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Through the Fire
Sophie Hayes has spent years surviving her marriage.
On the outside, her life in a quiet Texas town looks ordinary, stable. Maybe even enviable. But behind closed doors, love has turned into control, and home has become something she endures rather than lives in.
She's learned how to stay quiet. How to avoid the worst of Cole's temper. How to disappear inside her own life just enough to make it through another day.
Then Julian arrives.
Cole's old friend. A man who should feel like a stranger to her. But he doesn't.
Julian sees too much, asks too many questions, and makes it impossible for Sophie to keep pretending she's fine. The more he's around, the harder it becomes to ignore what her life is costing her... and what she still might be allowed to want.
But wanting anything at all comes with consequences.
And Sophie is running out of ways to survive the fire threatening to consume her.
This book contains mature and potentially triggering content, including but not limited domestic abuse (emotional, and physical), sexual violence, coercive control, manipulation, fear-based relationships, emotional trauma, sexual content, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and themes of survival and recovery.
Reader discretion is advised.
On the outside, her life in a quiet Texas town looks ordinary, stable. Maybe even enviable. But behind closed doors, love has turned into control, and home has become something she endures rather than lives in.
She's learned how to stay quiet. How to avoid the worst of Cole's temper. How to disappear inside her own life just enough to make it through another day.
Then Julian arrives.
Cole's old friend. A man who should feel like a stranger to her. But he doesn't.
Julian sees too much, asks too many questions, and makes it impossible for Sophie to keep pretending she's fine. The more he's around, the harder it becomes to ignore what her life is costing her... and what she still might be allowed to want.
But wanting anything at all comes with consequences.
And Sophie is running out of ways to survive the fire threatening to consume her.
This book contains mature and potentially triggering content, including but not limited domestic abuse (emotional, and physical), sexual violence, coercive control, manipulation, fear-based relationships, emotional trauma, sexual content, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and themes of survival and recovery.
Reader discretion is advised.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 26, 2026
So, I definitely sat down after my kids went to bed last night and started Through The Fire. I had read the Prologue during one of their naps yesterday. I guess it’s good that I didn’t really get to start reading until bedtime, because I literally could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting. It had me in a chokehold, I had to know what was going to happen next, it was intense. Anytime you have hope for the main character it gets torn to shreds and makes you wonder how this will end.
Sophie went through so much. It starts out with Sophie navigating through her feelings about her marriage, her husband Cole is toxic, abusive, and just overall a huge asshole. Oh, I hated him. I HATED him. Then his friend moves back into town and notices things about Sophie, that lead to him watching her closely.
This book is a perfect mix of dark, devastating, healing, and tense. It does show what domestic abuse does to a person, and how things can escalate. It truly was well written. I think it represents DV very well.
So, I definitely sat down after my kids went to bed last night and started Through The Fire. I had read the Prologue during one of their naps yesterday. I guess it’s good that I didn’t really get to start reading until bedtime, because I literally could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting. It had me in a chokehold, I had to know what was going to happen next, it was intense. Anytime you have hope for the main character it gets torn to shreds and makes you wonder how this will end.
Sophie went through so much. It starts out with Sophie navigating through her feelings about her marriage, her husband Cole is toxic, abusive, and just overall a huge asshole. Oh, I hated him. I HATED him. Then his friend moves back into town and notices things about Sophie, that lead to him watching her closely.
This book is a perfect mix of dark, devastating, healing, and tense. It does show what domestic abuse does to a person, and how things can escalate. It truly was well written. I think it represents DV very well.
Sophie went through so much. It starts out with Sophie navigating through her feelings about her marriage, her husband Cole is toxic, abusive, and just overall a huge asshole. Oh, I hated him. I HATED him. Then his friend moves back into town and notices things about Sophie, that lead to him watching her closely.
This book is a perfect mix of dark, devastating, healing, and tense. It does show what domestic abuse does to a person, and how things can escalate. It truly was well written. I think it represents DV very well.
So, I definitely sat down after my kids went to bed last night and started Through The Fire. I had read the Prologue during one of their naps yesterday. I guess it’s good that I didn’t really get to start reading until bedtime, because I literally could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting. It had me in a chokehold, I had to know what was going to happen next, it was intense. Anytime you have hope for the main character it gets torn to shreds and makes you wonder how this will end.
Sophie went through so much. It starts out with Sophie navigating through her feelings about her marriage, her husband Cole is toxic, abusive, and just overall a huge asshole. Oh, I hated him. I HATED him. Then his friend moves back into town and notices things about Sophie, that lead to him watching her closely.
This book is a perfect mix of dark, devastating, healing, and tense. It does show what domestic abuse does to a person, and how things can escalate. It truly was well written. I think it represents DV very well.
July 25, 2026
𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈.
As a dark romance reader, I can say that I can handle almost every triggering passage and not get emotionally challenged, but Z.D. Wilder made me wrap myself in a blanket while reading. I did not expect this book to keep me with my heart in my throat from page 1 and the reason it’s missing half star is because it was tooooo shooort - thankfully there is a part 2Z.D. Wilder!
“Through the Fire” is book 1 from the series with the same name, following the journey of a young woman going through what so many women in this world have to survive every minute of the day – an abusive husband, as well as the silence of the witnesses and how we forget to check in on our loved ones and pay attention to them. I may have not shed actual tears, but my heart is still bleeding for Sophie and all the “Sophies” out there.
This is not a book about love, as much as it is a book about survival, courage and, ultimately, self-love. I recommend you grab your copy for a quick emotional damage over the weekend.
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞!
⚠️I advise you go through the list of highly severe content and trigger warnings, such as Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Captivity & Psychological Trauma, such as depression, anxiety and grief. If you believe that such content may upset you - please prioritize your mental health before choosing whether to read this book.
As a dark romance reader, I can say that I can handle almost every triggering passage and not get emotionally challenged, but Z.D. Wilder made me wrap myself in a blanket while reading. I did not expect this book to keep me with my heart in my throat from page 1 and the reason it’s missing half star is because it was tooooo shooort - thankfully there is a part 2Z.D. Wilder!
“Through the Fire” is book 1 from the series with the same name, following the journey of a young woman going through what so many women in this world have to survive every minute of the day – an abusive husband, as well as the silence of the witnesses and how we forget to check in on our loved ones and pay attention to them. I may have not shed actual tears, but my heart is still bleeding for Sophie and all the “Sophies” out there.
This is not a book about love, as much as it is a book about survival, courage and, ultimately, self-love. I recommend you grab your copy for a quick emotional damage over the weekend.
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞!
⚠️I advise you go through the list of highly severe content and trigger warnings, such as Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Captivity & Psychological Trauma, such as depression, anxiety and grief. If you believe that such content may upset you - please prioritize your mental health before choosing whether to read this book.
July 5, 2026
Z.D. Wilder knew exactly what she was doing from the very first line of this book! 🔥
There's a perfect balance between heartbreak, healing, hope, and romance. It's emotional, beautifully written, and filled with characters you'll be thinking about long after you've finished the book.
Sophie's journey was easily one of the strongest parts of this story. After enduring an abusive marriage for far longer than anyone ever should, watching her find the courage to choose herself was both heartbreaking and empowering. I found myself completely invested in her growth and wanting nothing more than to see her finally find the peace and love she deserved.
And Julian... 🥹 He was everything. His quiet obsession, forbidden yearning, and endless patience made him impossible not to love. The emotional slow burn between him and Sophie was so rewarding, and when they finally gave in to the chemistry? Every second of the wait was worth it.
If you love:
✨ Emotional slow burn romances
✨ Trauma, healing & resilience
✨ Forbidden yearning
✨ Quiet obsession
✨ Characters you'll never stop rooting for
You know what to do! 🤭
"She's beautiful like this. Then again, she's always beautiful."
There's a perfect balance between heartbreak, healing, hope, and romance. It's emotional, beautifully written, and filled with characters you'll be thinking about long after you've finished the book.
Sophie's journey was easily one of the strongest parts of this story. After enduring an abusive marriage for far longer than anyone ever should, watching her find the courage to choose herself was both heartbreaking and empowering. I found myself completely invested in her growth and wanting nothing more than to see her finally find the peace and love she deserved.
And Julian... 🥹 He was everything. His quiet obsession, forbidden yearning, and endless patience made him impossible not to love. The emotional slow burn between him and Sophie was so rewarding, and when they finally gave in to the chemistry? Every second of the wait was worth it.
If you love:
✨ Emotional slow burn romances
✨ Trauma, healing & resilience
✨ Forbidden yearning
✨ Quiet obsession
✨ Characters you'll never stop rooting for
You know what to do! 🤭
"She's beautiful like this. Then again, she's always beautiful."
September 5, 2026
I Was Actually Mad When I Hit the Last Page 😂
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 | 🌶️ 2/5 Spice | 📖 5/5 Plot
I really loved how this went back and forth between the past and present. You get to see how someone who seemed so sweet and loving could actually be hiding such an evil side, and then you watch everything slowly escalate and see the result of it from both her perspective and the other MMC’s. If you love a damsel in distress, this is like damsel in distress x50 and I ate that shit up. 😂 Watching his best friend start noticing things, putting the pieces together and falling for her in the process had me hooked. And him calling her “darlin’”?? Yeahhhh, that got me. 🫠
This is a pretty short read and I was actually MAD when I realized I was already at the end because I wanted it to KEEP GOING!! 😂 The spice is lighter, but I honestly didn’t even care because the plot completely had me. There’s a second book in the works and thank god because I am NOT done with this story yet!! ❤️🔥
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 | 🌶️ 2/5 Spice | 📖 5/5 Plot
I really loved how this went back and forth between the past and present. You get to see how someone who seemed so sweet and loving could actually be hiding such an evil side, and then you watch everything slowly escalate and see the result of it from both her perspective and the other MMC’s. If you love a damsel in distress, this is like damsel in distress x50 and I ate that shit up. 😂 Watching his best friend start noticing things, putting the pieces together and falling for her in the process had me hooked. And him calling her “darlin’”?? Yeahhhh, that got me. 🫠
This is a pretty short read and I was actually MAD when I realized I was already at the end because I wanted it to KEEP GOING!! 😂 The spice is lighter, but I honestly didn’t even care because the plot completely had me. There’s a second book in the works and thank god because I am NOT done with this story yet!! ❤️🔥
August 12, 2026
This book was an easy and excellent read! There are definitely trigger warnings to be aware of, however, the author wrote about these sensitive subjects in a very sensitive way which made it feel like if you’ve been through these things, you aren’t alone and that’s probably what I loved most about this book. I felt connected to the character. Great read! Highly recommend!
August 27, 2026
I picked up Through the Fire after seeing an Instagram post from the author that immediately caught my attention. Small town, slow burn, a man who notices the little things… basically everything that makes me want to pick up a book. And then I saw the cover, and I was sold.
I went into this one without many expectations other than wanting a slow-burn romance, and I ended up finishing it in one day. The pacing felt steady, the writing was easy to get into, and I especially enjoyed having both Sophie and Julian's POVs. Getting Julian's perspective gave the story another layer and made me even more invested in what was happening.
The biggest reason I couldn't put this book down was Sophie. I became completely attached to her and found myself desperately rooting for her to get out of her abusive marriage with Cole. This book definitely took me through pretty much every emotion: frustration, anger, pain, suspense, hope, and intrigue. There were moments that genuinely made me angry, especially when Sophie was being mistreated in front of Cole's family and nobody stepped in to help her. Those scenes were difficult to read and are probably what will stick with me the most.
And then there's Julian. He was easily my favorite character. I loved that he noticed the little things that other people ignored. He could see that something wasn't right with Sophie and her relationship with Cole, and instead of looking the other way, he tried to help her. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Sophie and Julian. Even when Sophie kept putting him in the friend zone, he stayed and continued to support her. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book.
What I enjoyed most about the story was the message that sometimes you can be strong enough to leave an abusive relationship, but having the right person there to support you can make all the difference.
I did get frustrated with Sophie towards the end when she pushed Julian away because of the harsh things he said to her dad. I understood why she reacted the way she did, but I still wanted to shake her a little. 😂 Thankfully, the ending gave me enough hope to make me excited for what comes next.
Overall, Through the Fire was emotional, suspenseful, and seriously addictive. It grabbed me, made me care deeply about Sophie, and had me completely invested in her story. I would absolutely reread it, and I'm very ready for book two.
I went into this one without many expectations other than wanting a slow-burn romance, and I ended up finishing it in one day. The pacing felt steady, the writing was easy to get into, and I especially enjoyed having both Sophie and Julian's POVs. Getting Julian's perspective gave the story another layer and made me even more invested in what was happening.
The biggest reason I couldn't put this book down was Sophie. I became completely attached to her and found myself desperately rooting for her to get out of her abusive marriage with Cole. This book definitely took me through pretty much every emotion: frustration, anger, pain, suspense, hope, and intrigue. There were moments that genuinely made me angry, especially when Sophie was being mistreated in front of Cole's family and nobody stepped in to help her. Those scenes were difficult to read and are probably what will stick with me the most.
And then there's Julian. He was easily my favorite character. I loved that he noticed the little things that other people ignored. He could see that something wasn't right with Sophie and her relationship with Cole, and instead of looking the other way, he tried to help her. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Sophie and Julian. Even when Sophie kept putting him in the friend zone, he stayed and continued to support her. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book.
What I enjoyed most about the story was the message that sometimes you can be strong enough to leave an abusive relationship, but having the right person there to support you can make all the difference.
I did get frustrated with Sophie towards the end when she pushed Julian away because of the harsh things he said to her dad. I understood why she reacted the way she did, but I still wanted to shake her a little. 😂 Thankfully, the ending gave me enough hope to make me excited for what comes next.
Overall, Through the Fire was emotional, suspenseful, and seriously addictive. It grabbed me, made me care deeply about Sophie, and had me completely invested in her story. I would absolutely reread it, and I'm very ready for book two.
August 15, 2026
The characters in this book are SO good. You root for them in one breath and want to curse them in the next, and I was completely attached to Sophie by the end. Her internal battle was, by far, one of my favorite parts of the story. She wants more for herself, but then immediately shames herself for even thinking that way. She hates Cole, but can’t stop remembering the times he was good to her. She knows something is wrong, but slowly starts questioning her own perception and finding ways to explain away what’s happening. That constant back-and-forth felt incredibly true to the psychology of emotional abuse and domestic violence. Z.D. Wilder did an amazing job putting the reader inside Sophie’s head and showing why “why didn’t she just leave?” is such a painfully complicated question.
I also really appreciated that this didn’t turn into a typical whirlwind romance. Julian is sweet, protective, and genuinely respectful of Sophie in so many ways, but he’s also human and imperfect. I trusted him, while still occasionally wanting to yell at him. Most importantly, the story never made him the magical solution to Sophie’s problems. Sophie doesn’t suddenly become this impossibly strong woman who has everything figured out, and she doesn’t immediately jump into a new relationship. She’s surviving, and that felt so much more realistic and satisfying. The emotional descriptions and internal dialogue were chef’s kiss, and while this was a difficult and sometimes triggering read for me personally, it was incredibly impactful. And that ending?! I need Julian’s POV of his months of yearning for Sophie after the ending, please and thank you.
I also really appreciated that this didn’t turn into a typical whirlwind romance. Julian is sweet, protective, and genuinely respectful of Sophie in so many ways, but he’s also human and imperfect. I trusted him, while still occasionally wanting to yell at him. Most importantly, the story never made him the magical solution to Sophie’s problems. Sophie doesn’t suddenly become this impossibly strong woman who has everything figured out, and she doesn’t immediately jump into a new relationship. She’s surviving, and that felt so much more realistic and satisfying. The emotional descriptions and internal dialogue were chef’s kiss, and while this was a difficult and sometimes triggering read for me personally, it was incredibly impactful. And that ending?! I need Julian’s POV of his months of yearning for Sophie after the ending, please and thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
Okay it took me a few days to write this review cause I'm not the person who is good with words. Although, I can't not say anything, so I'm sorry for the jumbled words that come outta my mouth 😂😂
Z. D. Wilder knew exactly what she was doing!! It's the perfect mix of love, hate, obsession, slow burn, and everything in between.
Sophie? I loved her so much. I hope she knows it wasn't her fault she stayed so long. And it makes you realize why person in her situation do stay even though they really wanna get out.
Julian? 10 outta 10!! I love everything about him. I literally need more of him in my life. He's literally the perfect man. Protective, observant, sees the small things most people miss (good and bad), goofy, playful, and everything in between.
Cole? He can go rot in jail for the rest of his life and I wouldn't lose one night of sleep over it. Cause what do you mean he did all that to our poor girl?!?
Z. D. Wilder, I can't wait to read book two. I'm sure it'll be just as good (if not better) than this one. Also, consider me a loyal fan who will buy all your books for life 🥰🥰
-- a wife on her husband's Goodreads
Z. D. Wilder knew exactly what she was doing!! It's the perfect mix of love, hate, obsession, slow burn, and everything in between.
Sophie? I loved her so much. I hope she knows it wasn't her fault she stayed so long. And it makes you realize why person in her situation do stay even though they really wanna get out.
Julian? 10 outta 10!! I love everything about him. I literally need more of him in my life. He's literally the perfect man. Protective, observant, sees the small things most people miss (good and bad), goofy, playful, and everything in between.
Cole? He can go rot in jail for the rest of his life and I wouldn't lose one night of sleep over it. Cause what do you mean he did all that to our poor girl?!?
Z. D. Wilder, I can't wait to read book two. I'm sure it'll be just as good (if not better) than this one. Also, consider me a loyal fan who will buy all your books for life 🥰🥰
-- a wife on her husband's Goodreads
July 2, 2026
Dark psychological romance that is so good, so spicy and a must read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews