet. She starts to work at a local bar, the Junction, but doesn't expect to fall in love with Diesel.
While Delilah is become more and more tangled in Diesel's world, Sedona is finding it more and more difficult to stay out of her feelings for Duke. After spending years in the Marines with Duke, she now runs his garage and has his heart on her finger.
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I'll admit this isn't normally a book I'd normally read but I'm soooooooo glad I decided to keep an open mind. I was hooked from the first page until the very last one. I know I'll be asking for the ARC for the rest of this trilogy when they become available. Auto-apply for me, here we come. lol
I love how much of a slow burn we have here. I don't mind insta-lust or insta-love on occasion, which is partly what we got here but I'm also glad it wasn't acted on until about 30%/35% of the way through the book. Yet another way to keep me hooked.
I am not normally into Westerns but the vibes with this book are absolutely top-notch. I'll be reading this one again before the sequels come out, for sure. I need to get my hands on it and will more than likely be purchasing it as well just to say I have it in my library.
I think my favorite character is Sedona but Delilah is definitely a close second. God, the romance between Sedona and Duke was chef's kiss. I don't want to give any spoilers but their romance was just what I needed.
I'm normally very picky with giving out 5 stars but this one deserves it. I know Lenore will now be an auto-buy author for me, moving forward. Again, this is something I don't normally give out. I'm not saying this to brag or anything but I needed to stress this.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants a good romance in a different kind of setting that's out of their normal sphere. If you're looking for a book to get you out of a reading slump, I promise this book will do it for you. It helped me, that's for sure!
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This book follows two female main characters: Delilah and Sedona. Delilah comes to Rattlesnake Ridge with little else other than her '67 Impala and the money in her wallet. She starts to work at a local bar, the Junction, but doesn't expect to fall in love with Diesel.
While Delilah is become more and more tangled in Diesel's world, Sedona is finding it more and more difficult to stay out of her feelings for Duke. After spending years in the Marines with Duke, she now runs his garage and has his heart on her finger.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
I'll admit this isn't normally a book I'd normally read but I'm soooooooo glad I decided to keep an open mind. I was hooked from the first page until the very last one. I know I'll be asking for the ARC for the rest of this trilogy when they become available. Auto-apply for me, here we come. lol
I love how much of a slow burn we have here. I don't mind insta-lust or insta-love on occasion, which is partly what we got here but I'm also glad it wasn't acted on until about 30%/35% of the way through the book. Yet another way to keep me hooked.
I am not normally into Westerns but the vibes with this book are absolutely top-notch. I'll be reading this one again before the sequels come out, for sure. I need to get my hands on it and will more than likely be purchasing it as well just to say I have it in my library.
I think my favorite character is Sedona but Delilah is definitely a close second. God, the romance between Sedona and Duke was chef's kiss. I don't want to give any spoilers but their romance was just what I needed.
I'm normally very picky with giving out 5 stars but this one deserves it. I know Lenore will now be an auto-buy author for me, moving forward. Again, this is something I don't normally give out. I'm not saying this to brag or anything but I needed to stress this.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants a good romance in a different kind of setting that's out of their normal sphere. If you're looking for a book to get you out of a reading slump, I promise this book will do it for you. It helped me, that's for sure!
June 19, 2025
It was weirdly immersive.
I loved the desert setting, the noir ambiance, the characters dynamics, and yes, the spice. The story felt somewhat natural, even though after giving it some thoughts, I think I would have liked more resolution in this book, because so much is left unanswered or just brushed aside. I know it's just book one, but I feel frustrated.
Probably means I was invested, so still a good sign.
My main complaint is that I would have liked it better if one of the main character wasn't so young (21), especially compared to the others (early 30's).
But overall a solid first installment, can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Orbit Books for this ARC!
I loved the desert setting, the noir ambiance, the characters dynamics, and yes, the spice. The story felt somewhat natural, even though after giving it some thoughts, I think I would have liked more resolution in this book, because so much is left unanswered or just brushed aside. I know it's just book one, but I feel frustrated.
Probably means I was invested, so still a good sign.
My main complaint is that I would have liked it better if one of the main character wasn't so young (21), especially compared to the others (early 30's).
But overall a solid first installment, can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Orbit Books for this ARC!
June 25, 2025
DNF @ 30%
What I managed to get through confirmed my suspicions: this is thinly-veiled Supernatural fanfiction, and not very good fanfiction at that. I got nearly a third of the way through the book and absolutely nothing of any substance happened. I'm not even sure what the actual plot of the book was, something that should have been clear by now. Apparently, though, this is the first book in a series, which may explain some of the seemingly meaningless exposition--maybe Nox is still just worldbuilding. At the same time, so much of the writing that isn't sex scenes feels AI-generated, which I wouldn't be surprised by based on the state of the author's website. Overall, this was a major disappointment. Would not recommend. Nevertheless, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I managed to get through confirmed my suspicions: this is thinly-veiled Supernatural fanfiction, and not very good fanfiction at that. I got nearly a third of the way through the book and absolutely nothing of any substance happened. I'm not even sure what the actual plot of the book was, something that should have been clear by now. Apparently, though, this is the first book in a series, which may explain some of the seemingly meaningless exposition--maybe Nox is still just worldbuilding. At the same time, so much of the writing that isn't sex scenes feels AI-generated, which I wouldn't be surprised by based on the state of the author's website. Overall, this was a major disappointment. Would not recommend. Nevertheless, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
Thanks for the eARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op!
This debut novel by Lenore Nox is the first in the Rattlesnake Ridge trilogy, featuring two couples. Although this story follows the two FMCs' POVs, it is easily understood. Starting out by getting to know the characters, this book doesn't delay the excitement. Immediately, the action begins, pulling you deeper into this amazing storyline. The action never slows down in this thrilling and spicy read. I would recommend this book to others regardless of whether or not this is their usual book genre as this book was outside of my own typical reading genres.
(I also found it quite interesting that the cover was designed by the author.)
This debut novel by Lenore Nox is the first in the Rattlesnake Ridge trilogy, featuring two couples. Although this story follows the two FMCs' POVs, it is easily understood. Starting out by getting to know the characters, this book doesn't delay the excitement. Immediately, the action begins, pulling you deeper into this amazing storyline. The action never slows down in this thrilling and spicy read. I would recommend this book to others regardless of whether or not this is their usual book genre as this book was outside of my own typical reading genres.
(I also found it quite interesting that the cover was designed by the author.)
August 8, 2025
2.5⭐️2.5🌶️
Thanks to Netgalley
Gritty Rustic Contemporary Romance
4 POV Sedona, Duke, Delilah, Diesel
In this gritty romance between to couples who are all hiding from previous trauma. The setting takes place in the desert that the author describes so well you feel like you are there. I felt like I was missing the hook at the beginning of the story to keep me interesting in the plot. The story was more about the dynamic of the couples. I wanted to know more about Boone and why they all followed him with some back story or maybe more interaction. The spice in this was on point and well done.
Thanks to Netgalley
Gritty Rustic Contemporary Romance
4 POV Sedona, Duke, Delilah, Diesel
In this gritty romance between to couples who are all hiding from previous trauma. The setting takes place in the desert that the author describes so well you feel like you are there. I felt like I was missing the hook at the beginning of the story to keep me interesting in the plot. The story was more about the dynamic of the couples. I wanted to know more about Boone and why they all followed him with some back story or maybe more interaction. The spice in this was on point and well done.
June 19, 2025
There's a special kind of magic that comes with an anonymous author. It shifts the spotlight entirely to the craft, allowing the story and its characters to speak for themselves. This is precisely the feeling invoked by Lenore Nox's "Ashes Don't Bloom"—a debut that left me utterly captivated and eagerly anticipating more.
If you're a reader who prioritizes intricate character development and immersive world-building over a frantic plot, this book is for you. Nox masterfully weaves a narrative that feels less like a story you're reading and more like a world you're living in. The use of multiple POVs, often a chaotic endeavor in less skilled hands, is handled with expert precision here, offering deep dives into the complex inner lives of each character without ever becoming muddled. You'll find yourself resonating with their emotionally rich and incredibly realistic portrayals, feeling their struggles and triumphs as if they were your own.
Nox's world is a gritty, authentic tapestry of small-town life. From the smoky haze of the local dive bar and its regulars to the unsettling undercurrents of drug dealers and gun runners, everything feels remarkably true to life—even the moments of spicy intimacy, which I'd rate a fiery 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. What truly stands out is the nuanced integration of the military brotherhood/sisterhood, showcasing the realities of PTSD and the vital importance of seeking support, reframing it as strength rather than weakness.
While "Ashes Don't Bloom" may be "plot-light," it’s anything but uneventful. The book concludes with a cliffhanger that guarantees the next installment will start with a bang. I'm on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what's in store for Duke, Sedona, Diesel, and Delilah.
This book isn't just spicy; it's a deeply emotional journey that left me feeling a myriad of emotions. It's a testament to Nox's talent that she can evoke such a powerful response with a story so focused on its inhabitants. I wholeheartedly recommend "Ashes Don't Bloom" and give it a well-deserved 5 stars.
Make sure you get your copy on June 30, 2025!
+++I was given a copy of this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++
I want to thank #Lenorenox #Netgalley and #Victoryediting for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.
If you're a reader who prioritizes intricate character development and immersive world-building over a frantic plot, this book is for you. Nox masterfully weaves a narrative that feels less like a story you're reading and more like a world you're living in. The use of multiple POVs, often a chaotic endeavor in less skilled hands, is handled with expert precision here, offering deep dives into the complex inner lives of each character without ever becoming muddled. You'll find yourself resonating with their emotionally rich and incredibly realistic portrayals, feeling their struggles and triumphs as if they were your own.
Nox's world is a gritty, authentic tapestry of small-town life. From the smoky haze of the local dive bar and its regulars to the unsettling undercurrents of drug dealers and gun runners, everything feels remarkably true to life—even the moments of spicy intimacy, which I'd rate a fiery 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. What truly stands out is the nuanced integration of the military brotherhood/sisterhood, showcasing the realities of PTSD and the vital importance of seeking support, reframing it as strength rather than weakness.
While "Ashes Don't Bloom" may be "plot-light," it’s anything but uneventful. The book concludes with a cliffhanger that guarantees the next installment will start with a bang. I'm on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what's in store for Duke, Sedona, Diesel, and Delilah.
This book isn't just spicy; it's a deeply emotional journey that left me feeling a myriad of emotions. It's a testament to Nox's talent that she can evoke such a powerful response with a story so focused on its inhabitants. I wholeheartedly recommend "Ashes Don't Bloom" and give it a well-deserved 5 stars.
Make sure you get your copy on June 30, 2025!
+++I was given a copy of this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++
I want to thank #Lenorenox #Netgalley and #Victoryediting for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.
June 23, 2025
“Where you from?”
“A place ‘at no longer wants me.”
✨ Overall Rating 4/5
📈 Plot 4/5
🖊️ Writing 4/5
👤 Characters 4/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships 4/5
🗺️ World Building 5/5
🔥 Spice 3/5
😭 Emotional Damage 1/5
🤩 Entertainment 4/5
This is a new author to me and I had no idea what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. The book follows 4 people—Delilah, Diesel, Sedona, and Duke—and we get all of their POVs (primarily Delilah and Sedona).
This is very different from my usual reads, so I was a bit unsure about it when I first started. However, every time I put my Kindle down to work, I kept feeling a tug and wondering what would happen next in the story.
I would consider this a more mellow, and low-key read. There is a steady plot throughout.
I will absolutely be reading book 2 and am really hoping it follows these 4 characters because I need more! I especially need more of Delilah and Diesel because the book ended without a resolution between them. 😭
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC! 🖤
“A place ‘at no longer wants me.”
✨ Overall Rating 4/5
📈 Plot 4/5
🖊️ Writing 4/5
👤 Characters 4/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships 4/5
🗺️ World Building 5/5
🔥 Spice 3/5
😭 Emotional Damage 1/5
🤩 Entertainment 4/5
This is a new author to me and I had no idea what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. The book follows 4 people—Delilah, Diesel, Sedona, and Duke—and we get all of their POVs (primarily Delilah and Sedona).
This is very different from my usual reads, so I was a bit unsure about it when I first started. However, every time I put my Kindle down to work, I kept feeling a tug and wondering what would happen next in the story.
I would consider this a more mellow, and low-key read. There is a steady plot throughout.
I will absolutely be reading book 2 and am really hoping it follows these 4 characters because I need more! I especially need more of Delilah and Diesel because the book ended without a resolution between them. 😭
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC! 🖤
June 20, 2025
Ashes Don't Bloom - 3.5 star
((I was given a copy of this ARC in an exchange for an honest review))
I enjoyed this book - I liked the setting & the character development. When you read about the characters it doesn't just tell you what they're feeling, it makes you feel it too. The book deals with heavy themes and some moments hit hard, but it's handled beautifully imo.
Lenore definitely managed to captivate me with this world - I'm looking forward to book 2!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing & Lenore Nox for giving me the opportunity to review early!
((I was given a copy of this ARC in an exchange for an honest review))
I enjoyed this book - I liked the setting & the character development. When you read about the characters it doesn't just tell you what they're feeling, it makes you feel it too. The book deals with heavy themes and some moments hit hard, but it's handled beautifully imo.
Lenore definitely managed to captivate me with this world - I'm looking forward to book 2!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing & Lenore Nox for giving me the opportunity to review early!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
FIRST OF ALL, I would like to thank NetGalley and Lenore Nox for the opportunity of reading this book.
SECONDLY, please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
———
This is the type of book that gets a low star rating from me because it's just not my cup of tea. I can understand why someone might like it, but I wouldn't read it or something similar again.
Four characters—Sedona, Delilah, Diesel and Duke—are the main focus of the story, with their own POV chapters, and the two romantic relationships between them. ...Which wasn't necessary at all. We could've focused on one relationship, or just two POVs (I was prepared to read the two girls' POVs), which would've given more depth to the story, characters and relationship(s). I even noted this down in my little notebook, when I encountered a 'Diesel' chapter for the first time (chapter 11), that his POV didn't add anything to the story and was completely unnecessary to include. Furthermore, for a very long time I felt like the two women's personalities were basically identical, with maybe some light tweaks, which was confirmed for me the first time we entered Sedona's room—both of these girls even have coconut-smelling hair/room! Come on...
In general, everything is very hot, very poor, and very dramatic. I like how the setting was painted; as a non-American, it was very interesting to read through this gang-driven Nevada/Arizona aesthetic. Although this vibe is not really my thing, it sure laid down the base feeling of the story.
I hadn't read smut before in an actual book (only fanfiction) and it seems like I'm not going to start now—the book is wound up on the typical "plot? what plot" idea, as I'm not sure I could recite what the story was about except for sex. I like some serious character development in books, as well as a plot I can at least begin to describe after having read the book, but neither of the two happened in this one.
Also, I wasn't satisfied with the ending—I understand it is the first book of a series, but as a rule of thumb, each book in a series should be good, whole and understandable, and I feel like this book wasn't. As a clear example, the vague idea of a plot introduced itself on the very last pages, and immediately two Big Dramatic Things happened, of which only one was resolved by the end of the book, the other was left hanging. Which would be fine for overarching themes (after all, we didn't get explanations/resolution to some of the other things happening in the world) that can unfold in the coming books, but I think that for a misunderstanding in a relationship, the same liberty cannot be taken so easily.
Therefore, given all of the reason I just listed, I must give Ashes Don't Bloom a low rating, but I understand that someone who likes reading smut, action for the sake of action, lots about cars and motorcycles, and/or 'poverty porn' would enjoy reading this book.
SECONDLY, please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
———
This is the type of book that gets a low star rating from me because it's just not my cup of tea. I can understand why someone might like it, but I wouldn't read it or something similar again.
Four characters—Sedona, Delilah, Diesel and Duke—are the main focus of the story, with their own POV chapters, and the two romantic relationships between them. ...Which wasn't necessary at all. We could've focused on one relationship, or just two POVs (I was prepared to read the two girls' POVs), which would've given more depth to the story, characters and relationship(s). I even noted this down in my little notebook, when I encountered a 'Diesel' chapter for the first time (chapter 11), that his POV didn't add anything to the story and was completely unnecessary to include. Furthermore, for a very long time I felt like the two women's personalities were basically identical, with maybe some light tweaks, which was confirmed for me the first time we entered Sedona's room—both of these girls even have coconut-smelling hair/room! Come on...
In general, everything is very hot, very poor, and very dramatic. I like how the setting was painted; as a non-American, it was very interesting to read through this gang-driven Nevada/Arizona aesthetic. Although this vibe is not really my thing, it sure laid down the base feeling of the story.
I hadn't read smut before in an actual book (only fanfiction) and it seems like I'm not going to start now—the book is wound up on the typical "plot? what plot" idea, as I'm not sure I could recite what the story was about except for sex. I like some serious character development in books, as well as a plot I can at least begin to describe after having read the book, but neither of the two happened in this one.
Also, I wasn't satisfied with the ending—I understand it is the first book of a series, but as a rule of thumb, each book in a series should be good, whole and understandable, and I feel like this book wasn't. As a clear example, the vague idea of a plot introduced itself on the very last pages, and immediately two Big Dramatic Things happened, of which only one was resolved by the end of the book, the other was left hanging. Which would be fine for overarching themes (after all, we didn't get explanations/resolution to some of the other things happening in the world) that can unfold in the coming books, but I think that for a misunderstanding in a relationship, the same liberty cannot be taken so easily.
Therefore, given all of the reason I just listed, I must give Ashes Don't Bloom a low rating, but I understand that someone who likes reading smut, action for the sake of action, lots about cars and motorcycles, and/or 'poverty porn' would enjoy reading this book.
July 28, 2025
There was barely any plot to this, just pure smut. I’m not even sure who the main characters were (if there were any) because this book was shown from 4 pov’s. And what greatly annoyed me was it felt like the story was barely about Diesel and Delilah and more so Sedona and Duke. Which I didn’t really mind because their relationship had more history to it and felt a bit better developed than Diesel and Delilah which was insta-lust. I’m still not sure how old Diesel is, maybe I missed when it was mentioned, but there was a definite age-gap that was emphasized a lot.
Not only that, despite Diesel being older, he was pretty corny and immature for his grown ass age. It felt like Delilah had a better grip on her emotions than him which pissed me off for several reasons. Namely though, he was adamant that he wouldn’t have sex with Delilah because he needed to have control of himself. Then lo and behold when Delilah got tired of him being wishy washy with her, he snapped and finally did and he quoted “I don’t make love” which gave me major Christian Grey ick when I haven’t even read that book in like a decade. But I was just waiting for him to follow with “I fuck…hard” looool. Major ick because right after that he basically brutalized her to the point of bleeding. I’m sorry (not sorry), but if a book is going to include even a lick of BDSM in it, I need to see clear boundaries set and limits discussed before they could even indulge in anything. He didn’t give her the chance to consent to such brutality and basically limited it to just “rough sex”, even asking if she ever had it with anny other partners. Of fucking course not, dipshit because not even Delilah would call it rough sex. You didn’t even warn her much less gave her a proper chance to decide if she even wanted it. No way telling her to touch the keys on the bonnet if she wants him to stop is enough. Furthermore saying that he won’t stop if she tells him to, she must touch the keys for him to stop. Hell fucking no my guy, you need to do better. And the fact that she forced herself to enjoy it says enough.
To make it worse, after all of that, he basically alluded to the fact that they weren’t together or boyfriend and girlfriend despite her sleeping at his house every night in his bed, waking up to breakfast in bed because he felt like her trailer was too unsafe. Which it absolutely was because she only had a broken screen-door as a door and felt okay with it since the actually door broke off. So of course Delilah would take offense at that suggestion. And to add one final layer to this fucking shitshow of a cake, after all of this happened we get one scene with Diesel discussing it with Sedona and she told him like it is and that he was being really obtuse and then bam no more mentions of Delilah and Diesel for the next 15-20% of the book. What the fuck???? Maybe it was done to be left as a cliffhanger for the next book, but I hated it and it was not fleshed out well enough.
Then, the plot with Sedona made no sense outside of her relationship with Duke and was so choppy despite her pov taking up most of the book. I’m still so confused on what’s going on and what even is the point of it all. It felt so choppy and random that I really don’t get it. Honestly, truly, I’m shocked at the 4/5 ⭐️ reviews for this and one review mentioned something really important. This felt like the author was glamourizing poverty porn and the trailer park life heavily. I’m not used to reading books like this so maybe that’s why I haven’t enjoyed it as much. Yes the smut scenes were okay, but even those weren’t enough for me. Honestly, if you like talk about fast cars, desert life, no plot and lots of smut scenes, this book is for you.
~
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not only that, despite Diesel being older, he was pretty corny and immature for his grown ass age. It felt like Delilah had a better grip on her emotions than him which pissed me off for several reasons. Namely though, he was adamant that he wouldn’t have sex with Delilah because he needed to have control of himself. Then lo and behold when Delilah got tired of him being wishy washy with her, he snapped and finally did and he quoted “I don’t make love” which gave me major Christian Grey ick when I haven’t even read that book in like a decade. But I was just waiting for him to follow with “I fuck…hard” looool. Major ick because right after that he basically brutalized her to the point of bleeding. I’m sorry (not sorry), but if a book is going to include even a lick of BDSM in it, I need to see clear boundaries set and limits discussed before they could even indulge in anything. He didn’t give her the chance to consent to such brutality and basically limited it to just “rough sex”, even asking if she ever had it with anny other partners. Of fucking course not, dipshit because not even Delilah would call it rough sex. You didn’t even warn her much less gave her a proper chance to decide if she even wanted it. No way telling her to touch the keys on the bonnet if she wants him to stop is enough. Furthermore saying that he won’t stop if she tells him to, she must touch the keys for him to stop. Hell fucking no my guy, you need to do better. And the fact that she forced herself to enjoy it says enough.
To make it worse, after all of that, he basically alluded to the fact that they weren’t together or boyfriend and girlfriend despite her sleeping at his house every night in his bed, waking up to breakfast in bed because he felt like her trailer was too unsafe. Which it absolutely was because she only had a broken screen-door as a door and felt okay with it since the actually door broke off. So of course Delilah would take offense at that suggestion. And to add one final layer to this fucking shitshow of a cake, after all of this happened we get one scene with Diesel discussing it with Sedona and she told him like it is and that he was being really obtuse and then bam no more mentions of Delilah and Diesel for the next 15-20% of the book. What the fuck???? Maybe it was done to be left as a cliffhanger for the next book, but I hated it and it was not fleshed out well enough.
Then, the plot with Sedona made no sense outside of her relationship with Duke and was so choppy despite her pov taking up most of the book. I’m still so confused on what’s going on and what even is the point of it all. It felt so choppy and random that I really don’t get it. Honestly, truly, I’m shocked at the 4/5 ⭐️ reviews for this and one review mentioned something really important. This felt like the author was glamourizing poverty porn and the trailer park life heavily. I’m not used to reading books like this so maybe that’s why I haven’t enjoyed it as much. Yes the smut scenes were okay, but even those weren’t enough for me. Honestly, if you like talk about fast cars, desert life, no plot and lots of smut scenes, this book is for you.
~
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
A Wild Ride Through Rattlesnake Ridge, But It’s Not Without Bumps
Ashes Don’t Bloom takes readers deep into the dusty, dangerous world of Rattlesnake Ridge, where love is as fierce as the engines revving beneath its characters. The story follows two couples, Delilah & Diesel and Sedona & Duke, as they navigate cartel conflict, buried trauma, found family, and high-speed thrills.
Sedona, Diesel, and Duke are ex-military living under one roof, while Delilah, the fiery newcomer with a southern drawl and charm to spare, shows up ready to stir the pot. There’s no shortage of drama: we’ve got PTSD, high-octane racing, sizzling chemistry, and small-town secrets. And yes, there’s spice. The characters are what really shined for me. Each had distinct personalities and backstories, though I would have loved more depth for Delilah, especially since she was my favorite. Her sass, wit, and weaponized "southern belle" act made every scene she was in a delight. The structure, however, was a challenge. This was my first experience with a third-person dual POV, technically, a quadruple POV, and I personally found it overwhelming. While I love getting into characters’ heads, the constant perspective shifts in third person made it harder to connect, and the dual-couple storyline might have worked better spread across two books. That way, both couples, and their arcs, could’ve had room to breathe. The racing scenes were an absolute highlight. As someone who grew up around cars, those moments had my heart racing. They brought the kind of adrenaline I’d hoped to feel throughout the rest of the book.
On the downside, Delilah and Diesel’s relationship moved way too fast for me. While Sedona and Duke’s dynamic felt earned due to their shared past, the other couple’s romance felt rushed, almost like it was driven more by plot pacing than character development. This also didn’t feel like a true dark romance to me. While it had gritty moments, it leaned more toward romantic suspense or desert noir.
Final thoughts:
This book had elements I really enjoyed, especially the characters and racing, but overall, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I probably won’t continue the series, but readers who enjoy third-person, multi-POV romance with spice, crime, and speed might find this to be their kind of thrill ride.
Ashes Don’t Bloom takes readers deep into the dusty, dangerous world of Rattlesnake Ridge, where love is as fierce as the engines revving beneath its characters. The story follows two couples, Delilah & Diesel and Sedona & Duke, as they navigate cartel conflict, buried trauma, found family, and high-speed thrills.
Sedona, Diesel, and Duke are ex-military living under one roof, while Delilah, the fiery newcomer with a southern drawl and charm to spare, shows up ready to stir the pot. There’s no shortage of drama: we’ve got PTSD, high-octane racing, sizzling chemistry, and small-town secrets. And yes, there’s spice. The characters are what really shined for me. Each had distinct personalities and backstories, though I would have loved more depth for Delilah, especially since she was my favorite. Her sass, wit, and weaponized "southern belle" act made every scene she was in a delight. The structure, however, was a challenge. This was my first experience with a third-person dual POV, technically, a quadruple POV, and I personally found it overwhelming. While I love getting into characters’ heads, the constant perspective shifts in third person made it harder to connect, and the dual-couple storyline might have worked better spread across two books. That way, both couples, and their arcs, could’ve had room to breathe. The racing scenes were an absolute highlight. As someone who grew up around cars, those moments had my heart racing. They brought the kind of adrenaline I’d hoped to feel throughout the rest of the book.
On the downside, Delilah and Diesel’s relationship moved way too fast for me. While Sedona and Duke’s dynamic felt earned due to their shared past, the other couple’s romance felt rushed, almost like it was driven more by plot pacing than character development. This also didn’t feel like a true dark romance to me. While it had gritty moments, it leaned more toward romantic suspense or desert noir.
Final thoughts:
This book had elements I really enjoyed, especially the characters and racing, but overall, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I probably won’t continue the series, but readers who enjoy third-person, multi-POV romance with spice, crime, and speed might find this to be their kind of thrill ride.
June 21, 2025
Firstly I’d like to say thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for giving me the opportunity to have an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Ashes Don’t Bloom follows Delilah & Sedona on their journeys to love with Diesel & Duke. Nothing in Rattlesnake Ridge is that simple though. Sedona, Diesel & Duke are all ex-military who live together, Delilah is new in town & about to shake things up. There’s crime, cartel conflict, PTSD, motorbikes/fast cars & spice!
I really enjoyed the characters in this, they all had various things that made them unique. The only one I would have liked more background on is Delilah, especially as she is my favourite character. Her sass & southern accent is so much fun. The way she uses her ‘southern belle’ charm to her benefit is entertaining.
This was my first book where it’s a dual POV that is also in third person, although technically it’s actually a quadruple POV as you have two couples & you get everyone’s perspective. Personally I struggled a lot with this, I love a dual POV when it’s first person. Doing it in third person made the need for multiple people’s POV seem unnecessary to me.
My favourite element of the book is the racing. As someone who’s grown up around cars, this had me on the edge of my seat.
I didn’t enjoy how fast paced the relationship between Delilah & Diesel is. It made sense with Sedona & Duke due to their history but felt like the others moved so fast just for the sake of the book.
Unfortunately the further I got into the book, the harder I found it to keep up with all the POV’s & the two storylines running alongside each other. I understand they tie into each other & come together in the end but would have preferred two books rather than one. That would have done the characters more justice in my opinion. I also don’t feel this book is a dark romance like it states.
Overall I didn’t hate the book, but I certainly didn’t love it. It’s not something I would read again and to be honest I probably won’t read the next one as I really struggled to finish it.
Ashes Don’t Bloom follows Delilah & Sedona on their journeys to love with Diesel & Duke. Nothing in Rattlesnake Ridge is that simple though. Sedona, Diesel & Duke are all ex-military who live together, Delilah is new in town & about to shake things up. There’s crime, cartel conflict, PTSD, motorbikes/fast cars & spice!
I really enjoyed the characters in this, they all had various things that made them unique. The only one I would have liked more background on is Delilah, especially as she is my favourite character. Her sass & southern accent is so much fun. The way she uses her ‘southern belle’ charm to her benefit is entertaining.
This was my first book where it’s a dual POV that is also in third person, although technically it’s actually a quadruple POV as you have two couples & you get everyone’s perspective. Personally I struggled a lot with this, I love a dual POV when it’s first person. Doing it in third person made the need for multiple people’s POV seem unnecessary to me.
My favourite element of the book is the racing. As someone who’s grown up around cars, this had me on the edge of my seat.
I didn’t enjoy how fast paced the relationship between Delilah & Diesel is. It made sense with Sedona & Duke due to their history but felt like the others moved so fast just for the sake of the book.
Unfortunately the further I got into the book, the harder I found it to keep up with all the POV’s & the two storylines running alongside each other. I understand they tie into each other & come together in the end but would have preferred two books rather than one. That would have done the characters more justice in my opinion. I also don’t feel this book is a dark romance like it states.
Overall I didn’t hate the book, but I certainly didn’t love it. It’s not something I would read again and to be honest I probably won’t read the next one as I really struggled to finish it.
August 29, 2025
"It was illuminated by a single neon sign that read 'Danger', casting a dim red light over the cracked walls."
"Ridge was Ridge and it didn't matter what prefix stood before it. All battered up, misery seeping through the cracks."
A young woman, escaping her past in Alabama, finds herself in the middle of the Mohave. Right where she wants to be, in Rattlesnake Ridge. Where there is nothing but rundown trailers, red sand and rogues. Hard times and hard living aren't just her history, as she soon finds out. After gaining employment at the local bar, she soon finds that she isn't the only broken soul looking for survival and companionship as she finds camaradarie with 3 ex-Marines. But there's more than meets the eye in this desert.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for letting me read and review this book. I really enjoyed this one. My opinions are my own. Oh where do I begin? I absolutely love books that are Multi POV, Romance and have a long list of trigger warnings. Normally I don't read to many books that have military or ex military characters/aspects in them, but I actually enjoyed those elements in this one. That characters struggles and backstories gave them the perfect amount of depth. I loved all four of the main characters. Sedona is has a strong, fiery, take no shit from anyone personality. Daphne is spicy, quick-witted and knows exactly what she wants. Her chemistry and banter with Diesel is pretty entertaining. But Duke might have the most depth in his character overall. The spice between the characters was top notch as well, though at a certain point it starts to deter from the plot a little too much for me-it could've had a slightly better balance. (That's the only reason I didn't give it a five.) Overall I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series, that ending has me itching for the continuation.
"Ridge was Ridge and it didn't matter what prefix stood before it. All battered up, misery seeping through the cracks."
A young woman, escaping her past in Alabama, finds herself in the middle of the Mohave. Right where she wants to be, in Rattlesnake Ridge. Where there is nothing but rundown trailers, red sand and rogues. Hard times and hard living aren't just her history, as she soon finds out. After gaining employment at the local bar, she soon finds that she isn't the only broken soul looking for survival and companionship as she finds camaradarie with 3 ex-Marines. But there's more than meets the eye in this desert.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for letting me read and review this book. I really enjoyed this one. My opinions are my own. Oh where do I begin? I absolutely love books that are Multi POV, Romance and have a long list of trigger warnings. Normally I don't read to many books that have military or ex military characters/aspects in them, but I actually enjoyed those elements in this one. That characters struggles and backstories gave them the perfect amount of depth. I loved all four of the main characters. Sedona is has a strong, fiery, take no shit from anyone personality. Daphne is spicy, quick-witted and knows exactly what she wants. Her chemistry and banter with Diesel is pretty entertaining. But Duke might have the most depth in his character overall. The spice between the characters was top notch as well, though at a certain point it starts to deter from the plot a little too much for me-it could've had a slightly better balance. (That's the only reason I didn't give it a five.) Overall I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series, that ending has me itching for the continuation.
July 31, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Lenore Nox And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Immersive and Gritty, But Left Me Wanting More
Ashes Don’t Bloom was one of those books that snuck up on me. It was weirdly immersive—I found myself completely pulled into its desert-soaked setting, drenched in noir ambiance, tension, and heat. The world Lenore Nox has crafted feels raw and lived-in, full of grit and mystery, and the character dynamics kept me intrigued from the beginning.
There’s definite spice here, and it works—dark, sultry, and layered with emotional complexity. The relationships aren’t clean-cut or easy, and that added depth to the story. The tone walks the line between romance, danger, and moral ambiguity in a way I really appreciated.
That said, while the immersion was strong, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unfinished business. So many threads were introduced and then either dropped or lightly brushed aside. I kept waiting for key moments of resolution or clarity that never quite arrived. I get that it’s the first in a series, but the lack of closure felt less like a cliffhanger and more like a pause mid-thought—and that left me feeling a bit frustrated.
Still, that frustration is probably a testament to how invested I was. This world got under my skin in all the right ways, and I do care enough to want answers—which says a lot.
If you’re into dusty, dangerous worlds, morally gray characters, and slow-burn tension with heat and shadows, Ashes Don’t Bloom is definitely worth checking out. Just go in knowing that the story is only beginning—and not everything blooms by the end.
Thank you to the author Lenore Nox And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Immersive and Gritty, But Left Me Wanting More
Ashes Don’t Bloom was one of those books that snuck up on me. It was weirdly immersive—I found myself completely pulled into its desert-soaked setting, drenched in noir ambiance, tension, and heat. The world Lenore Nox has crafted feels raw and lived-in, full of grit and mystery, and the character dynamics kept me intrigued from the beginning.
There’s definite spice here, and it works—dark, sultry, and layered with emotional complexity. The relationships aren’t clean-cut or easy, and that added depth to the story. The tone walks the line between romance, danger, and moral ambiguity in a way I really appreciated.
That said, while the immersion was strong, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unfinished business. So many threads were introduced and then either dropped or lightly brushed aside. I kept waiting for key moments of resolution or clarity that never quite arrived. I get that it’s the first in a series, but the lack of closure felt less like a cliffhanger and more like a pause mid-thought—and that left me feeling a bit frustrated.
Still, that frustration is probably a testament to how invested I was. This world got under my skin in all the right ways, and I do care enough to want answers—which says a lot.
If you’re into dusty, dangerous worlds, morally gray characters, and slow-burn tension with heat and shadows, Ashes Don’t Bloom is definitely worth checking out. Just go in knowing that the story is only beginning—and not everything blooms by the end.
June 27, 2025
Books are like soulmates. There is someone for everyone and this one…..was for me!!!
If you like badass FMCs that are actually badasses and hot MMCs then you will love this book. It has different POVs, (which is a personal favorite of mine), military references, street racing, illegal activity, and relationships that are relatable.
First off I am in love Duke and Sedona. Their relationship is just so interesting. A friends with benefits that got too serious but they have commitment issues but can’t let each other go. I am hoping to see more of them in the next books. I feel like they give off Letty and Dom vibes from Fast and the Furious. They are both strong characters who have been through so much and are able to be themselves around each other.
While reading the book I was getting ready to have a serious talk with Sedona’s inquires. They would not let that woman have any fun. She is a veteran. She has sacrificed enough. If she can ride a motorcycle let her ride her man.
Delilah and Diesel’s relationship confuses me a little bit. They are all over the place but it keeps you wanting more. It’s the struggle of figuring out if they are going to be together or not. I do feel like there is a lot we just don’t know about Diesel and his past that’s getting in the way. While reading this I am also watching Ginny and Georgia and I couldn’t help but picture Georgia as Delilah they are very similar.
Overall I really enjoyed this book the only downfall is having to wait for the next one. I really hope we don’t have to wait too long because I need to know more.
Thank you to the author Lenore Nox, and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC.
If you like badass FMCs that are actually badasses and hot MMCs then you will love this book. It has different POVs, (which is a personal favorite of mine), military references, street racing, illegal activity, and relationships that are relatable.
First off I am in love Duke and Sedona. Their relationship is just so interesting. A friends with benefits that got too serious but they have commitment issues but can’t let each other go. I am hoping to see more of them in the next books. I feel like they give off Letty and Dom vibes from Fast and the Furious. They are both strong characters who have been through so much and are able to be themselves around each other.
While reading the book I was getting ready to have a serious talk with Sedona’s inquires. They would not let that woman have any fun. She is a veteran. She has sacrificed enough. If she can ride a motorcycle let her ride her man.
Delilah and Diesel’s relationship confuses me a little bit. They are all over the place but it keeps you wanting more. It’s the struggle of figuring out if they are going to be together or not. I do feel like there is a lot we just don’t know about Diesel and his past that’s getting in the way. While reading this I am also watching Ginny and Georgia and I couldn’t help but picture Georgia as Delilah they are very similar.
Overall I really enjoyed this book the only downfall is having to wait for the next one. I really hope we don’t have to wait too long because I need to know more.
Thank you to the author Lenore Nox, and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
Gritty. Dangerous. Sexy as hell.
Set in the scorching heat of a small desert town, Ashes Don't Bloom takes us through dusty roads, dangerous dealings and characters you can't help but root for even when they're making bad decisions.
At the centre of the story we have four unforgettable leads: Delilah, Sedona, Diesel and Duke. Each flawed and complicated, and deeply human. It's a little light on plot at times, mostly vibes and atmosphere in this relationship driven book, but with some exciting scenes throughout. Themes of found family, trauma & PTSD with strong women, cartel dealings and plenty of spice. The depictions of PTSD and trauma, in this case stemming from military service, is handled with care and authenticity.
While I loved the tension between them, I couldn't help but feel Delilah and Diesel's relationship was a little rushed and would have loved more of their banter and electricity build up over a longer time. After their initial spark, they seemed to fall into the background a little more in comparison to Sedona and Duke's story as they have so much history and things going on, so really hope we get to see more of them in the future.
Having previously read Lenore's poetry, I wasn't sure what to expect from this in any way - but I was blown away. The writing is smooth, cinematic and full of that gritty realism. It already begs to be a TV series, I can already see the desert sunsets and hear the rumble of the engines.
Thank you to Lenore Nox & Victory Editing for this ARC read, absolutely can not wait for the next trip to Rattlesnake Ridge!
Set in the scorching heat of a small desert town, Ashes Don't Bloom takes us through dusty roads, dangerous dealings and characters you can't help but root for even when they're making bad decisions.
At the centre of the story we have four unforgettable leads: Delilah, Sedona, Diesel and Duke. Each flawed and complicated, and deeply human. It's a little light on plot at times, mostly vibes and atmosphere in this relationship driven book, but with some exciting scenes throughout. Themes of found family, trauma & PTSD with strong women, cartel dealings and plenty of spice. The depictions of PTSD and trauma, in this case stemming from military service, is handled with care and authenticity.
While I loved the tension between them, I couldn't help but feel Delilah and Diesel's relationship was a little rushed and would have loved more of their banter and electricity build up over a longer time. After their initial spark, they seemed to fall into the background a little more in comparison to Sedona and Duke's story as they have so much history and things going on, so really hope we get to see more of them in the future.
Having previously read Lenore's poetry, I wasn't sure what to expect from this in any way - but I was blown away. The writing is smooth, cinematic and full of that gritty realism. It already begs to be a TV series, I can already see the desert sunsets and hear the rumble of the engines.
Thank you to Lenore Nox & Victory Editing for this ARC read, absolutely can not wait for the next trip to Rattlesnake Ridge!
June 27, 2025
I really enjoyed Ashes Don’t Bloom! It’s the first book in the Rattlesnake Ridge Trilogy and it definitely pulls you into this gritty desert town with a cool, almost dangerous vibe. The setting feels super alive — dusty roads, dive bars, and that hot, tense atmosphere where anything could happen.
The story follows two women, Delilah and Sedona, who are both carrying a lot of baggage but also have a lot of strength. Delilah’s running from her past with just her car and a bit of hope, while Sedona is this tough mechanic who’s got her own complicated history. Their stories weave together really well, and the chemistry with the guys — Diesel and Duke — adds some nice heat and tension without feeling forced.
What I really liked was how the book deals with PTSD and trauma in a way that felt real and respectful, not just some plot device. The relationships feel genuine and the characters are flawed but relatable. The writing style is smooth and vivid, which made it easy to get lost in the story.
The pace is a bit slow at times since it focuses a lot on character and mood, but it totally pays off. By the end, you want to jump right into the next book to see what happens next in this series!
Thank you to Lenore and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
The story follows two women, Delilah and Sedona, who are both carrying a lot of baggage but also have a lot of strength. Delilah’s running from her past with just her car and a bit of hope, while Sedona is this tough mechanic who’s got her own complicated history. Their stories weave together really well, and the chemistry with the guys — Diesel and Duke — adds some nice heat and tension without feeling forced.
What I really liked was how the book deals with PTSD and trauma in a way that felt real and respectful, not just some plot device. The relationships feel genuine and the characters are flawed but relatable. The writing style is smooth and vivid, which made it easy to get lost in the story.
The pace is a bit slow at times since it focuses a lot on character and mood, but it totally pays off. By the end, you want to jump right into the next book to see what happens next in this series!
Thank you to Lenore and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
July 1, 2025
Heard one of the girls at Book Club talk about getting this on NetGalley and i knew I had to try for myself.
Characters: This follows four different characters, and 2 romantic relationships. I feel like it wasn't totally necessary, and I dont fully understand why we need to follow all four. I wish we only followed 2 of them (or one relationship) and got more background on them.
Plot: Until the last 15% it didn't feel like there was much plot. it was very slow building and initially thought it was gonna be all smut, no plot. BUT im glad it ended the way it did because im now super excited for book 2.
Setting: Takes place in a Cartel/Gang ran town/area in Nevada/Arizona. definitely not a place people want to end up in, but a place they do when they're running.
Target Audience: For fans of Mafia, military, cartel, and motorcycle gang romances. Not for someone that wants more plot than vibes.
Writing: The writing was easy to read, enjoyable, and quick paced. my only issue came with "out of a sudden" rather than "all of a sudden" being used a handful of times. both are correct, it just gave me the ick.
Pacing: Quick paced and easy to read. I think it would've been a more enjoyable pace if we followed 1 couple instead of 2.
Rating/Overall Thoughts: A solid 3/5 glad my friend mentioned it to me, and ill definitely pick up book 2 when it comes out!
Characters: This follows four different characters, and 2 romantic relationships. I feel like it wasn't totally necessary, and I dont fully understand why we need to follow all four. I wish we only followed 2 of them (or one relationship) and got more background on them.
Plot: Until the last 15% it didn't feel like there was much plot. it was very slow building and initially thought it was gonna be all smut, no plot. BUT im glad it ended the way it did because im now super excited for book 2.
Setting: Takes place in a Cartel/Gang ran town/area in Nevada/Arizona. definitely not a place people want to end up in, but a place they do when they're running.
Target Audience: For fans of Mafia, military, cartel, and motorcycle gang romances. Not for someone that wants more plot than vibes.
Writing: The writing was easy to read, enjoyable, and quick paced. my only issue came with "out of a sudden" rather than "all of a sudden" being used a handful of times. both are correct, it just gave me the ick.
Pacing: Quick paced and easy to read. I think it would've been a more enjoyable pace if we followed 1 couple instead of 2.
Rating/Overall Thoughts: A solid 3/5 glad my friend mentioned it to me, and ill definitely pick up book 2 when it comes out!
August 7, 2025
This is not a face paced, action packed, twisty book. It's life. It's life moving at the pace of regular people.
We have Delilah who is running as far as possible from something in Alabama and this tiny town in the middle of nowhere is where she ended up.
There's a dark undercurrent though the town and the people. You see it in glimpses. It's mentioned in asides or inferred from conversations or actions.
You have 3 ex soldiers. 1 dealing with PTSD, 1 dealing with lingering injuries that resulted in her discharge from service, and one who seems to be a quiet usurper.
The novel starts broad, Delilah arriving to Mojave, finding a place, getting a job and getting to know Diesel. We see how that grows, develops and changes. Then we have Sedona and Duke, both damaged in different ways, but he's the only one who can soothe her damage. The book follows them more closely likely due to Sedona's job.
The seedy underbelly unfolds slowly throughout before it's outright named and major players are seen and named. There seems to be off-page power plays that are eventually going to turn into on-page wars.
I need to reiterate, this book is slow. The pace of the book matches the pace of the town. There are more average days than, "something is going down" days and I found that oddly relatable. The book engrossed me in a manner I didn't expect but am wholeheartedly grateful for!
We have Delilah who is running as far as possible from something in Alabama and this tiny town in the middle of nowhere is where she ended up.
There's a dark undercurrent though the town and the people. You see it in glimpses. It's mentioned in asides or inferred from conversations or actions.
You have 3 ex soldiers. 1 dealing with PTSD, 1 dealing with lingering injuries that resulted in her discharge from service, and one who seems to be a quiet usurper.
The novel starts broad, Delilah arriving to Mojave, finding a place, getting a job and getting to know Diesel. We see how that grows, develops and changes. Then we have Sedona and Duke, both damaged in different ways, but he's the only one who can soothe her damage. The book follows them more closely likely due to Sedona's job.
The seedy underbelly unfolds slowly throughout before it's outright named and major players are seen and named. There seems to be off-page power plays that are eventually going to turn into on-page wars.
I need to reiterate, this book is slow. The pace of the book matches the pace of the town. There are more average days than, "something is going down" days and I found that oddly relatable. The book engrossed me in a manner I didn't expect but am wholeheartedly grateful for!
July 17, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an ARC of Ashes Don’t Bloom by Lenore Nox.
This book completely hooked me from the first page. Ashes Don’t Bloom follows two POVs from Sedona and Delilah and I absolutely loved that it felt like two stories seamlessly woven into one. It was like getting double the romance and tension in a single book without needing to wait for a second installment to dive into a new love story. Both women exist in the same timeline and know each other, which made the pacing and character development even more enjoyable.
Delilah was my favorite. She is bold, unfiltered, and never afraid to speak her mind. Both female leads were total badasses and I loved seeing strong, layered women at the center of this story.
This book is super spicy and packed with tropes I love: age gap, BDSM, slow burn, and small town romance. The desert setting added a unique atmosphere that made everything feel intense and grounded at the same time.
Lenore Nox’s writing is gripping and addictive. I couldn’t put this book down and ended up reading it all in one sitting. Just a heads up, it ends on a cliffhanger so I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the trilogy drops.
This book completely hooked me from the first page. Ashes Don’t Bloom follows two POVs from Sedona and Delilah and I absolutely loved that it felt like two stories seamlessly woven into one. It was like getting double the romance and tension in a single book without needing to wait for a second installment to dive into a new love story. Both women exist in the same timeline and know each other, which made the pacing and character development even more enjoyable.
Delilah was my favorite. She is bold, unfiltered, and never afraid to speak her mind. Both female leads were total badasses and I loved seeing strong, layered women at the center of this story.
This book is super spicy and packed with tropes I love: age gap, BDSM, slow burn, and small town romance. The desert setting added a unique atmosphere that made everything feel intense and grounded at the same time.
Lenore Nox’s writing is gripping and addictive. I couldn’t put this book down and ended up reading it all in one sitting. Just a heads up, it ends on a cliffhanger so I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the trilogy drops.
July 28, 2025
Delilah Kensington shows up with a beat-up ’67 Impala, no plan, and serious main character energy. She lands a job at a seedy bar in Rattlesnake Ridge and immediately catches the eye of Diesel - ex-Marine, ex-con, a100% trouble. The chemistry between them is instant and intense. It moves fast, but somehow it works. Delilah’s not here for anything soft, and Diesel is definitely not that guy.
But Sedona is the real standout for me. Ex-military, pistol-packing, and emotionally complex, she’s layered and compelling. Her storyline, especially her connection with Duke, brings a deeper edge to the book. Her POV adds serious emotional weight, and I loved watching her past and present collide.
The desert noir atmosphere is vivid, the pacing quick, and the spice level very high. Think desert racing, military flashbacks, cartel threats, and a whole lot of heat - both emotional and otherwise. It leans hard into its genre mix, and while it doesn't shy away from kink or violence, it balances both with surprising tenderness.
My only reason for dropping a star? I wanted more from Diesel’s backstory. It felt like a lot was bubbling under the surface that didn’t quite break through. Hoping book two delivers on that front.
Still, this was a wild, sexy, emotional ride and a fresh take on found family and survival in a brutal setting. Highly recommend for fans of gritty romance with a kick of adrenaline.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the eARC.
But Sedona is the real standout for me. Ex-military, pistol-packing, and emotionally complex, she’s layered and compelling. Her storyline, especially her connection with Duke, brings a deeper edge to the book. Her POV adds serious emotional weight, and I loved watching her past and present collide.
The desert noir atmosphere is vivid, the pacing quick, and the spice level very high. Think desert racing, military flashbacks, cartel threats, and a whole lot of heat - both emotional and otherwise. It leans hard into its genre mix, and while it doesn't shy away from kink or violence, it balances both with surprising tenderness.
My only reason for dropping a star? I wanted more from Diesel’s backstory. It felt like a lot was bubbling under the surface that didn’t quite break through. Hoping book two delivers on that front.
Still, this was a wild, sexy, emotional ride and a fresh take on found family and survival in a brutal setting. Highly recommend for fans of gritty romance with a kick of adrenaline.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the eARC.
June 24, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC
Solid 4.5 ⭐️
Okay, I went into #AshesDontBloom by Lenore Nox expecting tough characters and crime, with 3 Marines I don’t know why I didn’t expect the incredible loyalty or the powerful theme of survival and heart that pulsed through every page. ❤️🩹 🌵🏜️🏍️🔥🖤🩹
I enjoyed the Multiple POV’s. This was my first book with two couples/storylines. It flowed well, but I also would have enjoyed it if Delilah and Sedona each had their own books. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Lenore Nox truly delivers an almost poetic storytelling that elevates this desert noir beyond just its grittiness. If you love a story with depth, unexpected tenderness, and characters you'll root for, not to mention spice you need to pick this one up!
Have you read it? What surprised you most?
#BookReview #LenoreNox #AshesDontBloom #DesertNoir #FoundFamily #GrittyReads #Bookstagram"
Solid 4.5 ⭐️
Okay, I went into #AshesDontBloom by Lenore Nox expecting tough characters and crime, with 3 Marines I don’t know why I didn’t expect the incredible loyalty or the powerful theme of survival and heart that pulsed through every page. ❤️🩹 🌵🏜️🏍️🔥🖤🩹
I enjoyed the Multiple POV’s. This was my first book with two couples/storylines. It flowed well, but I also would have enjoyed it if Delilah and Sedona each had their own books. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Lenore Nox truly delivers an almost poetic storytelling that elevates this desert noir beyond just its grittiness. If you love a story with depth, unexpected tenderness, and characters you'll root for, not to mention spice you need to pick this one up!
Have you read it? What surprised you most?
#BookReview #LenoreNox #AshesDontBloom #DesertNoir #FoundFamily #GrittyReads #Bookstagram"
July 6, 2025
This is my first ‘wild west’ kind of book, it’s not cowboys, it’s guns and southern drawl. It takes some adjustin’. Let me start by saying that the spice in this… it’s spicing, it’s hot! The plot does start to pick up towards the end, where we finish on a cliff hanger, but I can’t pretend I knew what was happening most of the time. It felt like we were missing key bits of information. Like there’s a back story we’ve missed somewhere. I didn’t feel like the characters were consistent in who they were supposed to be. I liked following the story of two linked couples, although, again, I just didn’t understand where they were at. I had more questions than answers.
I enjoyed myself and I’d absolutely come back for book 2 - but I need to know what’s going on a bit more please!
Thank you NetGalley, Lenore Fox and Victory Editing for letting me read this book. #AshesDontBloom #NetGalley #LenoreFox
I enjoyed myself and I’d absolutely come back for book 2 - but I need to know what’s going on a bit more please!
Thank you NetGalley, Lenore Fox and Victory Editing for letting me read this book. #AshesDontBloom #NetGalley #LenoreFox
July 9, 2025
FIRST OF ALL, I would like to thank NetGalley and Lenore Nox for the opportunity to read this book.
Ashes Don’t Bloom is a spicy, gritty read perfect for when you’re craving some serious heat. Delilah and Sedona are refreshingly unconventional leads, though their voices sometimes sound a bit too similar given their age gap.
The sex scenes are well written and refreshingly realistic—Delilah’s back pain during steamy moments is a nice touch of honesty. That said, the steamy scenes sometimes cluster too closely, which can throw off the pacing.
The plot is semi-solid, I like the way it's introduced, and it is heading in an interesting direction, blending cartel drama, desert vibes, and found family themes. Told in dual POV, the sharp dialogue and grit keep things engaging.
If you’re in that ovulation phase and craving a spicy, passionate read, this one’s a great match.
#AshesDontBloom #NetGalley
Ashes Don’t Bloom is a spicy, gritty read perfect for when you’re craving some serious heat. Delilah and Sedona are refreshingly unconventional leads, though their voices sometimes sound a bit too similar given their age gap.
The sex scenes are well written and refreshingly realistic—Delilah’s back pain during steamy moments is a nice touch of honesty. That said, the steamy scenes sometimes cluster too closely, which can throw off the pacing.
The plot is semi-solid, I like the way it's introduced, and it is heading in an interesting direction, blending cartel drama, desert vibes, and found family themes. Told in dual POV, the sharp dialogue and grit keep things engaging.
If you’re in that ovulation phase and craving a spicy, passionate read, this one’s a great match.
#AshesDontBloom #NetGalley
August 7, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I had such a great time reading Ashes Don’t Bloom! From the very first chapter, the gritty atmosphere and raw setting of Rattlesnake Ridge pulled me right in. Dark, tense, and dripping with suspense.
This book dives deep into themes of survival, loyalty and found family. I loved Delilah and Diesel's chemistry—it’s intense and addictive. Diesel easily became my favorite character; he's layered, dangerous, and surprisingly tender in his own way.
There were a few too many technical details about car mechanics for my taste—they took me out of the story at times. But the emotional depth and vulnerability of the characters made up for it and kept me fully invested.
The ending left us on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one. I’m dying to also see how Delilah and Diesel’s relationship evolves from here.
Highly recommend to fans of dark romance with grit, heat, and danger.
I had such a great time reading Ashes Don’t Bloom! From the very first chapter, the gritty atmosphere and raw setting of Rattlesnake Ridge pulled me right in. Dark, tense, and dripping with suspense.
This book dives deep into themes of survival, loyalty and found family. I loved Delilah and Diesel's chemistry—it’s intense and addictive. Diesel easily became my favorite character; he's layered, dangerous, and surprisingly tender in his own way.
There were a few too many technical details about car mechanics for my taste—they took me out of the story at times. But the emotional depth and vulnerability of the characters made up for it and kept me fully invested.
The ending left us on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one. I’m dying to also see how Delilah and Diesel’s relationship evolves from here.
Highly recommend to fans of dark romance with grit, heat, and danger.
September 10, 2025
I tried so hard with this one, picked it up and put it down repeatedly, but finally got through it and I'm glad I did!
I think the main issue for me is not being familiar with the setting. I didn't fall in love with it because there were things I didn't understand, so I had to reread some paragraphs to really immerse myself in what I was reading.
The characters were amazing, there were so many personality traits differentiating both our FMCs, from each other obviously but also from all the other characters I usually see. They're badasses, healing and finding themselves in a really hard world. Mad respect!
I'm always happy when we get multiple POVs, as we get to see into different characters perspectives, and this book did that pretty well.
All in all, I liked it and will probably continue the series, just will have to wait to be in the right mood for it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I think the main issue for me is not being familiar with the setting. I didn't fall in love with it because there were things I didn't understand, so I had to reread some paragraphs to really immerse myself in what I was reading.
The characters were amazing, there were so many personality traits differentiating both our FMCs, from each other obviously but also from all the other characters I usually see. They're badasses, healing and finding themselves in a really hard world. Mad respect!
I'm always happy when we get multiple POVs, as we get to see into different characters perspectives, and this book did that pretty well.
All in all, I liked it and will probably continue the series, just will have to wait to be in the right mood for it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2025
I was hyped up about this book even before reading this and it end up not disappointing. The desert settings and vibes of nothingness set a unique aesthetic for the events the unfolded in this book. Some things regarding snakes and few moments of tight spaces made me a bit anxious but it suited the whole idea of specific places in this story ,so eventually I was okay.
In this story we have two couples, firs Delilah a southern siren with her charm and confidence and Diesel stoic older mechanic (not only) that have bumpy past and few mistakes under his belt. Them to together have now on my favorite flirty dynamic. The word ‘baby’ shined in completely different colors. Then we also have the second couple that represents completely different type of relationships. Sedona is made of steel kind of girl, not only figuratively speaking also because of some of her health issues. She’s tough but in someway she also soft and caring especially toward Duke. Their shared bond goes way back to when both of them were a part of military. Duke also is quite complex in the way he can be easy going fun guy to make jokes with while you drinking in the bar, but on the other hand he have his dark and vulnerable moments. And that’s where Sedona play part of his support system, by caring for him and helping him get through that. Not gonna there were quite a few moments with some twists that got me gasping and dropping my jaw to the flow.
Overall I think is a good start for this trilogy, that’s sets the right temp for upcoming books. 🔥
In this story we have two couples, firs Delilah a southern siren with her charm and confidence and Diesel stoic older mechanic (not only) that have bumpy past and few mistakes under his belt. Them to together have now on my favorite flirty dynamic. The word ‘baby’ shined in completely different colors. Then we also have the second couple that represents completely different type of relationships. Sedona is made of steel kind of girl, not only figuratively speaking also because of some of her health issues. She’s tough but in someway she also soft and caring especially toward Duke. Their shared bond goes way back to when both of them were a part of military. Duke also is quite complex in the way he can be easy going fun guy to make jokes with while you drinking in the bar, but on the other hand he have his dark and vulnerable moments. And that’s where Sedona play part of his support system, by caring for him and helping him get through that. Not gonna there were quite a few moments with some twists that got me gasping and dropping my jaw to the flow.
Overall I think is a good start for this trilogy, that’s sets the right temp for upcoming books. 🔥
July 7, 2025
Okay, a new anonymous debut small-town high-stakes romance!!
First of all, the world-building and characters are so thought out that they make you feel immersed, as if you are a part of the story. Additionally, the dual POV provided such intimate insight into our cast of characters, and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the realistic interpretation of found family and PTSD related to military service - it kept me turning every page. This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Honestly, I can't wait for the next book, as this concluded on such a cliffhanger.
📖 / 4.5⭐️
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions! All opinions are my own. #AshesDontBloom #NetGalley
First of all, the world-building and characters are so thought out that they make you feel immersed, as if you are a part of the story. Additionally, the dual POV provided such intimate insight into our cast of characters, and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the realistic interpretation of found family and PTSD related to military service - it kept me turning every page. This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Honestly, I can't wait for the next book, as this concluded on such a cliffhanger.
📖 / 4.5⭐️
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions! All opinions are my own. #AshesDontBloom #NetGalley
October 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ashes Don’t Bloom drops you straight into a western (which is not normally my favourite genre) that feels so vivid it’s like you’re part of it. The story definitely gave me "Supernatural" vibes, right down to the ’67 Impala, which added a fun nostalgic touch. What stood out most were the relationship dynamics between the two couples, which added tension and emotional weight alongside the mystery. I did wish for more backstory on some characters, but I’m hopeful the rest of the series will expand on that. I did find the constant switching between POV difficult to follow - perhaps only writing from 2 characters would have been better. I do look forward to reading the second installment in this series.
Ashes Don’t Bloom drops you straight into a western (which is not normally my favourite genre) that feels so vivid it’s like you’re part of it. The story definitely gave me "Supernatural" vibes, right down to the ’67 Impala, which added a fun nostalgic touch. What stood out most were the relationship dynamics between the two couples, which added tension and emotional weight alongside the mystery. I did wish for more backstory on some characters, but I’m hopeful the rest of the series will expand on that. I did find the constant switching between POV difficult to follow - perhaps only writing from 2 characters would have been better. I do look forward to reading the second installment in this series.
September 30, 2025
This book was a good read, however I think there was to much to follow when it came to having four peoples stories being told in one book. It was well written and I did enjoy the author but there were times I was a bit confused and wondered where the story went. I loved the love story and the banter between the characters. The setting of the book was in the desert where lots of illegal things happen and where people go to disappear and that was a nice change from the major cities that alot of books are based in.
If you are looking for a spicy, military read that love multiple POVs then I would recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest review.
If you are looking for a spicy, military read that love multiple POVs then I would recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest review.
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