Ashes and Light

Obsidian Syndicate #2

by K.S. Blackwood

The vampire who stole her heart might also take her life.

It’s Ashley Sutton’s birthday, and she’s nearly died twice already. Ashley barely escaped a vengeful ghost, only to nearly fall prey to the pearly white fangs of her best friend and secret crush, Damian West. Though she’s fantasized more than once about having Damian nibble on her, Ashley is pretty sure that his chocolate eyes and confident smirk played a bigger role in those dreams than his taste for blood did.

Damian has worked hard to keep his vampiric nature and his murderous past a secret from Ashley… and to shield her from his own deep, violent lust for her blood. But now, in the space of a single evening, he’s lost control of both his secrets and his dangerous desires.

All of this couldn’t have possibly happened at a worse moment. Tensions are running high in the hidden world that Ashley has stumbled into—and while Damian knows he’ll need to stay by her side in order to protect her, he also knows he needs to protect her from himself.

And he’s failed at that once already.

Ashes and Light is a complete and standalone novel pairing a hot and dangerous vampire and a strong mortal heroine together in a steamy romance with a happy ending. It contains page-turning action and suspense, quirky side characters, and a dash of humor.

The books of the Obsidian Syndicate standalone series can be read in any order.

Pick up Ashes and Light, and sink your teeth into your new vampire romance obsession today!

Genres: Paranormal

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2020

About the author

K.S. Blackwood specializes in telling steamy paranormal vampire romance stories steeped in action, drama, love, magic, and unforgettable twists. In her spare time, she consumes anything and everything paranormal and urban fantasy, especially books with bite. She also thoroughly enjoys all manner of gaming: PC, consoles, tabletop, LARPing, and anything that gets her nerdy side going.

Searching for more vampire paranormal romance stories? Sign up for the Books with Bite newsletter at ksblackwood.com and get ongoing updates, along with the exclusive novella Bound by Blood.

Reviews

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything paranormal and this book did not disappoint! It was suspenseful and a page-turner!! I love Ashley, Damian, Gwen and Clayton!! This book was so great that I would definitely recommend it to other paranormal romance readers out there! It had mystery, suspense, love and an edge of your seat battle that will make you want to know more!

I was always interested about what happened with the first settlers at Roanoke Island and this book talked about it..supernaturally of course.

If you love reading about vampires, shifters, and witches..then you will love this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley’s parents gives her an old Polaroid camera for her birthday and her troubles start after taking a picture of a haunted house. I loved Damian and Ashley and their banter and connection seemed so real and genuine. This book is filled with suspense, mystery, and love, and it kept me hooked and turning the pages. A very entertaining read enjoyable read and one I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of horror, suspense and drama with a touch of romance!
by sewsummore

I found this book of supernatural romance an unsettling read as Ashley; a young photographer, is haunted and terrorized by spirits seeking the truth. There were many secrets to be revealed. Two of her friends were werewolf shifters, while the closest male friend was a vampire. If this was not enough to upset Ashley, a dangerous spirit intended to destroy her before Ashley can reveal other truths. This is the first book from this author that I have read, and although the book was not what I expected, I found myself increasingly uncomfortable the deeper into the book I read. This book was a short read, and the author was able to portray Ashley's horror and growing fear and her attraction and trust to the vampire; she called her friend and lover. This book has a happy ending, and although I did not enjoy reading this book type of fiction, I can appreciate how well the author built up the suspense and horror for her readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our heroine is unaware of all the mysteries and danger around her, but that is going to change real soon. The question is can our hero protect her from it, or is he going to drag her down with the rest?

This is book two of the series but it does pretty well as a standalone. There are some ties to the first book, but nothing critical here.

This is a paranormal romance with all the usual cast of supernaturals. The story is well written and easy to read and packs a lot of mysteries into the story. The setting is quite intriguing, but I would have liked for it to get a bit more development as it has mysteries of its own. On the other hand. the characters are very well done with strong and distinct personalities. Our hero and heroine, in particular, have a solid connection that is obvious in their banter and other interactions. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and turning pages. Overall, it was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to going back for the first book.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book to read. I like the mystery to this book that is set in a familiar world of vampires, witches and shifters. I found the story a very compelling read as you really have no idea what is happening to begin with. The plotting in particular is terrific. That may seem like a weird thing to compliment, but I feel like so many books that I have read lately are written quickly by authors who have no idea what they are doing. This may be because I read a lot of ARCs for independent authors which I enjoy but you do end up reading some very bad books in amongst the gems. This book is a lovely little gem and I only hope that there are more to come and that they get longer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley is a photographer, and it is her birthday. Her parents always send her an antique camera - but this year's is very different! It looks like an antique Polaroid, but when Ash uses it to photograph a haunted house, the ghosts seem to come to life.
She tells her best friend Damien whar happened - and secrets are revealed by him, and her other friends, Gwenn and Clayton. Will they be able to keep her safe?Will Isaac succeed in getting Damien to kill her? Lots of twists and turns, I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love paranormal stories and this one did not disappoint! It was suspenseful and a page-turner! It had mystery, suspense, love and a battle that will make you want more.
The connection between the main characters is off the charts and thier banter seemed genuine. l felt like I was part of the story or at least standing there watching it all happen through the window. The storytelling and attention to detail kept me in thrall with the characters and the story.
You will love this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating, entertaining and exciting story and this is book 2 in the Obsidian Syndicate. Poor Ashley gets a old fashioned Polaroid camera for her birthday from her parents and it puts her through hell, Ashley takes a photo in a haunted mansion then she is attacked by ghosts and then her boss who Ashley has been in love with for a long time Damian who is a vampire what a way to find out about the supernatural world. Fantastic story I loved it and I definitely recommend this book.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the previous book so I was more than happy to read this book. It was just as good as the first book but also better because I knew the characters and could get immediately into the storyline. I liked the entertaining banter between the characters. It was fun and engaging and gave the story a twinge of lightness within the dark. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books from this author.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went back and read the first book in this series, and it was as good as this one. The characters carryover but they can be read as standalones. The suspense in this book made me keep turning the pages. Humans, shifters, vampires, and magical cameras? Oh wow!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls you in and keeps you there. It is a page turner. You get to follow to see what will happen next with Ashley and her best friend Damien who just happens to be a vampire. This book continues from the first one. The story is full of suspense, drama, steamy chemistry, love, mystery. You will not be disappointed.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us vampires, magical cameras, witches, werewolves and humans. What more can you want? Damian, vampire, and Ashley, human, have worked together and been interested in each other. However, circumstances arise that force all their secrets out into the open.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a twisted new paranormal series and author I discovered. Ashley and Damien have amazing chemistry and I liked seeing their relationship develop while discovering the secrets and ghosts that lie within the haunted house Ashley took a photo of. It has mystery and suspense and passion. Can't wait for more.

[Reena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires, shifters, witches, humans and monsters, oh my! An amazing story, full of action, mystery, suspense, and of course a bit of a romance, that had me turning the pages faster than I could breathe. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone and is quite a quick read, that took me only a couple of hours to finish.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. I do love to read paranormal stories, and the author did not disappoint. The storyline was intriguing, had suspense and was really entertaining. Loved the characters, they had a good connection. The story moved at a good pace and was a smooth read. Overall a very enjoyable book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A paranormal romance with a danger out of some nightmares. Ashley is a photographer and receives an antique camera every year for her birthday from her parents. Normally she loves them but this year it might be the death of her. And then there are her friends that will soon reveal that the world around her isn’t what she thinks. A dangerous mystery of possible death must be solved.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS STORY, Filled with incredibly well-written mystery and romance. Passionate charismatic characters an engrossing storyline. It's interesting with the plot including the first settlers of Roanoke Island, Ashley and Damion captivate you with adventure, passion and twists. Totally addictive read!

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires and werewolves at war, mixed with love and the unsuspecting human. Great story and great book, loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved each and every word written in this book. The characters are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is undeniable throughout the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this highly entertaining, emotional, action packed and engaging adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, memorable dialog, heart racing twists and exciting passion. Was a great read from beginning to end.

[Brittlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A break from my normal books and one that was very much needed it had enough intrigue, angst, and passion to keep me engaged into the story and characters until the very last page

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tegan Brinkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love this series sometimes you just want a heroine that is unexpectedly knowledgeable and capable
This story is cute and the characters even more so

Well worth the read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amps, shifters and a human

I didn’t really connect to the story. However, it was a quick read and a diversion to the tropes I have been reading.

[Pleasure Your Shelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

That had to be one of the most awkward unveiling of the supernatural world to a human I have ever seen in a book