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When Ash Remains

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A warrior with a mission There isn’t a buffalo or deer that Kajika cannot take down. So when his cousin is slaughtered he relishes the chance to track down the killer. The trail leads him to a woman with gifts he has trouble believing in. Despite their differences he cannot fight his instinct to protect her from all threats – even those he cannot see. That drive even rivals his desire to explore every inch of her body. A woman with a destiny Knowing the spirits will protect her, Ahyoka allows the handsome warrior to take her to be questioned by his chief about the unexplained deaths in their village. He may not believe in her abilities but he is one of the few who doesn’t treat her like something to be feared or shunned. He awakens feelings that make her yearn for things she thought she’d never have. Her biggest fear is that once he learns the full extent of her gifts he will reject her like most of her tribe did. A killer twisted by hurt and anger Kajika and Ahyoka must work together to find the one responsible for the string of deaths in and around their villages. Faith, trust, and even a little bit of love will be needed to defeat the killer and right the wrongs committed in the pursuit of power and revenge.

185 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2017

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40 people want to read

About the author

Dena Garson

26 books256 followers
Dena Garson is an award winning author of paranormal, steampunk, fantasy, and sci-fi romance. She holds a BBA and MBA in Business and works in the wacky world of quality and process improvement. Making up her own reality on paper is what keeps her sane.

She is the mother of two rowdy boys and two rambunctious cats (AKA the fuzzy jerks). When she isn't writing you can find her at the sewing machine or stringing beads. She is also a devoted Whovian and Dallas Cowboys fan.

**NOTE: Dena's contemporary romance novels are now published under her alternate pen name, Liana Garson.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,818 reviews636 followers
March 2, 2017
A Warrior on a Mission - A Woman with a Destiny
Dena Garson's WHEN ASH REMAINS Release Day Blitz & #Giveaway - Click on Banner to Enter! Ends March 16, 2017

http://tometender.blogspot.com/2017/03/dena-garsons-when-ash-remains-release.html

She was shunned by her tribe, until they needed her help and the kind and generous hearted Ahyoka never let them down. Blessed with the gift of the spirits’ protection, Ahyoka has many powers, including hearing the voices of the animals, the whispers in the air and the intent in a man’s heart.

Kajika is a warrior, a hunter, a provider, but this time his mission is to hunt down a murderer and the tracks lead to Ahyoka, a beautiful woman who claims powers from the very spirits he has lost faith in. While eager to return her to his village to discover her innocence or guilt, there is something that shines within this woman and calls to the male protector and lover in him. Is it possible that the spirits have brought them together for a purpose?

Now hunting for the real killer, time is of the essence to save the wandering souls of the innocent family killed. Will the hunter in Kajika and the spirit powers within Ahyoka make the perfect team to bring peace to the dead, safety to the tribes and justice to a twisted killer? Will these two also find that for everyone there is another who makes their souls sing and their passion burn?

Dena Garson’s WHEN ASHES REMAIN is a mystical, historical romance filled with a wealth of kind and caring characters, the feel and presence of strong spirits beyond the veil and a dark soul lost in their own nightmarish world. Kajika comes across as a man used to respect, obedience and being a loner, without faith in anything he cannot see. Ahyoka is like a babbling brook of calming waters, patient, kind, but so very lonely, if not for her powers and the spirits who speak to and guide her.

Ms. Garson’s writing and the world she has created make the pages and time fade away as we become one with the story, the atmosphere and each turn this tale makes. From the first page I was drawn in and held captive by Ms. Garson’s style. A beautiful, raw and powerful romance to enjoy!

I received an ARC edition from Dena Garson in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: March 2, 2017
Publisher: Deena Garson
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 214 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Amazon UK
Profile Image for Dawn West.
538 reviews43 followers
March 2, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.5


**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

When Destiny calls... you answer.



Kajika has taken up the task of finding a killer. But not just any. One who brutally slayed an entire family, child included. A killer who seems to be more of a beast than a man. When the trail leads Kajika to a woman by the river, he isn't sure what to make of her. She doesn't seem like a murderer to him, but he must bring her to his chief, anyway.

Ahyoka knows this stranger will not hurt her because the spirits of nature tell her so. A woman with a rare ability, she is encouraged by powers mightier than her to join Kajika in his hunt for the killer. Together, they must track the murderous beast and try to stop it from killing another.

The path isn't an easy one. Kajika's doubts about Ahyoka's powers make it difficult to know whether he should trust her judgement. But soon, Kajika learns more about Ahyoka and witnesses her power in ways that make it hard for him to deny her claims. Even more impossible is the thought of letting her go once their mission is complete.

This was such a good read! I was immediately immersed in this story from the first page. I really got a sense of connection to the natural setting and felt like I could have been riding on a horse alongside our characters. It was descriptive but not to the point of annoyance. Perfect balance. The paranormal element was unique to me. I haven't read a lot of books about this sort of spiritual magic so it was a nice surprise.

Our main characters were opposites in many ways: a man with courage in every bone and a woman who has been an outcast most of her life. The pair complimented each other in many ways and their chemistry was pretty easy to understand and believe. I rooted for them from the start.

As for the romance... whoa. I wasn't expecting it to be so elaborate and naughty. That was a great surprise. And the love scenes were aplenty, with lots of spicy variety. I ate up every word and may have re-read one scene twice because I wasn't ready for it to end. *blushes*

My only reason for taking off a half star is some of the dialogue I found to be too "British", I guess, for natives to have spoken. Words like "refreshment" kind of surprised me to be used by people who haven't been integrated with other cultures. It isn't a big deal to most readers but did make me pause once or twice to ponder whether this or that word may have been too formal for this setting.

In closing...
A fantastic read! The ending sets up the next book and I'm already itching to get my hands on it and see Ahyoka's stubborn brother's tale. 4.5 suns!

Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/review-when-ash-remains-by-dena-garson.html
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,489 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2017
Title: When Ash Remains
Authors: Dena Garson
Publisher: D. C.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"When Ash Remains" by Dena Garson

My Thoughts...


What a story that will definitely takes one on a quite a journey that comes together so well as a good 'Native American' historical paranormal romance story. This author really works her magic in giving the reader as story of Ahyoka and Kajika which their destiny that brought them together. We find Kajika is a alpha warrior who found Ahyoka who was a 'Spirit Talker' while he was on the hunt of a killer of his cousin and family. These two were very for the most part opposites but made up for it as they complimented each other in others ways. I liked how this author brings out the 'spiritual magic' to the story. Will these two be able to track down a murderous beast to stop it from more killings? What these two could do together was truly unique in the way it was all handled. This will be quite interesting read as it is brought out so well to the reader. It was a very good read of how these two people who comes together battling 'unforeseen forces' and oh yes I loved the lusty, steamy, and spicy heated romance. To get the whole story and answer to many questions the reader will have to pick up 'When Ash Remains' to see how well this author presents it to the readers. Would I recommend? Yes, especially if you are a paranormal book lover.
Profile Image for Darlene Reilley.
Author 34 books24 followers
March 3, 2017
This review was first published on my blog, Darwrites.

I received When Ash Remains by Dena Garson in exchange for an honest review. This is a paranormal romance, and adds the subgenres historical and Native American.
First, a bit about the author: Dena Garson is an award-winning author of contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction romance. According to her Goodreads Author page, when writers block attacks, she makes “beaded jewelry and trinkets” and loves “the colors, shapes, and textures of the beads.” Solid advice – when you can’t focus, do something else and come back to it. Your brain might need recharging.
This is the story of Ahyoka and Kajika, two Native Americans brought together by destiny. Kajika is a alpha warrior who finds her while hunting the killer of his cousin and his family. Ahyoka is a Spirit Talker who speaks with the spirits of animals, nature, and ancestors. Together they must battle unforeseen forces and Kajika’s reticence to believe her to overcome their enemy and potentially win each other’s hearts. Will destiny prevail?
I’d love to have tea and a chat with Ahyoka. Her character was believable and had depth.
The spiritual elements of the novel were well done. For example:


Just as he let the arrow loose, she woke with a start.
Awake, Spirit Talker.
A man.
He watches.
A man.
He comes.
A man.
He hunts.
Ahyoka listened to the sounds of the spirits around her. Even without their warning, she would have sensed the presence in the shadows.
When Ash Remains, Dena Garson



It was romantic. I’d give it a three and a half hearts out of five on a heat level – there were several steamy moments. For lovers of romance, it hits the lusty romance notes. The romance was overshadowed by the paranormal elements and I liked it that way.
There were a few moments when I was pulled out of the story because of voice or word choice. Part of the story I found hard to believe was the ease with which Kajika became okay with Ahyoka’s abilities.
The plot was strong and well-paced. Each time the connection to nature and spirit was made was honest and well executed.
My rating: Three stars. A good paranormal romance read.
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