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Fate is as fickle as an unattended flame, you never know what’s going to happen—and sometimes all that’s left are the ashes.
Twice now my life has been altered by the choice of someone else.
The first time I was ten; when my mom got married she moved us into a better neighborhood, which meant I had to leave behind everything and everyone I loved.
The second time was six years later; when someone made the choice to drive instead of calling a cab, my life was once again altered and I had to move back to the place I left. Harley had always been a bad neighborhood, but things had gotten so much worse.
No one should walk down the streets alone after dark, and gangs ruled everything, including the classrooms.
Then there were them; Vail, Lee, and Shaw.
The three boys I grew up with. I cried over them for days after we moved away, the loss I felt was only overshadowed by the knowledge that they didn’t want me there.
Once upon a time they tried to protect me from the hardships of our neighborhood. Now they are thehardship.
But like the nursery rhyme we used to sing said, eventually,
We all fall down.
**Trigger Warning: This book is meant for mature readers, 18+.
Ashes is a 135k+ word mature high school/contemporary dark romance and contains scenes and situations that may be upsetting for some readers. Includes several triggers and sensitive material such as: domestic abuse, profanity, gang violence, PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and sexual assault. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest.
Please do not read if you are uncomfortable with any of the above. Thank you. **
Twice now my life has been altered by the choice of someone else.
The first time I was ten; when my mom got married she moved us into a better neighborhood, which meant I had to leave behind everything and everyone I loved.
The second time was six years later; when someone made the choice to drive instead of calling a cab, my life was once again altered and I had to move back to the place I left. Harley had always been a bad neighborhood, but things had gotten so much worse.
No one should walk down the streets alone after dark, and gangs ruled everything, including the classrooms.
Then there were them; Vail, Lee, and Shaw.
The three boys I grew up with. I cried over them for days after we moved away, the loss I felt was only overshadowed by the knowledge that they didn’t want me there.
Once upon a time they tried to protect me from the hardships of our neighborhood. Now they are thehardship.
But like the nursery rhyme we used to sing said, eventually,
We all fall down.
**Trigger Warning: This book is meant for mature readers, 18+.
Ashes is a 135k+ word mature high school/contemporary dark romance and contains scenes and situations that may be upsetting for some readers. Includes several triggers and sensitive material such as: domestic abuse, profanity, gang violence, PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and sexual assault. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest.
Please do not read if you are uncomfortable with any of the above. Thank you. **
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2021
1093 people are currently reading
8335 people want to read
About the author
Dylan Page
11 books1,580 followersWhen Dylan was younger, she always had an aspiration to tell stories. But before she even knew how to write, she would draw them out. Her mother always encouraged her, and bought her piles of blank notebooks for her to draw out the stories she imagined in her head. Her dad encouraged her to use her words instead. Over the years, he pushed her into writing clubs and bought her notebooks so she could fill them with endless short stories.
When Dylan isn’t busy writing, or spending time with her two boys, she likes to play guitar, piano, and paint. Mind you she’s not good at it, but she likes it nonetheless!
When Dylan isn’t busy writing, or spending time with her two boys, she likes to play guitar, piano, and paint. Mind you she’s not good at it, but she likes it nonetheless!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
November 2, 2021
1.5 stars ✨When 3 guys leisurely take turns at one girl or the reverse harem book gone wrong ...✨
Finally! I pushed through.
This story is absolutely sacrilegious, in my humble opinion, to the first two books in the series that remain in my very short *absolute favourites* list. I daresay that the decision to make this book a part of the Torment series was very infelicitous for 2 reasons:
1) it narrowed down the book's reading audience (a lot of people who know nothing about the first two probably won't pay any attention to this one, unsure of whether it is a standalone or not and to what extent all the books are interconnected. And the ones who know about the duet would have read Dylan Page's next book anyway, regardless 🤡)
2) This story doesn't measure up to the atmosphere and the world created in the Torment duet. The connection so feeble combined with the execution so lacking? I, as a person who hyped the first two books all over Goodreads like an overenthusiastic groupie, am very sad to admit it.
I didn't feel the chemistry, let alone any emotional connection, between the guys and Casey. Their minds were too occupied with some gangster stuff (the number of times I rolled my eyes and yawned is not healthy) and things like 'who was gonna fuck Casey next, hmm' which I guess left little to no time to develop and make us believe in any true feelings between Casey and her moody harem. That's what I personally expect from a romance book, though.
Honestly I have so many things to s̶h̶i̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶ say but at the same time I don't want to do this to Dylan Page's book. I'm still feeling too grateful for all the misery she has caused me with Shay and Mina's story. 🛐
What I think needs to be pointed out as obvious flaws:
1) there should be a difference between a child and adult's way of storytelling (the same issue I took notice of in the book Torment but turned a blind eye to because Dylan gave me so much more to dwell on).
2) sex scenes that didn't help me to feel the bond and equal pining of all the parties involved. 🤡😂
3) if you decide to focus on the theatre of the absurd aka some criminal themes that KIDS have to deal with, at least make it entertaining. All I felt was ✨irrelevance✨
Last but not least...it might be a 'me problem' but
the heroine comparing heroes' cocks with her ex's cock during sex?🥲 I don't see how it adds anything to the plot. That's not romantic and it makes me think as if she were not into it...
If the girl has enough space in her head to think about some irrelevant Patrick's cock while she has three (3) (tres, okay??) (Lee, Vail and Shaw's... I'm laughing at the absurdity of what I describe here because the guys were 16 years old omg. Please go to school, kids. Licking, sucking, pumping and dealing with criminals can wait) cocks lined up in front of her at any given moment?
You know what came next?
[image error]
🤡😂WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK😂🤡
Finally! I pushed through.
This story is absolutely sacrilegious, in my humble opinion, to the first two books in the series that remain in my very short *absolute favourites* list. I daresay that the decision to make this book a part of the Torment series was very infelicitous for 2 reasons:
1) it narrowed down the book's reading audience (a lot of people who know nothing about the first two probably won't pay any attention to this one, unsure of whether it is a standalone or not and to what extent all the books are interconnected. And the ones who know about the duet would have read Dylan Page's next book anyway, regardless 🤡)
2) This story doesn't measure up to the atmosphere and the world created in the Torment duet. The connection so feeble combined with the execution so lacking? I, as a person who hyped the first two books all over Goodreads like an overenthusiastic groupie, am very sad to admit it.
I didn't feel the chemistry, let alone any emotional connection, between the guys and Casey. Their minds were too occupied with some gangster stuff (the number of times I rolled my eyes and yawned is not healthy) and things like 'who was gonna fuck Casey next, hmm' which I guess left little to no time to develop and make us believe in any true feelings between Casey and her moody harem. That's what I personally expect from a romance book, though.
Honestly I have so many things to s̶h̶i̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶ say but at the same time I don't want to do this to Dylan Page's book. I'm still feeling too grateful for all the misery she has caused me with Shay and Mina's story. 🛐
What I think needs to be pointed out as obvious flaws:
1) there should be a difference between a child and adult's way of storytelling (the same issue I took notice of in the book Torment but turned a blind eye to because Dylan gave me so much more to dwell on).
2) sex scenes that didn't help me to feel the bond and equal pining of all the parties involved. 🤡😂
3) if you decide to focus on the theatre of the absurd aka some criminal themes that KIDS have to deal with, at least make it entertaining. All I felt was ✨irrelevance✨
Last but not least...it might be a 'me problem' but
Slowly, I sank down, easing my way around his cock. He was a lot thicker than Patrick was, so it felt tight, but I licked my lips as he filled me, the pressure only starting to reawaken the orgasm I’d just had minutes before I grinned.
the heroine comparing heroes' cocks with her ex's cock during sex?🥲 I don't see how it adds anything to the plot. That's not romantic and it makes me think as if she were not into it...
If the girl has enough space in her head to think about some irrelevant Patrick's cock while she has three (3) (tres, okay??) (Lee, Vail and Shaw's... I'm laughing at the absurdity of what I describe here because the guys were 16 years old omg. Please go to school, kids. Licking, sucking, pumping and dealing with criminals can wait) cocks lined up in front of her at any given moment?
I held his face, getting lost in his intoxicating kiss, the feel of his cock still buried inside of me. It felt so primal and beautiful to be with him at this moment that I didn’t want it to end. Only...
You know what came next?
Now, it was Vail’s turn.
[image error]
🤡😂WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK😂🤡
“Shaw got to snuggle with you all day,” he said, like he’d been tallying points or something.
“So?”
“So, it’s my turn now.”
October 14, 2021
2.8 stars
I seriously have no clue what people consider spoilers, but for the sake of not offending anyone's sensibilities....
🛑MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD🛑
believe me, no one is more saddened by that rating than me.
To put into perspective just how sad I am:
⇉ I hyped this book up like no other.
⇉ I sent every minuscule update about it to my rats *cough* friends
⇉ I stalked all the posts the author shared
⇉ Got my hands on a damn ARC
⇉ I JOINED HER FACEBOOK FAN PAGE FOR GOD'S SAKE
Now I am sitting in midst of despair and my crocodile tears because this book was painfully mediocre.
For one, I don't understand why this was made a part of the Torment series.
Yes, it's set in the same world, the characters are connected in one way or another and it does mention all of Shay's brightest moments. Like you know.....disfiguring a 13-year-old and
But the vibes of this book are so different. I mean, I genuinely think this is not even in the same genre.
Torment:
Dark
Gritty
Unsettling
NOT A FUCKING ROMANCE despite it being marketed as one
Psychological
Suspenseful
Ashes:
Reverse Harem
High school
Definitely a romance
Dark but nothing disturbing imo
This book should've probably been written as a separate standalone. But then again, without this being connected to Torment, I would've given it 2 stars.
Now I know after writing all that, I will confuse tf out of everyone, including me, when I contradict myself and say that this book is literally reused scraps of Torment.
SIMILARITY NUMERO UNO
Shay:
🥵 Hero from parts 1 and 2 who had a bunch of demons
🥵 Loved knife play
🥵 Was really violent.
Shaw:
🥺 One of the heroes from Ashes who had a bunch of demons
🥺 loved knives
🥺 WAS REALLY VIOLENT
Geez, no wonder he was my favourite of the trio.
I mean the author didn't even bother making up another name, she just replaced Y with W and called it a day🤣
NUMERO DOS
This book had a spanking scene very similar to the one in Torment. And I agree with TJ, It really did feel like a betrayal to our favourite child groomer sorry.
NUMERO TRES
All the main characters knew each other since childhood obviously. Casey's upbringing felt similar to Mina's: Both of them having to move with a stepfather, orphaned as teenagers, abusive homes and tra la la.
I'll add in the fourth point in here too:
Lee (another hero) was lowkey Keenan aka the nice guy.
Speaking of the heroes...
Lee was the typical irrelevant love interest in RH which I have mentioned a million times before. He is nice, he is sweet and he was boring me so
On the upside, he's not blonde like they usually tend to be, so he has that going for him.
Vail, despite being the leader of their "crew" was even more irrelevant than Lee. He couldn't seem to decide what to do with his personality. He wasn't mean but he wasn't nice, sometimes he felt like a leader and other times he was just there, he is meant to be the MAIN one or whatever, but since the beginning I always thought it was Shaw.
The only time he seemed to have a personality is in bed🤡
I'll go ahead and say this.....Shaw is getting the first baby. They seemed to have the biggest connection out of everyone and she always choose him over the other two. So idk wtf Vail is going on about but HE IS DEFINITELY not the one💀
I'll also go ahead and say..... dudes sounded like Those seagulls from Finding Nemo every time they argued over who gets to sleep with Casey😭😭😭
The foursome scene was literally a repeat of all three sex scenes in one. It wasn't even so much a foursome as them just taking turns on her💀
She even repeated the exact same phrases all over again, word for word.
I'm gonna have to trust your word Casey baby, because from what I've read, the only thing Shaw has going for him in the sex department is his "Rolling Pin" dick. The rest smelled like vanilla extract.
Edit: I can't believe I completely forgot to mention this but the characters talked like fully grown adults when they were like 10-11? It was a very odd experience since I kept forgetting they are actual children until their moms started calling them. I get that they had to grow up young but there was no difference in the way they talked as 11 and 17 year olds.
My favourite parts of the book? every time they mentioned how terrible Shay was. I think there was no better way to honour him than to remind us what an unhinged psycho he was<3
The heroine had a violent side to her so I liked when she beat a bitch up.
but apart from all that......nothing special about Ashes at all.
HOWEVER, I don't discourage anyone from reading this because the book in itself wasn't bad. I had certain expectations that were not met and that's okay. My faith is not all wiped out yet. The spirit of a groupie still resigns within my soul and I'll continue to read this author religiously. But I beg you Dylan Page.....I NEED TO BE RUINED BY YOU AGAIN😭
I seriously have no clue what people consider spoilers, but for the sake of not offending anyone's sensibilities....
🛑MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD🛑
believe me, no one is more saddened by that rating than me.
To put into perspective just how sad I am:
⇉ I hyped this book up like no other.
⇉ I sent every minuscule update about it to my rats *cough* friends
⇉ I stalked all the posts the author shared
⇉ Got my hands on a damn ARC
⇉ I JOINED HER FACEBOOK FAN PAGE FOR GOD'S SAKE
Now I am sitting in midst of despair and my crocodile tears because this book was painfully mediocre.
For one, I don't understand why this was made a part of the Torment series.
Yes, it's set in the same world, the characters are connected in one way or another and it does mention all of Shay's brightest moments. Like you know.....disfiguring a 13-year-old and
But the vibes of this book are so different. I mean, I genuinely think this is not even in the same genre.
Torment:
Dark
Gritty
Unsettling
NOT A FUCKING ROMANCE despite it being marketed as one
Psychological
Suspenseful
Ashes:
Reverse Harem
High school
Definitely a romance
Dark but nothing disturbing imo
This book should've probably been written as a separate standalone. But then again, without this being connected to Torment, I would've given it 2 stars.
Now I know after writing all that, I will confuse tf out of everyone, including me, when I contradict myself and say that this book is literally reused scraps of Torment.
SIMILARITY NUMERO UNO
Shay:
🥵 Hero from parts 1 and 2 who had a bunch of demons
🥵 Loved knife play
🥵 Was really violent.
Shaw:
🥺 One of the heroes from Ashes who had a bunch of demons
🥺 loved knives
🥺 WAS REALLY VIOLENT
Geez, no wonder he was my favourite of the trio.
I mean the author didn't even bother making up another name, she just replaced Y with W and called it a day🤣
NUMERO DOS
This book had a spanking scene very similar to the one in Torment. And I agree with TJ, It really did feel like a betrayal to our favourite child groomer sorry.
NUMERO TRES
All the main characters knew each other since childhood obviously. Casey's upbringing felt similar to Mina's: Both of them having to move with a stepfather, orphaned as teenagers, abusive homes and tra la la.
I'll add in the fourth point in here too:
Lee (another hero) was lowkey Keenan aka the nice guy.
Speaking of the heroes...
Lee was the typical irrelevant love interest in RH which I have mentioned a million times before. He is nice, he is sweet and he was boring me so
On the upside, he's not blonde like they usually tend to be, so he has that going for him.
Vail, despite being the leader of their "crew" was even more irrelevant than Lee. He couldn't seem to decide what to do with his personality. He wasn't mean but he wasn't nice, sometimes he felt like a leader and other times he was just there, he is meant to be the MAIN one or whatever, but since the beginning I always thought it was Shaw.
The only time he seemed to have a personality is in bed🤡
“It was always me and you, Casey. And while I’ll share you with my brothers, I will still have the final say, because our souls always belonged together. And that’s why, when we finally get the fuck out of Harley, I’m going to be the one who marries you and gets dibs on the first baby.”
I'll go ahead and say this.....Shaw is getting the first baby. They seemed to have the biggest connection out of everyone and she always choose him over the other two. So idk wtf Vail is going on about but HE IS DEFINITELY not the one💀
I'll also go ahead and say..... dudes sounded like Those seagulls from Finding Nemo every time they argued over who gets to sleep with Casey😭😭😭
The foursome scene was literally a repeat of all three sex scenes in one. It wasn't even so much a foursome as them just taking turns on her💀
She even repeated the exact same phrases all over again, word for word.
It was probably a good thing Shaw went last, because he would have destroyed me before the other two even got a chance.
I'm gonna have to trust your word Casey baby, because from what I've read, the only thing Shaw has going for him in the sex department is his "Rolling Pin" dick. The rest smelled like vanilla extract.
Edit: I can't believe I completely forgot to mention this but the characters talked like fully grown adults when they were like 10-11? It was a very odd experience since I kept forgetting they are actual children until their moms started calling them. I get that they had to grow up young but there was no difference in the way they talked as 11 and 17 year olds.
My favourite parts of the book? every time they mentioned how terrible Shay was. I think there was no better way to honour him than to remind us what an unhinged psycho he was<3
The heroine had a violent side to her so I liked when she beat a bitch up.
but apart from all that......nothing special about Ashes at all.
HOWEVER, I don't discourage anyone from reading this because the book in itself wasn't bad. I had certain expectations that were not met and that's okay. My faith is not all wiped out yet. The spirit of a groupie still resigns within my soul and I'll continue to read this author religiously. But I beg you Dylan Page.....I NEED TO BE RUINED BY YOU AGAIN😭
October 17, 2021
-2.75 stars-
me every time i read a RH book:
okay so the players
vail: the leader. idk what else to say about him. hot?
lee: irrelevant. the 'funny carefree' character in RH books that is always there but never necessary. and how DARE this man rip off my bby shay w that spanking scene 🔪🔪🔪🔪 i swear i felt shay's spirit resurrect from the pits of hell going
like i KNOW y'all are not tryna to play shay like he's average??? i-
but moving on to what's really important -
shaw: SWEET BBY ANGEL VIRGIN KING WITH THE BIGGEST DICK. IT'S CONFIRMED THAT HOMEBOY HAS A FOOTLONG IN HIS PANTS I AM IN TEARS. SHORTY COMPARED IT TO A ROLLING PIN I'M-
*clears throat* excuse me 😌 what i meant to say is that shaw is the sweetest sad boy 😌 he is a kicked puppy that will go feral if you test him. so don't fucking test him 😌
ultimately tho, i didn't love this book the way i loved the other books in this series. shay and mina's duet had kind of a psychological suspense to it (bc he was grooming the shit outta her 💀) so i had certain expectations of fucked-upness/tension/mindfuckery that were not met in this book.
it mostly just read like a normal reverse harem HS book w some gang life thrown in and i wasn't particularly impressed. i might feel differently if it wasn't the third book to what i consider the greatest duet ever, but as it is i wish the duet had been left untouched. unless of course shay wants to make his return in which case
me every time i read a RH book:
okay so the players
vail: the leader. idk what else to say about him. hot?
lee: irrelevant. the 'funny carefree' character in RH books that is always there but never necessary. and how DARE this man rip off my bby shay w that spanking scene 🔪🔪🔪🔪 i swear i felt shay's spirit resurrect from the pits of hell going
like i KNOW y'all are not tryna to play shay like he's average??? i-
but moving on to what's really important -
shaw: SWEET BBY ANGEL VIRGIN KING WITH THE BIGGEST DICK. IT'S CONFIRMED THAT HOMEBOY HAS A FOOTLONG IN HIS PANTS I AM IN TEARS. SHORTY COMPARED IT TO A ROLLING PIN I'M-
*clears throat* excuse me 😌 what i meant to say is that shaw is the sweetest sad boy 😌 he is a kicked puppy that will go feral if you test him. so don't fucking test him 😌
ultimately tho, i didn't love this book the way i loved the other books in this series. shay and mina's duet had kind of a psychological suspense to it (bc he was grooming the shit outta her 💀) so i had certain expectations of fucked-upness/tension/mindfuckery that were not met in this book.
it mostly just read like a normal reverse harem HS book w some gang life thrown in and i wasn't particularly impressed. i might feel differently if it wasn't the third book to what i consider the greatest duet ever, but as it is i wish the duet had been left untouched. unless of course shay wants to make his return in which case
ashes-of-dnf
October 21, 2021Edit
After coming across so many disappointed reviews without forgetting how much I am done with RH i think I rather not read this.
moving on
*****
Omy fking God...
What the f is this ..is this another book wtfff
I thought shay was back 😭 for months ...like wthell ...
Did I really trick myself? Was I reading into unnecessary things ? ?
*closes the door
Miserable forever
After coming across so many disappointed reviews without forgetting how much I am done with RH i think I rather not read this.
moving on
*****
Omy fking God...
What the f is this ..is this another book wtfff
I thought shay was back 😭 for months ...like wthell ...
Did I really trick myself? Was I reading into unnecessary things ? ?
*closes the door
Miserable forever
unreleased-or-unfinished-series
September 15, 2021Honest to god I still haven't recovered from book 2 😭
March 17, 2022
Ashes is total disarray and completly different from Torment. The depth of the plot and characters were shock factors since it has failed to evoke emotions (shocking, considering Shay made me cry in Torment 2). I wish Shay was left in the Torment duet and this RH was created with new characters without Shay.
October 28, 2021
2.5 ⭐
I'm not sure where to even start with this review.
First of all, I loved this authors previous work. The Torment duet was amazing. It was gritty, it was dark, it had me feeling all kinds of emotions whilst reading and when I had finished reading. I recommend it all the damn time because that shit needs to be read.
I was highly anticipating this instalment and to say I was underwhelmed would be, well, an understatement.
This book felt like it had too much going on but then not much at all. HS gangs, MC gangs, kidnapping, bullying, sex trafficking, RH.. Too much at once and not much at all if that makes sense.
The characters were under developed, there wasn't enough time to make a connection to them because there was so much shit going down it all felt rushed. We just have to rely on being told in flashbacks that they were all the best of friends until they were 11 and then got separated.
Once reunited the 3 guys have turned into 16 year old kids with bodies of Adonis, gang leaders, 6 feet 5 with rolling pin dicks... really? I don't even know what is happening at this point. Cringe.
I powered through this because I wanted to be able to leave a review knowing I had stuck it out until the end, only to be met with a plot twist involving James, Shays dad. I mean really? No one likes that weak prick, die already, no redemption for your ass.
Maybe next time I'll expect nothing and get rewarded with something.
I'm not sure where to even start with this review.
First of all, I loved this authors previous work. The Torment duet was amazing. It was gritty, it was dark, it had me feeling all kinds of emotions whilst reading and when I had finished reading. I recommend it all the damn time because that shit needs to be read.
I was highly anticipating this instalment and to say I was underwhelmed would be, well, an understatement.
This book felt like it had too much going on but then not much at all. HS gangs, MC gangs, kidnapping, bullying, sex trafficking, RH.. Too much at once and not much at all if that makes sense.
The characters were under developed, there wasn't enough time to make a connection to them because there was so much shit going down it all felt rushed. We just have to rely on being told in flashbacks that they were all the best of friends until they were 11 and then got separated.
Once reunited the 3 guys have turned into 16 year old kids with bodies of Adonis, gang leaders, 6 feet 5 with rolling pin dicks... really? I don't even know what is happening at this point. Cringe.
I powered through this because I wanted to be able to leave a review knowing I had stuck it out until the end, only to be met with a plot twist involving James, Shays dad. I mean really? No one likes that weak prick, die already, no redemption for your ass.
Maybe next time I'll expect nothing and get rewarded with something.
November 5, 2021
Just can’t say I had any attachment to anybody. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
I’m really going to need book 4 from this author to knock me out. Cause this just was not hitting it for me. Hopefully, the next one is not another RH and the male lead is not in high school anymore or not for the majority of the book. It’s just hard for me to really be into it.
I’m really going to need book 4 from this author to knock me out. Cause this just was not hitting it for me. Hopefully, the next one is not another RH and the male lead is not in high school anymore or not for the majority of the book. It’s just hard for me to really be into it.
October 27, 2021
<3.5 stars>
Dylan Page’s work was hands down one of the greatest discoveries of the past year for me. Her debut novel Torment, and the entire Bleeding Hearts duet was truly a revelation. A work of shere artistic brilliance- a meaningful, subversive, insightful point of view. So poignant, that months later, I still can’t stop thinking about it months later-I imagine I’ll think about it for years to come. And, while I know that the ending may be polarizing to those who can’t think outside of their artificially (and uncreatively) constructed romantic confines- the duet is undeniably one of the best things I’ve read. So, I can’t imagine what it must be like to follow-up such mind blowing introduction to the world of romance as an author.
So, I know comparing certainly isn’t fair- this is a different story, a different trope. But since this book has been placed within the same series, it’s really hard for me not to. I anticipated the same depth of character, a complex and transformative point of view, themes that transcend the page, the psychological grey within the characters- because that’s what I know of this author. And, while Ashes has a lot of elements I did enjoy, it sadly doesn’t deliver on much of that for me.
This book felt way too long in places, yet not long enough in others. We have A LOT going on- lots of gangs embroiled in shady things paired with a reverse harem romance that not only is trying to establish multiple romantic leads but also build them up as childhood friends. And while some of the gang stuff felt a bit overly complicated or blurry in places, it was the characters that left me a bit wanting in this story. The relationships didn’t quite reach the level of depth, of emotional connective tissue, I had hoped for- and most of the characters didn’t have the same individual nuance, the depth I felt they had to the potential to have. This just felt mostly like an entertaining, standard RH- the standard harem construction that we’ve come to expect. Not a bad thing- just didn’t have the creativity, the imagination, the freshness that the duet had. And the connection to the duet felt loose at best- so I’m mostly just perplexed at the choice to make this a series (ie a continuation of a central world or thematic thread) vs. an adjacent book in the same world as a standalone. This didn’t affect my experience necessarily, but I think it gave me unrealistic expectations for world integration that didn’t pan out- despite some cameos from Torment characters (one a bit disappointing to me).
Nonetheless, expectations and comparisons aside, I didn’t dislike this story- I just wasn’t wowed. It’s got good steam, fun tropes, and is entertaining- even if a bit too long and lacking character depth I craved. A solid story overall- one that is clearly representative of a lot of hard work and planning, and one enjoyable in a lot of ways.
Dylan Page’s work was hands down one of the greatest discoveries of the past year for me. Her debut novel Torment, and the entire Bleeding Hearts duet was truly a revelation. A work of shere artistic brilliance- a meaningful, subversive, insightful point of view. So poignant, that months later, I still can’t stop thinking about it months later-I imagine I’ll think about it for years to come. And, while I know that the ending may be polarizing to those who can’t think outside of their artificially (and uncreatively) constructed romantic confines- the duet is undeniably one of the best things I’ve read. So, I can’t imagine what it must be like to follow-up such mind blowing introduction to the world of romance as an author.
So, I know comparing certainly isn’t fair- this is a different story, a different trope. But since this book has been placed within the same series, it’s really hard for me not to. I anticipated the same depth of character, a complex and transformative point of view, themes that transcend the page, the psychological grey within the characters- because that’s what I know of this author. And, while Ashes has a lot of elements I did enjoy, it sadly doesn’t deliver on much of that for me.
This book felt way too long in places, yet not long enough in others. We have A LOT going on- lots of gangs embroiled in shady things paired with a reverse harem romance that not only is trying to establish multiple romantic leads but also build them up as childhood friends. And while some of the gang stuff felt a bit overly complicated or blurry in places, it was the characters that left me a bit wanting in this story. The relationships didn’t quite reach the level of depth, of emotional connective tissue, I had hoped for- and most of the characters didn’t have the same individual nuance, the depth I felt they had to the potential to have. This just felt mostly like an entertaining, standard RH- the standard harem construction that we’ve come to expect. Not a bad thing- just didn’t have the creativity, the imagination, the freshness that the duet had. And the connection to the duet felt loose at best- so I’m mostly just perplexed at the choice to make this a series (ie a continuation of a central world or thematic thread) vs. an adjacent book in the same world as a standalone. This didn’t affect my experience necessarily, but I think it gave me unrealistic expectations for world integration that didn’t pan out- despite some cameos from Torment characters (one a bit disappointing to me).
Nonetheless, expectations and comparisons aside, I didn’t dislike this story- I just wasn’t wowed. It’s got good steam, fun tropes, and is entertaining- even if a bit too long and lacking character depth I craved. A solid story overall- one that is clearly representative of a lot of hard work and planning, and one enjoyable in a lot of ways.
October 18, 2021
I have loved Dylan Page's writing since Torment Part 1 and then part 2 . I have stalked the author everywhere possible. I have felt included by her during her live videos and I used to have a lot of respect for her. I even suffered in the spoiler groups that she grooms to be mini attackers like she is LJ Shen herself. My respect was brutally dismantled as I turned the pages of Ashes. The book is aptly titled since that's exactly what should be the only thing left of this trash.
Comments on other reviews on here show Dylan's fans coming at reviewers, how can this author stand for that? Are her feelings that fragile she needs to send other people in to defend her honor and precious books? ByeFelicia Dylan!!
This book is about heroes instead of the anti-heroes we meet in Torment. Did someone say Justice League and Suicide Squad?
Nothing happens... Oh but wait, that's not true. Dylan decided that her own characters weren't enough and decided to include some that were sprung from the brilliant mind of T.L. Hodel. No bullshit, In Ashes, we meet
It makes you wonder where Dylan's pride and originality really come from. Is Torment her original work or is that also borrowed from someone else? 😭😭😭
Enough about the lack of imagination, I want to talk about the book because I'm wondering if Dylan ever read a Reverse Harem book. This book isn't an RH relationship, it's just guys taking turns in the same pussy and bossing her around. Go shorty, it's your turn to fuck her hole, but she doesn't get a say. Sexy, no ?! The girl holds no power or personality. She rolls her eyes more than she thinks, and the guys are basically watered-down versions of Keenan and Shay.
Then there is The Faceless. The almighty and all scary club who barely makes an appearance. How does that make sense? I thought this was meant to give us more on the super plot,
I barely survived!!🔪🔪🔪
I don't know if I believe that Dylan used an editor and alphas for this one 😌 the plot doesn't exist and there is virtually no growth or depth to the characters. It's all a hot mess of nothing dragging on and on. I feel bad for the company promoting tiz!!
Some call them heroes but I call them redundant and boring. Or maybe I'm just bored because of all the recycling done.
🔪 Fighting over earrings
🔪 Spanking
🔪 Shay/Shaw - why come up with new names.
Freaking cheese sticks; that childish ending
I expected each book to get deeper and darker than the last, but this one doesn't fit the world at all.
Eeyore is exactly how I looked once I finished 😭😌😭
Comments on other reviews on here show Dylan's fans coming at reviewers, how can this author stand for that? Are her feelings that fragile she needs to send other people in to defend her honor and precious books? Bye
This book is about heroes instead of the anti-heroes we meet in Torment. Did someone say Justice League and Suicide Squad?
It makes you wonder where Dylan's pride and originality really come from. Is Torment her original work or is that also borrowed from someone else? 😭😭😭
Enough about the lack of imagination, I want to talk about the book because I'm wondering if Dylan ever read a Reverse Harem book. This book isn't an RH relationship, it's just guys taking turns in the same pussy and bossing her around. Go shorty, it's your turn to fuck her hole, but she doesn't get a say. Sexy, no ?! The girl holds no power or personality. She rolls her eyes more than she thinks, and the guys are basically watered-down versions of Keenan and Shay.
It was probably a good thing Shaw went last, because he would have destroyed me before the other two even got a chance.
Then there is The Faceless. The almighty and all scary club who barely makes an appearance. How does that make sense? I thought this was meant to give us more on the super plot,
"we stick together, it's the only way to survive."
I barely survived!!🔪🔪🔪
I don't know if I believe that Dylan used an editor and alphas for this one 😌 the plot doesn't exist and there is virtually no growth or depth to the characters. It's all a hot mess of nothing dragging on and on. I feel bad for the company promoting tiz!!
Some call them heroes but I call them redundant and boring. Or maybe I'm just bored because of all the recycling done.
🔪 Fighting over earrings
🔪 Spanking
🔪 Shay/Shaw - why come up with new names.
Freaking cheese sticks; that childish ending
I expected each book to get deeper and darker than the last, but this one doesn't fit the world at all.
Eeyore is exactly how I looked once I finished 😭😌😭
October 6, 2025
I’d say it was worth the read just to get a glimpse of other people’s perspectives on Shay and a reminder of the psycho he really is plus an update on Daddy James and Keenan! Not so much for the main characters, but I’ll keep reading the series just to get more of them all, especially now that the plot’s really starting to pick up. And I still have so many questions that haven’t been answered yet!
January 4, 2022
My feelings about this book: 📈📈📉🤡📉
Things that i dislike:
“That’s his turn over. Now it’s mine again.”
Things that i like:
“Because my heart aches for you, my soul cries for you. I need you and you need me. I’ve loved you from the very first moment, Casey. That’s never changed.”
Things that i dislike:
“That’s his turn over. Now it’s mine again.”
Things that i like:
“Because my heart aches for you, my soul cries for you. I need you and you need me. I’ve loved you from the very first moment, Casey. That’s never changed.”
October 30, 2021
I loved the "Torment" duet, so I'm sad that this follow up is a mess, with a plot that’s all over the place and way too many characters and gang machinations stuffed into one story. In some ways, I think a reader would like it better if they skipped “Torment,” so that they weren’t comparing it, because “Ashes” doesn’t measure up. But, it’s kind of a Catch-22, because “Ashes” barely makes sense in the first place — but it would make even less sense if you skipped “Torment.”
Essentially, “Ashes” is an awkward combination of a childhood friends to lovers RH story, and a gang plot about two different MCs plus teenage high school gangs they’re collaborating with trying to stop the Faceless (yet another gang) from trafficking teen girls. If that sounds convoluted, yes, it is! I like unlikely trope combinations, but "childhood friends to lovers plus gangs and human trafficking" doesn't quite mesh together, here.
Casey, the main character, is a blank-slate personality type, like Mina in “Torment,” but it felt like a deliberate artistic choice in that duet, since Mina's personality was so shaped by Shay. For Casey, she just feels underdeveloped. Mina at least had an interest in dance, I don't think I can even name any of Casey's hobbies. Her most interesting trait is a revelation towards the end that It’s a nice moment when it’s revealed, but since Shay is already dead, it doesn't have much impact and it also feels like the book is trying to ride on Shay's coattails and say, “Remember the most captivating character in this series? Does bringing him up make you feel like this book and these characters are more interesting than they really are? No?"
Casey's connection to Shay is the most interesting thing about her, and that says everything you need to know about how "Ashes" lands as a follow-up to "Torment." Shay is still carrying this series on his back from beyond the grave, which, I mean....good for him. But, that shouldn't need to happen! It's telling that no new characters are remotely on his level. If a book needs to rely on a character who's from a different book and is already dead in order to try and evoke Emotion — that's a big sign that the new characters aren't delivering enough!
“Torment” had depth and psychological complexity. The weakest part was the end, when the plot with the Faceless was abruptly shoehorned in. “Ashes” is just all of the weak parts of “Torment,” it's the Faceless plot with none of that story's dark psychological complexity.
The “Torment” characters who appear in “Ashes” are James, Gavin, Aron, Elias, Keenan, Keenan’s dad, and that guy who asked Mina out when they were 13 and then Shay beat him up. For the most part, they’re short one-scene cameos. If you’re a huge fan, “Ashes” is worth a read for “Torment” crumbs, but it really is crumbs.
Standalone RHs are rare because the relationships need time to develop and unfold. Very few books can pull it off in just one volume, and this one doesn’t quite do it. (Sidenote: if you want a gritty RH with gang themes plus an estranged childhood friends to lovers trope that's excellent, see Bea Paige's "Academy of Stardom" series). The relationships in "Ashes" feel rushed, flashbacks to their childhood don't make up for a lack of development in the present-day. The guys – Vail, Lee, and Shaw — are typical RH archetypes (the alpha leader, the nice guy jokester, the dark troubled one) with nothing unique about them. They’re lacking that special extra pizzaz that Shay had.
If it sounds like I’m comparing “Ashes” too much to “Torment,” I am aware that it’s a different book with different characters! But, “Ashes” does itself no favors in positioning itself as a follow up. If “Ashes” didn’t want to be compared to “Torment,” then it shouldn’t have been the next book in the series.
I’ll still read the fourth “Bleeding Hearts” book, especially because I have a feeling it might be about Jeremy and he’s very intriguing with Shay- like potential. But, I'll lower my expectations.
Essentially, “Ashes” is an awkward combination of a childhood friends to lovers RH story, and a gang plot about two different MCs plus teenage high school gangs they’re collaborating with trying to stop the Faceless (yet another gang) from trafficking teen girls. If that sounds convoluted, yes, it is! I like unlikely trope combinations, but "childhood friends to lovers plus gangs and human trafficking" doesn't quite mesh together, here.
Casey, the main character, is a blank-slate personality type, like Mina in “Torment,” but it felt like a deliberate artistic choice in that duet, since Mina's personality was so shaped by Shay. For Casey, she just feels underdeveloped. Mina at least had an interest in dance, I don't think I can even name any of Casey's hobbies. Her most interesting trait is a revelation towards the end that It’s a nice moment when it’s revealed, but since Shay is already dead, it doesn't have much impact and it also feels like the book is trying to ride on Shay's coattails and say, “Remember the most captivating character in this series? Does bringing him up make you feel like this book and these characters are more interesting than they really are? No?"
Casey's connection to Shay is the most interesting thing about her, and that says everything you need to know about how "Ashes" lands as a follow-up to "Torment." Shay is still carrying this series on his back from beyond the grave, which, I mean....good for him. But, that shouldn't need to happen! It's telling that no new characters are remotely on his level. If a book needs to rely on a character who's from a different book and is already dead in order to try and evoke Emotion — that's a big sign that the new characters aren't delivering enough!
“Torment” had depth and psychological complexity. The weakest part was the end, when the plot with the Faceless was abruptly shoehorned in. “Ashes” is just all of the weak parts of “Torment,” it's the Faceless plot with none of that story's dark psychological complexity.
The “Torment” characters who appear in “Ashes” are James, Gavin, Aron, Elias, Keenan, Keenan’s dad, and that guy who asked Mina out when they were 13 and then Shay beat him up. For the most part, they’re short one-scene cameos. If you’re a huge fan, “Ashes” is worth a read for “Torment” crumbs, but it really is crumbs.
Standalone RHs are rare because the relationships need time to develop and unfold. Very few books can pull it off in just one volume, and this one doesn’t quite do it. (Sidenote: if you want a gritty RH with gang themes plus an estranged childhood friends to lovers trope that's excellent, see Bea Paige's "Academy of Stardom" series). The relationships in "Ashes" feel rushed, flashbacks to their childhood don't make up for a lack of development in the present-day. The guys – Vail, Lee, and Shaw — are typical RH archetypes (the alpha leader, the nice guy jokester, the dark troubled one) with nothing unique about them. They’re lacking that special extra pizzaz that Shay had.
If it sounds like I’m comparing “Ashes” too much to “Torment,” I am aware that it’s a different book with different characters! But, “Ashes” does itself no favors in positioning itself as a follow up. If “Ashes” didn’t want to be compared to “Torment,” then it shouldn’t have been the next book in the series.
I’ll still read the fourth “Bleeding Hearts” book, especially because I have a feeling it might be about Jeremy and he’s very intriguing with Shay- like potential. But, I'll lower my expectations.
October 22, 2021
Heartbroken after the second book in the series, I was admittedly nervous reading Ashes. I adored Dylan’s writing style, but Torment left me hung over for weeks. So, I read Ashes, excited to get my hands on the next book in the series, but with the caution I would have used opening up Tom Riddles diary- It’s a little dangerous after all and you might get hurt
To be clear, this is NOT a continuation of Torment. It is a new h, Casey, and her guys Vail, Shaw and Lee.
I do not normally read RH. However mixed with the the amazing world building Dylan is becoming known for, I found myself not only believing that the dynamic would form, but also drawn into the story. She tells stories with a raw realism, drawing us into her world, often using music to throw an added punch. I also enjoyed the jealous banter and possessiveness inside a JP RH. In this situation, I actually found myself in the spirit of the RH "why choose"
![](https://tse2.explicit.bing.net/th?id=OIP.dHGhd6MO4A9Y5AtIsZY6pwHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&w=279&h=158"/)
Dylan has quickly become a “must preorder” author for me, my palette cleansing author since her stories are so different than the rest. I read her not just for the romance but the story behind it as well. I look forward to what she does next.
To be clear, this is NOT a continuation of Torment. It is a new h, Casey, and her guys Vail, Shaw and Lee.
I do not normally read RH. However mixed with the the amazing world building Dylan is becoming known for, I found myself not only believing that the dynamic would form, but also drawn into the story. She tells stories with a raw realism, drawing us into her world, often using music to throw an added punch. I also enjoyed the jealous banter and possessiveness inside a JP RH. In this situation, I actually found myself in the spirit of the RH "why choose"
Dylan has quickly become a “must preorder” author for me, my palette cleansing author since her stories are so different than the rest. I read her not just for the romance but the story behind it as well. I look forward to what she does next.
November 29, 2021
As much as I would love to see the demise of Elias and The Faceless, I don't think I will be continuing with the series. It just doesn't have the same vibe as the first two in the series. While I was completely absorbed by Shay and Mina from the get-go, the characters in this one were a bit 'meh'. Of course I don't expect to have another Shay in this one, nor do I want another Shay, but I expect something MORE than this.
September 9, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️s - This was my first time reading a RH/why choose book, and I’m hooked! I came across this genre completely by accident because I absolutely love Dylan’s writing style. Her Torment Duet was one of the most beautifully told stories I’ve read in a long time, so I had to check out her next series. I’m glad I started my RH journey with Ashes because it features one of my favorite tropes—childhood friends to lovers—but times three! 🤭
The book isn’t overly spicy (only about 2-3 smut scenes in over 430+ pages), but the tension is off the charts because of the characters' shared history. It’s not as intense as I expected, but still an enjoyable introduction to the genre. The only reason I didn’t give it a higher rating is that I wish Dylan had given Casey and the boys more time to bond and explore their domestic life after being separated for so long. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to each boy’s childhood and learning why they’re so devoted to Casey—she’s like an angel who saved them all. I just wish it was more of a character-driven book rather than focusing so much on the gang plot, which I didn’t care about as much.
————————————————————————————-
• Casey – Ahhh, I absolutely love her! She's witty, sharp-tongued, and knows how to stand up for herself. Most importantly, she loves all her boys equally, which completely warms my heart ❤️
• Vail – The leader/alpha of the group. He’s your classic brutal and ruthless male lead, but he has a soft spot for Casey and his closest friends.
• Lee – The funny and sensible one, always looking out for Casey and adding a cheeky charm to the group. He's also super protective, which I loved 😏
• Shaw – My absolute favorite 🥰 He’s the baby of the group and has the sweetest connection with Casey. He used to fall asleep holding her hand as kids—how adorable is that? Plus, he’s a virgin because he didn’t want to be with anyone but Casey 😮💨 Their bond feels the strongest, and I honestly wish they had more scenes together 🥲
The book isn’t overly spicy (only about 2-3 smut scenes in over 430+ pages), but the tension is off the charts because of the characters' shared history. It’s not as intense as I expected, but still an enjoyable introduction to the genre. The only reason I didn’t give it a higher rating is that I wish Dylan had given Casey and the boys more time to bond and explore their domestic life after being separated for so long. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to each boy’s childhood and learning why they’re so devoted to Casey—she’s like an angel who saved them all. I just wish it was more of a character-driven book rather than focusing so much on the gang plot, which I didn’t care about as much.
————————————————————————————-
• Casey – Ahhh, I absolutely love her! She's witty, sharp-tongued, and knows how to stand up for herself. Most importantly, she loves all her boys equally, which completely warms my heart ❤️
• Vail – The leader/alpha of the group. He’s your classic brutal and ruthless male lead, but he has a soft spot for Casey and his closest friends.
• Lee – The funny and sensible one, always looking out for Casey and adding a cheeky charm to the group. He's also super protective, which I loved 😏
• Shaw – My absolute favorite 🥰 He’s the baby of the group and has the sweetest connection with Casey. He used to fall asleep holding her hand as kids—how adorable is that? Plus, he’s a virgin because he didn’t want to be with anyone but Casey 😮💨 Their bond feels the strongest, and I honestly wish they had more scenes together 🥲
Read
November 5, 2021Meh 😑, sorry I’m disappointed and I like to say it how it is.
October 13, 2021
Dylan Page you are a GODESS!
Ashes was everything I hoped it would be… while leaving me wanting more.
Casey is such a young woman who is dealt a bad hand in life. Tragedy and loss throw her back to her old neighborhood of Harley. While trying to reacclimate to her old life and neighborhood she reunites with her childhood friends Vail, Shaw and Lee. The trials and tribulations these four went thru as children made their bond note worth but what they go thru once reunited? Make for one of the best RHs I’ve ever read and true page turner. There are secrets revealed and so many questions I now have. I can’t wait for book FOUR!!
The best thing about this? She loves all her men equally. There isn’t one more important then another and she has a true bond with each.
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGERS. This is so important when getting into this series as well as this book. There are many triggers and they need to be taken seriously.
Ashes was everything I hoped it would be… while leaving me wanting more.
Casey is such a young woman who is dealt a bad hand in life. Tragedy and loss throw her back to her old neighborhood of Harley. While trying to reacclimate to her old life and neighborhood she reunites with her childhood friends Vail, Shaw and Lee. The trials and tribulations these four went thru as children made their bond note worth but what they go thru once reunited? Make for one of the best RHs I’ve ever read and true page turner. There are secrets revealed and so many questions I now have. I can’t wait for book FOUR!!
The best thing about this? She loves all her men equally. There isn’t one more important then another and she has a true bond with each.
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGERS. This is so important when getting into this series as well as this book. There are many triggers and they need to be taken seriously.
October 26, 2021
❛fate is as fickle as an unattended flame, you never know what’s going to happen— and sometimes, all that’s left are the ashes.❜
Torment I and II are all time favourite books of mine (even though part 2 crushed me like no book ever has🥲😭), so when i got to know that there would be a third book in the Bleeding Hearts series— i freaking screamed!!!
back into Dylan’s made-up world of motorcycle clubs, street gangs and mafias, and add a reverse harem to the dark mix, #whychoose *rolls up sleeves dramatically* GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY.
and boy, did Dylan give us a story😌.
“Then there were them; Vail, Lee and Shaw. The three boys I grew up with. […] Once upon a time they tried to protect me from the hardships of our neighbourhood. Now they are the hardship. But like the nursery rhyme we used to sing, eventually, we all…fall…down.”
cough, i’d like to stake my claim here, I CALL DIBS ON VAIL. AND SHAW. AND LEE.
i want them all🥲.
*gets laser beam shot by other readers*
“Because my heart aches for you, my soul cries for you. I need you and you need me. I’ve loved you from the very first moment, Casey. That has never changed.”
Vail, Lee and Shaw were all so uniquely broken, that i wanted to walk into the novel and give them a group hug. (even though they would murder me at first sight (bc love at first sight is too overrated🤪)…… and that they only have eyes for Casey.)
look at me being jealous of casey :’)
kidding. i LOVED casey. it is honestly so refreshing to see a violent FMC who can stand up for herself and give a bitch slap once in a while😌 #stan casey for clear skin.
combine these characters with a fast paced, thrill filled plot, and some resurfacing old comfort characters from the Torment duet (whose appearances made me want to burst into happy tears), and now you have the perfect story to give you a book hangover because this book is THAT good.
* a billion thanks to Affinity Author Services for providing me with a review copy for such a fantastic book!🤍
* and Dylan Page, you did it again. i’m ruined for any other reverse harem now🥲.
catch me at my bookstagram: https://instagram.com/mygreypages
Torment I and II are all time favourite books of mine (even though part 2 crushed me like no book ever has🥲😭), so when i got to know that there would be a third book in the Bleeding Hearts series— i freaking screamed!!!
back into Dylan’s made-up world of motorcycle clubs, street gangs and mafias, and add a reverse harem to the dark mix, #whychoose *rolls up sleeves dramatically* GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY.
and boy, did Dylan give us a story😌.
“Then there were them; Vail, Lee and Shaw. The three boys I grew up with. […] Once upon a time they tried to protect me from the hardships of our neighbourhood. Now they are the hardship. But like the nursery rhyme we used to sing, eventually, we all…fall…down.”
cough, i’d like to stake my claim here, I CALL DIBS ON VAIL. AND SHAW. AND LEE.
i want them all🥲.
*gets laser beam shot by other readers*
“Because my heart aches for you, my soul cries for you. I need you and you need me. I’ve loved you from the very first moment, Casey. That has never changed.”
Vail, Lee and Shaw were all so uniquely broken, that i wanted to walk into the novel and give them a group hug. (even though they would murder me at first sight (bc love at first sight is too overrated🤪)…… and that they only have eyes for Casey.)
look at me being jealous of casey :’)
kidding. i LOVED casey. it is honestly so refreshing to see a violent FMC who can stand up for herself and give a bitch slap once in a while😌 #stan casey for clear skin.
combine these characters with a fast paced, thrill filled plot, and some resurfacing old comfort characters from the Torment duet (whose appearances made me want to burst into happy tears), and now you have the perfect story to give you a book hangover because this book is THAT good.
* a billion thanks to Affinity Author Services for providing me with a review copy for such a fantastic book!🤍
* and Dylan Page, you did it again. i’m ruined for any other reverse harem now🥲.
catch me at my bookstagram: https://instagram.com/mygreypages
July 7, 2024
3⭐️
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE TORMENT DUET. Like that two part duet is a duet I will NEVER live without. It has my whole heart ❤️ so naturally reading into book 3 in the series. I’m expecting the same level, if not similar at least.
But whilst I liked this book, and there are quite a few elements of surprise and angst. This book mainly felt like a filler to ‘world build’ outside of the Celtic Beasts MC from the duet, so we could understand the nature of the wider MC presence in Ashland and Harley.
I loved the history of Casey, Vail, Shaw and Lee’s relationship. I like that Dylan showed us Casey first living in Harley, then The Hill and then going back to Harley. I kind of enjoyed when Casey started at Harley Institute and her navigating a world so different to the one she had moved to. Setting the scene for us. It annoyed me when we started getting information dripped in on the different gangs, mainly because the drip was slow and also Casey getting back with the boys was so slow, like 50% of the book slow 😂
But when it ramped up, it blew up in flames. We hurdled through the last few chapters with shit tons going on….
🖤 Lee going to La Maison Rouge with Casey
🖤 Jeremy recognising Casey instantly
🖤 In the first few chapters Casey’s friend being followed by a biker, but who??
🖤 Elias & the Faceless, the jackals, and Jeremy - JEREMY FFS WHAT A PSYCHO - now w know where ‘Ashes’ came from 🔥🔥🔥
🖤 The spades and the beasts coming together to free the girls and save them
🖤 Casey’s real father 😱😱😱
🖤 Keenan made an appearance at the end, and Chase Mathers, along with a mysterious blonde boy who has his sights set on Jeremy only
Whilst we were introduced to quite a few new players, I felt like we were handed our plate of food with no cutlery to eat it up. None of it makes any sense right now.
I really enjoyed the tidbits of romance between Casey & her boys, the beautiful epilogue - a reference back to their childhood - and the proposal. But this story wasn’t really about them, they were just players on the chessboard.
There is a bigger picture and hopefully, the next book will reveal all??
🖤♠️👹🏍️♠️🖤
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE TORMENT DUET. Like that two part duet is a duet I will NEVER live without. It has my whole heart ❤️ so naturally reading into book 3 in the series. I’m expecting the same level, if not similar at least.
But whilst I liked this book, and there are quite a few elements of surprise and angst. This book mainly felt like a filler to ‘world build’ outside of the Celtic Beasts MC from the duet, so we could understand the nature of the wider MC presence in Ashland and Harley.
I loved the history of Casey, Vail, Shaw and Lee’s relationship. I like that Dylan showed us Casey first living in Harley, then The Hill and then going back to Harley. I kind of enjoyed when Casey started at Harley Institute and her navigating a world so different to the one she had moved to. Setting the scene for us. It annoyed me when we started getting information dripped in on the different gangs, mainly because the drip was slow and also Casey getting back with the boys was so slow, like 50% of the book slow 😂
But when it ramped up, it blew up in flames. We hurdled through the last few chapters with shit tons going on….
🖤 Lee going to La Maison Rouge with Casey
🖤 Jeremy recognising Casey instantly
🖤 In the first few chapters Casey’s friend being followed by a biker, but who??
🖤 Elias & the Faceless, the jackals, and Jeremy - JEREMY FFS WHAT A PSYCHO - now w know where ‘Ashes’ came from 🔥🔥🔥
🖤 The spades and the beasts coming together to free the girls and save them
🖤 Casey’s real father 😱😱😱
🖤 Keenan made an appearance at the end, and Chase Mathers, along with a mysterious blonde boy who has his sights set on Jeremy only
Whilst we were introduced to quite a few new players, I felt like we were handed our plate of food with no cutlery to eat it up. None of it makes any sense right now.
I really enjoyed the tidbits of romance between Casey & her boys, the beautiful epilogue - a reference back to their childhood - and the proposal. But this story wasn’t really about them, they were just players on the chessboard.
There is a bigger picture and hopefully, the next book will reveal all??
🖤♠️👹🏍️♠️🖤
October 26, 2021
Casey and her three friends Vail, Lee and Shaw are so close but she moves away, on to a better life but that all comes crashes back down and she back.
She hates that they ghosted her but now she’s back they aren’t letting her go and for good reason, no girl is safe.
I can’t help but feel like I’ve missed something with this book with all the side characters. It was good to hear about some of the others from the previous stories but now having read this i would have thought the ending to book 2 could have been different!
There were a few too many similarities between the books as well.. spanking, names, backstory.
I hope for more to know what happened to the rest of MC
Xx
She hates that they ghosted her but now she’s back they aren’t letting her go and for good reason, no girl is safe.
I can’t help but feel like I’ve missed something with this book with all the side characters. It was good to hear about some of the others from the previous stories but now having read this i would have thought the ending to book 2 could have been different!
There were a few too many similarities between the books as well.. spanking, names, backstory.
I hope for more to know what happened to the rest of MC
Xx
August 14, 2025
𖤐⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ 3 stars ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆𖤐
what in the helly did I just read?
what in the helly did I just read?
October 17, 2021
4/5 ⭐️ • 4/5 🔥
I have been dyyying to get my hands on this book! The Torment duet is probably the best read of 2021 for me so my expectations were extremely high.
This author knows how to write damn good characters and storyline. The guys in this book were perfection; Especially Shaw. That man had my heart.
I really liked the flashbacks throughout the book; they were done in a seamlessly that kept the storyline flowing. Plus, the connections made from this book to Torment were 👌🏼
I felt like the beginning was a tad slow to get into, and at one point I felt overwhelmed by so many characters thrown our way. While I don’t think anything can top Torment, this was still a great follow up and I can already see where the last book will be going and I am here for it!
•• Must read Torment one & two before reading Ashes ••
I have been dyyying to get my hands on this book! The Torment duet is probably the best read of 2021 for me so my expectations were extremely high.
This author knows how to write damn good characters and storyline. The guys in this book were perfection; Especially Shaw. That man had my heart.
I really liked the flashbacks throughout the book; they were done in a seamlessly that kept the storyline flowing. Plus, the connections made from this book to Torment were 👌🏼
I felt like the beginning was a tad slow to get into, and at one point I felt overwhelmed by so many characters thrown our way. While I don’t think anything can top Torment, this was still a great follow up and I can already see where the last book will be going and I am here for it!
•• Must read Torment one & two before reading Ashes ••
November 27, 2021
Edited to add 12/27/2021
I've been thinking on this book for like a month and I have to lower my rating to a 3. There were just some issues I had that I didn't really clue into when I first finished it.
"we stick together, it's the only way to survive."
Ashes is the third book in the Bleeding Hearts series except this time with new characters. This is Casey's story and it was fantastic! After living a very privileged life in the rich end of Ashland, tragedy strikes and Casey Cooper must return to the rough end of town where she lived as kid and once again be faced with her three best friends who abandoned her. Lee, Shaw & Vail.
This a dark RH high school romance and I really enjoyed it. I thought Casey was a fantastic heroine and I loved seeing her love between the three guys. I like how in this harem there really isn't much jealousy and they all accept that Casey belongs with the three of them (even though Vail can be a domineering ass times lol)
I really liked all the side characters and seeing this twisted town from a fresh set of eyes. We also got to see some old characters which kinda made me super emotional.
I did knock off a star because I did find the story dragged/was a bit slow at times. The book is also written in past tense but here and there, there would be scenes that would randomly slip into present tense which kind of took me out of the story a little. Aside from that, I enjoyed everything else about this book!
I also just want to give a little shoutout to Dylan, because as a fellow Canadian girl I loved the little bits of Canada she snuck into this book (KD & Swiss Chalet specifically)
detailed content warnings are included in the beginning of the book.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I've been thinking on this book for like a month and I have to lower my rating to a 3. There were just some issues I had that I didn't really clue into when I first finished it.
"we stick together, it's the only way to survive."
Ashes is the third book in the Bleeding Hearts series except this time with new characters. This is Casey's story and it was fantastic! After living a very privileged life in the rich end of Ashland, tragedy strikes and Casey Cooper must return to the rough end of town where she lived as kid and once again be faced with her three best friends who abandoned her. Lee, Shaw & Vail.
This a dark RH high school romance and I really enjoyed it. I thought Casey was a fantastic heroine and I loved seeing her love between the three guys. I like how in this harem there really isn't much jealousy and they all accept that Casey belongs with the three of them (even though Vail can be a domineering ass times lol)
I really liked all the side characters and seeing this twisted town from a fresh set of eyes. We also got to see some old characters which kinda made me super emotional.
I did knock off a star because I did find the story dragged/was a bit slow at times. The book is also written in past tense but here and there, there would be scenes that would randomly slip into present tense which kind of took me out of the story a little. Aside from that, I enjoyed everything else about this book!
I also just want to give a little shoutout to Dylan, because as a fellow Canadian girl I loved the little bits of Canada she snuck into this book (KD & Swiss Chalet specifically)
detailed content warnings are included in the beginning of the book.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
So after reading some of the other reviews I feel the need to point out again this was not a continuation of Torment. It has a different cast and a much different feel. Now that, that is out of the way....
I love Dylan's writing, she makes you fall in love with these characters. I found myself genuinely upset because people I loved in the Torment Duet were now the villains. However, I fell hard for Casey and her boys and for a first time RH writer, I was impressed with how well they were written. I read a lot of RH, if it's not for you just move along. I felt a lot of emotions reading this, there was some pain, some love, some joy and some serious laughter brought in by some "borrowed characters". The way it ties in with both Torment and another series close to my heart, was brilliant. You really need to pay attention to all the subtle comments and clues because there is just so much that you can miss. It all comes together and while I am satisfied with how it ended, there are still so many questions I have and hopes for Book 4. Also, I got my own character!!! I will sit at Keegan's feet happily lol at least until a certain denim jacket wearing sociopath gets to Ashland and kills him.
I love Dylan's writing, she makes you fall in love with these characters. I found myself genuinely upset because people I loved in the Torment Duet were now the villains. However, I fell hard for Casey and her boys and for a first time RH writer, I was impressed with how well they were written. I read a lot of RH, if it's not for you just move along. I felt a lot of emotions reading this, there was some pain, some love, some joy and some serious laughter brought in by some "borrowed characters". The way it ties in with both Torment and another series close to my heart, was brilliant. You really need to pay attention to all the subtle comments and clues because there is just so much that you can miss. It all comes together and while I am satisfied with how it ended, there are still so many questions I have and hopes for Book 4. Also, I got my own character!!! I will sit at Keegan's feet happily lol at least until a certain denim jacket wearing sociopath gets to Ashland and kills him.
October 24, 2021
Firstly, this book is nothing like the Torment duo, it has some characters that make an appearance and it’s in the same town but that’s where the similarities end. The book jumps right into it, so buckle your seat belt, it’s a wild ride. I love how the book starts with the main characters as children, you see how they loved each other then and through various flashbacks as they got older and had reconnected. Dylan is the master of flashbacks, they are seamless and fit right into the story line. I loved all the boys but especially Vail, the moody alpha. Shaw was so broken and frail but strong at the same time. Lee was more light and happiness. And of course, Casey, the spitfire that keeps them all together. I love the complexity of the characters. There were also a few jaw dropping moments and a few appearances from some of my favorite characters from the Order of Ravens and Wolves series by T.L. Hodel. All in all, the book was phenomenal, while Torment broke me, I feel like this put me back together and gave me hope.
October 10, 2023
3.5 stars
October 27, 2021
Hard to believe it’s the same author.
I won’t give up on Dylan However this was not what I was expecting. After the masterpiece that was part 1&2 i was expecting to be just as effected however I was not.
Set in the same world as the first two books these characters are left to deal with the aftermath of what Shay left behind.
Casey or FMC i really liked her. She had a smart mouth and she stuck up for herself.
She dealt with a lot and thankfully she had a strong mother and three best friends to help her through a lot.
I don’t really like RH but depending on the author i may dive in. For this one i actually appreciated the end or the outcome of the relationship, it made sense to me.
Shaw, Lee & Vail.
I appreciated some diversity in this book but for a book this long i was not obsessed with any of these characters the way I was with Shay they were all written pretty surface. I liked them all fine and i wanted them protected but no one really stood out to me.
Even Shaw who was the most broken I was sad but i wasn’t intrigued i just needed him to be loved and helped. Lee great family good guy, Vail broken leader and that was the jest of it.
Even Casey’s female best friend she just seemed to disappear when i only kept reading because i had anxiety about something bad happening to her and again it seemed to be a dead end. Who was the biker? Casey just never followed up? It was weird
They brought in a whole new cast of characters from florida that felt weird and incomplete i get the connection but then what? Unless there is a long game felt unnecessary
hunter? What was his outcome?
We get it Shay left a bunch of distructjom .
Leave him alone. Don’t judge me 🙈
I have to really look at myself because Shay was so damaged and disgusting and needed Mina to get away from him his ending what the absolute right call but Keenan i just couldn’t get behind and I still can’t and could’ve done without the cameo. If he is the lead on the next book I will be skipping it .his staring at Casey *eye-roll* I also didn’t need Shays a**hole dad either.
Overall i gave it 3 stars, was bored but i liked Casey and i wanted to know who the biker was but didn’t get that’s answered. If torment was a 5 on dark gritty this was a 2. When the climax happened i did roll my eyes it was too neat someone who had been doing bad just decided he’s done and the Casey connection to prt one and two was anticlimactic and i could’ve done without it.
Heat scale is really low but I was ready for that. first one 60% in and there is a group scene but very sweet i was more interested in what was happening in the next room.
Def read if you want to continue this world for me I’m ready for the next.
I won’t give up on Dylan However this was not what I was expecting. After the masterpiece that was part 1&2 i was expecting to be just as effected however I was not.
Set in the same world as the first two books these characters are left to deal with the aftermath of what Shay left behind.
Casey or FMC i really liked her. She had a smart mouth and she stuck up for herself.
She dealt with a lot and thankfully she had a strong mother and three best friends to help her through a lot.
I don’t really like RH but depending on the author i may dive in. For this one i actually appreciated the end or the outcome of the relationship, it made sense to me.
Shaw, Lee & Vail.
I appreciated some diversity in this book but for a book this long i was not obsessed with any of these characters the way I was with Shay they were all written pretty surface. I liked them all fine and i wanted them protected but no one really stood out to me.
Even Shaw who was the most broken I was sad but i wasn’t intrigued i just needed him to be loved and helped. Lee great family good guy, Vail broken leader and that was the jest of it.
Even Casey’s female best friend she just seemed to disappear when i only kept reading because i had anxiety about something bad happening to her and again it seemed to be a dead end. Who was the biker? Casey just never followed up? It was weird
They brought in a whole new cast of characters from florida that felt weird and incomplete i get the connection but then what? Unless there is a long game felt unnecessary
hunter? What was his outcome?
We get it Shay left a bunch of distructjom .
Leave him alone. Don’t judge me 🙈
I have to really look at myself because Shay was so damaged and disgusting and needed Mina to get away from him his ending what the absolute right call but Keenan i just couldn’t get behind and I still can’t and could’ve done without the cameo. If he is the lead on the next book I will be skipping it .his staring at Casey *eye-roll* I also didn’t need Shays a**hole dad either.
Overall i gave it 3 stars, was bored but i liked Casey and i wanted to know who the biker was but didn’t get that’s answered. If torment was a 5 on dark gritty this was a 2. When the climax happened i did roll my eyes it was too neat someone who had been doing bad just decided he’s done and the Casey connection to prt one and two was anticlimactic and i could’ve done without it.
Heat scale is really low but I was ready for that. first one 60% in and there is a group scene but very sweet i was more interested in what was happening in the next room.
Def read if you want to continue this world for me I’m ready for the next.
October 24, 2021
This book has been difficult for me to review. It’s part of a series that is close to a lot of people’s hearts. So much so that it’s almost painful to read the little mentions of a certain character. If your a reader of RH you know how hard it is to convey a connection to every character that’s deeper than just finding them fuckable. I’ve only read maybe 5 where I’ve really loved each guy equally. Ashes has conveyed Casey’s connection to each guy really well and in a stand-alone too which is even more difficult. Casey is an interesting one, she’s soft even after the crap she’s been through but she’s still no pushover. Initial setting is in high school with no bullying from guys. They are obsessed and protective, my favourite type.
You can read it as a stand-alone (I’m pretty sure don’t quote me) The mentions of prior characters won’t confuse the story and the previous books in series only mentions in passing the characters in Asher.
In comparison to the other books in the series this one feels different ……..duh they’re different characters. There is a lot going on and trying to cram everything into one book maybe was a tall order but it definitely feels more restrained and I wonder if the author felt like she had to. A lot of people weren’t happy about the last ending and perhaps that’s affected this one. Along with precious bishes that can’t read trigger warnings, because she could’ve gone even darker and that’s what I love about Dylan’s writing she’s not afraid to go into the dark even if it hurts. (Wow that was deep lol)
Any who a solid recommend from me, if your a fan of the series or RH.
“You know why I won’t let you go?” he whispered at last.
“Because my heart aches for you, my soul cries for you. I need you and you need me. I’ve loved you from the very first moment…..😭😭😭
You can read it as a stand-alone (I’m pretty sure don’t quote me) The mentions of prior characters won’t confuse the story and the previous books in series only mentions in passing the characters in Asher.
In comparison to the other books in the series this one feels different ……..duh they’re different characters. There is a lot going on and trying to cram everything into one book maybe was a tall order but it definitely feels more restrained and I wonder if the author felt like she had to. A lot of people weren’t happy about the last ending and perhaps that’s affected this one. Along with precious bishes that can’t read trigger warnings, because she could’ve gone even darker and that’s what I love about Dylan’s writing she’s not afraid to go into the dark even if it hurts. (Wow that was deep lol)
Any who a solid recommend from me, if your a fan of the series or RH.
“You know why I won’t let you go?” he whispered at last.
“Because my heart aches for you, my soul cries for you. I need you and you need me. I’ve loved you from the very first moment…..😭😭😭
February 23, 2025
I was heartbroken after reading the torment duet it but knew how amazingly soul destroying Dylan Page writes her books so had to carry on the series(don’t know what that says about me).
Although this is not a continuation of torment I advise you read in order as old characters do appear in this book.
This book follows Casey and her guys Vail,Lee and Shaw, they have been best friends since childhood, they are inseparable and do everything together until something happens…
This isn’t as soul destroying as the torment duet but when I read Dylan Page’s books I can really visualise the realism of it, the world they all live in the dark world of gangs and MC, no one can walk the streets at night alone the gangs ruled everything and the schools.
The twist at the end I genuinely didn’t see that coming WOW!
I loved this one and the bond between the four of them is so intense but beautiful, they all go through their own trauma and find comfort and safety in each other, it’s reverse harem but there’s so much in the book it’s done so well.
Always check the trigger warnings!!!⚠️
Although this is not a continuation of torment I advise you read in order as old characters do appear in this book.
This book follows Casey and her guys Vail,Lee and Shaw, they have been best friends since childhood, they are inseparable and do everything together until something happens…
This isn’t as soul destroying as the torment duet but when I read Dylan Page’s books I can really visualise the realism of it, the world they all live in the dark world of gangs and MC, no one can walk the streets at night alone the gangs ruled everything and the schools.
The twist at the end I genuinely didn’t see that coming WOW!
I loved this one and the bond between the four of them is so intense but beautiful, they all go through their own trauma and find comfort and safety in each other, it’s reverse harem but there’s so much in the book it’s done so well.
Always check the trigger warnings!!!⚠️
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