What do you think?
Rate this book
Ashspire
Not yet published
Expected 27 Mar 26255 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 27, 2026
15 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 5, 2026
This book is amazing. If you like dragons read this book!
A young girl who is different from the others in her village. Being different and causing 3 to die, two on purpose; she was exiled from the village. Sent away to a long dormant volcano where tale were told of a dragon who lived there. The dragon also an exile and cursed to be there until the time of a willing sacrifice. Is she the sacrifice he has been waiting for? And once someone has broken you, can you be reborn?
This is an amazing spicy romance with dark truths, lies, and twisted fates. A will read again book for me.
A young girl who is different from the others in her village. Being different and causing 3 to die, two on purpose; she was exiled from the village. Sent away to a long dormant volcano where tale were told of a dragon who lived there. The dragon also an exile and cursed to be there until the time of a willing sacrifice. Is she the sacrifice he has been waiting for? And once someone has broken you, can you be reborn?
This is an amazing spicy romance with dark truths, lies, and twisted fates. A will read again book for me.
March 14, 2026
So I read this as an ARC and for me it just didn’t hit
The story follows Sera who has been exiled from her village for murder and has to leave and live on Ashspire mountain where she meets a dragon shifter called Cyndrath who has also been trapped there with his own exile. And basically follows their time in the mountain and then growing closer and starting a romance. Other than that not much happened to be honest.
The start was intriguing and the writing is written well but unfortunately for me I lost interest… the relationship for me just didn’t hit at the start and was just too fast for me. Within 15% they had already slept together but barely knew each other and it was rushed and kinda weird for me. The story as well just was flat. The love did start coming later in the book and was a bit more interesting.
If you like moody dragon shifters with a more of a dark romance which is fast and quick in the smut department then you will love this but for me it just wasn’t it. I wanted more in depth to the story and wanted a slower romance that was just a bit more believable for me.
Oh and another thing that I just did not get was why was she naked throughout most of the story
The story follows Sera who has been exiled from her village for murder and has to leave and live on Ashspire mountain where she meets a dragon shifter called Cyndrath who has also been trapped there with his own exile. And basically follows their time in the mountain and then growing closer and starting a romance. Other than that not much happened to be honest.
The start was intriguing and the writing is written well but unfortunately for me I lost interest… the relationship for me just didn’t hit at the start and was just too fast for me. Within 15% they had already slept together but barely knew each other and it was rushed and kinda weird for me. The story as well just was flat. The love did start coming later in the book and was a bit more interesting.
If you like moody dragon shifters with a more of a dark romance which is fast and quick in the smut department then you will love this but for me it just wasn’t it. I wanted more in depth to the story and wanted a slower romance that was just a bit more believable for me.
Oh and another thing that I just did not get was why was she naked throughout most of the story
March 15, 2026
So I read this as an ARC. I normally love to read romantasy books but this one took me a while to read because I just couldn’t didn’t get hooked quickly. Within the first 15% of the book they were Sera and Cyndrath were already hooking up without a strong story line. It basically starts with Sera getting exiled from her village for being a “witch” or cursed but doesn’t really give a back story as to what lead to the exile until you’re over halfway through the book. The same goes for Cyndrath who was exiled to the Ashspire, his story of his exile wasn’t really given until you got into the last half of the book. I will say that I like the last quarter of the book as that is where it got interesting and I was rooting for Cyndrath and Sera but it really was a struggle to get to that point. Maybe if some of Sera’s and Cyndrath’s back story was written at the beginning of the book rather than them jumping straight into having sex then I would have been hooked a lot sooner and it may have been a book I couldn’t put down.
March 17, 2026
This book follows Sera, a fire wielder, as she is exiled from her village and forced to try to survive underneath the Ashspire, a volcano housing an ancient Elder Aspect, Cyndrath, rumored to be a dragon. The plot follows her reclamation of self and their love story- albeit one driven heavily by animal and predatory instincts.
Overall, a 3 star ARC read for me. I thought the writing itself was enriched and I appreciated word choice and flow but the story felt choppy to me. The 🌶️ scenes were well written but the epic love fell short in its development to me. If you accepted the sort of magical love, the middle of the book is pretty solid. The ending felt odd to me, almost like it could have ended at either of the major conflict/resolution points but perhaps shouldn’t have had both? Either way, an interesting, quick read and a world with a lot of future potential storylines!
Overall, a 3 star ARC read for me. I thought the writing itself was enriched and I appreciated word choice and flow but the story felt choppy to me. The 🌶️ scenes were well written but the epic love fell short in its development to me. If you accepted the sort of magical love, the middle of the book is pretty solid. The ending felt odd to me, almost like it could have ended at either of the major conflict/resolution points but perhaps shouldn’t have had both? Either way, an interesting, quick read and a world with a lot of future potential storylines!
March 7, 2026
Ashspire by Willa Kade is a very spicy dark romantasy that follows Seraphina, an outcast cursed with fire magic. After a tragic accident, she is exiled from her village, which leads her directly to Cyndrath, an ancient dragon shifter who is an exile in his own right. To him, she was meant to be his sacrifice to break his curse. But in true romantasy fashion, they fall for each other and would burn the world down together if they had to. Along the way, there’s political intrigue and a strong thread of feminine rage.
This was a quick, fun, and incredibly spicy read. The characters were well written and surprisingly likable despite the dark tone of the story. The trauma they each endured independently shaped their dynamic in a compelling way. I also loved that this is a self-contained story… I don’t have to wait for another book to see how things resolve (though I wouldn’t complain about more Seraphina and Cyndrath).
My one critique is that I wish there had been a bit more emotional build-up before the first spicy scene. It felt abrupt and slightly unbelievable at first. That said, this is a novella, so the pacing naturally moves faster.
Overall, I’d recommend Ashspire to readers who enjoy dark romantasy, dragons, magic, and are comfortable with trigger warnings.
Thank you to Willa Kade for the eARC.
This was a quick, fun, and incredibly spicy read. The characters were well written and surprisingly likable despite the dark tone of the story. The trauma they each endured independently shaped their dynamic in a compelling way. I also loved that this is a self-contained story… I don’t have to wait for another book to see how things resolve (though I wouldn’t complain about more Seraphina and Cyndrath).
My one critique is that I wish there had been a bit more emotional build-up before the first spicy scene. It felt abrupt and slightly unbelievable at first. That said, this is a novella, so the pacing naturally moves faster.
Overall, I’d recommend Ashspire to readers who enjoy dark romantasy, dragons, magic, and are comfortable with trigger warnings.
Thank you to Willa Kade for the eARC.
March 21, 2026
This was a dark romantasy that features the mfc being cursed and outcasted after a fire accident. This leads her directly to a dragon shifter who has also been outcasted and cursed. Initially he plans to use her to break his curse but they end up falling for each other. This was an intense one but overall I enjoyed it and found it to be a quick read for the amount of heavy emotions and triggers littered throughout the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A good story which reminded me of another book "Given to the mountain". It shows the disparity of power and how far you have to go to rebuild yourself after being broken and to keep on fighting to get your power back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A binge-worthy read where the spice takes centre stage, backed by an engaging, page-turning storyline. Highly recommend for a quick, fun read when you’re in the mood for a good time.
March 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! The MMC was such a standout for me, and I loved how their relationship developed; it felt natural and really engaging. The fire-centered parts of the story were especially fun to read and added a lot of excitement. I also appreciated the theme of two outcasts rising from the ashes together; it was super satisfying. Definitely planning to pick up more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 STARS!
I ABSOLUTELY loved this shifter romance! This is a Book 1 and the Author did an excellent job in starting the series. I loved the pace, the details and imagery, the slow burn to real love, and the SPICE! Yet this book is not only about spice. It is about finding your true path, your self worth, your destiny.
The Main Female Character is Seraphina. She is in her early 20s and was exiled form her village for using her fire to kill three people. Seraphina is quiet and insecure, having known only abuse from those who should have loved her. She is beautiful with alabaster skin and long flaming hair. She believes the villagers that she is cursed. She is heart broken in killing the one person she loved the most in the whole world. Yet is she truly cursed or is it more? She believes she is headed to the volcano to die. Yet is she really? She is weak, malnourished, and emotionally spent. This we do know.
Cyndrath is an obsidian black dragon who can shapeshift into male human like form. He is proud, angry, and righteous. He is a true God. Yet is he really? He feels that he is in complete control of his volcano and his lair. Yet he is not. He believes that this poor excuse for a human is his to simply enjoy however he may and then kill. That this is to be as it always is done. Yet is it really meant to be this way? What we do know is that he is achingly handsome in draconic proportions. With long obsidian black hair and dragon eyes that shift colors. We do know that he can control fire and that the mountain speaks to him.
Some have been saying that the first SPICY sex scene happens too quickly and that it can’t be real love at that point, and that it breaks the storyline. I DISAGREE. What they say is only partly true. Keep in mind as you read that Cyndrath is a DRAGON who has been imprisoned himself. He believes she is only a plaything, his to abuse and then kill. A way to pass the time. Seraphina was desperate for someone, anyone, to truly want her. Like many women through time she mistakes the act as an act of love. Yet you will learn that sex for sex alone is NOT what this ends up being. It starts the pathway towards their destinies.
READ this book when it comes out March 27th and enjoy the intense thrilling ride!
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I ABSOLUTELY loved this shifter romance! This is a Book 1 and the Author did an excellent job in starting the series. I loved the pace, the details and imagery, the slow burn to real love, and the SPICE! Yet this book is not only about spice. It is about finding your true path, your self worth, your destiny.
The Main Female Character is Seraphina. She is in her early 20s and was exiled form her village for using her fire to kill three people. Seraphina is quiet and insecure, having known only abuse from those who should have loved her. She is beautiful with alabaster skin and long flaming hair. She believes the villagers that she is cursed. She is heart broken in killing the one person she loved the most in the whole world. Yet is she truly cursed or is it more? She believes she is headed to the volcano to die. Yet is she really? She is weak, malnourished, and emotionally spent. This we do know.
Cyndrath is an obsidian black dragon who can shapeshift into male human like form. He is proud, angry, and righteous. He is a true God. Yet is he really? He feels that he is in complete control of his volcano and his lair. Yet he is not. He believes that this poor excuse for a human is his to simply enjoy however he may and then kill. That this is to be as it always is done. Yet is it really meant to be this way? What we do know is that he is achingly handsome in draconic proportions. With long obsidian black hair and dragon eyes that shift colors. We do know that he can control fire and that the mountain speaks to him.
Some have been saying that the first SPICY sex scene happens too quickly and that it can’t be real love at that point, and that it breaks the storyline. I DISAGREE. What they say is only partly true. Keep in mind as you read that Cyndrath is a DRAGON who has been imprisoned himself. He believes she is only a plaything, his to abuse and then kill. A way to pass the time. Seraphina was desperate for someone, anyone, to truly want her. Like many women through time she mistakes the act as an act of love. Yet you will learn that sex for sex alone is NOT what this ends up being. It starts the pathway towards their destinies.
READ this book when it comes out March 27th and enjoy the intense thrilling ride!
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author.
I read this ARC because the premise caught my attention, and there are many moments where the writing is genuinely striking. Several passages about grief and loss are beautifully phrased. Seraphina reflecting that she would have “burned willingly, just to feel wanted one more time” felt so powerful. Seraphina’s internal monologue carried a lot of this book’s emotional value, and I think that was handled beautifully.
That said, I sometimes struggled to stay grounded in what was happening. The writing leans heavily on metaphors, which occasionally made the story choppy and difficult to follow. In the first 10%, there is repeated imagery about the mountain and surrounding crater. It created a cool atmosphere, but I found myself wishing for clearer descriptions of the world because I had a hard time fully immersing myself in it, despite what felt like an over-explanation of the setting. The pacing also felt uneven in the first 50%. Some explanations stretched on while major relationship developments happened very quickly.
The book does lean more toward the love story than actual plot for a vast majority of the novel. But still, there are compelling ideas and flashes of truly lovely prose. Readers who enjoy a fast-paced romance may connect with it more easily than I did.
The book was still very enjoyable, and it was an easy read once I was able to settle into the story. For a debut, this is quite a good book. I look forward to seeing how Willa Kade continues to build this world in future books.
I read this ARC because the premise caught my attention, and there are many moments where the writing is genuinely striking. Several passages about grief and loss are beautifully phrased. Seraphina reflecting that she would have “burned willingly, just to feel wanted one more time” felt so powerful. Seraphina’s internal monologue carried a lot of this book’s emotional value, and I think that was handled beautifully.
That said, I sometimes struggled to stay grounded in what was happening. The writing leans heavily on metaphors, which occasionally made the story choppy and difficult to follow. In the first 10%, there is repeated imagery about the mountain and surrounding crater. It created a cool atmosphere, but I found myself wishing for clearer descriptions of the world because I had a hard time fully immersing myself in it, despite what felt like an over-explanation of the setting. The pacing also felt uneven in the first 50%. Some explanations stretched on while major relationship developments happened very quickly.
The book does lean more toward the love story than actual plot for a vast majority of the novel. But still, there are compelling ideas and flashes of truly lovely prose. Readers who enjoy a fast-paced romance may connect with it more easily than I did.
The book was still very enjoyable, and it was an easy read once I was able to settle into the story. For a debut, this is quite a good book. I look forward to seeing how Willa Kade continues to build this world in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A story full of love, loss, strength and retribution.
Seraphina has been forced to endure a life full of cruelty and loss. After being tried for a crime she was devastated to commit, Seraphina is exiled and forced to travel the Ashpire on her own.
Cyndrath has long lived in exile. Forced to pay for sins he committed many years previously, he’s spent far too long on his own, sacrificing his own happiness to live a life of solitude.
What follows when the two cross paths, is nothing short of heart warming. Their chemistry is off the charts hot 🔥🔥🔥
but equally so beautiful and endearing. Through Seraphina, our seriously grouchy dragon starts to live life again. His fierce and protective nature, his seriously dirty mouth, his utter devotion, make this a thoroughly enjoyable Romantasy. Through Cyndrath, Seraphina grows into herself. Some seriously amazing scenes when she finally stands up for herself, empowering those who need it and defending those who require it.
“You were always destined to be mine.”
I received an ARC version from the author which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Seraphina has been forced to endure a life full of cruelty and loss. After being tried for a crime she was devastated to commit, Seraphina is exiled and forced to travel the Ashpire on her own.
Cyndrath has long lived in exile. Forced to pay for sins he committed many years previously, he’s spent far too long on his own, sacrificing his own happiness to live a life of solitude.
What follows when the two cross paths, is nothing short of heart warming. Their chemistry is off the charts hot 🔥🔥🔥
but equally so beautiful and endearing. Through Seraphina, our seriously grouchy dragon starts to live life again. His fierce and protective nature, his seriously dirty mouth, his utter devotion, make this a thoroughly enjoyable Romantasy. Through Cyndrath, Seraphina grows into herself. Some seriously amazing scenes when she finally stands up for herself, empowering those who need it and defending those who require it.
“You were always destined to be mine.”
I received an ARC version from the author which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝗱𝗲, 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸!
This book is the epitome of burning desire. Seraphina serves as the perfect main character, with her every emotion presenting in the form of an overwhelming flame. Cyndrath? Dark, imperfect, and utterly irresistible. I found myself swooning for him as I stayed up far too late reading this book, desperate to know what happened next. The landscape was perfectly painted through each description and was only topped by the powerful emotion flowing through the main duo. Together, these elements pulled me deep into Ashpire, enveloping me in its fiery world. Though I felt the intimacy aspect overshadowed the plotline at some points, the story as a whole was rich, with an ending that left me with a contented sigh.
This book is the epitome of burning desire. Seraphina serves as the perfect main character, with her every emotion presenting in the form of an overwhelming flame. Cyndrath? Dark, imperfect, and utterly irresistible. I found myself swooning for him as I stayed up far too late reading this book, desperate to know what happened next. The landscape was perfectly painted through each description and was only topped by the powerful emotion flowing through the main duo. Together, these elements pulled me deep into Ashpire, enveloping me in its fiery world. Though I felt the intimacy aspect overshadowed the plotline at some points, the story as a whole was rich, with an ending that left me with a contented sigh.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who likes reading fast paced dark romance/fantasy. The elements of spice, magic, exile, a curse plus a dragon shifter made for a great story. I found the backstories of the MFC Seraphina and MMC Cyndrath very moving and the transformation of the characters from the beginning to the end of the story was remarkable.
My favorite quote was from Cyndrath “You were made for me, and you don’t even know it. My own light.”
Ashspire is book 1 in the Elder Aspects Council series but is a standalone with no cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next! Thank you to the author Willa Kade for the opportunity to read and review this book!
My favorite quote was from Cyndrath “You were made for me, and you don’t even know it. My own light.”
Ashspire is book 1 in the Elder Aspects Council series but is a standalone with no cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next! Thank you to the author Willa Kade for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My review of this advanced readers copy is an honest and unbiased one.
Wow, I have never wanted to forget a book in its entirety just so I would have the opportunity to read it again for the first time. I have a feeling that my second and third read through will uncover yet more insights into the main characters previously missed.
Ashspire is a story of loss and love, of sacrifice and redemption. Its an emotional roller coaster of self discovery and growth.
An exceptionally well written book and a great read.
Wow, I have never wanted to forget a book in its entirety just so I would have the opportunity to read it again for the first time. I have a feeling that my second and third read through will uncover yet more insights into the main characters previously missed.
Ashspire is a story of loss and love, of sacrifice and redemption. Its an emotional roller coaster of self discovery and growth.
An exceptionally well written book and a great read.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Ashspire is a very spicy novella. It follows Seraphina, an outcast from her village as she enters the mountain she was exiled to. The ancient being who lives there decides to make her his sacrifice to fulfill a prophecy. Instead of just sacrificing her he decides to have her until he gets his fill first.
Ashspire was a fun read and I enjoyed it. There was a bit of a rocky start for me due to how soon the first spicy scene was and how little they had communicated before hand.
Anyone that loves shifter style romances should definitely give Ashspire a read.
Ashspire was a fun read and I enjoyed it. There was a bit of a rocky start for me due to how soon the first spicy scene was and how little they had communicated before hand.
Anyone that loves shifter style romances should definitely give Ashspire a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a very good romantasy book. It's about a girl named Seraphina who is exiled from her villiage for unaliving 3 people with fire. During her journey she comes across the Ashspire which is an old volcanic mountain tht is rumored to have a dragon in it. On Ashpire she meets Cyndrath who has been in exile for sooooo long. He plans on ignoring her and breaking her to free himself. But things don't go as he thinks they will go. The love between these two is epic and the spice is hot hot like fire.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is for the lovers of a darker romance. It is a story of the power disparity between those with power and those perceived to have none. Seraphina is cast out of her village and excited to a mountain where Cyndrath a dragon shifter resides. He brings out her power and she breaks his chains. I would have liked a little more back ground story and a little more slow burn. But over all an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Overall, it was an enjoyable and fun debut with plenty of spice to keep things interesting, and the fast-paced plot made it an easy, engaging read. At times, the heavy use of metaphors—especially the repeated mountain imagery—made some scenes a bit hard to follow, and I found myself rereading to fully grasp what was happening. The pacing was somewhat uneven, with detailed sections slowing things down while key relationship moments unfolded too quickly.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and fun debut with plenty of spice to keep things interesting, and the fast-paced plot made it an easy, engaging read. At times, the heavy use of metaphors—especially the repeated mountain imagery—made some scenes a bit hard to follow, and I found myself rereading to fully grasp what was happening. The pacing was somewhat uneven, with detailed sections slowing things down while key relationship moments unfolded too quickly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow what a great read. This story started out very harsh and sad. The FMC is banished from the only place she's called home.
The MMC of the story has lived a life of imprisonment wanting the one thing that can release him, but that may not be what he thinks.
This is a beautiful story of 2 people standing up, finding their way. The magic is great, the spice is amazing, an all around great read. Will definitely pick up the next book!
The MMC of the story has lived a life of imprisonment wanting the one thing that can release him, but that may not be what he thinks.
This is a beautiful story of 2 people standing up, finding their way. The magic is great, the spice is amazing, an all around great read. Will definitely pick up the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story had me feeling EVERYTHING! Willa's debut novel takes you on a journey and you never want to leave. You will fall in love with the character's storyline and feel for her struggle as well as fall in love as she does for the MMC. This is an amazing story and I'm so proud and honored to have been an ARC reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who doesn’t like a good dragon love story? This is definitely one of those. The main characters are well described and the emotional journey is well written. I like the suspense of will the dragon kill the fmc or not and can a human even cope with the offer that is made. For me the ending falls a bit flat. Had the ending kept the same pace and level of suspense it would have been a 5⭐️ read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC Copy by the author. Thank you, Willa, for the opportunity.
I LOVED Ashspire. It was so beautifully written. The spice was great and believable, and I’m so excited for more. Thank you again, Willa.
I LOVED Ashspire. It was so beautifully written. The spice was great and believable, and I’m so excited for more. Thank you again, Willa.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews