AN AMAZON PICK FOR BEST ROMANCE BOOKS OF 2019 AN AMAZON PICK FOR BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH “When Ashes Fall is a tautly written, complex, and emotionally-charged love story that takes the reader on an unforgettable, unexpected, and deeply moving journey.” —USA Today It’s been said that you can’t love two men at the same time.You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.But I’m here to … time.
You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.
But I’m here to tell you, you can.
Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and unpredictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm.
Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day.
Both are mine.
But I can have only one.
There are two sides to this tale.
I’m here to tell you mine.
If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong.
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OMG!!! 5 Hauntingly beautiful’ stars
I’ve loved all the previous books that Marni has written and that I’ve read, When Ashes Fall was no exception, in fact, I think it would be true to say, it’s the best one so far. It’s different from the others I’ve read previously (The ‘Agency’ series of standalones) and it packed a truly emotional punch which I wasn’t expecting.
From the blurb, you think maybe it’s about a woman with two lovers… and it is. But again, not quite in the way you are expecting. In some ways, due to the three person narrative and the flashback chapters, it was like reading two books/ story side by side. They overlapped but only in parts and those were the most poignant and heartbreaking ones.
It was also, a beautifully written story that left wrung every emotion out of me, but in the end what I was left with as a feeling hopefulness. But I was sooo sad too, with the way it finished. When you read it, you’ll know where I’m talking about. I just wish… well, that part of it could have been different. Then, of course, this story wouldn’t exist, so, I guess we have to take the sunshine with the rain.
This was a story of two great loves. In an odd way, it was sort of a love triangle but not in the traditional sense.
Alix Rayne had already found her soulmate in CEO Dylan Cole, when she met divorce attorney Smith Reid. She had no desire to fall in love with another man, and Smith certainly hadn’t been looking for love when Alix stepped into his life. Love, fate or whatever this was, it had a mind of its own and that was to bring these two people together. Right or wrong doesn’t equate in this tortured tale of heartbreak, pain and redemption.
I loved this book, I’m sure you will too.
Starting out 2019 with this book was a bit devastating for me. It is definitely going in my ‘best of’ pile for 2019 and this year just started. This story was so different than I’m used to reading from this author. What a surprise!
This was a fabulous story as much as the content will allow me to say that, because it also broke my heart. There’s so much mystery and intrigue, angst and tension. The books is written from three perspectives and in past and present situations. It’s one of those books that you want to flip to the end to know what’s going on because you know the author is leading you down a path to discovery, a path you want to run to the end just to know. But I rode out the storm and ended up with an absolutely stunning yet agonizing story.
“No, I don’t want to run. Unless it’s toward you, and then the answer is yes.”
Because this story is full of surprise and mystery, it’s best to go in without too much knowledge about the story. This is definitely a story full of pain and sorrow but bursting with love. True to any romance, there is still angst and love encounters that leave you tingly and breathless. But the end will leave you reeling. I cried my eyes out; full on sob fest here. A love so beautifully heartbreaking.
When Ashes Fall is one of the best books of 2019 that you will spend time with. I cannot recommend this book enough.
5++ Stars
Marni Mann is an author who has spread her wings and has mastered the writing of many genres. Doesn’t matter what she writes, they are books worthy of one-clicking. When Ashes Fall is no exception.
The best review I can write is….
Don’t read any reviews, just go read this book!
Everyone loves a nice sunny day and Alix is the perfect spokesperson for sunny days. Being a 911 dispatcher, her days at work are filled with darkness and sadness. But when the storms come, after the work hours, Alix has every reason to curl up in a little ball and hide.
She is in love with 2 men. No cheating at all in this book. It’s just a beautifully, engrossing well written story.
Dylan and Smith are worthy of all the love that Alix hands out. They are two men who are totally opposite yet find themselves in love with the same woman.
Marni Mann knows how to pull her readers in. This totally unique story had me turning the pages, trying to figure out what in the world was going on. I was sucked in from the get go. In my head putting the pieces of this intriguing story together. Thinking I knew what was going on, I couldn’t have been more wrong!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
I was gifted a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher. I volunteered to read and review it, and was not given any incentives for doing so. This is my honest review.
Marni is one of my go to Authors when I’m on the hunt for sexy and steamy or heartbreaking and real. While I love her x-rated novels, I was waiting for the moment when she would dig back into her vault of feelings and bring us another book that would bring out all the feels like, Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales. Once again, she did not disappoint!
I read it.
I loved it.
And hated it.
My heart broke.
And then it was put back together.
Gah, I want to talk about this story so much!! Want to talk about every single moment but it would all be one spoiler after another. It’s sweet and sad, sexy and steamy, heartbreaking and beautiful, passionate. What I will say is, Alix is not a cheater. And if you think you know what the story is about, you have no idea. Even though about half way through, I figured out the major plot twist, the ending threw me for a loop. I never expected it to end the way it did at all. I can’t wait of you all to meet Alix, Dylan, and Smith. And if you’ve never read Marni’s books, this one would be a good start!
“Time would eventually tame her demons. They would still be there. They would be there for the rest of her life. But the fangs of those demons would dull, and so would its claws.”
My heart!!!! I am an absolute mess! I was crying so hard I had to stop reading because I was unable to see my kindle threw the tears! This book was an utter page turner that had me at the edge of my seat until the very last page. It was so hauntingly beautiful and I will never forget the impact this story left on me.
This book has set hell of a bar for 2019!
ARC kindly given for my honest review.
When I started this book I was confused at first, because I couldn’t figure out what was going on. Which was good, because I like unpredictable books that keep me guessing. This book has short chapters that go back and forth from present time to flashbacks, which I sometimes like and sometimes end up hating in books. However, it was nicely done in When Ashes Fall, and because of the length of the chapters I didn’t mind it that much. But this also had a bit of a downside to it. I was kind of being pulled back and forth the whole time, and I didn’t know how to feel about certain characters. In addition the overall length of the book didn’t give me enough time to fully connect to and with the characters, because it felt like two stories being fit into one. And it just wasn’t long enough, because when I started to feel something, I was already at the end of the book. I really wish the book was longer, I don’t think either of the main characters had enough time to grow and heal in this book. They just started to making steps towards the right direction just before the book ended.
“But we always hope for sunny days. Those are the easiest, the safest, the ones with the least amount of concerns.”
When Ashes Fall is a beautiful contemporary romance about two broken characters of which one is not living but trying to survive each day. I loved Marni’s writing style and the set-up, and I didn’t want the story to be over. I enjoyed the chemistry and how the characters met for the first time. It was fast-paced and easy to read, and sometimes I wanted the story to slow down a bit. I have read and enjoyed Marni’s Dark Romances, so it was nice to read one outside of the genre I am used to from her. This is an emotional book and will make you shed some tears, so make sure to keep some tissues close by. However, I was expecting it to be a huge tear-jerker after reading some reviews, but it didn’t hit me as hard as I thought it would. The cover is gorgeous and fits the story. It was pretty original and it kept me intrigued until the end. I am looking forward to Marni writing more emotional books. I recommend this book to all the romance readers.
From the day they met Dylan Cole became her everything, he was the one constant in her hectic life, her sunny day. He gave her everything, made her feel loved, cherished and promised her forever. But then Smith Reid came along, and everything started to shift, her heart started to make room for him too, and suddenly she found herself in love with two men. But she knows she can’t carry on this way, she must decide, and let one go… but who?
When Ashes Fall is a beautifully crafted, heart torturing tale, that will grip you from the very first page. Once my eyes landed on that first sentence I just could not pry them away, the words were so enticing, and the characters so welcoming, I just settled in and let them take me away. With each page that followed the deeper I fell into the words, trying to process all of the emotions I was feeling, constantly second guessing what was unfolding. I thought I had an inclination of what was to come after reading the synopsis, but boy was I wrong, what I found was totally unexpected and so different from anything else I have ever read… it was quite refreshing. I am the type of reader that likes to completely submerse myself into what I am reading, and it’s not too often that I can find something that completely mesmerizes me the way this one did, I tuned everything out and just felt the words, and wow did they do a number on me! I said good-bye to these characters over twenty four hours ago, and they are still lingering with me, not likely to disappear anytime soon! Highly recommend this one, the words will move you, the characters will welcome you, and the journey they take you on will be unforgettable!
I requested an advanced copy of this title and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
5 Stars isn’t enough!
What a way to start my reading journey for 2019! I’ll be back when I pull myself together.
“I opened my mouth. And I screamed. No sound came out. It was a silent one. But, in my head, it was the loudest noise I’d ever heard.”
I’m somewhat together now. And have no idea how to express my feelings about this book! Marni Mann delivers a heartbreaking, harrowing journey of rebuilding a shattered heart! I’m satisfied with the ending, a loss for words, but okay, I think. I already knew what was coming. I felt it in my bones. Which made every word hard to swallow. I choked down every page in awe of Alix’s strength and ability to try… It’s hard not to spoil the story, yet try to convince you to read it. Two sides to every coin and this one split me in half.
“They’d each get a half of me. And that would have to be enough.”
This is definitely a triangle, but not in a way you would think, more like an experience you’ll feel all the way to your toes. This story hit me in the chest with a sledgehammer, all while patching me up, a little at a time. I absolutely loved Alix’s journey, albeit tough, but just as inspiring. You’ll fall in love with every page. Trust me! A must read for, I can’t target a group in fear of spoiling. Just read it!
My last book to read for 2018 and it was everything!
When Ashes Fall consumed me. I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in one day.
The ending left me speechless. It was not what I expected. It was so much more.
Days after I’m still reeling. Trying to find the words.
Marni will have you falling in love with Dylan and Smith and not want to let go. Shattering your heart and piecing it back together.
“No, I don’t want to run. Unless it’s towards you, and then my answer is yes.”
I absolutely fell in love with this story. Marni’s best book to date.
***ARC provided for honest review***
Where do I begin with this book? I couldnt put this beautiful piece down literally I picked it up I wasnt prepared what this book and the words that it had and I was blown away these characters and the stories they had I felt everything I mean everything, Alix, I felt her pain I felt every bit of her agony and her longing I felt it, it brought me to tears, Dylan, the love he had for Alix I felt that I felt every ounce of that, Smith his story his past his demons I felt them but also his gentle side and the love he had to give to Alix I felt. This book had me at hello it had me at the cover. Its beautiful. It ripped me apart but sewn me right back together well for the most part it was just so beautiful this was so heart filled and it was so close to home to me! It brought so many emotions to me! I connected with this book on page one I just cant get enough of this book, the characters, the plot, everything!!! I’m so grateful I had a chance to read it was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read, I will always hold close to my heart.
A heartbreaking novel that breathes hope back into reading.
“If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong.”
I’m not even sure what the heck I just read but I DEVOURED it! (Of course I know what I just read but I had no idea the journey I was being taken on and where it was leading me)
You have guesses while reading but when the ending came I was not prepared. AT ALL! I cried. That moment is something that wraps this book up and makes it whole.
These characters and the story felt real. Alix (love the spelling) and Dylan. I loved their story. I could have read more of them and fallen harder. It was real. They weren’t perfect and they both saw that. It was a real love because they fought for it.
Smith… this guy! Perfectly patient.
This story, ugh my review doesn’t do it justice. I just can’t give anything away. You have to read for yourself to find out why this book is a must read.
Our lives are made up of all these moments and for most of us we take them for granted. But now I’ll always look for those sunny days.
Life is made of moments—moments when time seems to stand still, when images are permanently etched in our memories, when words ring in our ears that will never be forgotten, when powerful feelings fill our hearts and inundate our souls.
When Ashes Fall is such an important, emotional, relevant, and meaningful story. It isn’t simply another “must-read” for your reading list, it’s a mind-blowing, soul-searing experience in every sense of the word. Marni Mann has written a triangulated love story, one so powerful, the love so intense and the heartbreak so genuine. A story made of moments impossible to forget.
I implore that you take one of your moments and read this heartrending incredible story. I can assure you, that like one of those “life’s moments”, it is a story that will seep inside you and not be forgotten.
Beautiful. Breathtaking. Captivating. Heartbreaking. Hopeful.
Marni Mann, a master of her craft, twisted my mind with her dark side in the Prisoned books, steamed up my kindle with her sexy contemporary romances and has now ruined me in the best way possible with this raw and emotional book, When Ashes Fall. She has written a powerful and soul-shattering tale of love and all the little moments that make us treasure that feeling and not want to let go.
“…tonight was a moment. Just like yesterday was and the day before that. Every milestone, every victory, I want you celebrating each one, Alix.”
I was not prepared for the raw intensity of this book or for the wounds on my healing heart to be reopened and sliced through. Marni took a sensitive topic that still resonates deep inside many of us and weaved a heartfelt and honest story about the power of love – not only how it breaks you, but also how it heals, how it mends and glues the shattered pieces of your heart back together again.
“Time would eventually tame her demons. They would still be there. They would be there for the rest of her life. But the fangs of those demons would dull, and so would its claws.”
I fell in love with all the characters in this book – Alix, Dylan, Smith and Alix’s best friend, Rose. When they hurt, I hurt, and my throat felt constricted to where I was almost holding my breath throughout the entire book just waiting for the pin to drop, so it wasn’t a surprise that I had to lock myself in the bathroom for over an hour bawling my eyes out trying to finish the last 15% of this book. I could almost hear the cracks in my heart splitting wide open with every turn of the page. I both loved and hated every tear shed and every single emotion I felt. It’s amazing how much this author could make me feel with the strength of her words.
“Maybe, one day, I would love the rain, but I was still learning how to handle the storm.”
When Ashes Fall is a riveting and remarkable masterpiece that will fracture your heart and piece it back together at the same time. The most important lesson from this book is to celebrate each moment, no matter how big or small, and to look for those sunny days.
“We all need a little more hope. And some people need the reminder that there will be more sunny days, especially me.”
Thank you, Marni, for writing this beautiful book and giving me an epic book hangover. Cheers to moments and sunny days…
I write this review through my tears. Alix is a paramedic dispatcher , Dylan is a pilot & Smith is a divorce attorney. To men with very different personalities. One women that just wants to feel love and find peace. This story switches from past/present to give you the whole story of what really happened. This is NOT a book about cheating or a triangle but about finding love in two very different men. You must read to the very end to truly understand. It is written beautifully and will tug at your heartstrings! Told in multiple POV.