Between Ash & Eternity - A Forbidden Love Paranormal Romance

by Viola Estrella

Cora’s world is splintering, and the reason is finally beginning to surface. Something dark is moving beneath the fabric of her life, and a mysterious man has appeared in the middle of it all, protecting her and fighting beside her when no one else will.

Nolan has been assigned to guard her soul, but this mission is unlike any other. Cora isn’t simply fragile or lost. Her presence calls to something buried within him, something sacred and forgotten. Each moment in her orbit threatens to undo the control he has fought to maintain across lifetimes.

But he cannot surrender to the desire building between them. If he crosses the line, he risks more than his mission. He risks her safety, his redemption, and the path back to the Otherworld he longs to reach.

Touching her could destroy everything he was sent to protect.

Falling for her might cost him his way home.


A slow-burn paranormal romance of forbidden longing, soul-deep connection, and the fragile edge between fate and ruin.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

About the author

Viola is a 2010 RWA® RITA® finalist. Her Urban Fantasy, ANGEL VINDICATED, was nominated for Best First Book. In 2015, her paranormal romance novel, HAUNTING YOU, won the Specialized Category in the NTRWA Carolyn Readers Choice Awards and was a CRW Award of Excellence finalist. In 2010 she was honored by her local RWA chapter, Colorado Romance Writers, with the Writer of the Year award.

Reviews

[Tera Honaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between Ash & Eternity by Viola Estrella is an enticing read in which the FMC, Cora, is trying to navigate her life and stay afloat while being manipulated and tormented by an evil celestial force and simultaneously protected by a different guardian angel of sorts. Her life is filled with longing, depression, and multiple tragedies at the hands of evil (unbeknownst to her) and yet she still strives to trudge forward and conquer. It's a tale of survival, perseverance, finding oneself, and eventually even true love.

Though I whole heartedly love the concept and plot, there was an overall disconnect with me while reading this book. Cora is described as a soul that is barely surviving in the beginning without enough deep backstory to make the reader truly feel it. The MMC, Nolan, is perceived by Cora (and the reader) as a sketchy sort of possibly dangerous drifter but then quickly becomes completely accepted and trusted by Cora with little effort or real explanation. I enjoyed the total storyline of this book from the plot, even the characters, to the action/adventure and romance involved. It all makes for a great read. However, it just felt very rushed for me and thus the disconnect. I think if the book was double in length with more time spent on creating deeper storylines, it would be a five-star read for me. As it is, it just feels very "cookie cutter." Everything just seemed to work out according to plan with hardly any interruption or distraction. Even all the celestial places of protection in which to "hide" Cora while training were within easy driving distances of one another that happened to be in the area of the country where Cora lived.

If you're looking for a breezy, light, paranormal romance read, then this is perfect!
Honestly, that's all I need from time to time. The writing is easy to understand and almost poetic in some descriptions. The romance is quite good and refreshingly sweet without being immature. It seems there will be more books in this series, and I must admit that the ending of Between Ash & Eternity left me intrigued and interested in what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gwen Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to being hesitant to start “Between Ash and Eternity,” Book 1 of the Guardian Angels series from Viola Estrella. The author was new to me, and I’m picky about paranormal tropes. How long would it take me to be interested enough in the story to keep reading?

I needn’t have worried. “Between Ash and Eternity” blew me away.

The prologue made sense and was succinct enough that I didn’t get bored. Chapter One dropped me right into the action as I met Cora for the first time.

Author Estrella is exceedingly skilled at world building without letting it bog down the action. Both Cora and Nolan drew me in from the first time they met.

Add in secondary characters (including two that I’m betting are the focus of Book 2) and I was well and truly hooked.

If you enjoy supernatural beings who still struggle with right and wrong and the codes they are required to follow, you will love “Between Ash and Eternity.” Grab your copy now.

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a nice light read with a great plot and good the writing style was also very good and good character development, can’t wait for book 2.
I received this as an arc in return for my honest review

[Lorraine Whiteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than reading a book about true love and soulmates that makes you long for it yourself. Every word touches your soul and makes you hope all over again. Beautifully written. I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[Jen D84 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️x4
🌶x1

A great story of how two souls are meant to be together forever. The connection is so strong between these two which I love. I liked the world building and will be interested to see where the story goes! Fun read, paranormal romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Released: 7/8/25
Between Ash & Eternity by Viola Estrella
Guardian Angels Series
Book 1
~246pgs

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and how the FMC, Cora, started out as a broken down woman and overcame so many obstacles in her life to come into a strong feminine lead. She had so many things going wrong (due to forces outside of her knowledge) and was headed for a lifetime of depression and angst. Then, the MMC, Nolan, came into her life as a celestial protector, and things started to make sense on a gut level for her. That's when she finally realized she wasn't entirely alone in the world and did have help on her side.

While the story itself is heartwarming with a HEA, full of love, and in some sense, a bit poetic with the writing style, I did struggle with the short sentences and quick thoughts. It didn't flow as nicely as I had hoped and felt rushed. The entirety of the story was only over the course of days when it had felt like weeks with how much the characters were driving to different hideouts and being on the road to escape from the fallen celestial/bad guy. Yes, the author gave great detail about the scenery and descriptions of the places they were, but I felt as if more could have gone into the characters. People don't just change their entire self belief in just a few days. That takes a lot of time and it seemed as if Cora hung on every word Nolan said and just accepted them as truth.

The book did set itself up for a sequel, or potential series, and some questions I have after reading could be answered later on, but I personally would have liked to see just a bit more in this one. Otherwise, the overall story was lighthearted, an easy read, and enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MaRissa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. At first I didn’t think I was going to as much because I’m not used to reading in third point of view, but I give this a 5 star rating and honestly wish I could give it more.

This was beautifully written. The different words used in this story were brilliant as well.

I loved the longing feeling between Nolan and Cora. It was beautiful. They are definitely soulmates and this was a love at first sight book.

All of this touched my soul, and makes me want more. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lora Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling journey of forbidden love

"Between Ash & Eternity" by Viola Estrella is a captivating paranormal romance that explores the depths of forbidden love. The story masterfully intertwines supernatural elements with intense emotional connections, drawing readers into a world filled with mystery and passion. Estrella’s characters are well-developed, highlighting their struggles and desires, making their journey compelling. The writing is both expressive and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. A must-read for fans of the genre!

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a paranormal slow burn romance about angels who have fallen from grace and are cursed to live as humans. The concept is creative, and the writing was well done. It drew you in and held your attention throughout. The world building is very well done as well. The characters are well developed, and you feel the tension as the navigate this forbidden relationship. It was a very good read and had laid the foundation for the other books in this series.

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story is so sweet when it is between actual soulmates. Such a well written book and an easy read.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan is to protect and keep Cora safe. Hearts and feelings are getting involved. Can Nolan resist the pull he has for Cora? Will she be able stop herself from pursuing him? Will he be able to save her from her stalker? Such a really good read.