I wanted so badly to love Heart of Ash. But this Kathy Otten read is not for me. The writing style is just not for me.

Captain Elliot "Ash" Bainbridge believes his time has come and he'll be the next pilot to go down in a fiery death. It's not because the Germans will shoot him down but as punishment from God for being gay. It's not his fault for preferring men over women but his father says otherwise. His attraction to Lieutenant Harry March confuses him because when Harry kisses him in the garden, he's caught by surprise. Elliot's heart is at war with all the lies his father spewed at him which have festered over time. Harry tries to convince him otherwise but Elliot is sure his life is over, no matter how much he cares for Harry. Can Elliot embrace the love Harry is offering, even if it is only momentary, or should he keep his distance?

Heart of Ash is a beautiful historical romance between two RFC pilots in the Great War. It doesn't matter to this reader that the love is between two men. Love is love, no matter what the gender. Kathy Otten plunges the reader into the past and captures what the pilots go through on a daily basis with intricate detail and emotion. The romantic moments are tender and heartfelt. There's a fair bit of conflict warring inside Elliot which made my heart break for him. The ending surprised me and delighted me at the same time. If you're a romance reader, you'll love this short romantic story. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5+ stars

A beautiful story that had me on the edge of my seat.

This is the first book I’ve read by Kathy Otten. It appears to be her only MM story and that’s a shame as I’d love to read another one like this by her.

This is a very short novella at only 47 pages but it really packed a punch for me. It’s set during The Great War (WWI). Captain Elliot “Ash” Bainbridge’s father caught him kissing another man and sent him off to war saying that God would see that he died for his unnatural proclivities.

Lieutenant Harry March wants to be more than friends with Ash but Ash won’t hear of it. Remembering his father’s prediction that he would die, Ash won’t let himself feel anything for Harry.

I’m not good at describing this kind of story. It really tore me up in places and I definitely was on tenterhooks during others. I feel like anything I say would be a spoiler. It’s the first historical romance that I’ve read from this time period and I loved it.

The biggest compliment I can give this book is to say that I received a review copy from NetGalley but as soon as I finished reading it I purchased a copy to support the author.

Short and sweet. There can't be much characterization in a story of this length but it doesn't stop me from wishing there was a bit more. Would have been nice to know a little bit more about Mark at least. An enjoyable quick read, though.

In the skies over France during the Great War, the life expectancy of a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps is measured in days. Captain Elliot "Ash" Bainbridge is certain he'll be the next pilot sent spinning to earth in a ball of fire. Not because the Germans will shoot him down, but because God will punish him for daring to love another man.
When Ash met Lieutenant Harry March, their attraction was instant. But Harry hates Ash's fatalistic attitude. He believes in capturing the moment. Can Ash set aside his fear of death and take a chance on love? Or should he try to keep his heart safe from hurt forever?
Heart of Ash, written by Kathy Otten is a January 2021 release for the Vintage Rose line out of the Wild Rose Press.

Our Review: one of the most powerful stories detailing the many facets of early attraction leading to love we’ve had the pleasure to read. It does not matter who the characters are for the heart does not dictate who to love but when.

On a scale of 1-5, Heart of Ash deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A nice quick read that I wish had some more to it.
Even though it was a small read I loved both March and Ash. And their chemistry was ok point. Great story.

Very short m/m romance between two WW2 pilots. It was short and sweet. Would have liked it to be a little longer or maybe an epilogue.

I received this Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.