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The Thornheart Trials #5
A Promise of Ashes
Jasmine
Death wants his missing souls back—and he’s ordered me to find them.
If I fail, Limbo will descend into chaos, trapping his reluctant consort, my sister, with him forever…
If that wasn’t bad enough, vengeful spirits are targeting the male I’m hopelessly in love with. Ren’s already been through hell and I won’t let the self-destructive fox shifter get hurt again, even if being near him is pure torture.
Ren insists on returning the favor. He’ll help with my task while I use my powers to soothe his scarred soul. I know the explosive chemistry between us is just a cruel side effect of my magic, but I can’t resist him.
Now all I want to do is retreat, but healing Ren is more important than my wounded heart—leaving me with only one choice.
Stop loving him.
By whatever means necessary…
Author Note: Please check the author's website for CWs.
Death wants his missing souls back—and he’s ordered me to find them.
If I fail, Limbo will descend into chaos, trapping his reluctant consort, my sister, with him forever…
If that wasn’t bad enough, vengeful spirits are targeting the male I’m hopelessly in love with. Ren’s already been through hell and I won’t let the self-destructive fox shifter get hurt again, even if being near him is pure torture.
Ren insists on returning the favor. He’ll help with my task while I use my powers to soothe his scarred soul. I know the explosive chemistry between us is just a cruel side effect of my magic, but I can’t resist him.
Now all I want to do is retreat, but healing Ren is more important than my wounded heart—leaving me with only one choice.
Stop loving him.
By whatever means necessary…
Author Note: Please check the author's website for CWs.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2024
About the author
Sherilee Gray
47 books1,179 followersSherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn't writing sexy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other.
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December 19, 2023
A Promise of Ashes is book five in The Thornheart Trials series by Sherilee Gray. I have loved this series from the first book. I’ve bonded with these characters and feel like I’ve been through every one of their journeys as each Thornheart woman found love and persevered through unbelievable adversity. Now, it is the Thornheart sisters' cousin, Jasmine’s turn and what a story it was!
Jasmine “Jaz” Thornheart is twenty years old. She and her sister Zinnia are cousins to the Thornheart sisters. Jasmine is both an empath and has the ability to soothe and heal others’ emotional injuries. Jaz is also madly, deeply in love with her cousin Willow’s familiar, Ren.
Ren Macanroy is a few years older than Jasmine. His family owns and runs a funeral parlor. Ren is a fox shifter and is also Jaz’s cousin, Willow’s familiar. Due to events a couple of years prior, Ren is scarred both on the outside and even more on the inside. He is broken beyond repair. He has tried escaping with alcohol and with random sex but nothing helps. He is barely hanging on.
Out of desperation, Ren accepts Jaz’s offer to help heal him. And in return, he is going to help her locate souls that have gone missing. The sessions with Jaz are more emotionally painful than he could have imagined. He knows that she has feelings for him but he can never return those feelings. He is broken and she deserves so much more. But even knowing this, he can’t deny there is some strange connection between them, one he can’t begin to understand.
These two are challenged time and time again. Decisions that broke my heart were made. Their timing was definitely off. But through everything, Ren showed the strength even he didn’t know he possessed. As did Jaz.
As always, Sherilee slayed me with her beautiful words. I think this book is different from the others in the series. The burn is a lot slower but the suspense is just as intense! These two have suffered so much. Their happy ever after couldn’t be more deserved. The next book in the series will be Jaz’s sister, Zinnia and Death’s book. I believe it will be the last book in the series, A Bond in Flames, and I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Jasmine “Jaz” Thornheart is twenty years old. She and her sister Zinnia are cousins to the Thornheart sisters. Jasmine is both an empath and has the ability to soothe and heal others’ emotional injuries. Jaz is also madly, deeply in love with her cousin Willow’s familiar, Ren.
Ren Macanroy is a few years older than Jasmine. His family owns and runs a funeral parlor. Ren is a fox shifter and is also Jaz’s cousin, Willow’s familiar. Due to events a couple of years prior, Ren is scarred both on the outside and even more on the inside. He is broken beyond repair. He has tried escaping with alcohol and with random sex but nothing helps. He is barely hanging on.
Out of desperation, Ren accepts Jaz’s offer to help heal him. And in return, he is going to help her locate souls that have gone missing. The sessions with Jaz are more emotionally painful than he could have imagined. He knows that she has feelings for him but he can never return those feelings. He is broken and she deserves so much more. But even knowing this, he can’t deny there is some strange connection between them, one he can’t begin to understand.
These two are challenged time and time again. Decisions that broke my heart were made. Their timing was definitely off. But through everything, Ren showed the strength even he didn’t know he possessed. As did Jaz.
As always, Sherilee slayed me with her beautiful words. I think this book is different from the others in the series. The burn is a lot slower but the suspense is just as intense! These two have suffered so much. Their happy ever after couldn’t be more deserved. The next book in the series will be Jaz’s sister, Zinnia and Death’s book. I believe it will be the last book in the series, A Bond in Flames, and I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 18, 2023
Holy heck! This is filled with the most heart aching angst! Jasmine and Ren have a struggle unlike any I've read in a long time. There are twists and turns that I never saw coming and decisions that shattered my heart. This book wrecked me in every emotional and delicious way possible.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
December 30, 2023
Oh. My. Heart.
Another OUTSTANDING story in this amazing series!!
This book overfloweth with ALL THE THINGS. Beautiful and emotional things, wonderful and happy things, and delicious and sexy AF things.
I could not wait for Ren’s story. I just knew this poor tortured soul needed his story told. He needed to feel worthy, to find love, to forgive himself. My heart ached for him and I just wanted to wrap him up in a big ol’ hug.
Sweet, beautiful Jasmine. Jazzy.
Ren’s precious Butterfly. (Every time he called her that I swooned so hard and I’m pretty sure I looked like that heart-eyed emoji.) Jazzy will do anything for anyone, because she’s so kind and so good. The push and pull between her and Ren had me going crazy…a good kind of crazy. A hurry-up-and-kiss-or-I’ll-scream kind of crazy. The slow burn was absolutely delicious.
The passion, the love, the intense sexual tension in here…SO. GOOD. When I read a Sherilee Gray book, I can’t get enough. Once I started this one, I never wanted to stop. I wanted to crawl into the pages and live there. Sherilee is such a talented wordsmith - she pulled me in from the very first page and had me hooked the entire way through. I was caught in a world of witches and hellhounds and demons and shifters and I couldn’t have been happier.
The intensity of this story had me glued to my kindle. I gripped it tightly quite often as I anticipated what would happen next. Scenes so full of emotion and pain and heartbreak had my eyes full of tears. Moments of love and happiness had me smiling big and so full of contentment.
How Ms. Gray comes up with these stories, these worlds, is way beyond me. I don’t know how she does it, but I want her to keep doing it. I want her to keep blowing my mind. A Promise of Ashes is exactly what I wanted and needed.
If you’ve read the other books in this series, you really need this one in your life too. To say I’m excited for the next book is a huge understatement. BRING IT!!!
Another OUTSTANDING story in this amazing series!!
This book overfloweth with ALL THE THINGS. Beautiful and emotional things, wonderful and happy things, and delicious and sexy AF things.
I could not wait for Ren’s story. I just knew this poor tortured soul needed his story told. He needed to feel worthy, to find love, to forgive himself. My heart ached for him and I just wanted to wrap him up in a big ol’ hug.
Sweet, beautiful Jasmine. Jazzy.
Ren’s precious Butterfly. (Every time he called her that I swooned so hard and I’m pretty sure I looked like that heart-eyed emoji.) Jazzy will do anything for anyone, because she’s so kind and so good. The push and pull between her and Ren had me going crazy…a good kind of crazy. A hurry-up-and-kiss-or-I’ll-scream kind of crazy. The slow burn was absolutely delicious.
The passion, the love, the intense sexual tension in here…SO. GOOD. When I read a Sherilee Gray book, I can’t get enough. Once I started this one, I never wanted to stop. I wanted to crawl into the pages and live there. Sherilee is such a talented wordsmith - she pulled me in from the very first page and had me hooked the entire way through. I was caught in a world of witches and hellhounds and demons and shifters and I couldn’t have been happier.
The intensity of this story had me glued to my kindle. I gripped it tightly quite often as I anticipated what would happen next. Scenes so full of emotion and pain and heartbreak had my eyes full of tears. Moments of love and happiness had me smiling big and so full of contentment.
How Ms. Gray comes up with these stories, these worlds, is way beyond me. I don’t know how she does it, but I want her to keep doing it. I want her to keep blowing my mind. A Promise of Ashes is exactly what I wanted and needed.
If you’ve read the other books in this series, you really need this one in your life too. To say I’m excited for the next book is a huge understatement. BRING IT!!!
January 4, 2024
Another wonderful entry into the Thornheart Trials,this time with Ren and Jasmine's front and center.
Ren,the fox shifter familiar to Willow, does not feel he is worthy of Jasmine aka Jazzy as he was once possessed by an evil and sadistic demon who forced him to committ unspeakable acts of violence and though he has had the demon exorcised, the souls of the people he killed is haunting him.He self medicates with cutting his body, drinking and meaningless hookups.His only salvation is Jazzy as she has pulled him back from the brink many,many times un beknowst to her.
Jazzy has a serious case of unrequited love for the fox shifter familiair.She is an empath witch with butterflies as her familiar.
While this started out slow for me,it picked up midway, and once they finally came together,the story to me became so much better, hence my 5 star rating.
I am looking forward to Zinnia's and Death's book,the next and final couple in this series.
Ren,the fox shifter familiar to Willow, does not feel he is worthy of Jasmine aka Jazzy as he was once possessed by an evil and sadistic demon who forced him to committ unspeakable acts of violence and though he has had the demon exorcised, the souls of the people he killed is haunting him.He self medicates with cutting his body, drinking and meaningless hookups.His only salvation is Jazzy as she has pulled him back from the brink many,many times un beknowst to her.
Jazzy has a serious case of unrequited love for the fox shifter familiair.She is an empath witch with butterflies as her familiar.
While this started out slow for me,it picked up midway, and once they finally came together,the story to me became so much better, hence my 5 star rating.
I am looking forward to Zinnia's and Death's book,the next and final couple in this series.
December 20, 2023
2.5 stars
I had high hopes for this story but unfortunately I couldn’t stomach the fact the h is in love with the H for years while he sleeps away with everything that walks.
Everyone in their group knows the h has feelings for him. But, who cares if the H sleeps with OW (who is also part of their hangout group) and the h gets to witness it. She walks by his apartment, and sees the OW leaving his place.
Obviously there wouldn’t be a story if they didn’t spend some time together. So once they start talking more, the H gives into his “feelings” towards the h. But guess what?
When the h is ready for a relationship and asks him to be with her, he rejects her. The girl can’t catch a break.
Anyway, she’s so heartbroken that she can’t help the H with her healing powers so she asks someone to “block” her feelings towards him. 😒 When the H finally realizes she’s not in love with him anymore then he is the one who’s heartbroken lol it was so silly and honestly I lost all interest at this point. It didn’t matter if they were together or not.
I had high hopes for this story but unfortunately I couldn’t stomach the fact the h is in love with the H for years while he sleeps away with everything that walks.
Everyone in their group knows the h has feelings for him. But, who cares if the H sleeps with OW (who is also part of their hangout group) and the h gets to witness it. She walks by his apartment, and sees the OW leaving his place.
Obviously there wouldn’t be a story if they didn’t spend some time together. So once they start talking more, the H gives into his “feelings” towards the h. But guess what?
When the h is ready for a relationship and asks him to be with her, he rejects her. The girl can’t catch a break.
Anyway, she’s so heartbroken that she can’t help the H with her healing powers so she asks someone to “block” her feelings towards him. 😒 When the H finally realizes she’s not in love with him anymore then he is the one who’s heartbroken lol it was so silly and honestly I lost all interest at this point. It didn’t matter if they were together or not.
December 13, 2023
tropes: 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨, 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐌𝐂, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭, 𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
TW: suicidal ideation
Finally it’s time for Ren’s story and wow, it is so good! Ren has been a side character since the first book 𝑨 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 where he is the FMC’s familiar. He goes through a life changing experience after he is possessed by an evil spirit and forced to commit murders. I mean, it is a doozy. To understand the full scope of Ren’s journey, I would recommend at least starting with that book.
Jasmine is a witch and the cousin of Ren’s witch, Willow. She is gentle, shy, but also very strong. Jasmine has the ability of being able to see, talk, and send the dead away to their own realms. She can also provide emotional healing via touch. Jasmine has also been in love with Ren for years. The years of unrequited love have been difficult for her while watching Ren struggle and drown his problems with drinking, women, and detachment.
Ren is a fox shifter and a familiar. A fox shifter as a MMC is rare but don’t be fooled, Ren’s fox is fierce and clever. Unfortunately, Ren has been spiraling since book 1 and his thoughts are HEAVY. There is a lot of self loathing, depression and suicidal thoughts. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for Jasmine and pushes her away.
“𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬.”
I love the mystery in all of Sherilee’s books. The books are plot and character driven. There are two events driving this book. 1) Ren hasn’t forgiven himself and the souls that were murdered can’t move on. They are angry and starting to lash out. This is where Jasmine comes in to try to emotionally heal Ren and prevent the souls from harming him. 2) Souls are going missing and the balance is wrong so Jasmine is tasked by Death to find them.
Ren doesn’t want Jasmine to do this alone because he is protective and growly 😮💨
“𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞.“
The angst is strong!! So much pining and wondering how Ren will overcome his inner demons. There is a little bit of OW drama but no cheating. It’s just a woman who wants Ren and causes a bit of issues in the beginning. Ren kicks her to the curb though. The twist toward the end had me gasping and unsure how they’d overcome it!
This is a slow burn. The FMC is a virgin but there isn’t a lot of emphasis on it. Their first time together felt a little rushed especially for a virgin. The spice and dirty talk is still there though 🔥
Overall this is a fantastic addition to the series! I devoured this book in one sitting. I can’t wait for Jasmine’s sister, Zinnia, to get her story with Death! I’m getting Persephone and Hades vibes ✨
TW: suicidal ideation
Finally it’s time for Ren’s story and wow, it is so good! Ren has been a side character since the first book 𝑨 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 where he is the FMC’s familiar. He goes through a life changing experience after he is possessed by an evil spirit and forced to commit murders. I mean, it is a doozy. To understand the full scope of Ren’s journey, I would recommend at least starting with that book.
Jasmine is a witch and the cousin of Ren’s witch, Willow. She is gentle, shy, but also very strong. Jasmine has the ability of being able to see, talk, and send the dead away to their own realms. She can also provide emotional healing via touch. Jasmine has also been in love with Ren for years. The years of unrequited love have been difficult for her while watching Ren struggle and drown his problems with drinking, women, and detachment.
Ren is a fox shifter and a familiar. A fox shifter as a MMC is rare but don’t be fooled, Ren’s fox is fierce and clever. Unfortunately, Ren has been spiraling since book 1 and his thoughts are HEAVY. There is a lot of self loathing, depression and suicidal thoughts. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for Jasmine and pushes her away.
“𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬.”
I love the mystery in all of Sherilee’s books. The books are plot and character driven. There are two events driving this book. 1) Ren hasn’t forgiven himself and the souls that were murdered can’t move on. They are angry and starting to lash out. This is where Jasmine comes in to try to emotionally heal Ren and prevent the souls from harming him. 2) Souls are going missing and the balance is wrong so Jasmine is tasked by Death to find them.
Ren doesn’t want Jasmine to do this alone because he is protective and growly 😮💨
“𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞.“
The angst is strong!! So much pining and wondering how Ren will overcome his inner demons. There is a little bit of OW drama but no cheating. It’s just a woman who wants Ren and causes a bit of issues in the beginning. Ren kicks her to the curb though. The twist toward the end had me gasping and unsure how they’d overcome it!
This is a slow burn. The FMC is a virgin but there isn’t a lot of emphasis on it. Their first time together felt a little rushed especially for a virgin. The spice and dirty talk is still there though 🔥
Overall this is a fantastic addition to the series! I devoured this book in one sitting. I can’t wait for Jasmine’s sister, Zinnia, to get her story with Death! I’m getting Persephone and Hades vibes ✨
December 14, 2023
THIS BOOK OMG!!! I've been trying to get to a point in my thoughts to be able to write this review for 3 days. It was hard to move beyond just straight Muppet flailing for a while, to be honest. This book was EVERYTHING. It ripped out my heart multiple times, and I could never tell what would happen next. Poor, sweet Ren was so broken, and Jaz loved him so much, and was so perfect for him. I JUST LOVE THIS SERIES SO HARD!! GO READ IT!!
Jasmine Thornheart is a witch. She's a medium, and has emotional healing powers. She has been in unrequited love with her cousin Willow's familiar since she was a teenager. Ren is a fox shifter, and the best man she's ever known. But he never really noticed her back when he was himself, and he hasn't been himself in 3 years. Jasmine desperately wants to help him get back to his old self, and her magic is capable of doing it. If only she could get rid of these impossible feelings she's been harboring, it would make things so much easier, since he'll never feel the same way for her.
Ren has been THROUGH IT. Three years ago (back in book 1), he was possessed by a vengeful, evil spirit, and was made to do monstrous things. He could see himself doing them, and he had no control. It was literal torture. He managed to live through it, and the Thornheart family managed to eject the spirit, but he's stuck with the horrible, painful memories. He's been trying to numb the pain with alcohol, and women, and self-harm, but nothing is working anymore. When Jasmine offers to use her healing magic to help him, he can't resist.
Ren and Jaz have always had a connection, but it's been so muffled by his mental state the last few years. Reading Jaz seeing him with other women was heartbreaking, and you felt it right along with her. Reading Ren's self-loathing and harmful self-talk (in the voice of the evil spirit who had possessed him) stole my breath. The connection they manage to forge in this book is so hard fought, and feels so beyond earned, that it seems nothing can damage it. They are made for each other.
This book took me in so many directions. In the plot, in my emotions, in the characters' journeys to healing, in their journey to loving each other fully. It was beyond my wildest expectations. This author can make me feel things in such an impactful way, and I cannot get enough of this world she has created. Jasmine's big sister Zinnia's book is next, and is the final one in the series. I cannot wait. I HIGHLY recommend this entire series!!
**Please check the author's website for all CWs, but they include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and attempted suicide.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Jasmine Thornheart is a witch. She's a medium, and has emotional healing powers. She has been in unrequited love with her cousin Willow's familiar since she was a teenager. Ren is a fox shifter, and the best man she's ever known. But he never really noticed her back when he was himself, and he hasn't been himself in 3 years. Jasmine desperately wants to help him get back to his old self, and her magic is capable of doing it. If only she could get rid of these impossible feelings she's been harboring, it would make things so much easier, since he'll never feel the same way for her.
Ren has been THROUGH IT. Three years ago (back in book 1), he was possessed by a vengeful, evil spirit, and was made to do monstrous things. He could see himself doing them, and he had no control. It was literal torture. He managed to live through it, and the Thornheart family managed to eject the spirit, but he's stuck with the horrible, painful memories. He's been trying to numb the pain with alcohol, and women, and self-harm, but nothing is working anymore. When Jasmine offers to use her healing magic to help him, he can't resist.
Ren and Jaz have always had a connection, but it's been so muffled by his mental state the last few years. Reading Jaz seeing him with other women was heartbreaking, and you felt it right along with her. Reading Ren's self-loathing and harmful self-talk (in the voice of the evil spirit who had possessed him) stole my breath. The connection they manage to forge in this book is so hard fought, and feels so beyond earned, that it seems nothing can damage it. They are made for each other.
This book took me in so many directions. In the plot, in my emotions, in the characters' journeys to healing, in their journey to loving each other fully. It was beyond my wildest expectations. This author can make me feel things in such an impactful way, and I cannot get enough of this world she has created. Jasmine's big sister Zinnia's book is next, and is the final one in the series. I cannot wait. I HIGHLY recommend this entire series!!
**Please check the author's website for all CWs, but they include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and attempted suicide.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
December 17, 2023
A Promise of Ashes🦊
The fifth book in the Thornheart Trials is here and focuses on Ren, Willow’s fox familiar and Jasmine, Willow’s cousin.
Ren has only recently returned to Willow and her family after being away for a few years. He has struggled to come to terms with what happened before he went “fox” for so long but he’s now in need of something only Jasmine can provide, emotional and spiritual healing. They begin their journey and not to put too finer point on it, but it’s an uphill battle😢
This story was one I didn’t even realise I needed but it was absolutely perfect for this couple and I loved it❣️ I’m also excited as we get a brief glimpse into the next couple’s book and oh boy I can’t wait🤩 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review…10 stars if I could❤️❤️
The fifth book in the Thornheart Trials is here and focuses on Ren, Willow’s fox familiar and Jasmine, Willow’s cousin.
Ren has only recently returned to Willow and her family after being away for a few years. He has struggled to come to terms with what happened before he went “fox” for so long but he’s now in need of something only Jasmine can provide, emotional and spiritual healing. They begin their journey and not to put too finer point on it, but it’s an uphill battle😢
This story was one I didn’t even realise I needed but it was absolutely perfect for this couple and I loved it❣️ I’m also excited as we get a brief glimpse into the next couple’s book and oh boy I can’t wait🤩 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review…10 stars if I could❤️❤️
December 16, 2023
What a phenomenal, angsty, beautiful story! Ren and Jasmine go through the emotional and physical wringer to get to their HEA, but it is so worth it. These two will stay with me forever!
The pain that Ren has lived through and still lives with is unfathomable. My heart completely broke for him. The way he just tried to survive and the things he does to quiet his demons just wrecked me. Jasmine is the only one who can help him heal and not just because of her power. She's everything good and light. Ren doesn't think he can be with her because he's broken and thinks he's tainted. If you've read this whole series you know that he was possessed by an evil spirit and forced to do horrible things, hence his guilt. But with Jasmine's healing sessions, he begins to let it go. It's so beautiful!
I love how hard he fights for her when he finally figures out that she's his mate. He realizes that he's always loved her and that is why he's tried to stay away. Jasmine loves him fiercely and does everything she can to help him. The way they love one another is everything. The pain they go through to get back to each other is heartbreaking but perfect. Be prepared to do nothing else once you start this book because it is unputdownable!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The pain that Ren has lived through and still lives with is unfathomable. My heart completely broke for him. The way he just tried to survive and the things he does to quiet his demons just wrecked me. Jasmine is the only one who can help him heal and not just because of her power. She's everything good and light. Ren doesn't think he can be with her because he's broken and thinks he's tainted. If you've read this whole series you know that he was possessed by an evil spirit and forced to do horrible things, hence his guilt. But with Jasmine's healing sessions, he begins to let it go. It's so beautiful!
I love how hard he fights for her when he finally figures out that she's his mate. He realizes that he's always loved her and that is why he's tried to stay away. Jasmine loves him fiercely and does everything she can to help him. The way they love one another is everything. The pain they go through to get back to each other is heartbreaking but perfect. Be prepared to do nothing else once you start this book because it is unputdownable!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 28, 2024
I had planned to not read this, stopping with the Thornheart sisters but I couldn't stop thinking about this world and needed to keep going. So glad I did!!
Jasmine, at times I got a little frustrated because part of her power is feeling emotions and yet she was blind to what was right in front of her. But she's young and naive. Still loved her, such inner strength and so calm.
Ren, I hadn't planned to read because I didn't like how he'd treated Jaz in previous books so wasn't sure how he'd redeem himself. Yet I loved him in this book. So much trauma to work through, falling in love with him through his journey.
Knowing from previous books the mystery is who you least expect I picked Xavier wasn't all he came across as. But still got surprise with how that played out.
I found this book light on the spice. Wasn't until around the 80% mark and even then not much. Although the little we get is good.
Jasmine, at times I got a little frustrated because part of her power is feeling emotions and yet she was blind to what was right in front of her. But she's young and naive. Still loved her, such inner strength and so calm.
Ren, I hadn't planned to read because I didn't like how he'd treated Jaz in previous books so wasn't sure how he'd redeem himself. Yet I loved him in this book. So much trauma to work through, falling in love with him through his journey.
Knowing from previous books the mystery is who you least expect I picked Xavier wasn't all he came across as. But still got surprise with how that played out.
I found this book light on the spice. Wasn't until around the 80% mark and even then not much. Although the little we get is good.
December 16, 2023
Rated 4.5 Stars
What an amazing ride this was. It was one of my most highly anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. I loved it. It wss jam packed with magic, suspense and a bit of action. There was angst for the days and the pining was to die for. The chemistry between Jasmine and Ren was off the charts combustible. This book was pure joy to read even though it dealt with heavy topics. I loved that it showcased the strength and resilience of these characters. I so cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I highly recommend A Promise of Ashes as well as the rest of the series.
Copy provided by author
What an amazing ride this was. It was one of my most highly anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. I loved it. It wss jam packed with magic, suspense and a bit of action. There was angst for the days and the pining was to die for. The chemistry between Jasmine and Ren was off the charts combustible. This book was pure joy to read even though it dealt with heavy topics. I loved that it showcased the strength and resilience of these characters. I so cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I highly recommend A Promise of Ashes as well as the rest of the series.
Copy provided by author
December 18, 2023
Everything I wanted and more! 😭😍❤️
An amazing, heart-wrenching installment that will pull all your heart strings, broke you heart and, then, put it back together! 💕
Ren and Jasmine's journey to happiness is one of the hardest I have read! 💔😭, but reading about their healing, self forgiveness, self acceptance and, finally, their so deserved HEA, was worth every minute of heartache! 🤗🥰❤️
I can’t find the right words to describe the awesomeness of this book and all the emotions it took me through; this entire series is one of the best I have read! ❤️🔥
Now, I can't wait to read Zinnia's book, it's going to be... interesting, to say the least! 😬🙈
An amazing, heart-wrenching installment that will pull all your heart strings, broke you heart and, then, put it back together! 💕
Ren and Jasmine's journey to happiness is one of the hardest I have read! 💔😭, but reading about their healing, self forgiveness, self acceptance and, finally, their so deserved HEA, was worth every minute of heartache! 🤗🥰❤️
I can’t find the right words to describe the awesomeness of this book and all the emotions it took me through; this entire series is one of the best I have read! ❤️🔥
Now, I can't wait to read Zinnia's book, it's going to be... interesting, to say the least! 😬🙈
December 20, 2023
This book was a lot. It was exactly what it should’ve been.
Jaz and Ren had a very complicated relationship and that’s putting it mildly lol. I truly understand Ren 100% and I wish more people didn’t expect him to just snap back? It was kind of unempathetic.
I loved the longing. The tension. The unrequited but not really love?
I do think Jaz was a little dumb at times but thinking the person you love doesn’t love you back would be really hard to deal with.
This had some really good twists and turns.
I’m so ready for the next one.
Jaz and Ren had a very complicated relationship and that’s putting it mildly lol. I truly understand Ren 100% and I wish more people didn’t expect him to just snap back? It was kind of unempathetic.
I loved the longing. The tension. The unrequited but not really love?
I do think Jaz was a little dumb at times but thinking the person you love doesn’t love you back would be really hard to deal with.
This had some really good twists and turns.
I’m so ready for the next one.
December 24, 2023
Every book of this series just gets better. I’ve been waiting for Ren’s story, and it did not disappoint! The tension between Jasmine and Ren in the first half was perfect, and the challenges they overcame in the second half were well handled. It was so fulfilling to see him heal, although his trauma was heavy at times including suicidal ideation and self-harm, and I appreciated Jasmine’s tough but soft character.
December 18, 2023
I have adored the Thornheart trial series for a long time. It's the ideal balance of romance, mystery, and fantasy. I always loved the world-building in this series and how each book is connected, and book #5 did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I wholeheartedly endorse this series. Really looking forward to next book a bond in flames.
May 13, 2024
Perfect
I was not sure at first if I would enjoy this book in this series. It started off a little slow and different. I have to say as I read it I enjoyed it more and more. I finished the book in one day and after a few chapters into it I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book and hope in the future we get a book on Else and Daisy.
I was not sure at first if I would enjoy this book in this series. It started off a little slow and different. I have to say as I read it I enjoyed it more and more. I finished the book in one day and after a few chapters into it I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book and hope in the future we get a book on Else and Daisy.
May 23, 2024
A MUST read book series!
I highly recommend this book series!
The series has uniquely evolved character development, magical adventure and heart warming romance.
Best if read in order, happy reading!
I highly recommend this book series!
The series has uniquely evolved character development, magical adventure and heart warming romance.
Best if read in order, happy reading!
December 20, 2023
must read.
Jasmine and Ren had me hook in the first chapter and couldn’t stop reading and I didn’t want to end . REN is a tortured soul and jasmine is light, they are the perfect combination. Highly recommend.
Jasmine and Ren had me hook in the first chapter and couldn’t stop reading and I didn’t want to end . REN is a tortured soul and jasmine is light, they are the perfect combination. Highly recommend.
December 26, 2023
Amazing as always. I forever get sucked into these books. Finished it with in two days and over Christmas. Couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for A Bond in Flames.
Can't wait for A Bond in Flames.
Shelved as 'hell-no-cheating-other'
December 30, 2023
January 30, 2024
3.25⭐️
Read
February 3, 2024I'm voting Ms Gray Queen of Angst.
Deserves so much more for all the comfort & darkness she brings to romance.
Deserves so much more for all the comfort & darkness she brings to romance.
March 3, 2024
I liked it – not as good as the previous books though.
rtc
rtc
April 11, 2024
Not my favorite of the series but good. I want the next one for sure.
June 18, 2024
Story was gripping, writing was decent, smut was smiting.
I read all 5 of these within a week
I read all 5 of these within a week
January 9, 2024
I was captivated from start to finish with this. I read it in just over 24 hours. The back and forth and the twists I absolutely loved and it had me on the edge of my seat. I loved how these two helped each other so much. It's a slow burn, but you don't realise because the writing and the story are so amazing. The spice was exactly as it should be when it happened. I love these two!
August 15, 2024
Thornheart Trials
I love reading these books. Every single one of them draws me in to the point that I feel everything along with the characters. These are strong witches that find strength in family, familiars and the tests they face to find their own paths. Jasmine and Ren went through so much and survived to heal and love. I'm looking forward to Zinnia's book!
I love reading these books. Every single one of them draws me in to the point that I feel everything along with the characters. These are strong witches that find strength in family, familiars and the tests they face to find their own paths. Jasmine and Ren went through so much and survived to heal and love. I'm looking forward to Zinnia's book!
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