Trumpets for Hannah

by Meg Stratton

Hannah – I never imagined that my observations of the arrival of the Weevil aliens on Earth would lead to the devastating life I’ve endured for the last four years. Losing my mother when she was still so young and vibrant, hit me like a ton of bricks. My father’s overwhelming grief at losing the love of his life, leaves me feeling as if I have lost him too. With the guidance from my “fairy godmother”, Manuel, I take a dose of Trumpet flower and fall into a deep sleep while my world swirls out of my control. I wake up surrounded by faces I’ve never seen before, responsibilities I never wanted, and uncertainty about my destiny.

Theo – Rafe and I were inseparable before the Weevils arrived, now we live day to day trying to find food and keep each alive. After we find a woman, who falls into a deep sleep at our feet, we race to save her. Recognizing our mate, we face a new journey - one of protection and commitment. It won’t be easy; nothing is on Earth.

Cassie – I’ve been on the run since I killed the wolf pack leader who had held me captive for the last year. Using me to feed the appetites of his pack and himself, he deserved to die. But being wanted in a hostile world leads me on a race to secure my freedom. Finding a sleeping woman with her protective mates around her sparks my protective instincts. Something I refuse to compromise on is helping those less fortunate.

Hannah and her found family journey to seek answers from her Grandma Charlie and her Great-Aunt, MeeMaw. Both women are able to see into the future and hopefully will guide Hannah onto her destiny. One that includes all of her new found mates.

Garden of Desire is a multi-author collection of novels, novellas, and short stories with one theme- Flowers!

Genres: Why Choose

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[theshadyivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🫦🫦🫦

✨✨✨ Trumpets for Hannah by Meg Stratton (@megstrattonauthor), is the second book in her Whispers of Ash and Ruin series. ✨✨✨

Release: May 5th 2026

Tropes:
💞 Why Choose | Poly
💥 Post-Apocalyptic
🛸 Alien Invasion
👩🏻 Sleeping Beauty Retelling
🗣️ Multiple POV
💪 Fierce FMC
👯‍♂️ MMFFMM
🐻 bear shifter
🪶 bird shifter
🐺 wolf shifter

Meg Stratton plunges us back into her haunting post-apocalyptic world, where alien-dropped weevils grow into monstrous forces of destruction—and survival is anything but guaranteed.
This installment introduces us to Hannah, a young woman trapped in a gilded cage of fear and prophecy. Her father’s desperate attempts to protect her only tighten the chains around her life. But when their farm is attacked by a wolf pack, Hannah makes a bold, heartbreaking decision to escape—using poison as her only way out. Fate intervenes when she’s rescued by Theo and Rafe, two enigmatic wolf shifters who offer her safety, and something more: a chance to reclaim her life.

What follows is a gripping journey through danger, emotional reckoning, and the slow, powerful build of trust. The suspense is relentless, and the emotional depth is beautifully raw. Hannah’s transformation from captive to fierce leader is one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read in a long time.

The story is rich with themes of loyalty, resilience, and the kind of love that grows in the ashes of ruin. If you’re drawn to shifter romance, post-apocalyptic grit, and heroines who refuse to break—this book will absolutely devour you.

Quotes:
Before the words fully leave my lips, Rafe's mouth descents onto mine. He laps at my lips before suckling on my tongue as he moans, tasting Cassie's womanly flavor on them.

"That's a good little Queen," he rumbles as I coat his hand with my cum. "Now you're ready to take me. Come sit on your throne.”

🌒 Question of the Day:
If the world was falling apart and you had to choose between trusting strangers or facing danger alone—what would you do?

#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #whychoose #shifter #scifi #review #currentlyreading #kindleunlimited ##theshadyivy

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 star rating from me.
Trumpets for Hannah by Meg Stratton (@megstrattonauthor), is the second book in her Whispers of Ash and Ruin series.

Trope List: (I dont think i missed any)
Why Choose | Poly
Insta Love
Post-Apocalyptic
Alien Invasion
Sleeping Beauty Retelling
Multiple POV's
Firey FMC
MMFFMM
Shifters - bear shifter // bird shifter // wolf shifter

Triggers:
Violence
Alien Invasion
Insta-Love
Murder in self-defense
Pregnancy
Dubious Consent
Rape (mentioned not on page) - more skimmed over than in depth talked about
Mama/Baby Girl Talk

Meg Stratton plunges you into her haunting post-apocalyptic world, where alien-dropped weevils grow into monstrous forces of destruction and survival is anything but guaranteed. Will she make it out alive???

After losing her mother, and suffering through her own grief and the grief of her father losing the love of his life, the FMC Hannah decides to take a dose of Trumpet flower that makes her fall into a deep sleep, eventually waking to people and faces she does not recognise!
Hannah and her found family journey to seek answers from her Grandma Charlie and her Great-Aunt, MeeMaw. Both women are able to see into the future and hopefully will guide Hannah onto her destiny. One that includes all of her new found mates.

I loved that this book is multi pov! You get the story from every side of each character even though Hannah is the FMC! I adored her relationship with Manuel on the farm, and so sad at how her mothers dead effected her relationship with her father.

Cassie did erk me abit with the jealousy of dom talking to hannah. Like. Grow up, you are older than all of them fs 👀🤣 & hannah not being fully accepting of Theo & Rafe right from the "you're my mate" are you crazy?! Anyways.... about 52% in my anxiety started due to the situation in the book and it stayed there the rest of the read. On some occasions my hand went to my head in severe anxiety, hubby found me saying oh gawd when my mind flicked ahead of situations before they happened convincing myself of severe deaths (im not giving spoilers of if this does or doesnt happen, read it to find out)... it was just 1 of those Apocalyptic anxiety ridden reads 👀🤣.. also...throughout the book with heat not effecting Hannah, I constantly had the feeling there was more to that??? It cant be just an "it doesn't bother me" lol

The ending tho...im like..who..huh..what..no? Is there a book 2 ?!?!?!?!?!?! Omggggg Meg wtf!!

I definitely would love a physical of this book as its one i would read again and again.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book I’ve read by Meg Stratton and this will not be the last . With this awesomeness I had a blast. The characters are other worldly IYKYK but seriously so darn great ground work to this ,it’s absolute bliss. Setting the scenes and plotting the dynamic is so satisfying to get right and this was done so well it’s dynamite.

Sleeping Beauty retelling with an out of world twist. That’s what this premise is . It delivers don’t get me wrong . It’s just that it’s so much more amazing ,I could burst out in song. Hannah is a lost child in more ways than one. After losing her mom from the mortal plane . It’s like she’s grieving all over again for her dad. Not because he’s a cad and mistreats but he’s grieving too so retreats.

She’s trapped on her father’s farm because he wants her to come to no harm but when shifters close in with no escape . A farm worker steps in to control the situation.

She’s guided by her fairy godmother and takes a sip from a trumpet flower ,this does more than empower it shows her the light as she falls sleeping in her duty ,this beauty so frail. To follow her own future existence trail . Meg doesn’t fail to bring this world to life ,this story about Hannah and her strife.

It’s also a little OZ like this storyline though divine with the sleep and awake as in a dream state where you have not lions and tigers and bears ….well yes you do have bears and bird and wolf ,shifters that is . She’s found and taken under their protection albeit with the greatest love and affection by these fated mates. They are not the wolf shifters she was expecting but wasn’t to know ,that the one who she spotted before taking a pill on advisement was in fact part of a duo on the same side as she. And soon after a journey she will see.

The seer they seek out and take shelter from harm is actually a family member her aunt and not only can she see the future so far reaching but so can her meemaw her aunt is teaching us. Like a moth to a flame ,others come to her place of rest. While she sleeps and dreams and rests .

The heat is divine and so is the storyline. The Weevils ,the alien race hell bent on destroying them all will see her true destination and her elite transformation into the leader she was destined to be….She who trumpets first triumphs last….
With this awesomely compelling Meg Stratton lass ,I had a blast. So many fires and desires to follow and soak in. Banging storytelling! 👌

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second installment of Whispers of Ash and Ruin series set in a post apocalyptic time. Hannah is trapped at her father’s farm. He is desperate to protect her and restricts her from leaving, due to a prophecy her grandmother told him years ago. When a wolf shifter pack begins closing in on the farm, Manuel, a farmhand and second dad to Hannah, gives her 3 pills and tells her to run and take the pills. They will put her in a deep sleep and will keep her safe until after the wolfs are gone, the sleep mimics death. She is running and sees a wolf shifter and takes the pills. The wolf shifter is a part of a rogue duo that is also trying to avoid the wolf pack. The duo, Theo and Rafe, take her to see a seers cave to aid her. The seer is Hannahs’ great aunt, Charlie. She is preparing to leave to go see her sister, MeeMaw, Hannahs’ grandmother. She allows them to use her cave as shelter until Hannah awakes from her deep sleep. More characters begin to arrive at the cave, as if they were drawn there. The character developing shows they all had a difficult past, but all have a resilience to survive this new world. Hannah awakes from her deep sleep to find she now is having visions. The troop that has gathered at the cave decide they need to travel to Hannahs grandmother’s cottage so she can learn how these visions work. The troop develops loyalty and love for each other through their travels to MeeMaws cottage. They encounter many difficulties and menacing shifters along the way. Will they make to meemaws cottage safely? How do the relationships develop between the troop? The story does not end on a cliffhanger, instead it stops leaving a hint that another story is to come. This book was an ARC from the author for an honest review

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing story. I loved it.

It’s a great Sleeping Beauty retelling set in a sci-fi dystopian world with an alien invasion having taken over the world. This world is full of shifters and fated mates. There are different types of shifters (eg. Wolves, bears and birds) with different types of personalities and different types.

This is set in the same world as Red is for Roxy and is the second in the same series.

There was 6 POV’s but it was still easy to follow the story and it helped that some of the POV’s didn’t turn up as often as the others.

I loved each persons story and development. All of them were different and added something different to the story.

Hannah was a lovely soft character, who had gone through seeing the alien invasion happen and losing her mother after the invasion. She lived a sheltered life and had an amazing mentor in Manuel.

I loved Theo and Rafe’s partnership and how they were with each other. It felt like they were each other’s opposites and I loved the story of how they met.

I love Cassie’s strength and protectiveness. She didn’t let trauma define her and instead let it make her stronger. Her trauma was amazingly written.

Dominic was an amazing addition to the group. I love how protective he was over his mate, Cassie.

Trey was an interesting addition. This is the first bird shifter we meet during this series, but he comes from a tortured background. I felt for him so much after what he’d been through. I was so happy for him finding safety with his new found family.

I loved seeing Roxy and her polycule family. I loved them in the first book. I was happy to find out more about her family and learn more about what they went through.

Thank you Meg Stratton for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tabetha McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series which can be read without reading the 1st book Red is for Roxy like i did. This is a post-apocalyptic with aliens, shifters, seers, n found family. Hannah is told to take a dose of trumpets flower (which will make her go into a coma for a but) incase the people that attack her dads farm tries to take her. So when she runs she runs into Theo and Rafe scared they are part of the wolf shifters attacking the farm she takes the pills amd instaly falls into a coma. They feel a connection to her and take care of her until she wakes. Where she also meets others. They have to go to her grandmother's and great aunt to get help. Along the way they meet others n have to survive other dangers. This is an amazing book and a different take on shifters, and post-apocalyptic world which I loved about the book. The ending is open to have another story which I hope comes soon to find out what happens after!

[FictionHealsMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trumpets for Hannah is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, and this story has so much in it. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world with an alien invasion — weevils, and the premise is genuinely really, really interesting.

The world is harsh and dangerous, with weevils roaming after the invasion and only a few women left. That atmosphere works well and creates a constant sense of tension. It feels unpredictable, which kept me engaged and wanting to see what would happen next.

What stood out most to me is how many elements the author brings together, sci-fi, paranormal with shifters, and romance, creating something that feels different. It’s not your typical retelling, and it doesn’t follow an expected path.

The relationships are an important part of the story. The poly dynamic and fated mates aspect add emotional stakes and make the connections between characters feel meaningful, especially in such a brutal world.

Overall, this was a strong and original read.

[Tysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic post-apocalyptic paranormal romance, with shifters of various species, found family, a poly relationship, and plenty of spice.

We first meet Hannah as a side character in Red is for Roxy, but this book follows her journey back through the eyes of herself, and her companions. It is a multi-pov story, which works really well here.

It was very enjoyable getting to know each of the characters, with each having their own personality and backstory. They all felt integral to the plot, which is great for a large cast story.

While this could be read as a standalone, or part of A Garden of Desire series, I do highly recommend reading Red is for Roxy first, as it provides a great introduction to this world, and some of the characters that will pop up here.

I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very satisfying read! Set in the same world as Red is for Roxy, book two focuses Hannah. Briefly mentioned in book one, we now get to read her full story & I loved it!

With flashbacks, a little more is revealed about the invasion that destroyed life as everyone knew. Meg pulls the story together with tension & spice as we get to know each character, all while touching on some sensitive subject matter. It’s written incredibly well & I’m more than a little curious about that ending!

Definitely recommend if you like variety with your spice!

Tropes

Post apocalypse
Alien invasion
Shifters
Visions
Fated mates
Past trauma
Sleeping beauty retelling
🍒 pop
Why choose/polyamory
MMFFMM

[AmesChicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author so much for the early ebook and allowing me to be a part of this series!!

Man, this story had me gripped up from the moment I picked it up! I should have known this, because 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 is the second in the 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒖𝒊𝒏 series and I loved book 1. This one was, dare I say, even better?!

In a post-apocalyptic world, invaded by aliens, Hannah meets up with some interesting characters in her fight for survival. I think Theo (wolf shifter) may be my favorite, but why choose? 😝 If you are looking for a bit of magic and some spice, pick this one up now!

What to Expect
✨Why Choose | Poly
✨ Post-Apocalyptic
✨Alien Invasion
✨Sleeping Beauty Retelling
✨Mult POV
✨MMFFMM
✨Shifters (Bear, Bird, Wolf)

[Tara Malta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved jumping back into this world where an alien invasion has sent creatures to destroy everything in their midst. This time we join Hannah and her journey to join her grandmother and others at MeeMaw's compound after waking up from a prodective self-induced coma. She is rescued by two wolf shifters and meet others along the way who they welcome into their family. They encounter dangers along the way, but I loved the ending and how it's open ended for the series to continue!

I loved Hannah and admired how she stayed calm and grounded even when it seemed the world was being thrown at her.


Thank you to Meg for the early e-copy to read and review!

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW I absolutely loved this book by Meg Stratton. This is the 2nd book in the Whispers of Ash and Ruin series. I love Meg as an Author so much because she her Dystopian style books never disappoint at all. I love the badass female hero's that are strong and never break no matter what you throw at them. I loved all the characters they were absolutely amazing. I love the emotional awareness amongst the characters in the story. I love how she builds the world up so vividly and how it comes to life as you read it. Overall, she did a fabulous job writing this book and I am so happy i got the chance to advance read it.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read Red is for Roxy, then you will enjoy coming back to this world. Although, it is not required that you read book one. I like this world that Meg has created. The Weevils are back and so is Grandma Charlie and Great-Aunt, MeeMaw. So happy to see these two again.

I liked seeing Meg's take on Sleeping Beauty. She really made it her own and felt modern. The story starts out right away. There are many different characters introduced into the story but don't worry as it is easy to keep everyone straight and what parts they play in the overall story. Love the spice.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I have to say I was really impressed! I think that book is well written and the characters were amazing.

This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist and I loved it! Two of my favorite things are Sleeping Beauty and Shifters and this story has both. I really enjoyed the story and I’m hoping that there will be another book that will answer some of the questions that were left unanswered.

If you like why choose you’ll love this!

[Lauren S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues with new friends and a few characters from "Red is for Roxy". The ending isn't a cliff hanger but there is more to the story still to come. This has 18+ scenes and you should check out the list of triggers before you read.

[Megan Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great and dont know where to start :). Great read, great connection between characters, and greater connection when MC finds lost family. Shifters, lovers, poly relationships, adventure, enemies out to get the females. Can't wait for the next book!!!

[Genoveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this one had me in awe. The world this stor was in was super interesting. Author did a good job at building the imagery as we experience the world through the perspective of these characters. I enjoyed the characters and they were super likeable. Hannah's growth throughout this story was beautiful.

[Lisa Diamond-Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd installment in Meg's series. If I could rate it more than 5 stars I would!!! One thing I love is Meg's writing of emotions. She captures complex emotions with such poetically beautiful words. This is a why choose dystopian book with alien invasions. During this installment we follow Hannah who has lead her life being sheltered and protected by her father. She ends up asleep for some time. When she finally wakes she awakens to a new version of herself surrounded by new people she dosen't know. Meg takes us on a beautiful journey not jjst with Hannah but Cassie as well. Each person brings their own unique quality to this story. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses. Meg isn't afraid to address those emotional feelings and capture the heart of these characters while telling and amazing story!!