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Ashes and Obedience
Sofia was born into a world of violence, betrayal, and control.
Johnathan was forged in its shadow.
Seven years apart turned them into something unrecognizable.
Deadlier, darker, and more devoted than ever.
Now reunited, they’ll face danger to take down the men who broke them and seize the throne they were never meant to share.
But love built on blood has a price.
And some flames never die.
A slow burn, second chance, light mafia/mob, dark romance.
Content intended for mature readers. Please check trigger warnings, your mental health is important.
Johnathan was forged in its shadow.
Seven years apart turned them into something unrecognizable.
Deadlier, darker, and more devoted than ever.
Now reunited, they’ll face danger to take down the men who broke them and seize the throne they were never meant to share.
But love built on blood has a price.
And some flames never die.
A slow burn, second chance, light mafia/mob, dark romance.
Content intended for mature readers. Please check trigger warnings, your mental health is important.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 10, 2026
***Review of advanced copy received by author***
Solid 4.5! I really enjoyed this book!
It was full of young love and heartbreak. A virgin MMC waiting for his true love and revenge. A strong and resilient FMC. And side characters that make you want to learn more about them too.
I think what knocked it half a star for me is that I felt some important parts were maybe a bit rushed through, because I felt for the FMC when she described herself unworthy of him feeling tainted after learning he waited for her. And it literally took him one time to say she wasn’t and she caved. I don’t know why that bothered me, but I just expected her to sit with those feelings for more than just a blip of a moment. I mean his words were beautiful - here’s the excerpt that turns her:
“For the last seven years I've been waiting for the word that I would get to bring you back to me. I've done anything and everything asked of me so that when the day came, I would be ready. Nothing has changed for me. I love you. There has never and will never be anyone else. I'm full of regrets, but the one thing I don't have any regrets about is waiting for you. If I need to wait longer, if you need time to be alone, I will give you that. But, I would rather be near you while you find who you are again. I would rather be the one you break down to. Cry, scream, hit me. I want it all because I want you. I never stopped wanting you.”
See that last part tho? I expected some of that. The needing time alone, the crying for what she lost, the processing of what she went through. Something.
I kind of also wanted more of his journey of how he came to be the savior he was. A few flashbacks or something of the training and his turmoil.
All that to say, I loved the story itself, just wished it was longer and fuller.
Last excerpt because I loved the way this man was in love with her:
“Don't mistake my love for you, my willingness to submit to you, as weakness. You’ve only had a taste of my dark side, baby. It's pitch black in here.” he points to his chest, then to me. “You will let me listen to what is going on in your head. You will let me help. If you try to run, so help me god, Sofia. I will burn this goddamn world to the ground until we are the only people left and you have no choice but to descend into hell with me where we will burn together for all of eternity.”
I mean….. swoooooon.
Side note - book 1 of this series is also worth the read.
Solid 4.5! I really enjoyed this book!
It was full of young love and heartbreak. A virgin MMC waiting for his true love and revenge. A strong and resilient FMC. And side characters that make you want to learn more about them too.
I think what knocked it half a star for me is that I felt some important parts were maybe a bit rushed through, because I felt for the FMC when she described herself unworthy of him feeling tainted after learning he waited for her. And it literally took him one time to say she wasn’t and she caved. I don’t know why that bothered me, but I just expected her to sit with those feelings for more than just a blip of a moment. I mean his words were beautiful - here’s the excerpt that turns her:
“For the last seven years I've been waiting for the word that I would get to bring you back to me. I've done anything and everything asked of me so that when the day came, I would be ready. Nothing has changed for me. I love you. There has never and will never be anyone else. I'm full of regrets, but the one thing I don't have any regrets about is waiting for you. If I need to wait longer, if you need time to be alone, I will give you that. But, I would rather be near you while you find who you are again. I would rather be the one you break down to. Cry, scream, hit me. I want it all because I want you. I never stopped wanting you.”
See that last part tho? I expected some of that. The needing time alone, the crying for what she lost, the processing of what she went through. Something.
I kind of also wanted more of his journey of how he came to be the savior he was. A few flashbacks or something of the training and his turmoil.
All that to say, I loved the story itself, just wished it was longer and fuller.
Last excerpt because I loved the way this man was in love with her:
“Don't mistake my love for you, my willingness to submit to you, as weakness. You’ve only had a taste of my dark side, baby. It's pitch black in here.” he points to his chest, then to me. “You will let me listen to what is going on in your head. You will let me help. If you try to run, so help me god, Sofia. I will burn this goddamn world to the ground until we are the only people left and you have no choice but to descend into hell with me where we will burn together for all of eternity.”
I mean….. swoooooon.
Side note - book 1 of this series is also worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welcome to the TRIGGER WARNING list. This is a slow burn, second chance, dark romance. Warnings Include:• Torture (whipping, cutting, stabbing, beating, waterboarding, mention of fingernail removal, mention of ear removal, being tied down during torture, being hung up during torture, setting buildings on fire with someone inside (not MMC or FMC), stabbing with hay hooks)• Death of parents on page• Sexual Assault on page•Threat of sexual assault with knife (not MMC)• Mention of death of unborn child (not FMC's)• Murder• Stabbing/ Slitting• Imprisonment• Arranged Marriage• Physical Abuse• Branding• Rape• Kidnapping• Sexually Explicit Scenes• Withholding Food• PTSD (flashbacks and nightmares)
Ashes and Obedience is the second book in B.J. Nicole's The Last Betrayal series. It starts off with some background into the FMC Sofia and The MMC Johnathan. Sofia is a Mafia Princess trapped in a gilded cage by her horrific father Leonardo Mancini. Her father wants nothing more then to use Sofia as a pawn to gain power, so at the age of 16, she is arranged to marry a man that has a history of abusing and killing the women in his life. She wants nothing more than to escape her fate.
In comes Jonathan, a young man who is completely devoted to his mother and father. They live a good life and the two men work on a fishing board. Jonathan soon learns that his father works for the Mancini family...smuggling things on their boat.
Hi and Sofia meet and after some time helps with her escape. They spent a glorious couple of weeks together, falling in love only for Sofias father to find here
.
Some other things transpire and part one comes to an end.. and so begins part two.
Set 7 years in the future we get a look at the people Johnathan and Sofia have become. Its a crazy journey that brings us back old favorites from the first book...
You'll just have to read to find out more
Ashes and Obedience is the second book in B.J. Nicole's The Last Betrayal series. It starts off with some background into the FMC Sofia and The MMC Johnathan. Sofia is a Mafia Princess trapped in a gilded cage by her horrific father Leonardo Mancini. Her father wants nothing more then to use Sofia as a pawn to gain power, so at the age of 16, she is arranged to marry a man that has a history of abusing and killing the women in his life. She wants nothing more than to escape her fate.
In comes Jonathan, a young man who is completely devoted to his mother and father. They live a good life and the two men work on a fishing board. Jonathan soon learns that his father works for the Mancini family...smuggling things on their boat.
Hi and Sofia meet and after some time helps with her escape. They spent a glorious couple of weeks together, falling in love only for Sofias father to find here
.
Some other things transpire and part one comes to an end.. and so begins part two.
Set 7 years in the future we get a look at the people Johnathan and Sofia have become. Its a crazy journey that brings us back old favorites from the first book...
You'll just have to read to find out more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2026
I have too many thoughts about this book, in the best way possible! It’s a dark romance. And it’s also a healing journey. And I loved it!
4.5 stars rounded up!
I’ll spare you the recap; y’all can read the blurb. But this book has so many lovely things in it, including a TON of quotes I’ve highlighted because they are beautiful, relatable, and/or gut-wrenching. I’ll put a few of the non-spoiler ones below, if you like quotes!
The thing I loved the most about this book was the lovely interweaving of both Johnathan’s and Sofia’s journeys in a way that is true to who they are, true to the story, and truly beautiful to witness as a reader. They are gentle with each other, even when the spice is spicy. The darkness in this story is what happens to them, or what they do to others, not what they do to each other. And the more I dig into this genre, the more I realize that THIS is my fav type of dark romance!
If you like a strong romantic pair that treats each other respectfully and compassionately, even when dark stuff happens around them, then this is the book for you.
Still check your trigger warnings, though… there’s a LOT in here that could be troubling for some.
As promised, here are some of my fav quotes:
- “He looks like salvation. Freedom.”
- “I barely know her. But when she looked at me, it felt like I’d been waiting for her without knowing.”
- “I need to be brave for myself. For the girl who’s never been allowed to choose. For the woman I want to become.”
- “At that moment, she stole my heart. I never want it back, and no other person in this world or the next could have it. It’s hers entirely.”
- “I want to share your demons.”
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
4.5 stars rounded up!
I’ll spare you the recap; y’all can read the blurb. But this book has so many lovely things in it, including a TON of quotes I’ve highlighted because they are beautiful, relatable, and/or gut-wrenching. I’ll put a few of the non-spoiler ones below, if you like quotes!
The thing I loved the most about this book was the lovely interweaving of both Johnathan’s and Sofia’s journeys in a way that is true to who they are, true to the story, and truly beautiful to witness as a reader. They are gentle with each other, even when the spice is spicy. The darkness in this story is what happens to them, or what they do to others, not what they do to each other. And the more I dig into this genre, the more I realize that THIS is my fav type of dark romance!
If you like a strong romantic pair that treats each other respectfully and compassionately, even when dark stuff happens around them, then this is the book for you.
Still check your trigger warnings, though… there’s a LOT in here that could be troubling for some.
As promised, here are some of my fav quotes:
- “He looks like salvation. Freedom.”
- “I barely know her. But when she looked at me, it felt like I’d been waiting for her without knowing.”
- “I need to be brave for myself. For the girl who’s never been allowed to choose. For the woman I want to become.”
- “At that moment, she stole my heart. I never want it back, and no other person in this world or the next could have it. It’s hers entirely.”
- “I want to share your demons.”
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
June 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ashes and Obedience by B.J. Nicole completely consumed me from beginning to end. This story is dark, emotional, and packed with so much tension that I found myself unable to put it down.
Sofia and Johnathan's journey is one that stays with you long after you turn the final page. After being separated for seven years, they are no longer the people they once were. They have been shaped by pain, betrayal, violence, and survival, yet the connection between them never truly faded.
Watching them find their way back to each other was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The slow burn was absolutely worth every second. The chemistry between Sofia and Johnathan simmered beneath the surface and built into something powerful, intense, and unforgettable. Their love story is not sweet and simple. It is messy, complicated, and forged through fire, which made it feel even more real.
I loved how B.J. Nicole balanced the darker elements of the story with the emotional depth of the characters. The mafia backdrop added danger and suspense while the second chance romance delivered all the feelings. Sofia is strong, resilient, and impossible not to root for. Johnathan is dark, devoted, protective, and completely obsessed in the best way.
This book gave me everything I love in a dark romance. High stakes, emotional wounds, undeniable chemistry, and characters willing to burn the world down for each other. If you love second chance romance, light mafia elements, and stories filled with passion, loyalty, and revenge, Ashes and Obedience needs to be on your TBR.
B.J. Nicole delivered an unforgettable story that left me thinking about Sofia and Johnathan long after I finished the last page.
Ashes and Obedience by B.J. Nicole completely consumed me from beginning to end. This story is dark, emotional, and packed with so much tension that I found myself unable to put it down.
Sofia and Johnathan's journey is one that stays with you long after you turn the final page. After being separated for seven years, they are no longer the people they once were. They have been shaped by pain, betrayal, violence, and survival, yet the connection between them never truly faded.
Watching them find their way back to each other was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The slow burn was absolutely worth every second. The chemistry between Sofia and Johnathan simmered beneath the surface and built into something powerful, intense, and unforgettable. Their love story is not sweet and simple. It is messy, complicated, and forged through fire, which made it feel even more real.
I loved how B.J. Nicole balanced the darker elements of the story with the emotional depth of the characters. The mafia backdrop added danger and suspense while the second chance romance delivered all the feelings. Sofia is strong, resilient, and impossible not to root for. Johnathan is dark, devoted, protective, and completely obsessed in the best way.
This book gave me everything I love in a dark romance. High stakes, emotional wounds, undeniable chemistry, and characters willing to burn the world down for each other. If you love second chance romance, light mafia elements, and stories filled with passion, loyalty, and revenge, Ashes and Obedience needs to be on your TBR.
B.J. Nicole delivered an unforgettable story that left me thinking about Sofia and Johnathan long after I finished the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t believe I waited so long to finish Ashes & Obedience.
I started this book a while ago, but life got chaotic and I had to put it aside. When I finally picked it back up, I ended up reading more than half of it in one sitting because I simply could not put it down.
Sofia and Johnathan’s story is filled with tension, heartbreak, loyalty, and the kind of love that refuses to die, even after years apart. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself completely invested in their journey from the very first chapter.
I especially loved the balance between the emotional depth and the darker elements of the story. The slow-burn romance, second-chance love, and light mafia/mob backdrop created a compelling story that kept me turning pages late into the night.
If you enjoy emotionally charged romances, morally grey characters, slow-burn chemistry, and high-stakes relationships, I highly recommend giving this one a chance.
A love story forged in pain, loyalty, and resilience—and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. 🖤🔥
I started this book a while ago, but life got chaotic and I had to put it aside. When I finally picked it back up, I ended up reading more than half of it in one sitting because I simply could not put it down.
Sofia and Johnathan’s story is filled with tension, heartbreak, loyalty, and the kind of love that refuses to die, even after years apart. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself completely invested in their journey from the very first chapter.
I especially loved the balance between the emotional depth and the darker elements of the story. The slow-burn romance, second-chance love, and light mafia/mob backdrop created a compelling story that kept me turning pages late into the night.
If you enjoy emotionally charged romances, morally grey characters, slow-burn chemistry, and high-stakes relationships, I highly recommend giving this one a chance.
A love story forged in pain, loyalty, and resilience—and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. 🖤🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 1 in this series, Chasing Chelsea, absolutely won me over with that Butcher and Blackbird-type trope. I didn’t think anything in this series could top CC, but Jonathan and Sofia completely proved me wrong.
They were just perfect for each other in every way. I was basically a puddle the entire time I read this. The revenge storyline was so well done, the chemistry and love between them was incredible, and watching them go through everything together was genuinely so moving.
BJ had me on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering how everything was going to play out. I absolutely recommend this if you love Butcher and Blackbird, but want it with a mafia twist.
Also… Jonathan might be one of the sweetest men ever written. One of the most dangerous, yes but also the kind of man who would destroy anyone who even looked at her wrong.
And getting to see a little update on Chelsea and Aiden was definitely exactly what I needed.
They were just perfect for each other in every way. I was basically a puddle the entire time I read this. The revenge storyline was so well done, the chemistry and love between them was incredible, and watching them go through everything together was genuinely so moving.
BJ had me on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering how everything was going to play out. I absolutely recommend this if you love Butcher and Blackbird, but want it with a mafia twist.
Also… Jonathan might be one of the sweetest men ever written. One of the most dangerous, yes but also the kind of man who would destroy anyone who even looked at her wrong.
And getting to see a little update on Chelsea and Aiden was definitely exactly what I needed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was completely captivated by Johnathan and Sophia’s story
Watching their relationship unfold from love at first sight, to having everything ripped away for seven years, absolutely wrecked me. The pain they both endured, physically and mentally, before finding their way back to each other felt so raw and emotional.
I loved getting to see their story after meeting them in Chasing Chelsea and watching the overlapping timelines from a completely different perspective.
Both of them have demons, but Sophia isn’t someone waiting to be saved. She’s strong, fierce, and fully capable of burning the world down herself… and Johnathan would gladly hand her the match while standing beside her through the flames.
Watching their relationship unfold from love at first sight, to having everything ripped away for seven years, absolutely wrecked me. The pain they both endured, physically and mentally, before finding their way back to each other felt so raw and emotional.
I loved getting to see their story after meeting them in Chasing Chelsea and watching the overlapping timelines from a completely different perspective.
Both of them have demons, but Sophia isn’t someone waiting to be saved. She’s strong, fierce, and fully capable of burning the world down herself… and Johnathan would gladly hand her the match while standing beside her through the flames.
June 13, 2026
Advanced readers copy given by author
I don't even know where to begin this book was outstanding I loved Jonathan and Sofia's relationship though the whole book they have both been thorough a lot growing up and things happened to make them lose contact for 7 years and though everything they had been thorough they never lost their love for each other so if you like bad asses for main characters and some love story sprinkled in with your mafia this book is for you
There is so much more i could say about this story but i wouldn't want to ruin it for you :) also check out Chasing Chelsea book 1 in the the last betrayal series you will get to meet Sofia and Jonathan in that book although both books can be a stand alone!
I don't even know where to begin this book was outstanding I loved Jonathan and Sofia's relationship though the whole book they have both been thorough a lot growing up and things happened to make them lose contact for 7 years and though everything they had been thorough they never lost their love for each other so if you like bad asses for main characters and some love story sprinkled in with your mafia this book is for you
There is so much more i could say about this story but i wouldn't want to ruin it for you :) also check out Chasing Chelsea book 1 in the the last betrayal series you will get to meet Sofia and Jonathan in that book although both books can be a stand alone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 star! Where do I even start? This book was amazing! I was captivated from this couples love story from the very start. I love a romance where there is a past and a time gap in between to build up to a furture for the relationship between mmc & fmc. B.J. Nicole does an amazing job with the heroine female characters. They are fierce and strong & the mmc is there to uplift and empower the fmc. It truly is a beautiful love story. I also loved that the author was able to tie in the first book with the second book. If you havent read this author's books yet, please do! They are so good! You wont be disappointed! Cant wait to see where the next book goes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know what it is about this author but I absolutely love the way she writes a book. Then she throws in a mix of tropes I have never heard of? Who has read a book that is a virgin MMC but also in the Mafia??? She did. This book was perfect. Sofia and Johnathan we made for each other. It was apparent from the start. I am so excited that I have been able to read their story. Sofia is a ball of fire and such a strong FMC. I can't get over how much I love this book. I cried I laughed I felt so much for both of these people. This book was hands down a 5/5 star book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Took me slightly longer than normal to read this. Loved the story, and it was right up my alley when it came to the plot. I did feel the character development felt rushed in certain scenes but as the book progressed it was hard to put down! I am a big LORDS fan and it gave those vibes when it came to some of the build up. Took as little bit to get into with the jumpy character building, but I loved the story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mafia romance
Second chance
Shes mine/ hes mine
2 pov
Great mafia romance. It did make me sad in some parts because you get sucked up to the story and with the different POVs it makes the struggles there in front of you. Both characters had their own struggles and try to work through them together. Pay attention to the triggers because some things may be harder for some readers to read. Good amount of torture so be mindful.
Second chance
Shes mine/ hes mine
2 pov
Great mafia romance. It did make me sad in some parts because you get sucked up to the story and with the different POVs it makes the struggles there in front of you. Both characters had their own struggles and try to work through them together. Pay attention to the triggers because some things may be harder for some readers to read. Good amount of torture so be mindful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. Who doesn't love a second chance mafia romance. Sofia and Johnathan are amazing and perfect together. Sofia is a strong heroine. Johnathan is the greatest. Both of them have been through a lot. Chasing Chelsea, Book 1 of the Last Betrayal, was amazing. Ashes and Obedience is even better. This book is definitely a five star.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for this book from the author. devoured isnt even a strong enough description how bad i ate this book up. yall, this book had me in a chokehold. absolutely amazing. i literally could not stop flipping pages! I had to know what happened. all the turmoil, rage, hurt, love, destruction. My goodness B you won me over with this one. I for one, cannot wait for the rest of these characters and their stories."
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews