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Surviving Ashes #2

Hidden Flames

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USA Today best-selling author Kennedy Layne follows up with a second thrilling story in this addictive dystopian series that will leave you up at night wondering if the end is truly near.... There were a few things that got Owen Quade through his multiple combat tours. One was the dream of riding a custom motorcycle on a winding mountain road. The former Marine had finally managed to complete that goal, and along the way he'd gained his own bike shop and the mechanic to go with it. She was a rare beauty, and he wasn't talking about his bike either. Prue Whitaker preferred working on engines over rubbing shoulders with people, and that included her boss. She'd learned the hard way that men weren't as reliable as the hogs she could repair and she kept her distance from those who didn't feel the same way. She'd been successful until she'd recently shared a scorching kiss with Owen. One phone call had changed everything. A catastrophic event is on the verge of occurring, forcing them to pack up and leave everything behind. Prue is driven to trust Owen, who's given his word that he can get her to safety. Through the endless days of darkness, passion, and intrigue await them as they make their way through ashes and into the flames of tomorrow.

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First published September 22, 2015

63 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy Layne

156 books657 followers
Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.

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5 stars
138 (39%)
4 stars
132 (37%)
3 stars
67 (19%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
March 5, 2024
Finished Reading January 15, 2022

4 Stars
While I'm enjoying this series there is definitely a lot of room for improvement.
The pace needs to pick up and the Steam needs to improve.
Yes it has Sex Scenes but they need some tweaking.

Prch January 25, 2020 Amz
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,349 reviews172 followers
September 23, 2015
Another page turner in this post apocalyptic romance series. The super volcano located in Yellowstone National Park has erupted killing thousands and spreading deadly ash all across the United States triggering a global climate change. Ernie “Tank” Yates  had been preparing for something like this and has built a shelter in the mountains by Lost Mountain Lodge which he owns in a small town in northeastern Washington state. The first book set up the natural disaster, getting the town ready and we met one of the 5 men that served under Tank. The future books will be about the 4 other marines trying to make their way to Lost Summit through the ash cloud that is now working its way across the United States.  This is Owen Quade's story.

Owen is in Florida where he owns his own motorcycle shop when he gets the call about Yellowstone. He currently has a woman working for him that he's been attracted to but hasnt acted on due to her stand off nature with men. He manages to convince her that the world is about to end as they know it and convinces her to join him on his trek from Florida to Washington state. She agree with one stipulation – that they first go to California to pick up her sister.

As Owen and Prue were far from Washington we get to see what's happening out in the real world. How they have to modify their motorcycles to be handle the ash that falling, wearing masks to keep the ash from getting in their lungs, running into unsavory characters who want to harm and steal from them and having to see all the millions of people along their trip who probably arent going to survive . Along with the harrowing trek , Owen and Prue start a relationship with Prue dealing with her past issues. All her reason's for keeping Owen at bay now seem silly as life as they know it has changed and will never be the same.

As with the first book the blends the natural disaster and the romance perfectly and I didnt want to put the book down once I started it. Cant wait for the next story.
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,324 reviews27 followers
March 9, 2023
This story picks up at the same time as when the first one starts. But we are following Owen in Florida. This story was a bit more exciting than the first because we are following Owen and Prue's trip west. They meet some troublesome bikers along the way. I feel like the pace of the story slowed down when the got to the bunker.

I like Owen and Prue's relationship for the most part. Their relationship is similar to that of Mav and Henley's. I feel like Prue and Owen kinda rode the middle for me in terms of character personalities. Though this relationship follows a similar formula to the first book, I still really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to Mason's story.

Overall, a really entertaining post-apoc romance story.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 31, 2015
Part of this one ran along the same timeline as the first book, but it needed to. I have a feeling that future books will be the same, that we'll get to see what obstacles the guys encounter along the way to their safe place in WA.

Owen and Prue's journey was pretty good, mostly they just had one asshole to deal with. It's too bad that they didn't kill him at the first encounter, it sure would have save them a lot of grief.

I liked seeing how things were going at the camp/resort/bunker. They are making strides to have a safe place, but it seems like our core group make have some sheep in wolf's clothing. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
912 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2022
Loved this book!

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are a few errors but nothing to get irritated about and they certainly don't detract from the story.
The characterisation is good, more than enough to allow the reader to form a connection.
The plotline is engaging, I like apocalyptic books, I like romance and I like a bit of intrigue and danger. This series is providing all of the above.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
I will be purchasing the next book in the series and I have no problem recommending the series to fans of the genre.
Profile Image for Trish-Sunshine Reads.
499 reviews
September 27, 2015
Heart Pumping

This series really is awesome. Kennedy's done her homework and you feel like you're there. Now thank god we're not but the way she writes it you can almost feel the ground shake. Owen and Prue go through a huge ordeal getting to Washington after the eruption. Kept my heart pumping for sure.
Profile Image for Janet Overstreet.
188 reviews
September 29, 2015
The second book in the Surviving Ashes Series does not disappoint. The details of Owen and Prue making their way to Lost Summit Lodge in Washington gave a vivid picture of the physical challenges and their individual and collective personal struggles. I am enjoying reading this series very much. Now ready for the next story in the series.
Profile Image for Ann aka Iftcan.
442 reviews82 followers
November 3, 2017
This is an excellent story. It's a post-apocalyptic romance, for those that are interested. The action is gripping, the hero and heroine are interesting, and their interactions are believable.

This series is set in the immediate aftermath of Yellowstone's super-volcano blowing, and all that would change as a result. The hero's of each of the 5 books in the series are former Marines, all members of the same tank group, and also all orphans, so they've formed their own little family, viewing each other as brothers. The "Father" to their group is their now retired Master Gunnery Sargent "Tank". Even after being out of the Corps, they still meet at the fishing and hunting camp that Tank bought and runs at least once a year. This year, right after they all leave for home is when the Yellowstone caldera decides to blow. So each of them has to get back "home" to Tank, to help with protecting Tank's home--and the bunker that he's been preparing for just this eventuality.

I read all 5 of these books in one sitting, and the storytelling was so plausible that I'd have to stop every once in a while and peek out the curtains to make sure that there wasn't a massive fall of volcanic ash outside my window. Which tells you how accurate and well done Ms. Layne's descriptions of the fall-out from the eruption is.

Since I've said how good a job Ms. Layne does with her storytelling, I'm sure you are wondering, "Why only 4 stars?" The answer lies partially in my upbringing and partially in my OCD. I come from a family that has only 3 main occupations--teacher, military/cop and medical field. All 3 of these occupations are somewhat focused and intensely driven. The teacher parts especially. My Grandmother was a teacher, my Mum taught, my Dad taught college classes. Anyway, you get the idea. Ms. Layne's descriptions of the interaction of the guys was spot on, as was her description of the weapons--and the after effects of the use of those weapons on a human body--was also spot on. (My Dad was career Navy, he became a teacher after he retired.) I liked that she DID include those descriptions. I really hate reading a book and getting jarred out of the story because the author knows nothing about weapons and isn't willing to seek professional help for the descriptions of those weapons.

And, so we come to that pesky OCD. Unfortunately, Ms. Layne's editor was, frankly, useless. Using the wrong word--there for their, two for too, and many, many, many others. Not checking that a word used was the CORRECT word. I'm sorry but ENsure can not be used when you mean INsure. Normally, when a book has as many editing problems as were in Ms. Layne's, I am unable to finish it--and usually give the book 1 star (because we can't give zero stars.) The fact that Ms. Layne STILL got 4 stars, despite how badly my OCD was reacting to the editing problems tells you how strong of a storyteller she is.

So, read the book, enjoy the love story--both that between the hero and heroine and that between the guys, Tank and each other. Just be aware if you have OCD there will be wincing in your future.
Profile Image for Eva.
637 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2020
L'histoire entre Owen et Prue est plus intéressante que celle entre Mav et Henley, mais comme il ne se passe pas grand chose rendu au bunker, j'aurais aimé voir un peu plus leur trajet de la Floride jusqu'à Washington.
Il reste que tout ce qui a trait à l'éruption et ses conséquences sont plus intéressantes que l'histoire d'amour. L'autrice expose un peu trop ses connaissances en matériel militaire, et les présente mal, elle met des termes très pointus dans la bouche de personnages qui ne peuvent pas avoir ces connaissances, et quand ils parlent, ils ne peuvent pas dire des infos entre parenthèses. Il y a un problème de focalisation (interne/externe) dans la narration.
Le plus gros problème est la cohérence temporelle, et ce, dans tous les tomes sauf le premier.
Profile Image for Linda George.
680 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2018
Owen Quade persuades his motorcycle repair employee Pre Whitaker to go with him to Washington to escape the ashfall from the explosion of the Yellowstone Caldera. They modify their motorcycle engines and use special tires. But instead of heading north and then west, they take a southern route to pick up Prue's sister Rosa who was adopted as a toddler and lives in California. Ash is not the only danger on their journey. There are other survivors who want their supplies and weapons. It is a dangerous trek to safety and they cannot allow their attraction to blind them to the treachery around them.
Profile Image for Melissa.
117 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2019
Prue & Owen ❤️❤️

This is the second book is the Surviving Ashes series and I liked it very much! The Yellowstone caldera has erupted, throwing the world into an ashy apocalypse. The author did a great job created a strong heroine in Prue.

I’m excited to read about the other Marines that are making their way to the safe haven and very curious about the mysterious spec ops folks and why they’re there. I will definitely keep reading!
Profile Image for Paul Simpson.
8 reviews36 followers
May 5, 2017
Great Read

Not your typical post-apocalypse book. This one deals with a volcanic irruption at Yellowstone. Definitely different, at some point I thought I was shooting a love story, and I realized I was, I was reading about life, people, and how they react to things. Excellent read for the prepper, excellent read for those who are just into a good action story.
1,145 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2019
Owen and Prue

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The is a great 👍 series with action, adventure, romance and thrills. From Florida to Washington state, Owen and Prue have quite the adventure and journey. A very good addition to the series.
227 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2020
Even better than the first! The journey to safety was exciting and I loved the relationship and the coming together for Owen and Prue. The reality of human nature kept me on edge because you never know how someone will react when their back is to the wall. Overall this book has everything. Adventure, mystery and romance. It's also well written and the author definitely did her research
1,692 reviews7 followers
March 12, 2023
Dnf-40%
I really, really wanted to like this series! I love the apocalypse genre. But, even with skimming, I just can't do it. It is too boring. I realized this when rhe main characters are being attacked...and im skimming through it. Even that was boring. Too bad.
Profile Image for Mar.
2,230 reviews43 followers
April 24, 2019
3.5 stars

A lot better than the first one. Still nothing is really going on. This feels like a super long introduction to the characters because the "main event" starts.
Profile Image for Shelley.
57 reviews
September 22, 2015
Owen and Prue sizzle

The second installment in Kennedy Layne's post apocalyptic series Surviving Ashes is nearly impossible to put down. I preordered the book and finished it just a few hours after it appeared on my kindle! This story sizzles with tension both sexual and dramatic. Anxiously awaiting the next installment. Willing to send chocolate and Starbucks if it helps the next book get here faster. I love the drama and realism in this series. If you haven't checked it out I urge you to do so. Stunning, emotional, and enticing.
260 reviews
April 4, 2016
This is a really GOOD romance meets end of society as we know it story

This is a really good series. Major natural disaster meets romance. Adventure and Danger against training, skills and determination. Two would-be lovers on motorcycles travel from Florida to Washington state to join friends that are prepped to live through end of the world (as we know it). This is a stand alone story but reading the series in order makes it a much better experience. Can't wait to start book 3.
Profile Image for Vic.
680 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2016
OK, so I loved that Prue pretty much just went with it and all in with Owen as long as she was able to get her sister. Enjoying the series. This is the first series or books I've read by this author. I like her characters but do feel like she has room to grow. I don't feel like I am always getting fully realized 3D. But will definitely read the next. I've been in pretty much been in skim mode on sex scenes so no real comment on those areas (which is probably why I'm plowing through some books and maybe why I'm missing a little in the intimacy).
Profile Image for Frances.
9 reviews
September 27, 2015
This book is awesome. I am loving the series so far. I like the way the story is unfolding and telling about the troubles they have getting to Washington State. Tank really knew what he was doing when he built the shelter. I like the way it is telling about how they are surviving because I see something like this happening in the not to far future. Awesome series. Can't wait for Berke, Mason, and Van's stories...
Profile Image for Kathryn.
2,901 reviews91 followers
September 27, 2015
This second book in the series didn't hold my attention as well as the first, but I know something is marvelous coming from the author. The characters stayed real, the sexy is sublime, and the connections the characters have between each other, and with others, feels good and true. I can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for Paula Collins.
85 reviews
October 4, 2015
Book Two of this new series is wonderful. I love getting to learn about the others of the group as they work their way to the safety. The story pulls you in and gives you an insight on how humanity can change when disaster hits. Enjoy how the relationship of Owen and Prue change over the trip to safety. Kennedy, Thank you for another wonderful story and looking forward to the rest.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,704 reviews
May 11, 2016
This is book 2 in a new series by this author. I like her and am enjoying this series. The characters are many and ones to like and ones not so much. This book follows what happens when an apocalyptic disaster happens. Moves along and you get into the book quickly. I gave it 5 stars.
I don't do book report like reviews cause I don't want to do spoilers :-)
Profile Image for Paige.
492 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2016
I typically dislike apocalypse story lines, but for whatever reason I find myself enamored with this series. Perhaps it is the realism of the event itself, something that could realistically happen within my lifetime and the thought out predicted events that take place should the Yellowstone Caldera actually ever erupt.

Whatever the reason, I cannot wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
September 22, 2015
Yellowstone erupts. a group of former military comrades are trying to rendezvous at a prepared safe haven. they're scattered over the country. this is one man's story and the story of the woman he loves and her sister.
Profile Image for Laura Derose.
38 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2015
4.5 stars

Solid continuation in this new series. The combination of military men and the end of of our world by a super volcano is a great and refreshing twist on two popular genres. Looking forward to book 3; hope it's not a long wait
18 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2015
Hot Flames!

I really enjoy reading this series. Seeing how people do when confronted with surviving. The men and women are strong but yet vulnerable to their surroundings and this keeps you wanting more.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,394 reviews38 followers
May 8, 2016
Another great read in the series. Every time I put the book down, I felt that I was leaving Owen and Prue stuck in suspended animation. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the team's travels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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