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Savage Hearts #2
Kneel In The Ashes
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26No masters. No mercy. No surrender.
Rowan was raised by the Church of the Silver Hand to hunt orcs without mercy, but she chose defiance over obedience and disappeared into the shadows of Ostelan, fighting to be free of their chains. When she finds an orc bleeding out beneath Ostelan blades, she reacts on instinct and saves him. She doesn't know why she patches him up--or why she agrees to help him--but she can't seem to walk away.
Kaldor knows she is his. The mate bond ignites the moment he sees her, and he is drawn to her with a reckless obsession. Hunted through the Wild Lands, they carve a path toward a mission that could shift the balance of the kingdom. A rebellion is rising in Ostelan and Rowan must decide if she will remain a weapon in the shadows, or risk becoming something more with the one person who sees beyond all her sharp edges.
Rowan was raised by the Church of the Silver Hand to hunt orcs without mercy, but she chose defiance over obedience and disappeared into the shadows of Ostelan, fighting to be free of their chains. When she finds an orc bleeding out beneath Ostelan blades, she reacts on instinct and saves him. She doesn't know why she patches him up--or why she agrees to help him--but she can't seem to walk away.
Kaldor knows she is his. The mate bond ignites the moment he sees her, and he is drawn to her with a reckless obsession. Hunted through the Wild Lands, they carve a path toward a mission that could shift the balance of the kingdom. A rebellion is rising in Ostelan and Rowan must decide if she will remain a weapon in the shadows, or risk becoming something more with the one person who sees beyond all her sharp edges.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 21, 2026
Thank you Missy S. Castillo for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Mild Spoilers for the book in this review!
I want to start this off by saying that Bound in Flames was a phenomenal read. Full of emotion, with a powerhouse of a FMC. That being said, Kneel in the Ashes is my favorite so far, and I think it has to do with how much of myself I see in Rowan.
The tonal shift from Bound in Flames to Kneel in the Ashes is one of my favorite things about the book. The difference in the characters is tangible, and it makes them feel so real. Rowan, this world weary assassin just wants to be left alone, then Kaldor appears. Golden Retriever, possessive, and full of sunshine, he is the exact opposite of our fierce FMC. For all his differences though, he matches her energy so well.
You often hear about women in their 30s and 40s (Rowan is in her 30s) joking about, “somebody's son”, well…Kaldor is that somebody's son. He sees what he wants, and he goes for it, and I have to respect his absolute delusion (or is it?) in thinking he’s going to knock down Rowan’s walls.
The romance in this book though! My god, the spice was phenomenal. Kaldor aims to please, I’ll leave it up to you on whether he succeeds or not. Seriously, the romance in this book was so realistic. Sometimes you just know, and sometimes you just have to accept the things that life throws at you. While Rowan and Kaldor have a lot of banter in this book, I feel like it's the conversations they don’t have verbally that stood out the most to me. The way they gravitate and seem to just move with one another is so beautiful. They truly make a deadly pair.
If you like monster romance, dark romantasy, badass FMCs, mental health representation, and devoted males please give The Savage Hearts series a read. It feels like hope in the midst of so much darkness.
Mild Spoilers for the book in this review!
I want to start this off by saying that Bound in Flames was a phenomenal read. Full of emotion, with a powerhouse of a FMC. That being said, Kneel in the Ashes is my favorite so far, and I think it has to do with how much of myself I see in Rowan.
The tonal shift from Bound in Flames to Kneel in the Ashes is one of my favorite things about the book. The difference in the characters is tangible, and it makes them feel so real. Rowan, this world weary assassin just wants to be left alone, then Kaldor appears. Golden Retriever, possessive, and full of sunshine, he is the exact opposite of our fierce FMC. For all his differences though, he matches her energy so well.
You often hear about women in their 30s and 40s (Rowan is in her 30s) joking about, “somebody's son”, well…Kaldor is that somebody's son. He sees what he wants, and he goes for it, and I have to respect his absolute delusion (or is it?) in thinking he’s going to knock down Rowan’s walls.
The romance in this book though! My god, the spice was phenomenal. Kaldor aims to please, I’ll leave it up to you on whether he succeeds or not. Seriously, the romance in this book was so realistic. Sometimes you just know, and sometimes you just have to accept the things that life throws at you. While Rowan and Kaldor have a lot of banter in this book, I feel like it's the conversations they don’t have verbally that stood out the most to me. The way they gravitate and seem to just move with one another is so beautiful. They truly make a deadly pair.
If you like monster romance, dark romantasy, badass FMCs, mental health representation, and devoted males please give The Savage Hearts series a read. It feels like hope in the midst of so much darkness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 10, 2026This book was absolutely amazing! If you havent read the first book Bound in Flames now is your chance before the release.
May 9, 2026
What can I say about this other than Missy has done it again. I love Bound in Flames, but this has got to be my favorite in the series so far.
The ability she has to write such powerful and moving stories laced with war, grief, love, laughter, and fear is what had me falling in love with these books. Through out this book I would find myself laughing along with the characters and the next minute crying, it was more happy tears than said though.
The characters are amazing. The emotions and the torment that Rowen bottles up and holds close as the driving force of her atonement in this battle is such a feeling I know a lot of us can relate to. Not in the entire sense, but we have all been in a situation where we could’ve and should’ve done something and that regret sits with us as we vow to grow and do better. Her meeting Kaldor and seeing him break down her walls finally getting the love and devotion she deserves had me so invested in their journey together. Kaldor is such a goofball but who doesn’t love a man with a sense of humor. Their banter flowed effortlessly and I enjoyed it.
Now keeping with characters, not only does Missy write amazing MCs, but also amazing and unforgettable side characters as well. The fellow orcs we get along this journey had me laughing to myself as I read and don’t even get me started on Ragor, ugh my heart he is precious.
I am beyond excited to see how this series continues because both books have been a 10/10 for me.
The ability she has to write such powerful and moving stories laced with war, grief, love, laughter, and fear is what had me falling in love with these books. Through out this book I would find myself laughing along with the characters and the next minute crying, it was more happy tears than said though.
The characters are amazing. The emotions and the torment that Rowen bottles up and holds close as the driving force of her atonement in this battle is such a feeling I know a lot of us can relate to. Not in the entire sense, but we have all been in a situation where we could’ve and should’ve done something and that regret sits with us as we vow to grow and do better. Her meeting Kaldor and seeing him break down her walls finally getting the love and devotion she deserves had me so invested in their journey together. Kaldor is such a goofball but who doesn’t love a man with a sense of humor. Their banter flowed effortlessly and I enjoyed it.
Now keeping with characters, not only does Missy write amazing MCs, but also amazing and unforgettable side characters as well. The fellow orcs we get along this journey had me laughing to myself as I read and don’t even get me started on Ragor, ugh my heart he is precious.
I am beyond excited to see how this series continues because both books have been a 10/10 for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First order of business Rowan is an absolute beast and badass packed into a small and lithe but strong body with such an intricate knowledge of how to use it to kick some serious butt!!! She is fierce, sassy and so strong! I absolutely love Rowan!!!
Second order of business the scream I screamed and kicked my feet for Kaldor! That orc is such a mix of funny sometimes almost ditzy when he is simping over Rowan and yet he is possessive and fierce and so loving and loyal! I was kicking my feet and giggling with his and Rowan’s chemistry and dynamic!!! Also he is so cute when he is blushing or embarrassed!!!
The banter and aggressive flirting was on point and the fact that Kaldor ate it up like she was pouring sweet innocent words and kisses on him instead of the harsh, blunt, direct and somehow also dismissive words she was actually throwing at him. Kaldor was not falling for it and it was like the sweetest flirting to him. The spicy scenes between these two are just absolute perfection and I couldn’t get over not only their dynamic and how intense it was but also the level emotions and devotion in these moments even before Rowan wanted to accept and admit it it was so clear and present in every interaction sexual or otherwise.
Kaldor is on a mission from his clan to bring word to the daggertooth clan of his clan’s victory and the plan to retake their ancestral home back. Along the way he is ambushed by the crown and while he refused to go down or cower to them he was injured and out numbered. Rowan could not stand by and watch the crown continue to get away with such miss treatment of another innocent life so she steps in and saves Kaldor from being another victim of the crown.
Rowan has a dark and dangerous history with the Crown the church and its assassins and has been on the run from them. Her decision to help Kaldor puts her and him right in their sights. Even though she has been alone all these years and has never trusted anyone she decides to help him not only get back on his feet but also to continue on with him on his journey.
This is absolutely a must read book for me 5 stars I ate it up!!!!
Second order of business the scream I screamed and kicked my feet for Kaldor! That orc is such a mix of funny sometimes almost ditzy when he is simping over Rowan and yet he is possessive and fierce and so loving and loyal! I was kicking my feet and giggling with his and Rowan’s chemistry and dynamic!!! Also he is so cute when he is blushing or embarrassed!!!
The banter and aggressive flirting was on point and the fact that Kaldor ate it up like she was pouring sweet innocent words and kisses on him instead of the harsh, blunt, direct and somehow also dismissive words she was actually throwing at him. Kaldor was not falling for it and it was like the sweetest flirting to him. The spicy scenes between these two are just absolute perfection and I couldn’t get over not only their dynamic and how intense it was but also the level emotions and devotion in these moments even before Rowan wanted to accept and admit it it was so clear and present in every interaction sexual or otherwise.
Kaldor is on a mission from his clan to bring word to the daggertooth clan of his clan’s victory and the plan to retake their ancestral home back. Along the way he is ambushed by the crown and while he refused to go down or cower to them he was injured and out numbered. Rowan could not stand by and watch the crown continue to get away with such miss treatment of another innocent life so she steps in and saves Kaldor from being another victim of the crown.
Rowan has a dark and dangerous history with the Crown the church and its assassins and has been on the run from them. Her decision to help Kaldor puts her and him right in their sights. Even though she has been alone all these years and has never trusted anyone she decides to help him not only get back on his feet but also to continue on with him on his journey.
This is absolutely a must read book for me 5 stars I ate it up!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
•• I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my Review and my honest thoughts.••
Rowan is an absolute badass with hard edges or rather with spiky edges and to read Kaldor compliment that bad ass personality and fit perfectly was what made this book a fun read. I'm a big fan of strong FMC's who command rooms, men, respect, and know their way around pointy blades. I loved Bound in Flames, and Dex and Cleo will always be the couple that made me love this world, but Rowan and Kaldor are becoming a very close favorite of mine. The banter, the softness of both characters, the bad ass assassin that is Rowan, the found family aspect, the fated mates, the orc lore, and the side characters.
I definitely fell in love with Kaldor cause what do you mean he's an orc, but takes care of his woman, tends to her, allows her to voice herself, let's her fight her own battles, let's her be soft when she needs to be, and let's himself be dominated by her!! You just have to read it to experience their chemistry.
Plus Laylani has become my favorite and I absolutely adore her. Not to mention the higher stakes and the action and the fight scenes. Literally was on the edge of my seat getting closer to the ending and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Rowan is an absolute badass with hard edges or rather with spiky edges and to read Kaldor compliment that bad ass personality and fit perfectly was what made this book a fun read. I'm a big fan of strong FMC's who command rooms, men, respect, and know their way around pointy blades. I loved Bound in Flames, and Dex and Cleo will always be the couple that made me love this world, but Rowan and Kaldor are becoming a very close favorite of mine. The banter, the softness of both characters, the bad ass assassin that is Rowan, the found family aspect, the fated mates, the orc lore, and the side characters.
I definitely fell in love with Kaldor cause what do you mean he's an orc, but takes care of his woman, tends to her, allows her to voice herself, let's her fight her own battles, let's her be soft when she needs to be, and let's himself be dominated by her!! You just have to read it to experience their chemistry.
Plus Laylani has become my favorite and I absolutely adore her. Not to mention the higher stakes and the action and the fight scenes. Literally was on the edge of my seat getting closer to the ending and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest review!✨
I love this book and these characters so much omg😭 another masterpiece of a book that had me on the edge of my seat during the action! I absolutely loved that Rowan, while being an absolute badass, had found people who accepted her no matter what and was even able to accept herself. And Kaldor being a gentleman about it was honestly swoon-worthy lol. Kaldor is pretty badass as well tho and his balance between that and being a big ol softy makes me wish I had someone like him lol(Rowan is a lucky girl lmao).
Anyway, I thought it was interesting seeing people from Rowan’s past as a Silver Hand show up throughout the book. Part of me thought they would have tried to put up more of a fight when they went after her ngl since they were trying to kill her and all but regardless, it was still satisfying to see Rowan cut them down with ease. And even when Kaldor basically went on a rampage when she fell off the cliff was honestly cool but also really tense at the same time.
I don’t know what else to say ngl, i feel like I can’t think of more words for how much I’ve loved this book but I can’t wait to read the next one!!
I love this book and these characters so much omg😭 another masterpiece of a book that had me on the edge of my seat during the action! I absolutely loved that Rowan, while being an absolute badass, had found people who accepted her no matter what and was even able to accept herself. And Kaldor being a gentleman about it was honestly swoon-worthy lol. Kaldor is pretty badass as well tho and his balance between that and being a big ol softy makes me wish I had someone like him lol(Rowan is a lucky girl lmao).
Anyway, I thought it was interesting seeing people from Rowan’s past as a Silver Hand show up throughout the book. Part of me thought they would have tried to put up more of a fight when they went after her ngl since they were trying to kill her and all but regardless, it was still satisfying to see Rowan cut them down with ease. And even when Kaldor basically went on a rampage when she fell off the cliff was honestly cool but also really tense at the same time.
I don’t know what else to say ngl, i feel like I can’t think of more words for how much I’ve loved this book but I can’t wait to read the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨✨✨ ARC Review✨✨✨
✨Release Date: June 1, 2026✨
Kneel in the Ashes: The Savage Hearts Series Book 2
Missy S. Castillo
‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have to say I absolutely loved "Bound in Flames." Dex and Cleo were an incredible couple, but Rowan and Kaldor? They’re an unbeatable team; fierce warriors and an amazing pair.
The writing was so vivid and immersive that it felt like stepping right into the story alongside the characters, and I was hooked from the start.
Rowan, a fierce and dominant assassin, learns to trust and love her mate Kaldor so completely, and the way he submits to her without hesitation is pure perfection.
If you’re looking for a fantasy monster romance with a badass FMC and a gentle giant MMC, this book won’t disappoint. "Kneel in the Ashes" comes out June 1, 2026, is available for pre-order now, and deserves a spot in your library.
✨Release Date: June 1, 2026✨
Kneel in the Ashes: The Savage Hearts Series Book 2
Missy S. Castillo
‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have to say I absolutely loved "Bound in Flames." Dex and Cleo were an incredible couple, but Rowan and Kaldor? They’re an unbeatable team; fierce warriors and an amazing pair.
The writing was so vivid and immersive that it felt like stepping right into the story alongside the characters, and I was hooked from the start.
Rowan, a fierce and dominant assassin, learns to trust and love her mate Kaldor so completely, and the way he submits to her without hesitation is pure perfection.
If you’re looking for a fantasy monster romance with a badass FMC and a gentle giant MMC, this book won’t disappoint. "Kneel in the Ashes" comes out June 1, 2026, is available for pre-order now, and deserves a spot in your library.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start by saying I am not usually a fantasy reader. Even though I respect the fantasy community so much, I’ve never had the imagination to bring it to life in my mind. I took a big chance with the first book in the Savage Hearts series. But the INCREDIBLE world Missy builds in her books incomparable. Her imagery is beautiful, the action scenes 👌🏼 I felt like I was living in each and every moment.
Kneel in the Ashes specifically was a bit of an emotional experience for me. It was truly an amazing journey to watch Rowan learn to trust someone and let down the walls she spent years building to keep everyone out. Kaldor was patient and consistent in his intentions. What better mate could you possibly find 🥺
Missy earned every single one of the 5 starts I gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kneel in the Ashes specifically was a bit of an emotional experience for me. It was truly an amazing journey to watch Rowan learn to trust someone and let down the walls she spent years building to keep everyone out. Kaldor was patient and consistent in his intentions. What better mate could you possibly find 🥺
Missy earned every single one of the 5 starts I gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
A intense and immersive dark romantasy, well written with a rich and imaginative plot,complex and loveable characters that follows the story of Bound in flames.
The author rised above the expectations and didn't disapoint.
Loved how Kneel in the ashes is written in a new tonal ,following the same characters but with a new perspective and kept me interested all along the story.
Special mention to the insane chemistry between the characters, the banter and battle of wills,absolutely delicious.
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶
⭐️Dark romantasy
⭐️Monster romance
⭐️Stong and fierce Fmc
⭐️Cinnamon roll Orc ,devoted and loyal as a Mmc
⭐️Mental health representation
⭐️Political intrigue
⭐️High-stakes
⭐️High spice
The author rised above the expectations and didn't disapoint.
Loved how Kneel in the ashes is written in a new tonal ,following the same characters but with a new perspective and kept me interested all along the story.
Special mention to the insane chemistry between the characters, the banter and battle of wills,absolutely delicious.
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶
⭐️Dark romantasy
⭐️Monster romance
⭐️Stong and fierce Fmc
⭐️Cinnamon roll Orc ,devoted and loyal as a Mmc
⭐️Mental health representation
⭐️Political intrigue
⭐️High-stakes
⭐️High spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
ℑ 𝔯𝔢𝔠𝔢𝔦𝔳𝔢𝔡 𝔞𝔫 𝔞𝔡𝔳𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢𝔡 𝔠𝔬𝔭𝔶 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔟𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔞𝔱 𝔫𝔬 𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔯𝔤𝔢 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞𝔫 𝔥𝔬𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔢 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔪𝔶 𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰. 👀
Listen… this is my FAVORITE book in the series. 😩🙌🏻💚
Book two really said “let’s raise the stakes” and gave me everything! Banter, a fierce FMC, and a plot that actually had me locked in. ✨
Welcome to the rebellion because the tension?? the trauma?? the drama?? I was eating it up with my bucket of popcorn. 💀🍿🤣 And don’t even get me started on the writing. The descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was literally in the scenes, trying not to get taken out during some parts. 🤣💀🏹
AND THE CHARACTERS??? There are some side characters I am side eyeing (in a good way) because I NEED to know more about them immediately. 👀✨✨ I will say I have a fav and he seems promising and interesting!! 😗
Also… the “down bad” orc??? Yeah. I was a big fan of that! We do love a submissive MMC from time to time. 😌🤣🙌🏻
I cannot wait for everyone to read this because it’s chefs kiss!
COMING NEAR YOU ON JUNE 1st 🫶🏻🙌🏻✨✨✨
Listen… this is my FAVORITE book in the series. 😩🙌🏻💚
Book two really said “let’s raise the stakes” and gave me everything! Banter, a fierce FMC, and a plot that actually had me locked in. ✨
Welcome to the rebellion because the tension?? the trauma?? the drama?? I was eating it up with my bucket of popcorn. 💀🍿🤣 And don’t even get me started on the writing. The descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was literally in the scenes, trying not to get taken out during some parts. 🤣💀🏹
AND THE CHARACTERS??? There are some side characters I am side eyeing (in a good way) because I NEED to know more about them immediately. 👀✨✨ I will say I have a fav and he seems promising and interesting!! 😗
Also… the “down bad” orc??? Yeah. I was a big fan of that! We do love a submissive MMC from time to time. 😌🤣🙌🏻
I cannot wait for everyone to read this because it’s chefs kiss!
COMING NEAR YOU ON JUNE 1st 🫶🏻🙌🏻✨✨✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love every aspect of this book! Rowan is such a strong, independent woman. She didn't need a man but when Kaldor showed up he flipped her world upside down. The vulnerability, the trust, the found family... everything just falls into place so perfectly!
The spice is definitely an added bonus! All the trials that Rowan endures alone, and then accompanied by Kaldor, shows you just how strong of a woman she is! I highly recommend reading this series!
The spice is definitely an added bonus! All the trials that Rowan endures alone, and then accompanied by Kaldor, shows you just how strong of a woman she is! I highly recommend reading this series!
April 30, 2026
Book 2 and just as good as the first book! Orc/Human Assassin, fated mates, she leads and he follows, epic story and epic adventure! Highly recommend if you are looking for a spicy 🌶️ dark romance with magic, fights, and political intrigue.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews