Claws and Bonds

The Ashmark #2

by Heather Renee

All I wanted was peace. Instead, I got control and a reason to stop playing nice.

I thought surviving a prophecy, postponing fate, and basically blowing up the wolf council would earn me a break.
it didn’t.

Walking away from my mate and my family was supposed to keep them safe. Instead, it made me an even bigger target—landing me in a place where power listens, walls breathe, and control is something you're trained to surrender to, piece by piece.

And the monster sitting on the throne? He’s full of lies.
But the darkness hasn’t broken me. It’s taught me exactly who I am.

When I emerge from captivity, Cade has torn his way through days and nights to find me, leaving a wreckage in his wake, but our problems aren’t the only ones demanding attention.

I didn’t ask for this power. But it’s mine, and if anyone thinks they get to decide my fate for me, they’re about to learn…

I’m not the prophecy they feared.
I’m the reckoning they made.


Claws and Bonds is the second book in The Ashmark Trilogy, perfect for fans of wolf shifters, found family chaos, snarky heroines, grumpy alphas, and just the right amount of supernatural mayhem. If you like your fantasy with bite, banter, and a side of magical dysfunction, welcome to NightShade Manor.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 18, 2026

About the author

Heather Renee is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in Oregon. She writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels with a mixture of romance, humor, and sass. Her love of reading eventually led to her passion of writing and giving the gift of escapism.

When Heather's not writing, she's spending time with her loving husband and beautiful daughter, going on their own adventures. She loves to hear from her fans, so visit her website: www.HeatherReneeAuthor.com and check out the Contact Me page for ways to connect.

Reviews

[Di T · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Loved this book, it’s even better than the first. I read and listened to the book. The book is such a fun read, we discover who the mystery character is from end of book one & find out more about Rowan’s abilities. Not saying more as don’t want to spoil your read. The dual narration is perfect and keeps you completely emerged from start to finish. I read/listened over a couple days, didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait for the last book.

I received a copy of the ebook and audiobook from the author, I’ve already backed the authors kickstarter campaign before receiving this copy and can’t wait to receive the rest of the series.

[Stephanie Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, Heather!! I am absolutely in LOVE with Cade and Rowan. Cade’s absolute need to protect his mate and Rowan’s ‘look I got this’ attitude just has me over here in shifter heaven. Rowan has had to deal with and learn so much in such a short amount of time but takes it all in like the boss she is! Archie can come snuggle me ANY time!!

The side characters are so well written that you forget that they aren’t MC’s. I absolutely love this. The way that Heather describes feelings and situations isn’t over written or over described, it’s perfect and makes you feel what the characters are feeling.

I absolutely cannot wait for the last installment!

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Ashmark series

Prepare for truths to be uncovered, alliances to be made, and shocking twists to be revealed; but underneath all that and so much more, is a captivating fated mates wolf shifter romance with all the tension.

Cade and Rowan risk life and limb to find each other, but they continue to grow in their relationship. I love the chemistry between these two, and I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

"I can do this. For me. For Cade. For my family."

[Jeanette Marie Van Kleeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Loved seeing the progression of magic and learning about the wolf shifters! I can't wait for the 3rd book in this trilogy!

[Tina Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending has you wanting the next book now!!! This book gave us answers and turns you didn’t see coming and a slow burn 🔥 in a way that you know you won’t regret as well!