This was a nice read.

The characters were written nicely, they had a great dynamic and everyone’s chemistry was written nicely as well.

The plot was there but did get lost a little bit at times but still there nonetheless. You got some twist and suspense that was a nice added touch. The town of Rattlesnake Ridge was unique and written in a pretty immersive way.

There was also sort of an ode to supernatural throughout the book. Just hints here and there. Some added touches if you will.

Overall nice read, I’d recommend to someone asking. Looking forward to what’s next in the trilogy

I DNF this book, I only read 10%. I couldn’t get into it and I didn’t understand what was going on in the story.

Ashes Don’t Bloom is a gritty, emotional debut that blends desert noir, found family, and slow-burn romance into a compelling, character-driven story. Lenore Nox delivers four distinct POVs—ex-Marines and strong heroines—intertwined with themes of trauma, loyalty, and redemption. The writing is vivid, the atmosphere smoky and intense, and the romance is heartfelt with just the right amount of spice. A strong start to what promises to be an unforgettable trilogy. I can’t wait for book two!

I LOVED this book!! The plot and spice flowed together smoothly. Deliah and Sedona are both independent women who dont ask for permission but rather forgiveness later.😝 Diesel and Duke are protective over their women. They have a secretive cartel background which i look forward learning more in book 2

This book follows two female main characters: Delilah and Sedona. Delilah comes to Rattlesnake Ridge with little else other than her '67 Impala and the money in her wallet. She starts to work at a local bar, the Junction, but doesn't expect to fall in love with Diesel.

While Delilah is become more and more tangled in Diesel's world, Sedona is finding it more and more difficult to stay out of her feelings for Duke. After spending years in the Marines with Duke, she now runs his garage and has his heart on her finger.

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I'll admit this isn't normally a book I'd normally read but I'm soooooooo glad I decided to keep an open mind. I was hooked from the first page until the very last one. I know I'll be asking for the ARC for the rest of this trilogy when they become available. Auto-apply for me, here we come. lol

I love how much of a slow burn we have here. I don't mind insta-lust or insta-love on occasion, which is partly what we got here but I'm also glad it wasn't acted on until about 30%/35% of the way through the book. Yet another way to keep me hooked.

I am not normally into Westerns but the vibes with this book are absolutely top-notch. I'll be reading this one again before the sequels come out, for sure. I need to get my hands on it and will more than likely be purchasing it as well just to say I have it in my library.

I think my favorite character is Sedona but Delilah is definitely a close second. God, the romance between Sedona and Duke was chef's kiss. I don't want to give any spoilers but their romance was just what I needed.

I'm normally very picky with giving out 5 stars but this one deserves it. I know Lenore will now be an auto-buy author for me, moving forward. Again, this is something I don't normally give out. I'm not saying this to brag or anything but I needed to stress this.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants a good romance in a different kind of setting that's out of their normal sphere. If you're looking for a book to get you out of a reading slump, I promise this book will do it for you. It helped me, that's for sure!

A Wild Ride Through Rattlesnake Ridge, But It’s Not Without Bumps
Ashes Don’t Bloom takes readers deep into the dusty, dangerous world of Rattlesnake Ridge, where love is as fierce as the engines revving beneath its characters. The story follows two couples, Delilah & Diesel and Sedona & Duke, as they navigate cartel conflict, buried trauma, found family, and high-speed thrills.
Sedona, Diesel, and Duke are ex-military living under one roof, while Delilah, the fiery newcomer with a southern drawl and charm to spare, shows up ready to stir the pot. There’s no shortage of drama: we’ve got PTSD, high-octane racing, sizzling chemistry, and small-town secrets. And yes, there’s spice. The characters are what really shined for me. Each had distinct personalities and backstories, though I would have loved more depth for Delilah, especially since she was my favorite. Her sass, wit, and weaponized "southern belle" act made every scene she was in a delight. The structure, however, was a challenge. This was my first experience with a third-person dual POV, technically, a quadruple POV, and I personally found it overwhelming. While I love getting into characters’ heads, the constant perspective shifts in third person made it harder to connect, and the dual-couple storyline might have worked better spread across two books. That way, both couples, and their arcs, could’ve had room to breathe. The racing scenes were an absolute highlight. As someone who grew up around cars, those moments had my heart racing. They brought the kind of adrenaline I’d hoped to feel throughout the rest of the book.
On the downside, Delilah and Diesel’s relationship moved way too fast for me. While Sedona and Duke’s dynamic felt earned due to their shared past, the other couple’s romance felt rushed, almost like it was driven more by plot pacing than character development. This also didn’t feel like a true dark romance to me. While it had gritty moments, it leaned more toward romantic suspense or desert noir.
Final thoughts:
This book had elements I really enjoyed, especially the characters and racing, but overall, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I probably won’t continue the series, but readers who enjoy third-person, multi-POV romance with spice, crime, and speed might find this to be their kind of thrill ride.

Books are like soulmates. There is someone for everyone and this one…..was for me!!!

If you like badass FMCs that are actually badasses and hot MMCs then you will love this book. It has different POVs, (which is a personal favorite of mine), military references, street racing, illegal activity, and relationships that are relatable.

First off I am in love Duke and Sedona. Their relationship is just so interesting. A friends with benefits that got too serious but they have commitment issues but can’t let each other go. I am hoping to see more of them in the next books. I feel like they give off Letty and Dom vibes from Fast and the Furious. They are both strong characters who have been through so much and are able to be themselves around each other.

While reading the book I was getting ready to have a serious talk with Sedona’s inquires. They would not let that woman have any fun. She is a veteran. She has sacrificed enough. If she can ride a motorcycle let her ride her man.

Delilah and Diesel’s relationship confuses me a little bit. They are all over the place but it keeps you wanting more. It’s the struggle of figuring out if they are going to be together or not. I do feel like there is a lot we just don’t know about Diesel and his past that’s getting in the way. While reading this I am also watching Ginny and Georgia and I couldn’t help but picture Georgia as Delilah they are very similar.

Overall I really enjoyed this book the only downfall is having to wait for the next one. I really hope we don’t have to wait too long because I need to know more.

Thank you to the author Lenore Nox, and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC.

I really enjoyed Ashes Don’t Bloom! It’s the first book in the Rattlesnake Ridge Trilogy and it definitely pulls you into this gritty desert town with a cool, almost dangerous vibe. The setting feels super alive — dusty roads, dive bars, and that hot, tense atmosphere where anything could happen.
The story follows two women, Delilah and Sedona, who are both carrying a lot of baggage but also have a lot of strength. Delilah’s running from her past with just her car and a bit of hope, while Sedona is this tough mechanic who’s got her own complicated history. Their stories weave together really well, and the chemistry with the guys — Diesel and Duke — adds some nice heat and tension without feeling forced.
What I really liked was how the book deals with PTSD and trauma in a way that felt real and respectful, not just some plot device. The relationships feel genuine and the characters are flawed but relatable. The writing style is smooth and vivid, which made it easy to get lost in the story.
The pace is a bit slow at times since it focuses a lot on character and mood, but it totally pays off. By the end, you want to jump right into the next book to see what happens next!

Thank you to Lenore and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Absolutely loved this book. Grabbed my attention right away. Motorcycles, cartel, ex-marines what more could a dark romance novel need. Looking forward to continuing the series!

I enjoyed this book and the darker elements within. It was the perfect amount of spice to plot and definitely would recommend to a friend!

This book was a great introduction into this trilogy and can’t wait to read more. This was my first time reading this author and wouldn’t hesitate to read more. A solid 4.5 ⭐️

🌶️🌶️.5

thank you for providing this ARC!!

Ashes Don’t Bloom is a desert noir that follows Delilah and Sedona, with two storylines that interconnect.
Delilah and Diesel’s story and then Sedona and Duke’s.
This book was honestly a refreshing read. It’s different from the majority of books I’ve read and I enjoyed so much!
Ashes Don’t Bloom has found family, survival, loyalty, easy love in a hard setting, crime, cartel conflict, PTSD, kink, motorcycles, guns, grief, and a good amount of spice 🥵

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Lenore Nox for this ARC.

DNF @ 30%

What I managed to get through confirmed my suspicions: this is thinly-veiled Supernatural fanfiction, and not very good fanfiction at that. I got nearly a third of the way through the book and absolutely nothing of any substance happened. I'm not even sure what the actual plot of the book was, something that should have been clear by now. Apparently, though, this is the first book in a series, which may explain some of the seemingly meaningless exposition--maybe Nox is still just worldbuilding. At the same time, so much of the writing that isn't sex scenes feels AI-generated, which I wouldn't be surprised by based on the state of the author's website. Overall, this was a major disappointment. Would not recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read this ARC of “Ashes Don’t Bloom” by Lenore Nox in exchange for an honest review!

This book is a great foundation for a series and is wonderfully written for a beginning author! I feel like the author did a good job with world-building when it comes to the ambiance of the town. I think that following two couples simultaneously in one book is interesting, and interferes with the storytelling in a way I haven’t read about before in romance. I loved the little details like Duke’s tattoo and the racing that takes place in the story, Delilah and Sedona’s bond, as well as Duke and Diesel’s relationship.

My criticism of this book mainly concerns the pacing of the storyline. I feel like Delilah and Diesel’s storyline was rushed, and there was little buildup to their romance. They made many comments in the vein of “I can't wait anymore”, when they’ve known each other for no more than 12 hours. I feel like some buildup to their romance would make this book more engaging. Even in Sedona and Duke’s story, I feel that the romance could be developed better, with more clarity/context on where their relationship begins. Additionally, I believe that having 4 people's perspectives in this book interfered a little too much with my understanding of this story, and think that Sedona/Duke and Delilah/Diesel would benefit from having their books in this interconnected world.

Despite my criticism, I think this book was a good read, even though I struggled with my motivation to pick it up. I look forward to seeing this author’s success because I believe she can captivate a strong fan base with the right audience.

Ashes Don’t Bloom by Lenore Mix surprised me at first—I thought it was two books in one, so the beginning felt a bit confusing. But once the story came together, I found myself pulled in by the emotional layers and the gritty, real-world feel. The standout for me was the tough, resilient female characters. It’s always refreshing to read about women who fight through pain and come out stronger. This book doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but it handles them with heart and honesty.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC

Solid 4.5 ⭐️
Okay, I went into #AshesDontBloom by Lenore Nox expecting tough characters and crime, with 3 Marines I don’t know why I didn’t expect the incredible loyalty or the powerful theme of survival and heart that pulsed through every page. ❤️‍🩹 🌵🏜️🏍️🔥🖤🩹
I enjoyed the Multiple POV’s. This was my first book with two couples/storylines. It flowed well, but I also would have enjoyed it if Delilah and Sedona each had their own books. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Lenore Nox truly delivers an almost poetic storytelling that elevates this desert noir beyond just its grittiness. If you love a story with depth, unexpected tenderness, and characters you'll root for, not to mention spice you need to pick this one up!
Have you read it? What surprised you most?
#BookReview #LenoreNox #AshesDontBloom #DesertNoir #FoundFamily #GrittyReads #Bookstagram"

“Where you from?”
“A place ‘at no longer wants me.”

✨ Overall Rating 4/5
📈 Plot 4/5
🖊️ Writing 4/5
👤 Characters 4/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships 4/5
🗺️ World Building 5/5
🔥 Spice 3/5
😭 Emotional Damage 1/5
🤩 Entertainment 4/5

This is a new author to me and I had no idea what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. The book follows 4 people—Delilah, Diesel, Sedona, and Duke—and we get all of their POVs (primarily Delilah and Sedona).
This is very different from my usual reads, so I was a bit unsure about it when I first started. However, every time I put my Kindle down to work, I kept feeling a tug and wondering what would happen next in the story.

I would consider this a more mellow, and low-key read. There is a steady plot throughout.

I will absolutely be reading book 2 and am really hoping it follows these 4 characters because I need more! I especially need more of Delilah and Diesel because the book ended without a resolution between them. 😭


Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC! 🖤

Firstly I’d like to say thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to have an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Ashes Don’t Bloom follows Delilah & Sedona on their journeys to love with Diesel & Duke. Nothing in Rattlesnake Ridge is that simple though. Sedona, Diesel & Duke are all ex-military who live together, Delilah is new in town & about to shake things up. There’s crime, cartel conflict, PTSD, motorbikes/fast cars & spice!

I really enjoyed the characters in this, they all had various things that made them unique. The only one I would have liked more background on is Delilah, especially as she is my favourite character. Her sass & southern accent is so much fun. The way she uses her ‘southern belle’ charm to her benefit is entertaining.

This was my first book where it’s a dual POV that is also in third person, although technically it’s actually a quadruple POV as you have two couples & you get everyone’s perspective. Personally I struggled a lot with this, I love a dual POV when it’s first person. Doing it in third person made the need for multiple people’s POV seem unnecessary to me.

My favourite element of the book is the racing. As someone who’s grown up around cars, this had me on the edge of my seat.

I didn’t enjoy how fast paced the relationship between Delilah & Diesel is. It made sense with Sedona & Duke due to their history but felt like the others moved so fast just for the sake of the book.

Unfortunately the further I got into the book, the harder I found it to keep up with all the POV’s & the two storylines running alongside each other. I understand they tie into each other & come together in the end but would have preferred two books rather than one. That would have done the characters more justice in my opinion. I also don’t feel this book is a dark romance like it states.

Overall I didn’t hate the book, but I certainly didn’t love it. It’s not something I would read again and to be honest I probably won’t read the next one as I really struggled to finish it. But if you love third person dual POV & a dessert noir with fast cars & great sex, this will certainly be your thing!

Thanks for the eARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op!
This debut novel by Lenore Nox is the first in the Rattlesnake Ridge trilogy, featuring two couples. Although this story follows the two FMCs' POVs, it is easily understood. Starting out by getting to know the characters, this book doesn't delay the excitement. Immediately, the action begins, pulling you deeper into this amazing storyline. The action never slows down in this thrilling and spicy read. I would recommend this book to others regardless of whether or not this is their usual book genre as this book was outside of my own typical reading genres.
(I also found it quite interesting that the cover was designed by the author.)

Ashes Don't Bloom - 3.5 star

((I was given a copy of this ARC in an exchange for an honest review))

I enjoyed this book - I liked the setting & the character development. When you read about the characters it doesn't just tell you what they're feeling, it makes you feel it too. The book deals with heavy themes and some moments hit hard, but it's handled beautifully imo.

Lenore definitely managed to captivate me with this world - I'm looking forward to book 2!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing & Lenore Nox for giving me the opportunity to review early!

Ir was weirdly immersive.
I loved the desert setting, the characters dynamics, and yes, the spice. The story felt somewhat natural, even though after giving it some thoughts, I think I would have liked more resolution in this book, because so much is left unanswered or just brushed aside. I know it's just book one, but I feel frustrated.
Probably means I was invested, so still a good sign.
My main complaint is that I would have liked it better if one of the main character wasn't so young (21), especially compared to the others (early 30's).
But overall a solid first installment, can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Orbit Books for this ARC!