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!

There's a special kind of magic that comes with an anonymous author. It shifts the spotlight entirely to the craft, allowing the story and its characters to speak for themselves. This is precisely the feeling invoked by Lenore Nox's "Ashes Don't Bloom"—a debut that left me utterly captivated and eagerly anticipating more.
If you're a reader who prioritizes intricate character development and immersive world-building over a frantic plot, this book is for you. Nox masterfully weaves a narrative that feels less like a story you're reading and more like a world you're living in. The use of multiple POVs, often a chaotic endeavor in less skilled hands, is handled with expert precision here, offering deep dives into the complex inner lives of each character without ever becoming muddled. You'll find yourself resonating with their emotionally rich and incredibly realistic portrayals, feeling their struggles and triumphs as if they were your own.
Nox's world is a gritty, authentic tapestry of small-town life. From the smoky haze of the local dive bar and its regulars to the unsettling undercurrents of drug dealers and gun runners, everything feels remarkably true to life—even the moments of spicy intimacy, which I'd rate a fiery 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. What truly stands out is the nuanced integration of the military brotherhood/sisterhood, showcasing the realities of PTSD and the vital importance of seeking support, reframing it as strength rather than weakness.
While "Ashes Don't Bloom” may be "plot-light," it’s anything but uneventful. The book concludes with a cliffhanger that guarantees the next installment will start with a bang. I'm on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what's in store for Duke, Sedona, Diesel, and Delilah.
This book isn't just spicy; it's a deeply emotional journey that left me feeling a myriad of emotions. It's a testament to Nox's talent that she can evoke such a powerful response with a story so focused on its inhabitants. I wholeheartedly recommend "Ashes Don't Bloom" and give it a well-deserved 5 stars.
Make sure you get your copy on June 30, 2025!

+++I was given a copy of this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank #Lenorenox #Netgalley and #Victoryediting for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started this book but I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis and dove in head first. The gritty feel of this book, the banter and the humor are so good. The way the author describes the setting is perfect and you really feel like you are the main character experiencing the world through their eyes. The characterization is excellent and I love how each character has a I-don't-give-an-"eff" personality. These FMC's are both strong, independent and a little unhinged and I loved that about them.

I don't think I have ever read a book where there are two different "couples" in the same book and I really enjoyed it. I definitely think this could have been split into two books and we could have gotten a whole book about Sedona and a whole book about Delilah but this was still great. These couples are flawed and raw and real and I really enjoyed reading about them. The spice was top notch and I really liked how even though they aren't afraid to get naughty, you can tell they care for each other and the love grows over time.

The whole tunnel scene reminded me of the Fast & Furious 4 movie where they race through the tunnel and I was picturing it so vividly in my mind. It was tense and exciting and I was glued to the pages.

All in all, this was a great book and a great start to a new series that I'm excited to continue.

Thank you NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ashes Don’t Bloom" drips desert noir from every page—moody, hot, and edged in rust and gunpowder. If it had a theme song it’d be Handsome Family’s “Far From Any Road” crossed with Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans”: slow, sultry, fatalistic, and smoky.

This is a story where no one’s innocent, no one’s safe, and love is more a lifeline than a redemption arc. Delilah is a trailer park femme fatale with nowhere to go and no illusions left. Sedona is a grease-stained, gun-toting, car-racing ex-military badass who throws herself into danger. Their stories intertwine with two former Marines—Diesel and Duke— rough men living in a bad world.

It starts slow and moody, less focused on plot and more on relationships, getting to know the characters and watching them dance and circle each other. But the stakes rise fast on the second half once it’s clear a cartel war is coming.

The writing can be poetic (“…here she was, driving down the cracked road, curling through the Mojave like a serpent on a lookout for prey.”) without being overbearing and always keeps the tone and mood of a desert noir front and centre. There were minimal typos/grammar issues which kept it an immersive read.

I especially liked how trauma and injury aren’t magically erased - no one comes back from war without problems and it’s not magically resolved just because characters had sex. This is a dark, spicy read—nothing closed-door here. The sex scenes are intense and emotionally charged, with a few kink elements explored along the way.

Spoiler: this is book one in a trilogy. While it’s unclear if the same POVs will continue (the excerpt from book two features a new character), I hope Delilah and Sedona’s stories aren’t done yet—neither got their full HEAs, and there's more story to burn.

If you like violence, guns, cars, the desert and some twisty FMCs and MMCs, you’ll probably find something to love here. I’ll be first in line for book two—if Delilah and Sedona don’t get their full arcs, I’ll be mourning them under the Mojave moon!