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Scorched Ember: A Forced Proximity Holiday Romance
A spicy Christmas romance novella you can devour in two hours or less!
EVIE
Millhaven was supposed to be a quiet reset. A small cabin. A new counseling job. A chance to outrun the guilt of the student I couldn’t save.
But the town feels wrong the moment I arrive.
I should be scared.
But when I see too much, ask one question too many, Locke Ashwood starts slipping into my life.
I don’t trust him.
I don’t want him close.
And yet, I can’t seem to push him away.
LOCKE
They call me the shadow.
I don’t rule Millhaven with fists or fire. I rule with silence and secrets.
Then Evie Pierce arrived and started sniffing around where she doesn’t belong.
So I studied her.
I protected her.
And I would do anything to have her.
Scorched Ember is a spicy, dark holiday romance set in Millhaven during Christmas. It's part of the Scorched Legacy series of standalone novellas. Five brothers. One ruthless logging empire. The women who set them on fire.
EVIE
Millhaven was supposed to be a quiet reset. A small cabin. A new counseling job. A chance to outrun the guilt of the student I couldn’t save.
But the town feels wrong the moment I arrive.
I should be scared.
But when I see too much, ask one question too many, Locke Ashwood starts slipping into my life.
I don’t trust him.
I don’t want him close.
And yet, I can’t seem to push him away.
LOCKE
They call me the shadow.
I don’t rule Millhaven with fists or fire. I rule with silence and secrets.
Then Evie Pierce arrived and started sniffing around where she doesn’t belong.
So I studied her.
I protected her.
And I would do anything to have her.
Scorched Ember is a spicy, dark holiday romance set in Millhaven during Christmas. It's part of the Scorched Legacy series of standalone novellas. Five brothers. One ruthless logging empire. The women who set them on fire.
- GenresForced ProximityNovella
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
8 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 27, 2025
Born from danger, bound by desire, they fight for a life that’s finally theirs.
Evie comes to Millhaven looking for a fresh start as the new guidance counselor in a town that glitters with Christmas lights but hides something dark beneath. She only wants to help the students who slip through the cracks, until an act of compassion pulls her straight into the orbit of Locke, the man everyone calls the Shadow.
His family rules Millhaven with silence and control. He’s the quiet force behind its wealth and fear, with eyes everywhere, secrets in every corner, and no mercy for anyone who threatens the family. When Evie starts asking the wrong questions, Locke marks her as a problem to contain. He doesn’t expect the intense connection that draws them together.
What begins as defiance turns into something neither of them can walk away from. Her courage breaks through his walls, and his darkness forces her to confront her own. When his family’s power closes in, they have to choose between a world that will destroy them or running toward something new.
Evie evolves from a guilt-ridden survivor trying to rebuild her life into a woman who faces danger head-on and refuses to be controlled. Locke shifts from a calculating man shaped by power and violence to someone willing to give it all up for her. Together, they risk everything for a life that’s finally their own.
A dark, steamy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, possessive hero, good girl dangerous man, touch her and die, morally gray, Christmastime mountain man protector romance exploring power, control, obsession, guilt, redemption, trauma, love, survival, identity, and freedom. It’s about two broken people bound by danger and desire, finding redemption through chaos, and learning that sometimes love’s truest light is found within the darkness they choose to face together.
The Elevator Pitch: In a town wrapped in Christmas lights and built on secrets, a counselor searching for a fresh start crosses paths with a man who rules from the shadows. Their connection burns hot and dangerous, pulling them into a world of power, darkness, and desire. Caught between danger and redemption, they risk everything for a love that refuses to submit.
Evie comes to Millhaven looking for a fresh start as the new guidance counselor in a town that glitters with Christmas lights but hides something dark beneath. She only wants to help the students who slip through the cracks, until an act of compassion pulls her straight into the orbit of Locke, the man everyone calls the Shadow.
His family rules Millhaven with silence and control. He’s the quiet force behind its wealth and fear, with eyes everywhere, secrets in every corner, and no mercy for anyone who threatens the family. When Evie starts asking the wrong questions, Locke marks her as a problem to contain. He doesn’t expect the intense connection that draws them together.
What begins as defiance turns into something neither of them can walk away from. Her courage breaks through his walls, and his darkness forces her to confront her own. When his family’s power closes in, they have to choose between a world that will destroy them or running toward something new.
Evie evolves from a guilt-ridden survivor trying to rebuild her life into a woman who faces danger head-on and refuses to be controlled. Locke shifts from a calculating man shaped by power and violence to someone willing to give it all up for her. Together, they risk everything for a life that’s finally their own.
A dark, steamy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, possessive hero, good girl dangerous man, touch her and die, morally gray, Christmastime mountain man protector romance exploring power, control, obsession, guilt, redemption, trauma, love, survival, identity, and freedom. It’s about two broken people bound by danger and desire, finding redemption through chaos, and learning that sometimes love’s truest light is found within the darkness they choose to face together.
The Elevator Pitch: In a town wrapped in Christmas lights and built on secrets, a counselor searching for a fresh start crosses paths with a man who rules from the shadows. Their connection burns hot and dangerous, pulling them into a world of power, darkness, and desire. Caught between danger and redemption, they risk everything for a love that refuses to submit.
December 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Yet another book that I ate up in one sitting!
Yet another book that I ate up in one sitting!
December 10, 2025
Scorched Ember (Scorched Legacy #4) by Bridget Adrienne
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨🌶️🌶️🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Christmas * Mafia * Insta-Love * Billionaire * Child Abuse (not MC) * Forced Proximity* Small Town * Possessive/Obsessive MMC * Good Girl x Dangerous Man * Choking * Mild Stalking * Dubious Consent* Auction * 94 pages
I am still an incredible fan of Bridget Adrienne. I’ve read all 14 of her books and continue to eagerly await each new release. Her stories may be short, but her men are possessive, fall hard, get a little rough and kinky, and still treat their women like the badass queens they are.
This installment is book #4 in the "Scorched Legacy" series. Each one can be read as a standalone, though there are references to the other brothers, and the timeline does follow the book order.
I was especially excited for this one because in previous books the MMC is known as “the shadow,” the meanest and most hateful of them all. I couldn’t wait to see how he’d fall and how someone could fall for him. I loved the way this book handled his character and reinforced the idea that there are always two sides to a person… and yes, even HE can melt.
After devouring this in one sitting, I’m now anxiously waiting for the last book about the youngest brother, Soren, to see if the Ashwood empire will finally crumble.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨🌶️🌶️🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Christmas * Mafia * Insta-Love * Billionaire * Child Abuse (not MC) * Forced Proximity* Small Town * Possessive/Obsessive MMC * Good Girl x Dangerous Man * Choking * Mild Stalking * Dubious Consent* Auction * 94 pages
I am still an incredible fan of Bridget Adrienne. I’ve read all 14 of her books and continue to eagerly await each new release. Her stories may be short, but her men are possessive, fall hard, get a little rough and kinky, and still treat their women like the badass queens they are.
This installment is book #4 in the "Scorched Legacy" series. Each one can be read as a standalone, though there are references to the other brothers, and the timeline does follow the book order.
I was especially excited for this one because in previous books the MMC is known as “the shadow,” the meanest and most hateful of them all. I couldn’t wait to see how he’d fall and how someone could fall for him. I loved the way this book handled his character and reinforced the idea that there are always two sides to a person… and yes, even HE can melt.
After devouring this in one sitting, I’m now anxiously waiting for the last book about the youngest brother, Soren, to see if the Ashwood empire will finally crumble.
December 9, 2025
I think this was my favorite brother so far!
I loved the dynamic between Locke and Evie! He’s the shadow brother that they all weren’t fond of but that really wasn’t who he was. His father made him that way and he really hated it.
Evie stood her ground with him and he wasn’t used to someone giving it right back - that was my favorite part of their start. Evie is the new guidance counselor at the school in Millhaven and starts sniffing around when her gut says something is off about Milo - a student. People are going to listen to her this time…she’s not letting what she’s running from happen again.
I’ve loved all these books honestly and can’t wait to read the next one and find out more about Soren! He sounds not nice 😂 These are such quick reads with the perfect amount of spice and character building in like 90 pages - it’s crazy! Definitely recommend the series though…they’re all standalone ( each on a different brother) but they’re all so good so just do it! The man on the cover wasn’t really my forte or what I pictured in my head but can’t win them all right!?
Thank you Bridget for the early read! All opinions are my own.
I loved the dynamic between Locke and Evie! He’s the shadow brother that they all weren’t fond of but that really wasn’t who he was. His father made him that way and he really hated it.
Evie stood her ground with him and he wasn’t used to someone giving it right back - that was my favorite part of their start. Evie is the new guidance counselor at the school in Millhaven and starts sniffing around when her gut says something is off about Milo - a student. People are going to listen to her this time…she’s not letting what she’s running from happen again.
I’ve loved all these books honestly and can’t wait to read the next one and find out more about Soren! He sounds not nice 😂 These are such quick reads with the perfect amount of spice and character building in like 90 pages - it’s crazy! Definitely recommend the series though…they’re all standalone ( each on a different brother) but they’re all so good so just do it! The man on the cover wasn’t really my forte or what I pictured in my head but can’t win them all right!?
Thank you Bridget for the early read! All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
Intriguing Premise, but Hard to Fully Connect
This small-town mafia romance sounded intriguing on paper, but unfortunately it didn’t fully work for me in execution. The story starts with people asking questions and reporting things that don’t really seem to exist, which already felt a bit odd and confusing. Instead of building tension, it raised concerns about logic and clarity early on.
Overall, I struggled to really get into the story. The plot felt somewhat loose, and I had a hard time connecting with the characters as well as following where the story was going. While the setup promised something engaging, the execution didn’t quite deliver on that promise for me.
Additionally, despite being marketed as a Christmas romance, the holiday aspect barely played a role and didn’t feel integral to the story at all.
That said, it’s not a bad book. The idea behind it is interesting, and I can see how it might work better for other readers. For me, though, it remained a decent but ultimately underwhelming read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This small-town mafia romance sounded intriguing on paper, but unfortunately it didn’t fully work for me in execution. The story starts with people asking questions and reporting things that don’t really seem to exist, which already felt a bit odd and confusing. Instead of building tension, it raised concerns about logic and clarity early on.
Overall, I struggled to really get into the story. The plot felt somewhat loose, and I had a hard time connecting with the characters as well as following where the story was going. While the setup promised something engaging, the execution didn’t quite deliver on that promise for me.
Additionally, despite being marketed as a Christmas romance, the holiday aspect barely played a role and didn’t feel integral to the story at all.
That said, it’s not a bad book. The idea behind it is interesting, and I can see how it might work better for other readers. For me, though, it remained a decent but ultimately underwhelming read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️
At this point I have read a handful of Bridget’s novellas and they never disappoint! The amount of action and detail they can put into a book that’s less than 100 pages never fails to impress me. Evie moves to Millhaven to get a fresh start and took the open guideance councillor position at the high school. After a questionable encounter with the parent of a student and a chat with a local deputy, Evie begins to question the way things run in this small town. Locke isn’t just your average businessman. He is an Ashwood and their family owns damned near everything.. and everyone in Millhaven. Locke is made aware of the new resident in town and that they may be starting to poke their nose is places they shouldn’t be. But when he goes to check out this new resident? He is immediately intrigued. Evie sees through him and she questions his intentions.. and he’s hooked! From there on it is a fast paced, instalove HEA full of action, tension and heat.
Thank you to Bridget for providing me with a copy of Scorched Ember. All opinions in this review are my own!
At this point I have read a handful of Bridget’s novellas and they never disappoint! The amount of action and detail they can put into a book that’s less than 100 pages never fails to impress me. Evie moves to Millhaven to get a fresh start and took the open guideance councillor position at the high school. After a questionable encounter with the parent of a student and a chat with a local deputy, Evie begins to question the way things run in this small town. Locke isn’t just your average businessman. He is an Ashwood and their family owns damned near everything.. and everyone in Millhaven. Locke is made aware of the new resident in town and that they may be starting to poke their nose is places they shouldn’t be. But when he goes to check out this new resident? He is immediately intrigued. Evie sees through him and she questions his intentions.. and he’s hooked! From there on it is a fast paced, instalove HEA full of action, tension and heat.
Thank you to Bridget for providing me with a copy of Scorched Ember. All opinions in this review are my own!
December 15, 2025
Holiday Heat & Obs€ssiv€ Men
OMG Besties… this novella ate and left zero crumbs. "Scorched Ember" is another Insta-Lust, fast-burn win from the Scorched Legacy world, and I devoured it in one sitting. Evie is running from guilt and lands in a town that screams secrets, while Locke: silent, poss€ssive, and dangerously obs€ssd... decides she’s his the moment she looks too closely. Forced proximity? Check. Touch-her-&-di€ energy? You know it. The Christmas setting adds cozy vibes to the dark tension, and the spice hits fast and hard without sacrificing plot. It’s spicy spice, suspense, and a quick read: win-win-WIN 😉! If you love Good Girl × Dangerous Man with obs€ssive MMC energy, add this to your TBR immediately!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties… this novella ate and left zero crumbs. "Scorched Ember" is another Insta-Lust, fast-burn win from the Scorched Legacy world, and I devoured it in one sitting. Evie is running from guilt and lands in a town that screams secrets, while Locke: silent, poss€ssive, and dangerously obs€ssd... decides she’s his the moment she looks too closely. Forced proximity? Check. Touch-her-&-di€ energy? You know it. The Christmas setting adds cozy vibes to the dark tension, and the spice hits fast and hard without sacrificing plot. It’s spicy spice, suspense, and a quick read: win-win-WIN 😉! If you love Good Girl × Dangerous Man with obs€ssive MMC energy, add this to your TBR immediately!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
December 26, 2025
Important Content/Trigger warning:
"Please be aware of the following content that may be triggering or distressing for some readers: mentions of suicide; explicit sexual content; scenes involving dubious consent, restraint, spanking, choking, breath play, and other elements of power exchange; obsession and possessiveness; manipulative behavior; psychological coercion; gaslighting; threats of violence; and emotionally intense themes surrounding trauma, identity, and loss. This story also includes depictions of blurred-consent sexual acts, domination/submission dynamics within a fictional fantasy framework, and references to organized-crime family activity and murder.".
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Please be aware of the following content that may be triggering or distressing for some readers: mentions of suicide; explicit sexual content; scenes involving dubious consent, restraint, spanking, choking, breath play, and other elements of power exchange; obsession and possessiveness; manipulative behavior; psychological coercion; gaslighting; threats of violence; and emotionally intense themes surrounding trauma, identity, and loss. This story also includes depictions of blurred-consent sexual acts, domination/submission dynamics within a fictional fantasy framework, and references to organized-crime family activity and murder.".
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
Scorched Ember is a scorching hot, fast paced small town romance. I devoured this book in one sitting. I have loved getting to know the Ashwood brothers and I think I might have a new favorite "Locke". I can't resist a possessive/obsessive mmc and a reluctant fmc. This story follows Evie, a school counselor looking for a fresh start in Millhaven and Locke Ashwood, logging royalty and Millhaven bad boy. Their instant connection is undeniable, and Evie's boldness challenges Locke in ways he's never experienced. The tension in their relationship is exquisite. I highly recommend this book!
December 9, 2025
ARC book…. Thanks for such a great book. Book 4 out of 5! I am hooked on these short stories that are with one of the 5 brothers. Every one of them have a different storyline and a different reason why they need to have the girl. Spicy scenes is a definite yes in these books. Small town, close proximity, touch her and die, and a whole lot more vibes all around. An amazing book and story line, short and sweet. A 10 out or 10. A must read for sure!!
December 30, 2025
A guidance counselor trying to help a young boy in a small town. A town owned by one family, Locke’s. Locke tries to fix his problem by manipulating Evie. As their attraction intensifies Evie tries to fight it while worrying about Milo and Locke’s intentions. She turns to Locke when she is threatened and together they help Milo. All while trying to outrun his family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
Bridget does it again.
Another amazing spicy dark romance novella!
I love this series. Every single one has been amazing. This is one of my favourites of Bridget’s easily.
She takes dark romance to such a perfect level without it being overbearing.
The plot on this was so good too. I could easily have read this as a full novel!
Another amazing spicy dark romance novella!
I love this series. Every single one has been amazing. This is one of my favourites of Bridget’s easily.
She takes dark romance to such a perfect level without it being overbearing.
The plot on this was so good too. I could easily have read this as a full novel!
December 9, 2025
Scorched Ember is fast, filthy and fun! This is Locke Ashwood’s fast paced romance that throws you right into it! The heat between Locke and Evie is off the charts and I’m all there for it. Bridget Adrienne has this way to just suck you in from the very first page and keep you hooked until the last.
December 26, 2025
What a FANtastic read!
The characters were so very dark and possessive and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were so very dark and possessive and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2025
arc review
"I Hate you, I Hate You... I F**king Love You!"
Locke knows what he wants, and he will push his way if he has to! Evie also knows what she wants but trys to run from it!
I enjoyed this one! the spice was good! 😏 the plot in this one was really good!
"I Hate you, I Hate You... I F**king Love You!"
Locke knows what he wants, and he will push his way if he has to! Evie also knows what she wants but trys to run from it!
I enjoyed this one! the spice was good! 😏 the plot in this one was really good!
December 14, 2025
Hot and spicy! Locke and Evie felt a connection as soon as they met. Both fought the vulnerability leaning into it meant. Good family drama. Such hot passion. A really good one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2025
This is by far my favourite brother!
I loved the dynamic between evie and locke.
They were an instant connection even when she didn’t want to believe it!
I loved the spice obviously! This had such a good story line of people doing the right thing!
I loved the dynamic between evie and locke.
They were an instant connection even when she didn’t want to believe it!
I loved the spice obviously! This had such a good story line of people doing the right thing!
December 26, 2025
A well written story with outstanding characters and easy to follow plot line. A steamy romance that hooks you with both characters being likeable and a happily (for now) ever after.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It was an incredible read. Locke and Evie were amazing characters. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2025
A page turner from the start, I really enjoyed the story and characters, They have a instant connection from the beginning,.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2025
Loved this couple. Locke is a pushy guy but he knew what he wanted. Evie is a strong woman who also knew what she wanted. This was so a good quick read.
December 10, 2025
3.5 stars
ARC RTC
ARC RTC
December 15, 2025
as always, Bridget's novellas leave nothing out. They are quick and spicy and have you falling in love with the characters in under 100 pages!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews