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Beneath The Ashes
It’s just a bet, right?
Calum:
Jade Montgomery has changed everything I thought I knew.
My big brother’s ex’s best friend. Eight years older.
She’s untouchable. Guarded. Fierce…and pretends I don’t exist.
Too bad she intrigues me in a way no one else has.
The only person who has sparked a light back into my disappointing life.
I’m the let-down.
The player.
How can I convince her I’ve changed and win the money?
Well, let’s just say, I love a good challenge.
Jade:
On the outside, I’m cold and calculated.
Some might even say mean.
But on the inside? I hide behind walls I’ve built tall to keep everyone out.
Somehow, Calum Hayes breaks through every single one of them.
He’s confident. Broody. A downright playboy.
And, for some reason, he has his sight set on me.
Acting like he doesn’t affect me is the smart thing to do. Right?
Oh, what the hell…it can be our little secret.
Calum:
Jade Montgomery has changed everything I thought I knew.
My big brother’s ex’s best friend. Eight years older.
She’s untouchable. Guarded. Fierce…and pretends I don’t exist.
Too bad she intrigues me in a way no one else has.
The only person who has sparked a light back into my disappointing life.
I’m the let-down.
The player.
How can I convince her I’ve changed and win the money?
Well, let’s just say, I love a good challenge.
Jade:
On the outside, I’m cold and calculated.
Some might even say mean.
But on the inside? I hide behind walls I’ve built tall to keep everyone out.
Somehow, Calum Hayes breaks through every single one of them.
He’s confident. Broody. A downright playboy.
And, for some reason, he has his sight set on me.
Acting like he doesn’t affect me is the smart thing to do. Right?
Oh, what the hell…it can be our little secret.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 29, 2026
I could not put the book down every time I wanted to something shocking would happen ! Isa Lynn you have done it again with book two ! I felt so emotional reading this one and seeing how Callum and Jade struggle and find love & comfort with each other ! Also was not expecting that little twist mid way! Thank you for the ARC !
April 10, 2026
*Review of ARC received by Author*
I didn’t personally relate to Jade’s upbringing or the hardships she faced with her mom, but I did connect deeply with her inner dialogue—the kind that chips away at your confidence and makes you question your worth. That quiet, ongoing battle? Yeah, that hit home. It’s not easy, and it’s something so many people fight every single day. Because of that, Jade felt incredibly real to me. She’s beautifully written, layered, and so easy to love.
And Calum? The way he loves her? I absolutely melted. There’s something so consuming and tender about how he sees her, and it made their relationship feel all the more powerful.
Speaking of their relationship… wow. Watching it unfold genuinely did something to me. It wasn’t just emotional—it was visceral. The kind of connection that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Also—chapter 9?! Just… damn. Easily one of my favorite chapters I’ve read in a long time. It was top tier—intense, steamy, and completely unforgettable. 🔥
Now, the bet… whew. That had my stomach in knots. I know there’s more to it when it comes to Calum, but I couldn’t help getting major “10 Things I Hate About You” vibes—and we all know how emotionally dangerous that territory is. My heart felt like it was ripped out and carefully stitched back together… and honestly, this whole book delivered that same experience.
Isa Lynn absolutely nailed it (again!). The character development, the emotional depth, the twists, the tension, the chemistry—it’s all done so well. This author just gets it. At this point, I’m ready to devour anything she writes.
I didn’t personally relate to Jade’s upbringing or the hardships she faced with her mom, but I did connect deeply with her inner dialogue—the kind that chips away at your confidence and makes you question your worth. That quiet, ongoing battle? Yeah, that hit home. It’s not easy, and it’s something so many people fight every single day. Because of that, Jade felt incredibly real to me. She’s beautifully written, layered, and so easy to love.
And Calum? The way he loves her? I absolutely melted. There’s something so consuming and tender about how he sees her, and it made their relationship feel all the more powerful.
Speaking of their relationship… wow. Watching it unfold genuinely did something to me. It wasn’t just emotional—it was visceral. The kind of connection that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Also—chapter 9?! Just… damn. Easily one of my favorite chapters I’ve read in a long time. It was top tier—intense, steamy, and completely unforgettable. 🔥
Now, the bet… whew. That had my stomach in knots. I know there’s more to it when it comes to Calum, but I couldn’t help getting major “10 Things I Hate About You” vibes—and we all know how emotionally dangerous that territory is. My heart felt like it was ripped out and carefully stitched back together… and honestly, this whole book delivered that same experience.
Isa Lynn absolutely nailed it (again!). The character development, the emotional depth, the twists, the tension, the chemistry—it’s all done so well. This author just gets it. At this point, I’m ready to devour anything she writes.
April 11, 2026
As always, thank you Isa for the opportunity to meet your amazing character of Maple Hallows a little early. 🩷
I am obsessed with Jade and Calum. Their banter. Their story. Their growth as a couple and individuals.
Jades story is so relatable. Her mother wound I feel deeply. It was really nice to relate to a fictional character so much and be able to watch her heal a little and all her growth. Especially as big things unfold throughout the book. This book is full of so many surprises and happy endings. Isa never fails to make me cry. There are always happy and sad tears throughout her books. 😂 so if you’re a sap like me, have some tissue near by.
I am obsessed with Jade and Calum. Their banter. Their story. Their growth as a couple and individuals.
Jades story is so relatable. Her mother wound I feel deeply. It was really nice to relate to a fictional character so much and be able to watch her heal a little and all her growth. Especially as big things unfold throughout the book. This book is full of so many surprises and happy endings. Isa never fails to make me cry. There are always happy and sad tears throughout her books. 😂 so if you’re a sap like me, have some tissue near by.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It started as a bet…but of course it never stays that simple.
Beneath The Ashes by Isa Lynn had me hooked on the tension alone. This is one of those stories where you know things are going to get messy, and you cannot look away.
Calum and Jade are complicated in every way. The age gap, the history tied to his brother’s ex, and Jade’s emotional walls all make this feel off limits from the start. That just makes the pull between them even stronger.
Calum comes in with that classic player reputation, but there is more to him than that. He is trying to prove he is not the disappointment everyone sees. Jade, on the other hand, feels cold and distant at first, but it becomes clear that everything about her is self protection. Watching her slowly crack and let him in was one of my favorite parts.
The tension is constant. There is so much push and pull, mixed signals, and moments where you know everything could fall apart. And knowing there is a bet involved adds that extra layer of anxiety because you are just waiting for the truth to come out.
I will say, if you love angst, this delivers. It leans into the emotional side of things with characters who have real baggage, which makes their connection feel more intense.
Overall, this was a dramatic, emotional romance with strong chemistry and plenty of tension to keep you invested.
Beneath The Ashes by Isa Lynn had me hooked on the tension alone. This is one of those stories where you know things are going to get messy, and you cannot look away.
Calum and Jade are complicated in every way. The age gap, the history tied to his brother’s ex, and Jade’s emotional walls all make this feel off limits from the start. That just makes the pull between them even stronger.
Calum comes in with that classic player reputation, but there is more to him than that. He is trying to prove he is not the disappointment everyone sees. Jade, on the other hand, feels cold and distant at first, but it becomes clear that everything about her is self protection. Watching her slowly crack and let him in was one of my favorite parts.
The tension is constant. There is so much push and pull, mixed signals, and moments where you know everything could fall apart. And knowing there is a bet involved adds that extra layer of anxiety because you are just waiting for the truth to come out.
I will say, if you love angst, this delivers. It leans into the emotional side of things with characters who have real baggage, which makes their connection feel more intense.
Overall, this was a dramatic, emotional romance with strong chemistry and plenty of tension to keep you invested.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Isa Lynn for the ARC of Beneath the Ashes.
I absolutely loved this book. It completely pulled me in and did not let go.
Jade was such a powerful and relatable character for me. Her struggles with food and the way she speaks to herself hit really close to home. So many of her inner thoughts felt real and raw in a way that you do not always see, and I appreciated that so much.
Calum’s story was just as compelling. His struggles with family expectations and the pressure to be someone he is not added so much depth to his character. Watching both of them navigate their own personal battles while also finding each other made this story feel incredibly emotional and genuine.
The chemistry between Jade and Calum was everything. They might honestly be one of my new favorite couples, and Calum is definitely at the top of my book boyfriend list. Their connection felt intense, messy, and real in the best way.
I loved every bit of this book, from the emotional depth to the romance and the small-town Maple Hollow setting. I am already hoping for more stories in this world because I am not ready to leave these characters behind.
If you love emotional romance with complex characters, strong chemistry, and real-life struggles woven into the story, this is absolutely one to pick up.
I absolutely loved this book. It completely pulled me in and did not let go.
Jade was such a powerful and relatable character for me. Her struggles with food and the way she speaks to herself hit really close to home. So many of her inner thoughts felt real and raw in a way that you do not always see, and I appreciated that so much.
Calum’s story was just as compelling. His struggles with family expectations and the pressure to be someone he is not added so much depth to his character. Watching both of them navigate their own personal battles while also finding each other made this story feel incredibly emotional and genuine.
The chemistry between Jade and Calum was everything. They might honestly be one of my new favorite couples, and Calum is definitely at the top of my book boyfriend list. Their connection felt intense, messy, and real in the best way.
I loved every bit of this book, from the emotional depth to the romance and the small-town Maple Hollow setting. I am already hoping for more stories in this world because I am not ready to leave these characters behind.
If you love emotional romance with complex characters, strong chemistry, and real-life struggles woven into the story, this is absolutely one to pick up.
April 10, 2026
Thank you Isa Lynn and Live and Let Read PA for allowing me to ARC read Beneath the Ashes!
This story follows Calum and Jade. Calum is notorious for being the town playboy who will never settle down. Jade is guarded and refuses to let anyone close. One day, Calum accepts a bet from his coworker that he wouldn’t be able to maintain a relationship with Jade for 6 months. Needing the money and having a reason to get closer to the woman who’s always been on his mind, he accepts the bet. A whirlwind of emotions arise, challenges are faced, and love ultimately conquers all.
Overall, I thought the premise of the story was good, but I felt like the book skipped over a ton of things. There were quite a bit time jumps that really skipped over crucial parts with a Jade and Calum’s growing relationship. I found it really hard to connect with them because of it. Also, it made the addition of Charlie really random and out of place. There are definitely a lot of areas that could’ve been expanded on, and ultimately the bet aspect of the story fell flat. I felt like it should’ve been a more pivotal moment.
This story follows Calum and Jade. Calum is notorious for being the town playboy who will never settle down. Jade is guarded and refuses to let anyone close. One day, Calum accepts a bet from his coworker that he wouldn’t be able to maintain a relationship with Jade for 6 months. Needing the money and having a reason to get closer to the woman who’s always been on his mind, he accepts the bet. A whirlwind of emotions arise, challenges are faced, and love ultimately conquers all.
Overall, I thought the premise of the story was good, but I felt like the book skipped over a ton of things. There were quite a bit time jumps that really skipped over crucial parts with a Jade and Calum’s growing relationship. I found it really hard to connect with them because of it. Also, it made the addition of Charlie really random and out of place. There are definitely a lot of areas that could’ve been expanded on, and ultimately the bet aspect of the story fell flat. I felt like it should’ve been a more pivotal moment.
April 28, 2026
This series is amazing! I’ll admit I thought this book was going to be about the ex husband from the first novel so it caught me off guard when it was about the best friend and little brother.
I loved the dynamic between the two and honestly the female lead having an unhealthy relationship with food was very original. I have rarely read books that covered a subject like that. I also cried during some of the descriptive scenes that talked about the abuse- that’s how well it was written.
The twist at the end of the book??? Excuse me. That was not on my radar at all but I love how it transformed the characters in a nurturing way. Felt like everyone grew up quick to be there for that little girl.
10/10. Isa Lynn has insane talent and I can’t wait to read more by her.
I loved the dynamic between the two and honestly the female lead having an unhealthy relationship with food was very original. I have rarely read books that covered a subject like that. I also cried during some of the descriptive scenes that talked about the abuse- that’s how well it was written.
The twist at the end of the book??? Excuse me. That was not on my radar at all but I love how it transformed the characters in a nurturing way. Felt like everyone grew up quick to be there for that little girl.
10/10. Isa Lynn has insane talent and I can’t wait to read more by her.
April 17, 2026
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to receive this ARC Isa Lynn.
This series is full of the drama. And I'm here for it. There were times that it seemed there were so many stories going on at once, I couldn't keep up so it was giving....soap opera vibes. Soap operas were a guilty pleasure of mine back in the day so I didn't mind the chaos. The characters were all easy to love and easy to root for.
This series is full of the drama. And I'm here for it. There were times that it seemed there were so many stories going on at once, I couldn't keep up so it was giving....soap opera vibes. Soap operas were a guilty pleasure of mine back in the day so I didn't mind the chaos. The characters were all easy to love and easy to root for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this best-friend’s ex’s brother/ reverse age-gap/ small town romance. The pacing was wonderful, the characters are loveable and some twists I wasn’t expecting! I’m going to go back and pick up book one!
April 10, 2026
I love love love this book. I felt so seen and resonated with the FMC! 💕
April 10, 2026
I loved this book so much. I loved all the characters. Calum and Jade. I recommend this book
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm probably biased, but I don't really care. When the book is good, its good!
Beneath the Ashes is Book 2 in the Maple Hollows series, and if you think you loved Caden Hayes, just wait until baby brother enters the room.
Calum and Jade were both the kind of MC's that you can't help but connect with. The way that Isa is able to write so much emotion and trauma into each of their pasts while also giving them the most lovable characteristics is a talent all in itself. The plot twist will definitely knock the wind out of you is Calum doesnt do it first!
P.s - Be like Jade and make sure the next time someone is just NOT it, Boo them!
Beneath the Ashes is Book 2 in the Maple Hollows series, and if you think you loved Caden Hayes, just wait until baby brother enters the room.
Calum and Jade were both the kind of MC's that you can't help but connect with. The way that Isa is able to write so much emotion and trauma into each of their pasts while also giving them the most lovable characteristics is a talent all in itself. The plot twist will definitely knock the wind out of you is Calum doesnt do it first!
P.s - Be like Jade and make sure the next time someone is just NOT it, Boo them!
April 17, 2026
I was sucked in immediately!
This is the second in the maple hollows series and just like the first one I read it like my life depended on it!
It’s got everything you want in a book, love, heartbreak, trauma, suspense, a man grovelling 🤌🏻
This is the second in the maple hollows series and just like the first one I read it like my life depended on it!
It’s got everything you want in a book, love, heartbreak, trauma, suspense, a man grovelling 🤌🏻
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews