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Shadows of London #3
Trial by Fire
The third book in the thrilling Shadows of London series.
Action, MM romance and adventure combine on the streets of London. Time is running out for John "Dom" Domenici.
It's not just Kempthorne's secrets bubbling to the surface of London's streets ...
Outmanoeuvred at every turn by the figure known as "M", only Alexander Kempthorne can free Dom, but juggling the horrors of his own past, containing a rising preternatural threat and the twisted machinations of "M" might just be too much, even for Kempthorne. Can Kage Mitchell be trusted to help?
Alexander Kempthorne lost an agent before. He'll not lose another. He'll do anything to save Dom, and if that means revealing who and what he truly is, then his time has come.
Action, MM romance and adventure combine on the streets of London. Time is running out for John "Dom" Domenici.
It's not just Kempthorne's secrets bubbling to the surface of London's streets ...
Outmanoeuvred at every turn by the figure known as "M", only Alexander Kempthorne can free Dom, but juggling the horrors of his own past, containing a rising preternatural threat and the twisted machinations of "M" might just be too much, even for Kempthorne. Can Kage Mitchell be trusted to help?
Alexander Kempthorne lost an agent before. He'll not lose another. He'll do anything to save Dom, and if that means revealing who and what he truly is, then his time has come.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
103 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Ariana Nash
51 books2,242 followersBorn to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
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June 28, 2022OUT NOW!
The answers to some questions you've all been asking:
★ In Trial by Fire we get Kempthorne's POV
★ Published March 18th
★ This will be the final book in this story arc BUT the series continues with a whole new story arc.
Thank you, Readers, for all the Dom, Kempthorne and Hollywood love!
The answers to some questions you've all been asking:
★ In Trial by Fire we get Kempthorne's POV
★ Published March 18th
★ This will be the final book in this story arc BUT the series continues with a whole new story arc.
Thank you, Readers, for all the Dom, Kempthorne and Hollywood love!
August 21, 2024
✅ Characters
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Plot
✅ Twists and roller coaster of emotions
✅ Action and pace
✅ World-building
✅ Powers / Magic
✅ Romance
✅ Sexual tension
✅ Smut MM
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mentions of past abuse
❗️❗️ Spoilers from the previous books in the review
Ariana Nash never disappoints. As always, the story is engaging, full of twists, angst, and sexual tension. It was a wild ride full of emotions and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time I read it. The writing is so well done, the dialogues are realistic and well developed to support the plot, and there are funny moments, heart-wrenching moments, and hot smutty scenes as well. I cannot recommend this author's series enough. If you love MM dark romances, you HAVE to read her series.
This book starts a few weeks after the disastrous and cruel ending of Tide of Tricks. Dom is still stuck in Wordsworth, while Kempthorne and the rest of the gang plus Kage are trying to get him out by any means necessary. Although they will soon realize that Dom being held in Wordsworth is not remotely the biggest problem they face. M's dark plan is now in motion, and all of London is at risk. Dom, Kempthorne, Gina, Robin, and Kage will have to find a way to work together to stop M before it's too late, which might prove hard since they can’t seem to trust each other after all the lies and betrayals they went through.
Some revelations were not that shocking, and objectively some mysteries were resolved with not as much complexity or struggles as I was expecting, but as a whole, this book was still amazing (and I know that I can be biased when it comes to Ariana Nash’s books because she is one of my auto-buy author, #sorrynotsorry). I was also happy to finally have light shed on M's devious plan since we'd only had hints and clues in the previous book.
Kempthorne having his own chapters in this book was amazing. I already loved him a lot in the previous books and I was really intrigued by his character, and now we could connect so much more with him. It allowed us to better understand his decisions which seemed cold and even ruthless at times, and we also learned more about his past. I really adored reading his chapters and at times I wanted to hug him and tell him that he was worthy of love and that everything would be alright, and at other times I wanted to slap him in the face. Hard.
He and Dom made me go through so many emotions in this book, but I LOVED IT! They deserve each other in the best way. They are both a little broken because of their past and are simply looking for someone to show them they are worthy of being loved.
Kage has been kind of a wild card since the second book, and it was hard to tell what was genuine, and what was a lie. He still made me doubt his true motivation and intentions in this book, but at least his character was less shady… Not because there were fewer lies, but because he admitted to most of it so at least we knew a little more what to expect from him. While a part of me is disappointed because I liked him in the first book, the other part of me is happy for these twists, and happy that he is more complex than he appeared. It will make the next book even more interesting I think, now that Dom knows the truth about Kage, but is still willing to go to America to help him because he truly cared about him, and I do believe that Kage did care about Dom too.
There was already a good amount of sexual tension between Dom and Kempthorne in the previous book, but this one takes it to a whole other level. Thanks to Kempthorne’s chapters, we quickly realize that a lot of pent-up sexual energy hides underneath the stoic mask. He is struggling just as much as Dom is with his desires and feelings, he’s just much better at hiding them and compartmentalizing everything. I also highly enjoyed seeing a more carefree, light, and happy side of him.
Every emotion seems to run deeper in this book. The characters are more intense, some also finally show their true colors, and there is more tension too as the stakes are getting higher. There was also a perfect amount of angst… Just enough to make me want to cry and scream at the characters and skim the pages so I could reassure myself that everything would end up being fine, but at the same time I enjoy angsty books so much because of all those feelings, I wanted this one to last longer…
This book marks the end of the trilogy and of this particular plotline, but the adventure is not over for Dom, Kempthorne, and Kage, and Truth or Dare will follow Kempthorne and Dom as they go to America to save Kage’s ass after he was likely taken by the LOA for failing his assignment.
1. Twisted Pretty Things ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Tide of Tricks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ 2 POVs
✅ Plot
✅ Twists and roller coaster of emotions
✅ Action and pace
✅ World-building
✅ Powers / Magic
✅ Romance
✅ Sexual tension
✅ Smut MM
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mentions of past abuse
❗️❗️ Spoilers from the previous books in the review
“Let’s Kempthorne-and-Co the shit out of this.”
Ariana Nash never disappoints. As always, the story is engaging, full of twists, angst, and sexual tension. It was a wild ride full of emotions and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time I read it. The writing is so well done, the dialogues are realistic and well developed to support the plot, and there are funny moments, heart-wrenching moments, and hot smutty scenes as well. I cannot recommend this author's series enough. If you love MM dark romances, you HAVE to read her series.
I reached for the custard creams.
“No,” Robin snapped. “They stay there. Until he’s back.”
This book starts a few weeks after the disastrous and cruel ending of Tide of Tricks. Dom is still stuck in Wordsworth, while Kempthorne and the rest of the gang plus Kage are trying to get him out by any means necessary. Although they will soon realize that Dom being held in Wordsworth is not remotely the biggest problem they face. M's dark plan is now in motion, and all of London is at risk. Dom, Kempthorne, Gina, Robin, and Kage will have to find a way to work together to stop M before it's too late, which might prove hard since they can’t seem to trust each other after all the lies and betrayals they went through.
I’d learned, over the years, there was a fine line between threatening and charming, and it really was very easy to switch between the two in a blink.
Some revelations were not that shocking, and objectively some mysteries were resolved with not as much complexity or struggles as I was expecting, but as a whole, this book was still amazing (and I know that I can be biased when it comes to Ariana Nash’s books because she is one of my auto-buy author, #sorrynotsorry). I was also happy to finally have light shed on M's devious plan since we'd only had hints and clues in the previous book.
I lived two lives. Two halves. The half everyone saw and assumed was real, and the half I kept to myself. The damaged, neurotic, paranoid half. The real me beneath the suits, the expensive watches, the fast cars, and the dazzling smiles. I walked the line between the two with every breath. Dom had seen the real me. Robin had too. There had been others, over the years, but they were gone now.
Kempthorne having his own chapters in this book was amazing. I already loved him a lot in the previous books and I was really intrigued by his character, and now we could connect so much more with him. It allowed us to better understand his decisions which seemed cold and even ruthless at times, and we also learned more about his past. I really adored reading his chapters and at times I wanted to hug him and tell him that he was worthy of love and that everything would be alright, and at other times I wanted to slap him in the face. Hard.
He and Dom made me go through so many emotions in this book, but I LOVED IT! They deserve each other in the best way. They are both a little broken because of their past and are simply looking for someone to show them they are worthy of being loved.
“Dom accused me of poisoning him,” Kage said.
“Good lord, how terrible. Perhaps you shouldn’t have then.”
Kage has been kind of a wild card since the second book, and it was hard to tell what was genuine, and what was a lie. He still made me doubt his true motivation and intentions in this book, but at least his character was less shady… Not because there were fewer lies, but because he admitted to most of it so at least we knew a little more what to expect from him. While a part of me is disappointed because I liked him in the first book, the other part of me is happy for these twists, and happy that he is more complex than he appeared. It will make the next book even more interesting I think, now that Dom knows the truth about Kage, but is still willing to go to America to help him because he truly cared about him, and I do believe that Kage did care about Dom too.
I’d known when the dam that was Kempthorne finally spilled over, he’d be unstoppable, but knowing it and feeling it were two very different things.
He tasted of whisky and rage.
There was already a good amount of sexual tension between Dom and Kempthorne in the previous book, but this one takes it to a whole other level. Thanks to Kempthorne’s chapters, we quickly realize that a lot of pent-up sexual energy hides underneath the stoic mask. He is struggling just as much as Dom is with his desires and feelings, he’s just much better at hiding them and compartmentalizing everything. I also highly enjoyed seeing a more carefree, light, and happy side of him.
I laughed and had to look away to keep from showing too much of how I’d loved this – loved being around him, loved…him.
Every emotion seems to run deeper in this book. The characters are more intense, some also finally show their true colors, and there is more tension too as the stakes are getting higher. There was also a perfect amount of angst… Just enough to make me want to cry and scream at the characters and skim the pages so I could reassure myself that everything would end up being fine, but at the same time I enjoy angsty books so much because of all those feelings, I wanted this one to last longer…
“Thanks.” I swallowed. “For picking me up, for everything.”
“Always.”
“Just so we’re clear, I’d go anywhere with you.”
This book marks the end of the trilogy and of this particular plotline, but the adventure is not over for Dom, Kempthorne, and Kage, and Truth or Dare will follow Kempthorne and Dom as they go to America to save Kage’s ass after he was likely taken by the LOA for failing his assignment.
1. Twisted Pretty Things ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Tide of Tricks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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August 3, 2025
I couldn't really cajole all my feelings into a coherent review last night when I finished this, and still lowkey can't. because the “you know I care about you, right? But I’m going to fuck you like I don’t” vibes literally melted my horny-ass into a brain rot state 🥵🥵🥵
This book was a lot darker than the others, and so very full of trauma. (Some of it I found to be poorly explained, but I was thriving on vibes,& hot men kissing towards the end)
We do get the kemp POV though 😍
(AND ALLLLLLL THE KEMP FEELINGS??? Who woulda known this mysterious rich put together man was just a big old ball of yearning????)
We get the build up 😍
WE GET THE SEXY AF REWARD
I am on a fucking roll right now, of book men who keep themselves from each other and then when they finally come together, it’s an explosion of joy… (for them and for me 🤭)
Tbh, I had enough of the love triangle in this one, and finally the triangle started to fall apart and I was happy…. But that ending got the triangle reconnecting??? AND IM NOT ABOUT IT.
The fuck is going on with these three idiots???
I don’t want to spoil it for myselfBUT FUCK I AM GETTING FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I DON’T THINK THIS IS MMM BUT LIKE WHY THE FUCK ISN’T IT MMM??? BUT MAYBE IT IS??? BUT IF ITS NOT???
When they finally do more than kissing after 3 books though:
This book was a lot darker than the others, and so very full of trauma. (Some of it I found to be poorly explained, but I was thriving on vibes,& hot men kissing towards the end)
We do get the kemp POV though 😍
(AND ALLLLLLL THE KEMP FEELINGS??? Who woulda known this mysterious rich put together man was just a big old ball of yearning????)
We get the build up 😍
WE GET THE SEXY AF REWARD
I am on a fucking roll right now, of book men who keep themselves from each other and then when they finally come together, it’s an explosion of joy… (for them and for me 🤭)
Tbh, I had enough of the love triangle in this one, and finally the triangle started to fall apart and I was happy…. But that ending got the triangle reconnecting??? AND IM NOT ABOUT IT.
The fuck is going on with these three idiots???
I don’t want to spoil it for myselfBUT FUCK I AM GETTING FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I DON’T THINK THIS IS MMM BUT LIKE WHY THE FUCK ISN’T IT MMM??? BUT MAYBE IT IS??? BUT IF ITS NOT???
When they finally do more than kissing after 3 books though:
January 8, 2023
love Dom and Kempthorne so much🥺 this series is giving me all the feels
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 9, 2022
"I'm going to have you like I should have months ago. If you're gonna run away, do it fucking now, because I'm not letting you go after this."
i'm starting to see the light with this series. 👀
the romance progression? SO GOOD!! this book was way better than the first two books combined, imo. i liked the moments between Dom and Kempthorne in the other two, but that was it. i wasn't really invested in anything else so it was a struggle to get through, but for this book, both the characters and plot drew me in.
i loved how we finally had Kempthorne's pov!! seeing his jealousy and possessiveness and how he truly felt about Dom while also learning about his backstory was simply everything. 🥺 i loved how, the moment Kempthorne showed even a slight interest in Dom, Dom was all in. 😌
Kage was...being Kage. i thought his character was kinda interesting in book one, but now i don't care much for him. it doesn't help that i never felt anything towards whatever he had with Dom. 😅 after the ending though, i hope .
it broke me when .
i'm starting to see the light with this series. 👀
the romance progression? SO GOOD!! this book was way better than the first two books combined, imo. i liked the moments between Dom and Kempthorne in the other two, but that was it. i wasn't really invested in anything else so it was a struggle to get through, but for this book, both the characters and plot drew me in.
i loved how we finally had Kempthorne's pov!! seeing his jealousy and possessiveness and how he truly felt about Dom while also learning about his backstory was simply everything. 🥺 i loved how, the moment Kempthorne showed even a slight interest in Dom, Dom was all in. 😌
Kage was...being Kage. i thought his character was kinda interesting in book one, but now i don't care much for him. it doesn't help that i never felt anything towards whatever he had with Dom. 😅 after the ending though, i hope .
it broke me when .
March 18, 2022
"I lived two lives. Two halves. The half everyone saw and assumed was real, and the half I kept to myself. The damaged, neurotic, paranoid half. The real me beneath the suits, the expensive watches, the fast cars, and the dazzling smiles."
What an absolute joy to finally get inside the head of the delicious Alexander Kempthorne, in Ariana Nash's Trial by Fire, which is book three in the Shadows of London series. Whilst Trial by Fire concludes this story arc, the boys will return in book 4 in the series, Truth or Dare.
BE WARNED: this CAN NOT be read as a standalone and whilst I will try to write a spoiler free post, you really need to stop reading here if you haven’t read the first two books; just know that this is a 5 star, MM, urban fantasy series and start immediately on Twisted Pretty Things 😍.
THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD.....
We pick up where Tide of Tricks finished, with Kempthorne desperately trying to free Dom from Wordsworth. The mysterious 'M' remains the master of manipulation, Kage is up to his usual tricksy self and the Kempthorne Agency team is in disarray.
The magic is more intense, the storyline is darker and the characters' moral qualities are tested and exposed. But through it all, Alex and Dom remain relationship goals (albeit with a few bumps along the road!) and I was shipping them soooo hard 💙💜.
"I kissed him. Slowly at first. Carefully. Because it always felt too good, as though he might turn to dust and slip through my fingers."
Honestly, you totally need to read this series. It has a little bit of everything - action, humour, betrayal, magic, evil, murder, heartbreak, intrigue - and some super steamy times that were sooo worth the wait 🔥.
Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ cracker by Ms Nash.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
What an absolute joy to finally get inside the head of the delicious Alexander Kempthorne, in Ariana Nash's Trial by Fire, which is book three in the Shadows of London series. Whilst Trial by Fire concludes this story arc, the boys will return in book 4 in the series, Truth or Dare.
BE WARNED: this CAN NOT be read as a standalone and whilst I will try to write a spoiler free post, you really need to stop reading here if you haven’t read the first two books; just know that this is a 5 star, MM, urban fantasy series and start immediately on Twisted Pretty Things 😍.
THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD.....
We pick up where Tide of Tricks finished, with Kempthorne desperately trying to free Dom from Wordsworth. The mysterious 'M' remains the master of manipulation, Kage is up to his usual tricksy self and the Kempthorne Agency team is in disarray.
The magic is more intense, the storyline is darker and the characters' moral qualities are tested and exposed. But through it all, Alex and Dom remain relationship goals (albeit with a few bumps along the road!) and I was shipping them soooo hard 💙💜.
"I kissed him. Slowly at first. Carefully. Because it always felt too good, as though he might turn to dust and slip through my fingers."
Honestly, you totally need to read this series. It has a little bit of everything - action, humour, betrayal, magic, evil, murder, heartbreak, intrigue - and some super steamy times that were sooo worth the wait 🔥.
Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ cracker by Ms Nash.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
July 8, 2022
Romantic, Unpredictable and definitely a page-turner. 💃 💃 Hey!!!..don't mind me, I am just too happy after reading back-to-back 4-5 star rated books. 😁😁
First of all, I think I am the smartest for picking this series now. Because I am sure I could have died if I had to wait for this book after all that pain and suffering of the last book. Second, I have liked Ariana Nash's writing since I read 'The silk and Steel' series by her but this one here is a true gem and now I have upgraded her as my auto-buy author.
Damn!!! She can make me care and feel for the characters in one minute and then want to throttle them in another. She made me giddy in some scenes and not only with romance, and then dumped cold water all over my face to wake me up.😂😂 She definitely knows how to play with readers' emotions.
But, even with all the thrill and pain, the romance is the best part of the book. The pining was sweet but when they finally decided to let go of all concerns was sweetest.
This is for sure my favorite book of the series and now I am so scared of starting the next book because I am loving this temporary harmony and don't want my boys to suffer anymore. But, having read AN in the past, I know it is never gonna happen.😔😔😔
P.S-You, know what the best thing about reading a British author???? The awesome feeling I get whenever someone says, "I will start a kettle" or "Let's talk this over tea" or anything related to TEA.
First of all, I think I am the smartest for picking this series now. Because I am sure I could have died if I had to wait for this book after all that pain and suffering of the last book. Second, I have liked Ariana Nash's writing since I read 'The silk and Steel' series by her but this one here is a true gem and now I have upgraded her as my auto-buy author.
Damn!!! She can make me care and feel for the characters in one minute and then want to throttle them in another. She made me giddy in some scenes and not only with romance, and then dumped cold water all over my face to wake me up.😂😂 She definitely knows how to play with readers' emotions.
But, even with all the thrill and pain, the romance is the best part of the book. The pining was sweet but when they finally decided to let go of all concerns was sweetest.
This is for sure my favorite book of the series and now I am so scared of starting the next book because I am loving this temporary harmony and don't want my boys to suffer anymore. But, having read AN in the past, I know it is never gonna happen.😔😔😔
P.S-You, know what the best thing about reading a British author???? The awesome feeling I get whenever someone says, "I will start a kettle" or "Let's talk this over tea" or anything related to TEA.
December 22, 2022
Fuck this series is so good!
I love that we get Alexander's perspective in this one. We finally get a glimpse into his mind. With Kempthorne's POV we get a lot more insight into his background, and it plays a large role in the plot. As Dom and Alex investigate the mysterious "M" and discover why they're exploiting latents.
Dom and Alex's romance was everything I wanted and craved. Sorry Hollywood, you were cute but we all knew Dom and Alex were endgame from book 1 (from book 1's synopsis tbh).
Trial by Fire was so intense and action-packed, I loved every bit of it.
I love that we get Alexander's perspective in this one. We finally get a glimpse into his mind. With Kempthorne's POV we get a lot more insight into his background, and it plays a large role in the plot. As Dom and Alex investigate the mysterious "M" and discover why they're exploiting latents.
Dom and Alex's romance was everything I wanted and craved. Sorry Hollywood, you were cute but we all knew Dom and Alex were endgame from book 1 (from book 1's synopsis tbh).
Trial by Fire was so intense and action-packed, I loved every bit of it.
June 21, 2022
My favorite book in this series so far; the action, the chemistry, the feels, were all next-level intense. I really liked how AN wrapped up the ‘M’ storyline, too.
And Dom, I still love you, but Kempthorne’s POV chapters were everything. 💘
And Dom, I still love you, but Kempthorne’s POV chapters were everything. 💘
October 18, 2023
A solid 4.5 which could've been a 5, if not for the love triangle.
So many revelations made in this, so much plot to unwrap. A tsunami of emotions but the one thing that remained constant? Kempthrone has a really weird way of showing he cares
I have no thoughts because my brain melted in a puddle, as if evident from my updates, but seriously WHAT? I'm just gonna say if pain and urban fantasy is your thing, read this.
So many revelations made in this, so much plot to unwrap. A tsunami of emotions but the one thing that remained constant? Kempthrone has a really weird way of showing he cares
I have no thoughts because my brain melted in a puddle, as if evident from my updates, but seriously WHAT? I'm just gonna say if pain and urban fantasy is your thing, read this.
March 12, 2022
"Men weren't meant to be gods.
The boy who was made.
The man who had failed.
Me."
Trial by Fire was basically a non stop roller coaster of a book. Just when you thought things might be finding a lull in the craziness, Dom or Kempthorne would get sucked into some other life or death situation. Speaking of Kempthorne, being in his head for a large percentage of the book was an amazing treat. He's such a contrast to Dom, who is always looking for the good in others. Kempthorne is much more cynical. Having his POV means we also finally get a real clue on his feelings for Dom. As someone who has been team Kempthorne from book 1, I wasn't disappointed.
The person who did disappoint me was Hollywood. I still can't tell how much of a liar he really is. The man is a good actor I'll give him that and he excels at causing doubt about his true intentions. The problem is his expertise is needed when it comes down to finally blowing the mysterious M and his nefarious plans wide open. M seems to always be one step ahead and has no qualms sacrificing whoever he needs to for his perceived greater good. I hated him.
There are still 3 more planned books in this series, but the major storyline from the first 3 comes to it's conclusion in this mid series finale. As usual for Nash, there are plenty of twists and turns along with a dash of betrayal. I mean it wouldn't be an Ariana Nash novel if someone didn't surprise us and betray our main MC. It's like her calling card if you will. Even though the major plot is finished, we finish this one with quite a few questions and I cannot wait to see what adventure Dom gets up to next.
The boy who was made.
The man who had failed.
Me."
Trial by Fire was basically a non stop roller coaster of a book. Just when you thought things might be finding a lull in the craziness, Dom or Kempthorne would get sucked into some other life or death situation. Speaking of Kempthorne, being in his head for a large percentage of the book was an amazing treat. He's such a contrast to Dom, who is always looking for the good in others. Kempthorne is much more cynical. Having his POV means we also finally get a real clue on his feelings for Dom. As someone who has been team Kempthorne from book 1, I wasn't disappointed.
The person who did disappoint me was Hollywood. I still can't tell how much of a liar he really is. The man is a good actor I'll give him that and he excels at causing doubt about his true intentions. The problem is his expertise is needed when it comes down to finally blowing the mysterious M and his nefarious plans wide open. M seems to always be one step ahead and has no qualms sacrificing whoever he needs to for his perceived greater good. I hated him.
There are still 3 more planned books in this series, but the major storyline from the first 3 comes to it's conclusion in this mid series finale. As usual for Nash, there are plenty of twists and turns along with a dash of betrayal. I mean it wouldn't be an Ariana Nash novel if someone didn't surprise us and betray our main MC. It's like her calling card if you will. Even though the major plot is finished, we finish this one with quite a few questions and I cannot wait to see what adventure Dom gets up to next.
March 21, 2022
Ariana Nash never disappoints! Can't wait for book 4!
March 8, 2022
“Undercover basics. Don’t believe your lie.”
He glanced over. “Do much undercover work, do you?”
My whole life was undercover. “I know lies.”
“Why am I not surprised.”
Just when I thought that this book wasn’t going to end in a cliffhanger, the last couple of sentences happened and now I cannot wait to have the next installment in my hands! Like any other book by Ariana Nash, the writing is engaging and a rollercoaster of emotions. I won’t say any spoilers but have in mind that this series can’t be read as a standalone so any detail can be considered one if you didn’t read the previous books.
Honestly, having Alexander’s POV was a wise choice. Not only do we get to connect more with him but it also makes this book more dynamic IMO. Don’t get me wrong, I love Dom but with all the time he spends in Wordsworth it’d have ended up being a little bit tedious if we only had his POV like book one and two. I’m glad we get to see more interactions between Dom and Alex and less interruptions in crucial times. Though I feel a little bit bad about Kage, I’m still rooting for him to have a happy ending.
I wonder if we’ll get to see Dom’s ex, Sawyer, in the future. I truly want Alexander to put him in his place.
By the way, after a certain chapter I’ll never be able to see a bottle of whiskey in the same way as before.
With a lot of action and some inevitable suffering we continue this awesome series where even the person you least expect it has a secret. I can’t wait for more!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
May 5, 2022
4.5++ stars
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April 7, 2023
i felt like quite a few puzzle pieces were missing. like, they did fit together but not as perfectly if there'd been all the pieces.
I'm very curious about what happened to Kage👀.
I'm very curious about what happened to Kage👀.
August 14, 2024
3.75 stars
March 21, 2022
OH MY GOD.
I DON'T KNOW TO SCREAM OR CRY IN HAPPINESS OR CRY IN SADNESS OR OR OR!!!!! (ps i did all that IM A MESS) I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.
ALEXANDER!!!!!!!!! HIS POV WAS CHEF KISS!!!! i love love extra love knowing what goes on in his head,
lets not forget about Dom, because wow he was a badass from start to end!!!!!!! i love him saving himself from that hellhole to saving the day!!!
this was seriously a rollercoaster ride, i will definitely ride it multiple times.
i thought it would only be a three book series but I'm so glad there's more and i don't have to give Dom, Alex and Kage up!!!
I DON'T KNOW TO SCREAM OR CRY IN HAPPINESS OR CRY IN SADNESS OR OR OR!!!!! (ps i did all that IM A MESS) I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.
ALEXANDER!!!!!!!!! HIS POV WAS CHEF KISS!!!! i love love extra love knowing what goes on in his head,
lets not forget about Dom, because wow he was a badass from start to end!!!!!!! i love him saving himself from that hellhole to saving the day!!!
this was seriously a rollercoaster ride, i will definitely ride it multiple times.
i thought it would only be a three book series but I'm so glad there's more and i don't have to give Dom, Alex and Kage up!!!
September 16, 2022
*3.5 stars*
I liked this even more than the previous one. It's just too heavy on the paranormal stuff which leaves so little space for actual romance. Had it been a simple suspense/mystery storyline I would be fine, I think, but I'm a Contemporary kind of reader which makes it a bit hard.
I liked this even more than the previous one. It's just too heavy on the paranormal stuff which leaves so little space for actual romance. Had it been a simple suspense/mystery storyline I would be fine, I think, but I'm a Contemporary kind of reader which makes it a bit hard.
October 5, 2025
Finished the third in this addictive series. We get more of Kempthornes past, Dom's as well for that matter. The main focus here is the mysterious M. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 22, 2022
I so wanted to give this 5 stars because I really am loving this series, but there was something missing.
I love seeing Kempthorne's POV and the plot is great, but just felt like some important areas were skipped over.
I love seeing Kempthorne's POV and the plot is great, but just felt like some important areas were skipped over.
March 16, 2022
Phenomenal!! This one picks up shortly after the cliffhanger in Tide of Tricks. Dom is still in Wordsworth and Kempthorne and crew are trying to get him out. All the while they learn the secrets and need to save London. We got a dual POV with so many mysteries and twists and turns! The world building was outstanding!! This kept me hooked, enthralled! Overall this was a really phenomenal story, really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
September 5, 2022
The audio for this is so good!
Though this is the finale for this particular story, it isn't the end for Dom and Kempthorne.
Told in dual pov, we open with Alexander Kempthorne trying to get Dom out of Wordsworth using any means necessary. It was fantastic to see everything that simmered underneath the stoic exterior. I loved having his pov and seeing Dom from his eyes.
Keeping this spoiler free - a number of characters show their true colours. General death and destruction occur and there's a bit of steam and a lovely ending.
Though this is the finale for this particular story, it isn't the end for Dom and Kempthorne.
Told in dual pov, we open with Alexander Kempthorne trying to get Dom out of Wordsworth using any means necessary. It was fantastic to see everything that simmered underneath the stoic exterior. I loved having his pov and seeing Dom from his eyes.
Keeping this spoiler free - a number of characters show their true colours. General death and destruction occur and there's a bit of steam and a lovely ending.
March 13, 2022
AHHHHHH.
Okay first let me just say getting ALexander's POV was EVERYTHING. I just loved seeing in that twisted little mind at work. And his feelings for Dom, swoon. If you've been reading this series and waiting for some more romance, this book is gonna do all the things for you. If you have not been reading this series, what are you doing with your life?!?
So, so many questions were answered and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. We still got all the twist and turns, but it felt like there was resolution in our sights. Then, BAM. Than ending. Which means I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment and will be there with bells on to figure out how this is all gonna turn out. Ariana Nash has made characters I adore (even when I have no idea what they're going to do next), a plot that is so dang interesting it will keep you up at night, and just a story that you'll be sure to return to to catch all the little things you almost definitely missed the first time around. Pick this one up, you won't regret it.
Okay first let me just say getting ALexander's POV was EVERYTHING. I just loved seeing in that twisted little mind at work. And his feelings for Dom, swoon. If you've been reading this series and waiting for some more romance, this book is gonna do all the things for you. If you have not been reading this series, what are you doing with your life?!?
So, so many questions were answered and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. We still got all the twist and turns, but it felt like there was resolution in our sights. Then, BAM. Than ending. Which means I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment and will be there with bells on to figure out how this is all gonna turn out. Ariana Nash has made characters I adore (even when I have no idea what they're going to do next), a plot that is so dang interesting it will keep you up at night, and just a story that you'll be sure to return to to catch all the little things you almost definitely missed the first time around. Pick this one up, you won't regret it.
March 16, 2022
Trial by Fire is the 3rd book in the Shadows of London series and is the finale for this particular arc. Reading the first two book is a must before fully diving into this story.
Interesting, complex but likeable characters? Check.
Dual points of view? Check.
Mysteries and Plot Twists? Check.
Great action and wonderful world-building? Check.
Romance, intense sexual tension and hot sexy times? Check.
The book starts off sometime after the cliffhanger ending of Tide of Tricks. Dom is still incarcerated in Wordsworth while Kempthorne, Kage and the rest of the group is trying to find a way to get him out. In the course of their investigation, they learn about the depth of M's dark plans. Dom, Kage and Kempthorne would need to set their differences aside if they wish to stop M and save London before it's too late.
This time we have chapters in Alexander's point of view and it is everything! He has been my favorite character from the start and getting his own perspective is quite a treat. It definitely added layer and depth to his character. Seeing his thoughts and knowing the emotions he is going through during as the events unfold helped in bringing to light both the ruthless and vulnerable side to Kempthrone. It definitely made him a more sympathetic character and made the reader understand who Alexander Kempthrone truly is.
Emotions run high and deep in this book as the stakes are higher and some betrayals though expected still cut our characters deep. The intense and action-filled scenes are spaced well-enough between the quieter moments which make those scenes stand out. Some of my favorite moments would be
Trial by Fire didn't disappoint. The story is quite engaging from the start. It's full of twists and turns, with just enough angst, hurt and comfort to tug on one's heart strings and let's not forget that sweet, sweet sexual tension between the characters. The writing has been wonderful with good pacing and nice dialogue and interactions with the characters. Though some revelations were not exactly earth shattering nor some resolutions to a number of mysteries were complex and as intense as one would expect, this book did provide a satisfying conclusion to what has been built up previously while at the same time opening up an avenue for the next arc to come.
I definitely recommend giving this book and the series a try. A solid 4.5 stars out of 5 for me and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Interesting, complex but likeable characters? Check.
Dual points of view? Check.
Mysteries and Plot Twists? Check.
Great action and wonderful world-building? Check.
Romance, intense sexual tension and hot sexy times? Check.
The book starts off sometime after the cliffhanger ending of Tide of Tricks. Dom is still incarcerated in Wordsworth while Kempthorne, Kage and the rest of the group is trying to find a way to get him out. In the course of their investigation, they learn about the depth of M's dark plans. Dom, Kage and Kempthorne would need to set their differences aside if they wish to stop M and save London before it's too late.
This time we have chapters in Alexander's point of view and it is everything! He has been my favorite character from the start and getting his own perspective is quite a treat. It definitely added layer and depth to his character. Seeing his thoughts and knowing the emotions he is going through during as the events unfold helped in bringing to light both the ruthless and vulnerable side to Kempthrone. It definitely made him a more sympathetic character and made the reader understand who Alexander Kempthrone truly is.
Emotions run high and deep in this book as the stakes are higher and some betrayals though expected still cut our characters deep. The intense and action-filled scenes are spaced well-enough between the quieter moments which make those scenes stand out. Some of my favorite moments would be
Trial by Fire didn't disappoint. The story is quite engaging from the start. It's full of twists and turns, with just enough angst, hurt and comfort to tug on one's heart strings and let's not forget that sweet, sweet sexual tension between the characters. The writing has been wonderful with good pacing and nice dialogue and interactions with the characters. Though some revelations were not exactly earth shattering nor some resolutions to a number of mysteries were complex and as intense as one would expect, this book did provide a satisfying conclusion to what has been built up previously while at the same time opening up an avenue for the next arc to come.
I definitely recommend giving this book and the series a try. A solid 4.5 stars out of 5 for me and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
March 22, 2022
This books was worth the wait. The author has opened up so many new layers to Alexander's personality and past, Dom continues to be a mix of character traits and strengths from his family and the military, while still being capable of great love, the rest of the group is here teying to help in Dom's rescue and "M" presents the perfect adversary, powerful, cunning and ruthless. This series has only gotten better and better as the world and characters continue to evolve and become more complex.
March 27, 2022
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
September 4, 2022
4.5 stars! Finally!
July 4, 2022
Got the paperback this afternoon and didn't stop reading until 1 am when I finished. That's how good this one was. The audio, when it comes out, might actually murder me.
Edit: Okay, let me just add that even though the font on the paperback is normal sized (aka too tiny for my old eyes) and the ebook with adjustable sized font that won't be painful is out in 4 days, I'm already tempted to read again.
Edit 2: Fully dead thanks to the audio! I can't wait for the next audiobook. 😍
Edit: Okay, let me just add that even though the font on the paperback is normal sized (aka too tiny for my old eyes) and the ebook with adjustable sized font that won't be painful is out in 4 days, I'm already tempted to read again.
Edit 2: Fully dead thanks to the audio! I can't wait for the next audiobook. 😍
August 28, 2025
Well that happened!
This series just gets better and better.
It's ages since I've had an urban fantasy series to really get drawn into and thankfully being able to binge read is a blessing as I don't know how I'd have kept going with the soft cliffhanger at the end here.
I say soft cliffhanger because the major plotline which had driven the first three books has now concluded.
In a spectacularly brilliant way of course. Again no spoilers here but I cheered a great deal at some justified comeuppance.
The relationship development between Dom and Alex is two steps forward, one back as each man struggles to find their footing.
Which makes perfect sense, they've both lived with traumas, trust issues and betrayal that it's no wonder they're not the best at basic communication.
I really don't mind that though when they show their feelings and commitment in more direct ways and not just the ones that leave them covered in sweat and bodily fluids!
The conclusion to the initial plot though has now thrown up some interesting options for where the narrative is going next.
I'm totally invested.
This series just gets better and better.
It's ages since I've had an urban fantasy series to really get drawn into and thankfully being able to binge read is a blessing as I don't know how I'd have kept going with the soft cliffhanger at the end here.
I say soft cliffhanger because the major plotline which had driven the first three books has now concluded.
In a spectacularly brilliant way of course. Again no spoilers here but I cheered a great deal at some justified comeuppance.
The relationship development between Dom and Alex is two steps forward, one back as each man struggles to find their footing.
Which makes perfect sense, they've both lived with traumas, trust issues and betrayal that it's no wonder they're not the best at basic communication.
I really don't mind that though when they show their feelings and commitment in more direct ways and not just the ones that leave them covered in sweat and bodily fluids!
The conclusion to the initial plot though has now thrown up some interesting options for where the narrative is going next.
I'm totally invested.
March 14, 2022
“Nobody held me. Nobody ever had. I’d always been alone. It had to be that way”
Alex Kempthorne is winning all the awards for me in this one.
Sweet
Considerate
Rich
Mysterious
Hot AF
Powerful
and most importantly finally going for what he wants!
It’s taken 3 books but we finally get to experience Alex POV (yes, I will henceforth refer to him as Alex, because that’s what he’s asked Dom to call him 🥺) .
In typical Ariana Nash fashion this book delivers it all; murder, mystery, deception, plot twists and some serious chemistry between MCs.
Book 3 starts right off after the cliffhanger of Book 2. The pace of this his book starts off a bit slower with Dom still being held at Wordsworth and Alex is trying hard to get him out. Eventually of course things pick up and we get exactly what we sign up for with this author: lots of action and drama.
I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book, it’s such a fun story to read. I can’t wait for the next one :)
Alex Kempthorne is winning all the awards for me in this one.
Sweet
Considerate
Rich
Mysterious
Hot AF
Powerful
and most importantly finally going for what he wants!
It’s taken 3 books but we finally get to experience Alex POV (yes, I will henceforth refer to him as Alex, because that’s what he’s asked Dom to call him 🥺) .
In typical Ariana Nash fashion this book delivers it all; murder, mystery, deception, plot twists and some serious chemistry between MCs.
Book 3 starts right off after the cliffhanger of Book 2. The pace of this his book starts off a bit slower with Dom still being held at Wordsworth and Alex is trying hard to get him out. Eventually of course things pick up and we get exactly what we sign up for with this author: lots of action and drama.
I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book, it’s such a fun story to read. I can’t wait for the next one :)
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