Ash & Ink

Memories in Ash #1

by Bella Donna

Casie just wants time to write—and maybe a quiet espresso between customers. Instead her bookstore becomes ground zero when a small dragon sets a donation box alight and a super hot stranger named Flint waltzes into her world.

When threats from a very mortal stalker turn into a supernatural reckoning, Casie is forced out of procrastination and into power. With the lines between authorship and destiny blurring, she must learn to shape the magick and decide what kind of heroine she will become—before the past she buried writes the ending for her.

Genres: Fantasy

564 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

Reviews

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book, I really want a Calida and Flint in my life. I really liked Cassie, I liked how chaotic she was. I’m always losing things like Cassie so that made her really relatable. It made me chuckle when she met Calida and Flint for the first time in the bookshop, and Calida sets first to the box of donations lol. Calida might be a pocket sized dragon but she is small and mighty, I loved it when she made Flint read to her. Betsy and her steamy audiobooks made me chuckle, her and Annemarie were like found family to Cassie. Got to give a special mention to Miss Alice for the correct use of tool, I loved that part. Brett was a creeper, I hated him from the moment he came on the page and I was really hoping he got a good dose of karma. Overall I really enjoyed the pacing and the writing in this book, I really can’t wait for book two. Particularly after that ending.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ash & Ink had some cool ideas and a few moments that really stood out.. There are definitely flashes of strong imagery and emotion that kept me interested.

However, the story felt uneven. The pacing dragged in spots, and some of the characters didn’t feel fully developed. At times, it seemed like the book leaned more on sex than substance, which left me wanting more from the plot.

There were parts I enjoyed, but it didn’t completely grab me. If you like a lot a steam, this is a great book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy of Ash & Ink in exchange for an honest review.

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story, mostly set in a modern world with flashbacks from the fantasy one. Casie’s memories were wiped after an incident in the fairyland of Goira, where she’s actually from.

Casie is an author who unknowingly writes about her home but is experiencing writer’s block. She feels so real as she questions her sanity after a man named Flint arrives with a small dragon in his arms. She thinks she’s either going crazy or he’s a lunatic claiming to come from a fairy-tale land. Usually, the MC accepts this reality too quickly, but Casie is not having it. Her thoughts and reactions feel so me. I was laughing at how funny she was.

Calida is a little fireball of chaotic energy. She loves pizza, forces Casie and Flint to make friendship bracelets, and when she discovers Taylor Swift, she becomes obsessed.

Flint is a fiercely protective cinnamon roll. He’s the perfect book boyfriend: loving, protective without being possessive, tender, and letting Casie fight her own battles. But don’t mess with those he cares about, or you’ll be feeling his wrath. [Brett can attest to that]. He loves Casie so much that it hurts him when she’s hurting. He had to let her figure out on her own why her memories weren’t there, but he was with her for moral support and to help her remember most patiently and kindly.

Can't wait to read the next one!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[nzbooktokgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Ash and Ink and really enjoyed this authors first debut novel. The storyline of the book was very unique and I had such a fun read. The fmc is ADHD and is super witty and full of banter. The mmc is every book girls dream man, I loveeeee Flint! It did have some triggering topics discussed.

[Brittany Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the author.

This was a cute book. A little slow from the start but then picked up quickly. The magic system was intriguing. To be able to use it based off feelings is one I haven’t seen and I’m here for it.

Casie/Ember and Flint’s love story was swoon worthy. For Flint to make her fall in love with him without her having her memories tells of a love that transcends time. I also love how she trusted Flint without even knowing who he was. How he felt like “home” for her.

Calida is my spirit animal. Her love for Taylor Swift was quite amusing. I want one of her friendship bracelets too.

All in all, I really liked this book and can’t wait to see the continuation in Goira.

[Lumie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC.

Plot 2/5
Characters 3/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 2.5/5

Overall 2.5/5

-I feel like the entire book needed another wave of editing. It could have been a decent book (if you enjoy smut) but it felt like there were so many inconsistencies that just took me out of the experience and annoyed me. A basic example of this would be having two different POVs of the same scene but the dialogue not being the same. Or just repeated or extra unnecessary dialogue. Then the plot itself has some intrigue to it but it was so slow that I just got bored. We don’t get to the actual interesting part of the story until very late and the rest of the book is just two people who barely know each other, but live together, banging all the time.

-Again, it was just two characters banging the whole time and it never added anything to the story. Fine if they do it a couple of times but this was just non stop. The characters themselves were alright but then once they started having sex, they never stopped and when they are doing it, it feels like they completely different people. Then again, I always skim read those scenes so what would I know.

-The ending had some redeeming qualities. We finally see where the story is going and I finally see the potential of how things can go from there. But I’m not sure I’ll be reading more because the way this book was written was not for me.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC from the author. We meet bookstore clerk and hopeful writer Casie. She has been struggling with her book about a fae land and it frustrates her when her ADHD acts up and then writers block happens. One evening when she is putting books away, a gorgeous man and his lizard come into the store. the man corrects her and says its a dragon...pfft...whatever. but when the little thing starts a box of books on fire Casie is now a believer. The stranger, Flint, tells her that the dragon was seeking its one and it is her. He proceeds to tell her where he is from...but that's not possible but where he is from is thr fictional world that Casie has been writing about. On the other hand Casie has a man named Brett constantly harassing her and Flint steps in to save the day on a fee occasions. Casie has been having nightmares that seem so real. Flint is trying hard to be patient with Casie. Their world needs her back but Casie doesn't remember him or anything and its heartbreaking. Things are not as it seems and the more Casie fights it the more complicated it gets. drama, forgotten past and a witty dragon makes this a good story.

[Kelsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’re looking for a romance that features a rainbow haired, book store clerk with writer dreams who is full of life and loves and protects those she cares about with unlimited passion. Whose perfect match is a Fae warrior who is protective, possessive, and cuddly at least towards the women he loves. Not to mention plenty of banter, spice, all mixed in with a plot that leaves you guessing what the heroines next move is going to be than I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Ash & Ink now!

While the premise of this story was great and I did love both Flint and Casie, and I loved their romance. The pacing of this story fell a little bit short for me personally, there were parts that really took off and I would be flipping pages devouring words in order to see what was going to happen next. Then in the next moment things would seem to slow way down, and don’t get me wrong the slow moments were still amazingly written and interesting it was just the change in pace threw off my own reading experience a bit. Overall though this book was still a good read and would recommend it!

[Mybookish.odyssey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
4.5⭐️
Quick Blurb:
Casie just wants time to write—and maybe a quiet espresso between customers. Instead her bookstore becomes ground zero when a small dragon sets a donation box alight and a super hot stranger named Flint waltzes into her world.
When threats from a very mortal stalker turn into a supernatural reckoning, Casie is forced out of procrastination and into power. With the lines between authorship and destiny blurring, she must learn to shape the magick and decide what kind of heroine she will become—before the past she buried writes the ending for her.

Review:
The writing is descriptive, which I loved! Of course the plot twist made everything fall into place.
I really fell in love with Casie, instantly! She seems perfectly imperfect . She is so resilient!!! Then there is Flint, I really felt for him!! 😔, although he is a warrior -his biggest battle is an emotional one.
I enjoy the premise of a pet dragon🥰, and Betsy the bookshop owner is my ROLE Model! Overall this is a great read and I highly recommend this book!!!

Tropes:
Emotional magick system
Found family
Memory loss/hidden identity
Resilient FMC
Possessive MMC
Touch her and ☠️
Pet dragon
Love that’s stands the test of time
Found family
Mental health rep
Cozy bookshop scenes

Big thank you to BellaDonna for the opportunity to read this advance reader copy.

[Farrahlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little town's got charm, y'all! It was a quick ride with a FMC writin' a book and runnin' a bookstore, pure magic! And, holy smokes, a dragon sidekick? it kept me hooked, and I loved every minute of it!

[overlyemotionalemily · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader here!!!!
ugh the slow burn tension in the is book was delicious. also I have read quite a few books with the amnesia trope but I feel like this was done very well! this was a cute book and I definitely can't wait to get back to Goira.

[Anna Grace Paulovkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! This was such an interesting idea for a book. I loved that she was the writer of the book and also living in her own story. Flint was awesome, although I do think he was written a little bit unrealistic as the almost "perfect man". I enjoyed Casie's character development and growth throughout the book! Women empowerment was a huge theme in this book which I appreciated.

Brett was so horrible and there are a few scenes of unwanted pursuit from him so consider the triggers warnings before reading. Consent was a big part of this book. Loss of a star for being a little bit too vulgar for me with both the spicy scenes and explicit language.

Overall I really enjoyed her writing and deeper themes.

"Oh, that smell. There's nothing like it.
There's the remnants of the sandalwood and amber incense Betsy enjoys burning, the coffee from the stand in the back corner, and the amazing baked goods that Annemarie baked on-site overnight, but above all of that, is the smell of stories. That smell of the new, the old, the previously loved, books. It must be like catnip to reading nerds like me because it always relaxes me in a way nothing else does. For me, this place is absolute magick."

"She has always held the belief that some of a person's most important messages are conveyed by the music they listen to, the songs that are important to them."

"Do you remember how I told you that females, in Goira at least, are considered more powerful than their male counterparts? I meant it. No one is sure why, not even the scholars, but the popular theory is that because females have the gift of life, the magick flows fuller, deeper than that of the males. There's also some that believe it is due to the difference in the perceived physical strength and others believe it became that way due to females' unparalleled ability to be empathetic," Flint shrugs. "I don't think the reason why matters-the fact remains: women are stronger, in almost every way."

"It means chosen. Again and again. Every. Day. It means choosing her every day, every time. It means loving her when she can't name why the sound of my voice is familiar. It means stepping back when she flinches and staying close anyway. It means waiting—for the moment she remembers that the rhythm of her power once matched the beat of my heart. And if she never does? I guess I'll love her quietly. Because it isn't about what I get from her or from us. It's about who I am, who I get to be, when the other half of my soul walks the world beside me."

"Isn't that beautiful? That as different as everyone is, there is a story out there for any and everyone. If a story isn't to your liking, you can just put it down, and pick up another. You don't have to be committed to one story. But, I guess, my favorite stories are the ones that make me feel."

"It's incredible that some people can just take twenty-six characters and build people, worlds, and... just drag these emotions out of their readers..."

"I want a life where I make a difference. It doesn't have to be a big difference," | state. "I don't need to cure cancer or find the cure to the common cold or anything. I just... l want my words, my characters... the people that only exist between me and those twenty-six letters... I want them to matter. I want someone one-hundred, two-hundred years from now to pick up something l've penned, slaved over... spent days selecting just the right adjective... I want it to matter." I finish, lamely. "I want my stories to matter. I want to be remembered."

"I have a deep, subconscious desire to be remembered, to have an illusion of permanence."

"He looks at you like you're a story he's been waiting his whole life to read."

"Joy manifests as a radiant light or a healing warmth. It can help mend wounds, lift spirits, sprout rainbows."

"You ever think about how small moments like this don't feel real? Like we're inside something that's going to fade when we blink?"
"Then don't blink."
She smiles. "You can't hold on to everything forever, Flint."
"No, but I can hold this one."

[Aurora Lunae · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND READING
SPOILERS BELOW


I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book & I'm so glad I did. I want to start with Ash/Ember/Cassie ...
she is probably the most relatable FMC I've read in a long time.
There where a few things that I was iffy on. We could have benefited from a lot more emotional buildup about Cassie's amnesia prior to Flint's arrival. To be honest, I actually forgot she had amnesia for a while until Flint pointed it out. With hurry amnesia being a central plot point, I feel like it needed to be more than just mentioned and passing I expected a little bit more stress to be put on it.

The other issue that I had was how fast the relationship between Cassie and Flint moved. It made sense from Flint's pov to immediately be in love with Cassie, but it makes no sense whatsoever for Cassie to immediately fall for him. their romance moved way too quickly especially considering she has a man who has been stalking and harassing her.

A woman who has been being harassed and stalked by what amounts to a sexual predator for months, more than likely isn't going to let a strange man move into her house and start kissing him the day she meets him. The start of their romance just was unrealistic from her end.

And speaking of Flint, while he is a sweetheart nothing about him really stands out. He does everything right for the most part but he's just not very memorable.

Now Calida is awesome! she's probably my favorite character in the whole story. I really wish we would have gotten to see more of her, I feel like she was just kind of thrown in there and not explored as much as she could have been. She wound up being in the role of a background character, which didn't really make sense because she was introduced as a main character. I am hoping we get to see more of her in the next book.

I'm a bit confused as to the end of the story. Bretts break down there at the end didn't quite make sense to me. He mentioned Magic, is he also from her original world? Or is he just losing his mind I'm not too sure about what exactly happened there.

For this being a debut novel it's really good. The plot is fairly original and like I said the FMC is probably my favorite one I've read in a very long time. I'm definitely looking forward to book two because there are a bunch of questions that I have that are unanswered. The writing style itself was great, the humor was fantastic, the snark was on point, and I loved the sarcasm.

All in all, I'm going to give this book 4.5 stars. The only real critique I have is certain plot points felt slightly rushed. I definitely recommend you read this book though. It's different, not full of unnecessary smut (THANK YOU), & leaves you with just enough questions that you kind of need to read book two. Which is just great marketing on the authors part lol.

[chrissyg☕️lattesbooksandblankets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Casie runs a bookshop living a seemingly normal life often trying to remember anything of her past, dealing with her ADHD and trying to write a book. One day she is visited by a handsome man named Finn who seems to have appeared out of nowhere holding a dragon?!? Takes her a while to come to terms with what she is seeing and she makes the connection in this man to the character she(Casie) has written in her book. Very intriguing opening and as we venture further into the plot Casie, invites Flinn to move into her apartment.... the plot then takes a very slow crawl of a pace.

The formula here or ingredients were all there but the execution somewhere made this plot feel empty. Best way i can describe it: That dedicant chocolate cake recipe: you get all the ingredients and you even purchased the best quality of ingredients (the dragon, the handsome man who takes care of her, the supportive friends, the bookstore, a pov with a suppressed memory, a magical system, smutty scenes...) and you throw it in a bowl mixed it up, setup the pan, into the oven. It smells wonderful, you pull it out... slice it up: it didn't rise, the center looks uncooked, its dense and looks nothing like the dedicant picture it was meant to. Its still cake, it smells wonderful and it even tastes fantastic. You are left with questions: did you forget something? or maybe it was a missed step in the process? could even have been your oven. You still got cake. You still got a story.

The characters were likeable, the plot was very intriguing. It could have definitely been shorter, characters could have demonstrated more emotional connections rather then telling us they were in love. I enjoyed the second half of the book but the first half i nearly gave up on especially with all the repetition that felt like filler in the plot. The smutty scenes would have been more dominating in this plot without all the repetition that really didn't do anything for the plot (lots of over descriptions of scenes, the repetitive description of Finn and his wardrobe (yes, he is hot we get it) so perhaps that was intentional; erotica vs. smut. Overall, it was hard to stay engaged, some fun parts. I loved that Casie’s magic manifests through writing and ink, tied directly to her memory. This could use some more editing and tuning. Love the cover.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re right. As long as we’re together, nothing else matters. We are each other’s everything. Our beginning and our end. Our past, present and our future. Our love is our magick, our strength, our sanctuary.”

Casie- our ADHD FMC that remembers nothing, runs a book shop, lives off coffee, and is writing a book. She is funny 😂 between her internal dialogue and banter I was laughing. I thoroughly enjoyed her POV in this she is just fantastic. 

Flint- this lovely practically perfect swoon worthy MMC who remembers everything just waltzes on in to Casies world... With a dragon. He's quite the mystery in the beginning. "You’ll also never make all humans happy because there are too many asshats in this realm." Couldn't agree more Flint couldn't agree more 😂

This was such a fun cool read. I loved the premise of this. Casie- struggling to write and complete a novel about this fae world and out of nowhere Flint our fae warrior - a character Casie thought she "made up" shows up in her reality with a dragon! Cue the confusion for Casie 😂 and time to start putting all the puzzle pieces together! 

There's enough mystery in this where I had so many freaking questions!!!! I loved it and it made this a real page turner esp when we start getting to Flints POV because I needed answers and needed to see as quickly as possible how everything transpired and how everything is connected. 

Flint and Casies love is absolutely timeless and clearly fate. Again I just had so much fun reading this one it was enchanting, steamy, emotional, heartwarming, dark, full of love and loss and fate. The little dragon is absolutely adorable and Betsy!!!! Ooookkkkkk!!!!!!!! 😍 I think Bella Donna did a fantastic job all the way around with this one. ♥️ It's playful yet has some very heavy and intense elements as well and overall I thought it was perfectly balanced 


I'm ready for book 2 please. Gimmie. Thanks 🤣❤️

✔️Mental health rep
✔️Time is running out 
✔️She remembers nothing
✔️it's always been you
✔️Snarky magick "puppy"
✔️friendship
✔️Cozy bookshop
✔️Romantasy
✔️Tension
✔️Second chance 

Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash and Ink is a Romantasy about Casie (Ash), a mortal bookshop worker who’s trying to write her own novel when her whole world suddenly shifts. She starts awakening to a past she doesn’t remember, and as those lost memories come back, she ends up on a journey full of secrets, magic, and a slow‑building romance with the person who feels like her true love.

The story is set in the modern human world, with another realm slowly coming into play later on. One of my favourite parts is the dragon—seriously, who doesn’t love a quirky, cheeky, always‑hungry dragon?

There is a magic system, but it’s only lightly touched on in this first book.

There are a few darker chapters, so it’s worth checking your triggers before diving in.

I’ll be honest: the first third of the book felt a bit slow for me, and I struggled to stay hooked at times. But once it picked up, I was fully into it. The rest of the story was fun, romantic, and emotional in all the right ways. Some scenes made me swoon, and others made me sad or even a little angry for Casie.

The whole vibe reminded me of a modern fairytale—with its own prince‑charming energy, a fairy‑godmother‑type character, and a clear villain. The magic system isn’t super detailed yet, but it feels like book two will dive much deeper into it.

The chapters switch smoothly between Casie and Flint’s POVs, with a couple of extra perspectives here and there. I really liked seeing both sides of certain moments, especially the emotional ones. There are also a few spicy scenes, around a 3.5 level.

The ending isn’t a big cliffhanger, but it definitely hints at what’s coming next.

And I have to share my favourite quote from the book:
"We are each other's everything. Our beginning and our end. Our past, present and future. Our love is our magick, our strength, our sanctuary."

Overall, I’d give this book a 4/5.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique Faerie story for Casie and Flint

Tropes:
* Fantasy
* Small-town
* Secret identity / hidden memories
* Sweet cinnamon roll MMC
* Snarky neurodivergent FMC

“You are the answer I carry in my bones.”

This was an interesting premise and story… a story within a story. An aspiring author with more to her than she realises…

“She alternates between acting as though she knows me and treating me like a wild wolf, ready to bite her at any moment. She has no idea how right she is.”

Casie works in a bookstore, trying to write a novel. She’s apparently neurodiverse (ADHD), but we later find there’s more to it - a secret past that may be the key to understanding her.

Flint appears in her life, dragon in to.. He’s carrying secrets, is extremely familiar to Casie. He talks of Faerie and magic and may hold the answers to the questions that Casie has.

Betsy is the adorable bookstore owner, and I loved her POV.
Brent, is the arrogant and creepy guy who just won’t take no for an answer.

“You were just checking out everything but the books. Is there something I can help you find?”

I enjoyed the snark and banter, and Flint is such a cinnamon roll for Casie.. He’s protective, and I adored Calida.

“I guess I’ll love her quietly. Because it isn’t about what I get from her or from us. It’s about who I am, who I get to be, when the other half of my soul walks the world beside me. Even if she doesn’t remember it yet.”

It takes a while for the story to really push into the ‘Fae’ side, it’s a slow-burn in that regard as it spends most of the time in the human realm, developing Flint and Casie’s relationship. High steam, a lot of drama, and an opportunity to visit Goira later…

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash & Ink is a sweet and magical fantasy romance and I enjoyed every moment of it!💙📚🐉

Casie is a bookseller and budding writer, with no memory of who she was before her quiet life in the cozy and welcoming town she lives in now. As she navigates the challenges of her every day life and slowly returning memories, she is surrounded by an amazing support system. There's a fairy godmother like mentor, a hilarious best friend, a tiny dragon and a handsome, absolutely swoony man who seems connected to her in ways Casie can’t explain.

The fantasy part of the story is fascinating and enchanting and the story overall is a perfect mix of whimsy, mystery and emotional depth. I really like the tone of Casie’s narration. It feels like a friend telling you everything over coffee at the dreamiest bookstore-bakery. The book also doesn’t shy away from deeper and darker themes but they are handled with respect and purpose throughout.

Casie and Flint’s romance is absolutely pure swoon worthy! Even without her memories, their connection feels timeless, the kind of love that pulls two people back together no matter what. Flint is such a cinnamon-roll MMC and the side characters shine, too - especially Calinda, she absolutely stole my heart!

All in all, this book is heartwarming, emotional, enchanting and fun to read. I’ll definitely be rereading and I cannot wait for book two💙📚🐉

💙 fantasy romance
🐉 adorable sidekick dragon
📚 bookish FMC
💙 cinnamon-roll MMC (swoon!)
🐉 no third act breakup
📚 ADHD rep

Thank you Bella Donna, Victoria Editing and NetGalley for a copy of *Ash & Ink* in exchange for my honest review.

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this book! It took a few chapters to get into, but trust me, it's worth it!

Our FMC is Casie, a woman who can't remember her past and is working at a bookstore with her crazy boss/landlord Betsy. She is desperately trying to write her first book about a Princess and the land of Goira, but the problem is, she can only get tiny glimpses of the story and doesn't know how to fill in the blanks. Then, one day, Flint waltzes into the bookstore with a freaking dragon, claiming to be from the land of Goira. Has Casie gone completely crazy, or is the story she's been trying to write actually something... more? This is a story of Magick, destiny, and a soul bond that refuses to be broken no matter what the circumstances.

The book is written in dual first person POV, and the tone is very conversational and relaxed, as if talking to a friend. I loved the ADHD representation in Casie, all of the things she discussed were things were relatable or things I experience in my day to day life. Flint is top-tier book boyfriend, in my opinion. His love and devotion to Casie is unlike any other, unbreakable and steadfast through anything. He's her anchor and she knows it, even if she doesn't remember why. He was so sweet, patient, and willing to do absolutely anything for her.

I only had a couple minor issues with the story detial wise, which will be submitted to the author/publisher, but overall Ioved Casie and Flints story so much. This can be read as a standalone, however I'm hoping that someday there is a Book 2 since this one is labeled as Book 1!

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an ARC copy of this book.

[Mackenzie Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash & Ink was such an easy, addictive read—and I loved every second of it. A lot of romantasy leans very polished and proper (which absolutely has its place), but this one felt effortless. The writing is flowy, approachable, and bingeable in the best way. It’s the kind of book you pick up “just to start” and suddenly realize hours have passed.

Casie is exactly the kind of FMC I adore: strong without fully realizing it. She carries resilience, courage, and quiet determination in a way that feels natural and earned. Watching her step into herself—without losing her softness—was incredibly satisfying. She doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful, and that made her journey all the more compelling.

And Flint… FLINT.
Gods, he is so hot. The ultimate book boyfriend energy. Protective without being suffocating, steady without being boring, and constantly holding Casie up—sometimes literally, sometimes emotionally. He believes in her before she fully believes in herself, and that kind of support? Elite. Necessary. Life-changing.

And we cannot forget Calida—the BEST little dragon side character. Absolute perfection. Every scene with her added charm, heart, and just the right touch of chaos. She stole the show every time she appeared, and I would happily read an entire book just about her.

Ash & Ink is warm, magical, and completely consuming—a romantasy that doesn’t try too hard and ends up being all the better for it.

#ashandink #belladonna #bookreview #romantasy #fantasyromance #bookstagramreview #strongfmc #bookboyfriend #dragoncompanion #indieromance

[Beautifully Broken Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙💙💙 Ash & Ink 💙💙💙

💙 Soul Bound Mates
💙 Found Family
💙 Magick and Dragons
💙 Protective MMC
Spice: 🌶🌶
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)

Casie is an aspiring author working in a quirky bookstore who cannot remember the details of her past. When an extremely handsome stranger walks into the store carrying a dragon Casie's world is flipped upside down. Add to that a predatory stalker lurking in the shadows and flashbacks of a life forgotten; Casie's time to figure out her story is seriously running out.

For the first few chapters, I wasn't sure if I was going to finish this, but then the plot got moving and it caught my attention.

Casie (Ash) is an ADHD worldwind in technicolour. She is caring, awkward and so down to earth. I relate to her struggles with object permanance on a deep level; because honestly I lose my keys and bank card daily!

Flint is a green flag for MMC's if ever there was one. This man has the patience and understanding of a saint and the abs of a Greek statue.

Calida, the Taylor Swift and pizza loving dragon is such a queen and doesn't she know it.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series when we will hopefully get into the Fae realm and more details on the fate Casie is supposed to save the Fae from.

If you love fantasy books and cinnamon roll MMC's, without the complicated world building, this is the book for you!

"B!tches loves dragons" - yes, yes we do!

"What vibe are you going for?

Battle-tested, but emotionally available?"

[Lynda Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash & Ink

Well this was an unique way to tell a fairie story. It does read like a modern day romance. With characters living in the contemporary world. Casie, our FMC is working in a bookstore whilst trying to write her novel, living with ADHD and missing memories of her life prior to arriving in town. Betsy, her boss, is certainly her own identity and I love her.

Casie is stuck in her story until the fae warrior that she "imagined" turns up in her life. Flint, our MMC makes sure he becomes a part of Casie's life but there's something more to him, he seems to know quite a bit about Casie. Oh yeah, he also has a dragon with him.  Calida, the dragon, was full of sass and Flint was this soft cinnamon roll at first, and always around Casie but he was a hardened warrior when the needs were required.

As the story progressss, we find out more and more about Casie and Flint and their love, both present and past. There are a few trigger points to be aware of, like stalking and assault but they are handled well and fit well into the narrative. I enjoyed the story, however, I will say that at times it was a little slow but overall the story flowed.

I feel that we will have more adventure in the next book as I feel that we may move to the Fae world and leave our world behind. I am looking forward to it. A solid 4 star for me.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an early copy of Ash & Ink to read for this author's debut novel and it did not disappoint! It was a little slow at the start but then picked up quickly.

First, we meet Casie. She has no recollection of her past or her family, and when she arrived in a small town she was immediately taken in by Betsy, aka Bits. Betsy owns a local bookstore and offers Casie a job as a bookstore clerk as well as helped her into an apartment. Casie is an aspiring author and is struggling recently with getting inspiration for her story.

Next, we meet Flint. One day while Casie is working at the bookstore, in walks this super-hot stranger that seems extremely familiar to Casie, and he has something wrapped up in a blanket in his arms. When Casie starts questioning him, her world starts to flip upside down. Flint states that he is from the world that she has been writing and the "lizard" that is wrapped up in his arm is actually a baby dragon. Her name is Calida, and she is an awesome, sassy little dragon.

As Flint and Casie become closer, we learn about his world and Casie's past. There are lots of emotions, some great banter, magic, great friends, an MMC will that kill for her, an FMC with extreme ADHD, a stalker, spice, and overall, a great story. I don't want to say anymore to avoid spoilers. This book does end on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for book 2.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella Donna’s Ash and Ink is a bold, atmospheric start to the Memories in Ash duology—a story that blends the cozy charm of a bookstore with the raw intensity of supernatural danger and emotional reckoning.

Casie just wants quiet time to write and sip espresso, but her world is upended when a mischievous dragon sparks chaos and Flint, a magnetic stranger, steps into her life. What begins as quirky disruption quickly deepens into something darker: a mortal stalker, a supernatural threat, and the realization that Casie’s own buried past may hold the key to her survival.

What makes this novel shine is its balance of whimsy and weight. The dragon and bookstore setting add a playful spark, while the themes—grief, trauma, anxiety, healing—give the story emotional depth. Casie’s journey from procrastination to empowerment feels both fantastical and deeply human, reminding us that resilience often comes when we least expect it. Flint adds intrigue and tension, but it’s Casie’s growth—her struggle to claim her voice and her power—that anchors the narrative.

Bella Donna doesn’t shy away from mature, intense themes, and that honesty makes the book hit harder. Yet even in its darkest moments, there’s a thread of hope and recovery woven through, making the story not just about survival, but about transformation.

Warm, sharp, and immersive, Ash and Ink is perfect for readers who love their fantasy laced with emotional truth and a heroine who learns to write her own destiny.

For mature readers over 18+

With thanks to Bella Donna, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[TribesReadingObsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I just throughly enjoyed that!

There’s so much banter, tension and sitting on the edge waiting and hoping for certain outcomes.

Casie is an ADHD rainbow haired badass with so much pure love, friendship and quirkiness to give out. She’s writing a book while also working in a bookstore, totally love that!! But she’s got amnesia and doesn’t remember a life she’s lived or that she’s like Fae with magick!

Flint omg damn I loved him, he’s a cinnamon roll a lover, protector, girl dad and just all round the perfect guy! He excepts, loves and embraces her ADHD and every weird thing she does. He’s a strong fae with amazing magick!

There’s a dragon omg she’s the most sassiest, cheeky and hungry dragon ever! She’s also Casies one!

We met amazing characters, the story is full of mystery, waiting, fingers crossed moments and embracing new things that shouldn’t be real in the human world. This story leaves on a good note but there’s so much unanswered and more we have yet to discover so definitely more books to come. Im definitely wanting that! The amnesia trope was perfect not cringy, lacking or overdone.

I would easily recommend this to any fantasy lover it’s definitely a must read!

[Cheyenne Oleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆ Review: Ash & Ink
by Ash & Ink

Ash & Ink is a moody, emotionally charged read that leans into atmosphere and intensity with confidence. Bella Donna weaves a story where pain, passion, and self-expression collide, creating a romance that feels raw and earned rather than polished smooth.

The characters are complex and scarred in ways that feel real. I especially loved how ink becomes more than decoration here. It’s memory, rebellion, healing, and confession all at once. The emotional tension simmers steadily, and when it flares, it hits hard. The romance carries a gritty edge, balanced by moments of tenderness that keep it from tipping too far into darkness.

A few sections felt like they could have used a bit more space to breathe, especially during key emotional turning points, which is why this lands just shy of five stars for me. Still, the story never lost my interest, and the emotional payoff was satisfying.

Overall, Ash & Ink is a compelling, heartfelt romance with depth, grit, and soul. A strong pick for readers who love emotionally intense stories with layered characters and meaningful connections 🖤📖

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. This has not affected my opinion in any way.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

​In Bella Donna’s impressive debut, Ash & Ink, the author delivers a refreshing blend of modern-day wit and inventive portal fantasy. The narrative follows Casie, an author grappling with memory loss and writer’s block, whose life is upended by the arrival of a protective hero named Flint and a chaotic, Taylor Swift-loving dragon named Calida. Donna expertly balances a grounded, relatable protagonist with a high-stakes journey to the realm of Goira, anchored by a unique magic system governed entirely by human emotion.
​The emotional core of the novel is the "transcendental" romance between Casie and Flint. Flint is the quintessential "protective cinnamon roll" hero, demonstrating a love that transcends time as he patiently helps Casie rediscover her feelings without the aid of her memories. Their chemistry is bolstered by a vibrant supporting cast and a "found family" dynamic that provides both humor and heart. From the hilarious antics of the pocket-sized dragon Calida to the satisfyingly earned karma dealt to the story's antagonists, the book moves at a compelling pace. Ash & Ink is a sophisticated, witty, and deeply moving start to a promising series, leaving readers eager for their next return to Goira.

[Charlotte Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Debut Novel by Bella Donna was written so well and did not disappoint!

We meet ADHDer Casie who has no memories of her life before arriving in small town Willow Creek, after failing to finish college she meets 'fairy godmother' Bookshop owner Betsy, who immediately offers her a job and place to live.

Aspiring to become a top selling author like the ones she admires, she struggles with writing her book when only snippets of battles, dragons and warriors come to her in dreams or flashes. Until one day her very own book hero appears at the bookshop, only he isn't human and he's carrying a dragon talking about Fae and magick. A world where Casie is originally from, but without her remembering there's a chance all will be lost of she doesnt return!

I absolutely loved how well the amnesia story was woven into Casies character, we see bits and pieces of her life before but it's not the focus of the story.

Flint is the patient, kind and loving MC that supports Casie in everything she needs. He's gentle and understanding and I can't wait to see what Book 2 holds for this couple.

Thank you so much for the eARC!

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for letting me read on ARC of this book!

After some rather heartbreaking epic fantasy reads I thought I would settle in with what I thought would be a more cozy fantasy read. Boy was I right and wrong at the same time!

Right away I loved the character and world building within this story. I wanted to curl up in one of the sofas of the Wonderlust bookshop while I read this story. Our FMC Casie is so relatable with her ADHD chaotic energy and I just loved our cinnamon swirl MMC Flint. Also 'bitches love dragons' and I really enjoyed our teenage girl like dragon Calida. She had me chuckling all the way through.

The budding relationship between Casie and Flint is just so cute and normal. It's not some fairytale romance (well actually it is). They are both clumsy and awkward just like in real life. And don't get me started on the building sexual tension between them. In the words of the Author herself 'the spice was spicing, the book boyfriend was top tier'.

Even though this was a more cozy read there was still heartbreak and I really felt the emotion with the characters. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!

[Jennifer C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash & Ink was such a fun read. I went into this expecting something light and magical, and it delivered exactly that, with some emotional depth and really great spice.

Cassie is our FMC. She’s flighty, forgetful, chaotic, trying to write a book, and fully convinced she just has writer’s block… only for it to slowly become clear that her memories are resurfacing. I loved that angle so much. Her narration feels chaotic in a very relatable way, and I loved seeing her unfold the layers within herself and finding out who she truly is.

Flint is a total cinnamon-roll MMC but still very much a warrior — steady, protective, and completely devoted. He balances Cassie’s chaos perfectly, and the way he keeps her grounded during their time together is completely swoon-worthy. Their banter was witty and easy, and their connection felt natural and flowed beautifully. Also, the tiny pocket-sized dragon… are you kidding? Totally unexpected and an absolute highlight. I loved every minute of this book.

Overall, this was a magical, enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing where Ash and Flint’s story takes them in book two.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory editing for this arc.