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Firestorm: Shadowed Embers Book #1
Liza should be the rightful heir to Emberwyn, but she was disgraced the moment she displayed an aptitude for the element of fire instead of water, like her mother and all of her predecessors. Queen Moira hunted down and killed off every last fire mage centuries ago, fearing they would rise up one day and take her throne. She was convinced that Liza was her punishment from the gods, but she couldn’t bring herself to kill her own daughter. Instead, she kept her hidden away in the palace, swore anyone who knew Liza’s real lineage to secrecy, and made sure that Liza only ever grew up to know what a pathetic failure she was.
Desperate to regain the land she lost when the dragons took over the Beithir Mountains, Moira sends Liza to Mytharae to woo their young prince. She alludes that Liza can regain her place as heir if she succeeds in securing his hand in marriage, but if she fails she’s forbidden from ever returning to Emberwyn. A series of unfortunate events lands Liza in a situation where she has to choose whether to kill or be killed, and she's never even been capable of harming a fly.
Slade Grimsbane, the famed assassin known only as Sàmhach Marbhadh, has been doing his best to stay in Leodric's good graces, but he's already starting to question his mentor's motives when he's called to do a job that pays so well he simply cannot refuse it. Killing is something he's quite skilled at. He's never missed a mark. This kill proved to be his greatest achievement yet, but the cost is more than he bargained for. He’s blackmailed into another assignment that may just prove to be the death of him.
enemies to lovers, one bed, slow burn
Desperate to regain the land she lost when the dragons took over the Beithir Mountains, Moira sends Liza to Mytharae to woo their young prince. She alludes that Liza can regain her place as heir if she succeeds in securing his hand in marriage, but if she fails she’s forbidden from ever returning to Emberwyn. A series of unfortunate events lands Liza in a situation where she has to choose whether to kill or be killed, and she's never even been capable of harming a fly.
Slade Grimsbane, the famed assassin known only as Sàmhach Marbhadh, has been doing his best to stay in Leodric's good graces, but he's already starting to question his mentor's motives when he's called to do a job that pays so well he simply cannot refuse it. Killing is something he's quite skilled at. He's never missed a mark. This kill proved to be his greatest achievement yet, but the cost is more than he bargained for. He’s blackmailed into another assignment that may just prove to be the death of him.
enemies to lovers, one bed, slow burn
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
About the author
Kayla Robinson
12 books12 followersKayla is an indie author who primarily writes dark fantasy and fantasy novels. She lives in rural Kentucky with her husband, horses, dogs, and cats where she works remotely as an IT professional by day and a horse trainer/author by night!
When she is not working, reading, riding, or writing, she can be found at renaissance fairs, bookish balls, and cosplaying at other fantasy related events.
When she is not working, reading, riding, or writing, she can be found at renaissance fairs, bookish balls, and cosplaying at other fantasy related events.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 8, 2025
My first ever ARC — and wow, what a ride!! 💫 I’m obsessed. The world-building was incredible — fae, vampires, shadow daddy, and fire wielder all wrapped up in one dark, magical world that had me hooked from page one.
The enemies-to-lovers tension? Absolutely perfect. The banter, the slow burn, the chemistry — I was kicking my feet and screaming at my Kindle more than once. 😂
This book gave me all the feels: action, romance, betrayal, and just the right amount of spice. I can’t wait for book two because I need more of this world (and these characters) ASAP.
I’m already counting down the days until book two. A fantastic start to what promises to be an addictive series!
Thank you , Kalya Robinson for the chance to be able to review FireStorm!🖤
The enemies-to-lovers tension? Absolutely perfect. The banter, the slow burn, the chemistry — I was kicking my feet and screaming at my Kindle more than once. 😂
This book gave me all the feels: action, romance, betrayal, and just the right amount of spice. I can’t wait for book two because I need more of this world (and these characters) ASAP.
I’m already counting down the days until book two. A fantastic start to what promises to be an addictive series!
Thank you , Kalya Robinson for the chance to be able to review FireStorm!🖤
November 7, 2025
Holy smokes!
I slammed through this book in one day and then IMMEDIATELY started over and reread a number of key chapters.
This is everything you want in a fantasy with romance!
I do not consider it a romantasy, because the story can stand on its own if you remove all of the romance.
It is that good!
Liza has spent her life - a scant 70 years - being told how useless and what a disappointment she is because she only has fire magic. This is a great surprise for her mom, Queen Moira, who had personally killed off all the known fire images years ago.
Moira is so alarmed at Liza’s magic that she hides her away and isn’t the nicest parent to her.
Finally, in an attempt to regain land she lost, the queen arranged for Liza to travel off in hopes of seducing a prince into marriage.
But fate and a stranger step in.
Firestorm has everything you are looking for:
Vampires & Fae
Enemies to lovers, including a toe curling first kiss
One bed
Grouchy MMC who turns into a smitten kitten
An FMC who isn't 19...
Firestorm is a fun, fast - paced, fantasy that will leave you wanting more. Which is great because the sequel is coming next year!
I loved this book so much! I think you will, too.
I slammed through this book in one day and then IMMEDIATELY started over and reread a number of key chapters.
This is everything you want in a fantasy with romance!
I do not consider it a romantasy, because the story can stand on its own if you remove all of the romance.
It is that good!
Liza has spent her life - a scant 70 years - being told how useless and what a disappointment she is because she only has fire magic. This is a great surprise for her mom, Queen Moira, who had personally killed off all the known fire images years ago.
Moira is so alarmed at Liza’s magic that she hides her away and isn’t the nicest parent to her.
Finally, in an attempt to regain land she lost, the queen arranged for Liza to travel off in hopes of seducing a prince into marriage.
But fate and a stranger step in.
Firestorm has everything you are looking for:
Vampires & Fae
Enemies to lovers, including a toe curling first kiss
One bed
Grouchy MMC who turns into a smitten kitten
An FMC who isn't 19...
Firestorm is a fun, fast - paced, fantasy that will leave you wanting more. Which is great because the sequel is coming next year!
I loved this book so much! I think you will, too.
September 6, 2025
I had the absolute privilege of beta reading this beautiful book, and now I spend my days wondering what Liza and Slade are up to while harassing the author about needing the next book. We have fun tropes like enemies to lovers, one bed at the inn, and coming into power. Liza starts the book unsure of herself and her abilities, doing as she's told in hopes of regaining her mother's approval. Slade is our brooding assasin and shadow daddy. The burn is slow, but oh man, does it BURN when they finally give in. Left me in a puddle kind of burn. If you like medieval vibes, royalty, a cool magic system, and twists that just keep twisting - add this to your tbr IMMEDIATELY!
November 10, 2025
A fantasy adventure with just enough twists and turns that you will be held captive by the tale from start to finish.
With a FMC that burns bright enough to make you want to pick up a sword and fight alongside her in this epic fate of destruction, fire and passion, as she discovers not only who she is and what she can withstand, but also who she can become…
The MMC is a shady character in all the right ways, he is mysterious, steadfast and intriguing with more than a hint of sensual danger mixed in. His power radiates through him in a way that makes you wonder if it’s hot in here or is it just me???
With a FMC that burns bright enough to make you want to pick up a sword and fight alongside her in this epic fate of destruction, fire and passion, as she discovers not only who she is and what she can withstand, but also who she can become…
The MMC is a shady character in all the right ways, he is mysterious, steadfast and intriguing with more than a hint of sensual danger mixed in. His power radiates through him in a way that makes you wonder if it’s hot in here or is it just me???
December 8, 2025
Firestorm was such a fun read and had everything I look for in a romantasy!
Magic
Action - Impending war
Keeps you guessing
Tension
Longing
Slow burn
“Fuck it” and “she’s mine” moments
Morally gray MMC
Feisty FMC
Liza is the disgraced princess of a cruel queen of a land of water mages. Liza is kept locked away due to being a fire mage and is made to believe she’s an abomination. Her mother finally “finds a use” for her by sending her on a mission. If she’s successful, she’s just a pawn in her mother’s game for power… if she fails, she’s dead.
Her mission is to go to the human kingdom and get their prince to fall in love with her and secure a proposal. Things take a turn when our morally gray MMC, Slade, is also sent on his own mission and makes a mess of Liza’s plans. The pull between the two is undeniable, but certain circumstances will keep them from being able to act on it.
I loved everything about Firestorm and was hooked from start to finish. Our FMC and MMC both have intriguing backgrounds that keeps you wondering when more details will be revealed. They are both feisty, which makes for a fun read. The story is fast paced and an easy read you can just fly through. As the main characters there are mages, humans, and vampires, but there’s also mention of dragons, fae, werewolves, and elves.
I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series and will absolutly be reading book 2 once it comes out!
Magic
Action - Impending war
Keeps you guessing
Tension
Longing
Slow burn
“Fuck it” and “she’s mine” moments
Morally gray MMC
Feisty FMC
Liza is the disgraced princess of a cruel queen of a land of water mages. Liza is kept locked away due to being a fire mage and is made to believe she’s an abomination. Her mother finally “finds a use” for her by sending her on a mission. If she’s successful, she’s just a pawn in her mother’s game for power… if she fails, she’s dead.
Her mission is to go to the human kingdom and get their prince to fall in love with her and secure a proposal. Things take a turn when our morally gray MMC, Slade, is also sent on his own mission and makes a mess of Liza’s plans. The pull between the two is undeniable, but certain circumstances will keep them from being able to act on it.
I loved everything about Firestorm and was hooked from start to finish. Our FMC and MMC both have intriguing backgrounds that keeps you wondering when more details will be revealed. They are both feisty, which makes for a fun read. The story is fast paced and an easy read you can just fly through. As the main characters there are mages, humans, and vampires, but there’s also mention of dragons, fae, werewolves, and elves.
I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series and will absolutly be reading book 2 once it comes out!
February 27, 2026
What a rollercoaster! and a delightful cliffhanger that Ms. Robinson left us on to have us begging for more.
Not the kind of begging Liza had to do, though!
We have a rich world full of different characters that all vey for our affection. The promised Shadow Daddy. A firey protagonist who has an endering ability to prickle said shadow daddy to the edge of madness.
Just the right amount of foreshadowing to take guesses at the ending but not so much to make it obvious.
Not the kind of begging Liza had to do, though!
We have a rich world full of different characters that all vey for our affection. The promised Shadow Daddy. A firey protagonist who has an endering ability to prickle said shadow daddy to the edge of madness.
Just the right amount of foreshadowing to take guesses at the ending but not so much to make it obvious.
October 6, 2025
I was honored to be able to Beta read this. Huge thank you to Kayla Robinson herself for the opportunity!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Really enjoyed this one!
Firestorm was such a fun, intense read! The world Kayla Robinson created is vivid and full of danger, and the elemental magic—especially the fire powers—was super cool. I loved the main character’s strength and vulnerability, and how she’s clearly dealing with some heavy stuff while still fighting like hell to survive.
The plot moves quickly (sometimes a little too quickly), but it kept me turning the pages. I also really liked the slow-build romance—it didn’t feel forced or like it took over the story. Some of the side characters could’ve been fleshed out a bit more, but overall, this was a strong start to what feels like a really promising series.
If you're into fantasy with elemental powers, emotional stakes, and a badass heroine, this one’s worth picking up!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Really enjoyed this one!
Firestorm was such a fun, intense read! The world Kayla Robinson created is vivid and full of danger, and the elemental magic—especially the fire powers—was super cool. I loved the main character’s strength and vulnerability, and how she’s clearly dealing with some heavy stuff while still fighting like hell to survive.
The plot moves quickly (sometimes a little too quickly), but it kept me turning the pages. I also really liked the slow-build romance—it didn’t feel forced or like it took over the story. Some of the side characters could’ve been fleshed out a bit more, but overall, this was a strong start to what feels like a really promising series.
If you're into fantasy with elemental powers, emotional stakes, and a badass heroine, this one’s worth picking up!
August 20, 2025
what can I say, just WOW. I could not put it down. with a TRUE enemies to lovers aspect, Firestorm keeps you drawn in with its exciting storyline, magic system, and witty banter. It keeps you wanting more. Book 2 cant come soon enough!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A lovely journey of a fire mage’s power blossoming.
I chose this book because I love the idea of elemental magic, especially fire magic. Truth be told, I was also drawn to it because Firestorm is my username in several games I play. Overall, I found it to be an entertaining journey of personal discovery of the power Liza holds within her life.
Liza was never allowed to develop into her personal magic and power. After her mother discovers Liza is a last surviving fire mage in a family of water mages, Liza is sequestered to the castle in Emberwyn. Moira’s disdain for Liza is evident when questioned on why she didn’t cull her when her mother realized she was a fire mage: “Because I didn’t go through the pain of birthing you to not get anything in return. I knew that I could use you for something even if I didn’t know what yet.” That something is sending her to Mythrae, the land of humans, to be an emissary and attempt to catch the prince’s eye to ensure a trade agreement that is beneficial to Emberwyn. While in Myrthrae, she is able to learn how to harness her powers for her benefit. She escapes the castle at Mythrae along with other mages that the humans had held captive. Liza doesn’t let King Edward carry out his plans, becoming a nuisance to him.
The introduction of Slade, Sàmhach Marbhadh, is an interesting twist because what he was sent to Mythrae to do seems to undermine what Liza’s mother’s plans were for her. After her escape, Slade is hired to bring her back to the human king, fighting the connection the two of them seem to have. He has magic of his own, shadow walking.
Liza’s development was well thought out with her coming into her own after being ostracised and oppressed by her mother. Slade begins a little one dimensional to me. This quickly changes when he and Liza are thrust together. I can’t wait to learn more about Runelheim and the vampires, Celestas and the fae, Valehaven and the elves, and Elkridge and the werewolves.
I’d recommend this book to romantasy lovers because there’s spice and political intrigue. I especially enjoyed the banter between Liza and Slade, though I wish a bit more of the political strife had been fleshed out.
I chose this book because I love the idea of elemental magic, especially fire magic. Truth be told, I was also drawn to it because Firestorm is my username in several games I play. Overall, I found it to be an entertaining journey of personal discovery of the power Liza holds within her life.
Liza was never allowed to develop into her personal magic and power. After her mother discovers Liza is a last surviving fire mage in a family of water mages, Liza is sequestered to the castle in Emberwyn. Moira’s disdain for Liza is evident when questioned on why she didn’t cull her when her mother realized she was a fire mage: “Because I didn’t go through the pain of birthing you to not get anything in return. I knew that I could use you for something even if I didn’t know what yet.” That something is sending her to Mythrae, the land of humans, to be an emissary and attempt to catch the prince’s eye to ensure a trade agreement that is beneficial to Emberwyn. While in Myrthrae, she is able to learn how to harness her powers for her benefit. She escapes the castle at Mythrae along with other mages that the humans had held captive. Liza doesn’t let King Edward carry out his plans, becoming a nuisance to him.
The introduction of Slade, Sàmhach Marbhadh, is an interesting twist because what he was sent to Mythrae to do seems to undermine what Liza’s mother’s plans were for her. After her escape, Slade is hired to bring her back to the human king, fighting the connection the two of them seem to have. He has magic of his own, shadow walking.
Liza’s development was well thought out with her coming into her own after being ostracised and oppressed by her mother. Slade begins a little one dimensional to me. This quickly changes when he and Liza are thrust together. I can’t wait to learn more about Runelheim and the vampires, Celestas and the fae, Valehaven and the elves, and Elkridge and the werewolves.
I’d recommend this book to romantasy lovers because there’s spice and political intrigue. I especially enjoyed the banter between Liza and Slade, though I wish a bit more of the political strife had been fleshed out.
November 9, 2025
Thank you Kayla Robinson for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This book was such a thrill to read. It has the tropes that I adore in both fantasy and romance. The magic and the world building out into such a rich story of intrigue that kept me wanting more.
You will like if you enjoy an MMC teasing a FMC and he falls first.
You won't like if you hate crazy cliff hangers.
Liza is a mage, disowned by the queen for possessing fire magic, and is hidden away in her home for majority of her life. Shes given a task to redeem herself by going to the human kingdom as an emissary with the goal to seduce the prince to win her place back in the Queen's graces.
Then comes the gruff MMC, Slade, working for a rough assassin's guild with a shadowed history. He has been working for them the majority of his life and keeps getting tasked with harder jobs until it ends up in the same path as Liza.
MILD SPOILERS AHEAD:
Liza and Slade's banter and draw had me on my toes through the whole book. I hit the last 100 pages and could not put it down. The twists kept me on my edge, and while some were obvious, I got to the last few chapters and was blown away with how it went and where Slade and Liza end up. I cannot wait to dive into the world further with book 2 and hopefully much more staying in this universe.
Thank you again Kayla!
This book was such a thrill to read. It has the tropes that I adore in both fantasy and romance. The magic and the world building out into such a rich story of intrigue that kept me wanting more.
You will like if you enjoy an MMC teasing a FMC and he falls first.
You won't like if you hate crazy cliff hangers.
Liza is a mage, disowned by the queen for possessing fire magic, and is hidden away in her home for majority of her life. Shes given a task to redeem herself by going to the human kingdom as an emissary with the goal to seduce the prince to win her place back in the Queen's graces.
Then comes the gruff MMC, Slade, working for a rough assassin's guild with a shadowed history. He has been working for them the majority of his life and keeps getting tasked with harder jobs until it ends up in the same path as Liza.
MILD SPOILERS AHEAD:
Liza and Slade's banter and draw had me on my toes through the whole book. I hit the last 100 pages and could not put it down. The twists kept me on my edge, and while some were obvious, I got to the last few chapters and was blown away with how it went and where Slade and Liza end up. I cannot wait to dive into the world further with book 2 and hopefully much more staying in this universe.
Thank you again Kayla!
November 22, 2025
First and foremost, I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read Firestorm! I had a good time! Though I enjoyed myself, there were some things that I found to be a little underdeveloped. The FMC got on my nerves just a bit lol. A lot of FMC’s do lol. But I will say the last two chapters really heighten my curiosity again so now I am looking forward to book 2. So if you’re wondering if you should read this book… Yes, this is a good palette cleanser. Especially after reading a longer series!
March 24, 2026
The fact that I have to wait until June for book 2 feels like it should be criminal.
The tension between Liza & Slade, impeccable.
The world building and attention to detail is amazing.
Fae ✅️
Vampires ✅️
Mages ✅️
Dragons ✅️
Plot twist ✅️
I'm not normally a fan of slow burns, but this one kept me hooked and enjoying every moment of tension and banter, waiting for the moment one of them says, f*ck it.
The tension between Liza & Slade, impeccable.
The world building and attention to detail is amazing.
Fae ✅️
Vampires ✅️
Mages ✅️
Dragons ✅️
Plot twist ✅️
I'm not normally a fan of slow burns, but this one kept me hooked and enjoying every moment of tension and banter, waiting for the moment one of them says, f*ck it.
June 11, 2026
Wow, what a story! I became obsessed with Liza, the FMC, who is the eldest daughter of Queen Moira. She is swept aside because she is a fire mage and not a water mage like her mother and their bloodline. She is not allowed to practice her fire magic and degraded because of it. Being a fire mage is illegal in their land but as long as Liza stays hidden in the palace, she can live.
Liza is finally allowed outside of the palace to create good relations with the human king in Mytharae and woo the prince. Then, Queen Moira plans to take the human land back for herself, using Liza as a pawn. Liza is a great character, finding herself throughout the book and really sticking to her ideals even as they are tested over and over again.
Then, we have Slade, the MMC, he is an assassin and at the top of his game. He also has other secrets that very few know about. His best friend and mentor is a vampire. He meets Liza when he is undercover for an assignment in the human palace. There is a pull he feels toward her that he does not understand.
This book is a slow-burn, elemental magic, multiple magical creatures/people story. I am excited to read book 2 since there was a big cliffhanger at the end.
Liza is finally allowed outside of the palace to create good relations with the human king in Mytharae and woo the prince. Then, Queen Moira plans to take the human land back for herself, using Liza as a pawn. Liza is a great character, finding herself throughout the book and really sticking to her ideals even as they are tested over and over again.
Then, we have Slade, the MMC, he is an assassin and at the top of his game. He also has other secrets that very few know about. His best friend and mentor is a vampire. He meets Liza when he is undercover for an assignment in the human palace. There is a pull he feels toward her that he does not understand.
This book is a slow-burn, elemental magic, multiple magical creatures/people story. I am excited to read book 2 since there was a big cliffhanger at the end.
August 20, 2025
I LOVED this book! The story flowed well, and I felt very connected to the main character. I love a good slow burn romance, and this delivered with some amazing spicy scenes. I’m very excited for the next book!
September 5, 2025
I’ve never fallen in love with a story so fast! The plot was well developed and kept me on the edge of my seat. Nothing beats a slow burn, enemies to lovers fantasy story—this is one of the best. Eager to read what happens next!
February 5, 2026
wow!
Really good first book of a series, it had everything! Magic, far, mages, vampires, werewolves and dragons!! Excellent plot development and movement, great smut. Couldn’t put it down!
Really good first book of a series, it had everything! Magic, far, mages, vampires, werewolves and dragons!! Excellent plot development and movement, great smut. Couldn’t put it down!
July 9, 2026
LOVED this book!
I absolutely loved reading this book! The reading style was wonderful, and the overall character building was done very well! It had my interest from the start and even half way through I was excited there was a second book to read. Definitely recommend!
I absolutely loved reading this book! The reading style was wonderful, and the overall character building was done very well! It had my interest from the start and even half way through I was excited there was a second book to read. Definitely recommend!
August 21, 2026
This was exact what I needed to get me out of my little reading slump. I loved this book. The second one is in my Amazon cart. FMC is Liza and she is a breath of competent fresh air. The tug and pull and yearning. Chefs kiss. I cannot wait to see what Liza does in the next book.
July 6, 2026
Excellent if your into fantasy, loved the world building and connections being made, already looking forward to what's to come next!
September 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and highly reccomend it to those who love a little sass in the romance. The characters are beautifully imperfect and learn from their mistakes and grow as they go.
I dont typically reread books too often unless I absolutely love them, and this is definitely on that list to reread. I'm already itching for book 2 to continue the story and to reread this one again. Love love love this book!
I dont typically reread books too often unless I absolutely love them, and this is definitely on that list to reread. I'm already itching for book 2 to continue the story and to reread this one again. Love love love this book!
November 5, 2025
I had the opportunity to recieve an ARC copy and DEVOURED this in less then 48 hours! I love the world building, mages, vampires AND fae! another shadow daddy to add to the list Slade does not disappoint! and Liza ah I love her character and cant wait to see her growth continue! and the cliff hanger at the end! I will definitely be suggesting this to all my book friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews