I really love these characters, this world, and the found family feeling of this group, and the depression rep, but I just never really felt the love between Evan and Colin. The plot of this one didn’t pull me in like the plot of book 1 -and the entirety of the Not Dead Yet series. I still enjoy being in the world, but was disappointed with this series, unfortunately. There's an opportunity for another spin off trilogy, and I’m totally on board to read it if Jenn writes it.

Jenn Burke left readers dangling on an emotional cliffhanger at the end of House on Fire, and for good reason. Colin has had a lot to adjust to in a short amount of time, not the least of which includes that he was pronounced dead thirty-plus years ago, he has an adult son who’s older than Colin was when he “died”, and, to top things off, he’s a phoenix. Adding a forced bond to vampire Evan Fournier made Colin’s adjustment to life in a world that has accelerated beyond his ability to sometimes comprehend, not to mention the ability to absorb it, more difficult. Needing to be free to explore and process, and having the time to do it on his own, made his decision to break the bond with Evan feel like an imperative. That Colin mishandled it by not talking to Evan about his plans first provided for the fallout they’re now dealing with in Out of the Ashes.

It was all but promised that this book was going to be a romantic journey for Colin and Evan, and yes, it delivered on that promise. Colin losing the emotional connection he had with Evan while Evan remembers every feeling, every touch, every word that spoke of the way they felt about each other before their bond was severed dictates the cooled temperature of their relationship and the heated awkwardness that now exists between them. Colin’s honesty about not knowing whether he wants to, or ever will want to, be in a relationship with Evan comes as a blow to a man whose own brain has a tendency to attack him with near-constant thoughts of his unworthiness. Evan’s brain is, of course, an accomplished liar, and his depression and therapy are addressed with compassion and understanding.

When a body turns up that’s been drained by an elusive demon, and someone plants a bomb at Alleys, a shifter bar, with the obvious intention of wiping out as many paranormals as possible, Evan and Colin go undercover to infiltrate a terroristic hate group with the intention of putting a stop to the chaos and violence. They have some help from the law, but little else going for them other than the hope that they can identify the driving force behind the crimes before their covers are blown and they end up dead themselves. When everything goes sideways is the moment they discover the identity of their adversary, and it was a great reveal. Out of the Ashes delivers some solid action and significant suspense in the search for a demon who is gleefully, mercilessly causing chaos and mayhem and committing cold-blooded murder.

Never let it be said that a good dose of fear and danger and adrenaline mixed with some forced proximity aren’t an effective catalyst for rekindling a romance. In the midst of it all, Evan and Colin get a second chance at building a relationship, and this time they get to do it on their own terms and in their own time. Colin and his son are offered a first chance as well, to begin building what had been taken from them all those years ago. Readers who have been rooting for Evan and Colin won’t want to miss the completion of their story, or the way Jenn Burke got them to the finish line in one piece.

Strong ending to a very good series spun off from Burke's "Not Dead Yet" trilogy.

Evan Fournier and Colin Zhang are both struggling with the aftermath of breaking their bond, each having emotional aftershocks of different sorts. Adding fuel to the fire, so to speak, is another series of attacks on Toronto's paranormal community in addition to a series of murders that began in the previous book. While attempting to solve these seemingly disparate mysteries, Evan and Colin must find a way to stand on their own before coming back together in order to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

The group behind the terrorist attacks turns out to be scarily plausible, with some eerie echoes of today's political situation. And the return of the Order was handled well with some interesting characters in Maverick and Ema, in addition to the nice twist of the person behind the series of murders that all parties are trying to solve.

But there may have been just a few too many connecting threads over the three books for me to really buy the ending. Though fun, it just seemed that those particular plot points had very tenuous connections at best. Still, it was nice to see Evan and Colin find their happy ending after having been put through the wringer in these books.

Now, perhaps another series with Evan and Colin but also Maverick and Ema? It could be fun.

There’s a lot going on in this book: Evan and Colin are in a precarious place after the events of the last novel (definitely read these books in order, it’s worth it, they’re awesome, and provide much-needed context). There’s also a significant mystery to solve, some really interesting new characters to meet and at least one familiar one who goes through some significant evolution from previous appearances. Evan is such a good person that he’s impossible not to like: he’s kind, he’s determined, he’s smart and he knows how to reach out to the people who love him when he needs them: he copes with his depression, the obstacles in his relationship with Colin, and the need to solve an increasingly deadly and violent crime spree with grace and resilience. It’s hard to watch things go wrong for him, but it’s beautiful to see them go right, and it’s worth it all to see him get his happily ever after. I love this world and all the characters who inhabit it so much, and I hope to see it, and them, again– if, for example, Maverick was to get his own story, I’d be more than ok with that…

A satisfying conclusion to an exciting and intense paranormal trilogy! I've been a fan of Evan ever since his appearance in the Not Dead Yet series, so reading a trilogy from his point of view has been a treat. He's definitely had a rough road, from his not so great entry into vampire life, his struggles with depression, and the lose of loved ones. Out of the Ashes starts with him in bleak place, reeling from the broken bond with Colin, his mate and maybe boyfriend. The two quickly get swept up into danger and embroiled in a new threat to the supernatural community. I've been rooting for Evan and Colin this whole series, and while they put me through the emotional ringer at times, it's so worth it! I really loved the relationship and character development in this final installment, and the ending left me feeling happy and hopeful. This series (and Not Dead Yet) has a large and diverse cast of characters - many of them queer - and it was great to see them all again and watch them face this new challenge. If you enjoy urban fantasy and paranormal romance, definitely pick up these books!

Bonds

Ah, Evan, I love you and am so glad I got to tag along on your HEA. And though I was frustrated at times—ahem Colin, to be fair I do understand why he did what he did but still not a fan of how he did it—BUT and this one is important: they wouldn’t be who they are or where they are now without it all happening. “As long as he kept looking at me like that, like I made his world better instead of more complicated, I felt I could do anything. Be anything.” Believe me, these two can accomplish anything and I think they belong together like cinnamon and chocolate.

I really liked how this series honestly and openly discussed Evan’s depression, his realistic struggles with it, and his treatment methods. Also I love his found family and will forever hope I get my second chance to meet them all. I am so glad new beginnings do rise from the ashes.

So I was rather pissed with how book 2 ended, though I understood that the bond had to be broken. It was the whole Colin losing what he felt for Evan and reverting to not thinking before he opens his mouth. So on top of him having his heart repeatedly broken, there is the on going investigation. But eventually the mystery is solved and our boys get to their happy place. I still think Evan could have done better. I hope there is another spinoff with Maverick!

Knowing this was going to be last book of the spin-off trilogy really scared me but after how last book ended I was more sad and anxious than actually afraid. I care so much for Evan and his wellbeing, that seeing him not cope very well with the aftermaths of Colin breaking their bond really hurt my heart and soul.
We know things are going to be okay but the path there is not as easy because there's still someone killing and terrorizing paranormals and Evan is asked to help, with Colin wanting to go along, no matter how much this hurts Evan.
Jenn Burke really knows how to touch every single emotion in your heart. I was so sad reading the first part of the book. As sad as I was reading the Not Dead Yet trilogy. It's really a masterful way of playing with your heart in a way you want to keep reading because you know there'll be happiness. You know there's not only pain, but there's also love and a bit of steam, which is always a pleasure to read.
I loved seeing the whole gang together but still giving center stage to Evan, who has really come a long way from the first book of the original trilogy. I love him, and while I was mad at Colin for many of the choices he made, I was glad they were in this together, one way or the other.
I really want more stories set in this universe!

After the conclusion of the last book, I thought I was prepared to hurt, but Burke really did put Ev (and by extension, Me), through the wringer in the first part of the book. He's just been through SO MUCH and deserves his HEA more than so many other characters. Luckily, Burke does deliver on that front and by the end I'm as in love with Colin and Ev together as they are with each other. Along the way you also get a lot of action, the best found family, and a new big bad. It was a thrilling and enjoyable conclusion to a very amazing series. In my opinion, it was also a perfect setup for another spin off (CJ and Maverick, anyone?!)

Evan gets his HEA! This is the final installment in the “Ashes and Dust” series, wrapping up Evan and Colin’s story and the continuing mystery of who is targeting the paranormal community. We start this book a couple of weeks after the last book ended. Evan and Colin’s bond is broken, and while Colin remembers who he is and all of his past experiences, he has no memory of his emotions. They are also on the case of the rogue demon and learn there is more to the plot to expose paranormals than they thought.

Burke did a great job of balancing the real emotions Evan has with the suspense and action. We could have been mired in angst, but Evan is super realistic and is able to compartmentalize fairly well. I also really appreciate the way she describes Evan’s depression. It’s a very big part of who he is, but it doesn’t define him. The action parts of the book are really good, and the big bad is wrapped up well. And we get introduced to some new characters that I hope open the doors to a new series in this world (I need more CJ and Maverick!)

This is NOT a standalone, so if you haven’t read the first two books in the series, turn around and go do that! Actually, I’d recommend starting with the “Not Dead Yet” books, as that is where we are first introduced to this world and most of the characters, including Evan. If you like paranormal romance with humor, suspense, and a little bit of heat, you won’t regret picking up these books.

4.5 stars - I really liked it!

It's the end of a great series!! I started reading this series last year and eagerly awaited the final book of this trilogy, and I have to say, what a great ending for these guys!

Even though this wasn't necessarily a romance book, it was super interesting and addictive that made me not want to put it down and I enjoyed every second of it!

Plus, I miss Halloween all the time and this was the perfect book to come those spooky cravings! I need to read more paranormal books!

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the earc in return for an honest review.

3.5 Stars
Out of the Ashes is the last book in the Ashes & Dust series by author Jenn Burke. You need to have read the first two books to following along in this one. In this concluding book , Evan is dealing with the aftermath of Colin' breaking their bond and is still on the hunt to find out whose targeting paranormal in the area and stop them.

If you've seen my review for the prior books, you'll know that I am ridiculously overprotective of Evan. I did not love when the bond breaks, Colin doesn't remember any of his feelings attached to Evan and reverts to not thinking before he speaks and constantly bruising Evan's heart with his words. Obviously he eventually remembers everything and apologizes, but I still don't like him. In three books, I have grown no attachment to him and honestly think Evan deserves so much better.

Evan and all the other side characters in this book universe that by this point feel like family were a pleasure as always. Among them there's a wide range of wonderful queer rep including bi, lesbian, and pan. Also, the fantastic depression rep continues in this one, with Evan acknowledging when he's spiraling or on the verge of a depressive episode. He continues to take care of his mental health by seeing his therapist and taking his meds.

I'm curious on if the author is going to write another "spin off" series in this universe. Maybe following the shifter Maverick and the new Order office he opens in the area. I really liked his character and would love to see him get his own happy ending.

The ending of the previous book had me counting down the days until I could get some resolution for Evan and Colin, because to say they were left in a less than stellar situation would be an understatement. This conclusion to their journey was exactly what I needed, wonderfully well-written and engaging right from the start, a great ending to the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

Out of the Ashes is the third and final book in Jenn Burke’s Ashes & Dust series of paranormal romances set in and around Toronto, featuring vampire investigator Evan Fournier, his lover Colin Zhang – a phoenix - and their extended family of werewolves, vampires, witches - and a god.  The author does include information about the previous instalments for readers new to the series, but I’d advise reading the books in order so as to fully understand the character backstories and the emotional impact of past events.

Please note that there are spoilers in this review.

At the end of House on Fire, Colin made the decision to break the bond that had accidentally formed between himself and Evan (in All Fired Up).  It was risky, but he’s come through it okay – mostly; while he’s retained his memories and knows who Evan is, he has no emotional attachment to those memories, and Evan can tell that every time Colin looks at him, he sees a virtual stranger.  Understanding why Colin did what he did makes it no less devastating, and Evan is trying desperately to cling to the hope given him by Colin’s confession of love and exhortation to fight for them in the letter he left before he underwent the spell.  But weeks later, and with no indication that anything is changing,  a heartbroken Evan is struggling to keep his depression at bay, wondering how long he’ll be able to keep alive the hope that Colin will come back to him.

At the same time as Evan is trying to come to terms with the fact that the man he loves may never again love him back, the Westerson-Rojas household is reeling from the murder of Hudson’s brother by a demon, and the disappearance of Hudson’s niece Priya, who fears she will be accused of the crime.  And they’re still no nearer to discovering who is responsible for the spate of attacks on members of the paranormal community over the past few months.

Out of the Ashes opens a few weeks after House on Fire ends, and finds Evan and Colin on a maybe-date, joining their friends for the evening at Alleys, their favourite hang-out.  The night has barely begun when the place is rocked by an explosion that kills several of the bar’s paranormal patrons and injures many more – including Colin, who discovered the hard way that using his phoenix powers to control fire isn’t as easy now he’s unbonded.

Amid the chaos, Evan is sure he recognises someone from a recent investigation, a shifter who works as bodyguard to Elijah Michelakis, the man believed to be behind the recent campaign to expose and discredit paranormals in the community.  It seems as though the anti-paranormal campaign has been stepped up, but when Michelakis is found dead – apparently by his own hand – it’s clear to Evan and the gang that there’s something – or someone – else pulling the strings.

In my review of the previous book, I said that it posed more questions than it afforded answers and that it moved swiftly without offering more than a cursory exploration of events.  As well as the main plotline about the threat to Toronto’s paranormal community, there was a subplot about Hudson’s brother and one about Colin’s former fiancée and his son, and there was so much going on that the romance between Evan and Colin just wasn’t gelling.  Even so, the breaking of their bond at the end was a real gut-punch, so I was looking forward to seeing them fall in love ‘properly’ in this book, but while the author does a good job of tying up all the loose ends, I still found the romance a bit lacking, and can’t help wishing Colin’s PoV had been included. Without it, he feels distanced and little more than two-dimensional.

Evan, on the other hand, is superbly characterised, likeable and sympathetic.  As has been the case throughout this and the previous series (Not Dead Yet) his “asshole brain” – aka, depression - is written realistically and sensitively, and I’ve really enjoyed watching his growing confidence as he comes into his own, still very much part of the family Wes and Hudson have built, but capable of standing on his own two feet and living on his own terms.

The book feels more cohesive than the previous one and the plot is well-paced and developed, but the identity of the Big Bad comes a bit out of left-field, and in the end, their motivations are not particularly compelling.  I can’t deny I was a bit disappointed with how certain aspects of the final showdown were handled, but ultimately, Out of the Ashes reaches a satisfying conclusion and is an enjoyable finale to Evan and Colin’s journey, with a firm HEA for them and the hint of a possible spin off/sequel series that will open out the paranormal world Jenn Burke has so strongly established.

If you’ve been following the Ashes & Dust series, then you’ll want to pick up Out of the Ashes to find out how everything turns out, and if not, there’s a lot to enjoy here.  If you’re in the market for a series of paranormal romances featuring strong world-building, likeable characters and intriguing plots, with a found-family vibe and plenty of warmth and humour, this one should definitely be on your radar.

Buy it at: Amazon
Visit our Amazon Storefront

Heat Factor: They do have sex, but the story is focused on the mystery first and the repair of their relationship second, plus other stuff, so sex might not even be in third place in the plot agenda
Character Chemistry: They really get to choose each other this time
Plot: Left with an amnesiac boyfriend who intentionally severed their bond, Evan grapples with his changing relationship at the same time as people are somehow still trying to murder paranormals all over Toronto. Plus there’s a demon on the loose again.
Overall: What a lovely end to this series. I’m all heart eyes.

Friends, I am all in on Jenn Burke’s paranormal romantic suspense in Toronto. It’s both full of adventure and dead bodies and snuggly warm found family relationships. What could be better?

Out of the Ashes concludes a trilogy romance for Evan Fournier and Colin Chao nee Zhang. So now, if you haven’t read it all, you can binge the whole thing. I definitely recommend this because there were definitely things I forgot between the Ashes & Dust releases, and I have the alternative experience of binging the preceding trilogy, Not Dead Yet, in one go, and it was extremely satisfying. Anyway, if you want to get the scoop for the first two books, I’ve reviewed those separately.

If you have already read the first two books and are trying to decide if you should read the third… Why? Do you not like fun?

I’m mostly joking - every book isn’t for everybody - but at the end of the day these books do make for relatively light-hearted reading, which is somewhat surprising considering the body count and the trauma that the characters are experiencing or have experienced. Also considering Evan’s depressive episodes. But these are suspense-y books, so a body count really should not be surprising. And Evan’s depression being written as a part of his life that he manages and understands but that still gets to him sometimes is a level of acceptance-without-belaboring that I, for one, really appreciate. That is to say, I appreciate that it’s central to Evan’s character because it impacts him all the time, but it’s not the entirety of his identity or the driving reason that he struggles with whatever crosses his path.

Now, the story. Last book I was not thrilled with the back cover copy, I felt it was slightly misleading, but this one is much better. And it starts by talking about Evan, who is the single 1st POV narrator for the whole series, so that’s a significant improvement. I don’t know that I’d really add much more about the plot, considering that it’s a suspense book, and the mystery rolls from one thing to the next as they fit together the clues. Suffice it to say there are still mundane humans who know about paranormals and want to kill them, the demon who killed Hudson’s brother / Priya’s father in the last book is on the loose and causing trouble, Colin’s son comes further into play (And will he be the subject of the next trilogy? One can only hope.), and Colin and Evan must decide if they fight for their relationship or let it go now that the bond has been broken. As usual, there’s a lot going on.

Given the 1st POV and the crime-solving going on, there’s not a huge amount of space to develop Evan and Colin’s relationship. Colin hits Evan pretty hard emotionally early on in the book, and so it’s for Colin to put in the work, but with everything else going on, some might not feel that there’s a lot of development in the relationship. It’s there, it’s just not the sole focus of the story and the moments are quick. Besides, even in books where the relationship is the primary focus of the narrative, when they’re 1st POV it can be extremely tricky to tease out the dynamic arc of the non-POV protagonist. For me, the romance was an incentive to read, but not the whole draw of the book, so I really enjoyed the series; but for someone seeking a character-driven, big-feels romance, it might miss.

If we look at the relationship in its totality, we’ve gone from an ensorcelled Colin trying to kill Evan to both of them being involuntarily bonded to each other, at which point they start a relationship with each other that’s full of obstacles thanks to Colin’s past and the fact that they never really got to choose to be together (the bond forces them to be within a certain distance of each other). So, finally, in this book, with the bond broken and Colin’s odd amnesia we get to see them kind of start fresh and really, truly decide to be together for the sake of themselves and not for external, forced reasons. It was lovely. Even considering the murder and violence. ;)

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report. (May)

This was a really good ending to Evan's story and told from his POV. It gave Evan his HEA while possibly providing a way to start another spin-off series. (?) I enjoyed the support from Wes and Hudson, along with some of the new people that are introduced as they resolve the mystery encountered in books 1 and 2. Both series from this world are quite enjoyable.

The ARC only had a couple of proofreading issues that most people probably wouldn't even notice.

This is the conclusion to the spin off series Ashes & Dust and should definitely not be read as a stand alone. Evan and Colin have a very complicated relationship that became even more complicated with the ending of book 2. Book 3 starts where that one ended and you can't help but feel a bit heartbroken for Evan. I really wish we had Colin's POV for the end of book 2 because it would have helped a lot for me to understand why he did what he did (even though they do eventually discuss it later in the book). The emotional/relationship finally gets its payoff in this book and all the drama and issues from book 1 & 2 are settled in this final book in the series. This one had lots of action, the gang of characters I've come to know and love and some VERY intriguing new characters we get to know (Yes, I'm talking about you Maverick). The only thing I really didn't love about this book is the villain was just meh - his motivation was kind of a letdown. Overall a very enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to this series which left me hoping for another spin off about Maverick.

I felt rather heartbroken for Evan Fournier when this book started - for those of you who didn't know, well, you MUST read the second book first, okay?! The whole trilogy is written from his perspective, so everything that he is feeling, thinking, the depression... it's all there for us readers to read. Of course, I KNOW that this is romance and Evan WILL get his HEA, darn it. Still, it's not an easy way to reach that.

In addition to the complicated relationship with Colin, the threats to paranormal creatures escalated. There's a bombing in shifter bar, Alleys, that frequently visited by Evan, Colin, and the gang. And it raises further questions when Elijah Michelakis, whom everyone thought was responsible, was found dead. Apparently, another big player is behind everything.

I'm quite happy with the re-appearance of Order of the Onyx Shield and the RCMP (kinda-sorta part of INTERPOL) agents to help our heroes. Don't get me wrong, I think Evan, Colin, with network like Hudson and Wes (as a god himself) is great. But for a crime that reaches far, they need a bigger organization. Private investigators alone cannot do much. So I think it works well with the situation, and it gives Evan and Colin a different path to work with (rather than keep being under the "supervision" of Hudson and Wes)

Overall, I think it's a lovely conclusion of the Ashes & Dust trilogy, even if I sort of the final confrontation to be bigger and more fireworks than what was written here

4* Ends the series very satisfyingly and as realistically as can be.

I'm so glad that JB gave Baby Vamp Evan a series of his own and that he's managed to battle mental and physical demons and come out on top of both, especially where the former are concerned. It'd been a bit worrying to hear about his depressive bouts and how he couldn't seem to ward them off and how long it took him to recover from them, and whilst they've not gone away, nor have his episodes of self doubt (which is entirely understandable), he's in a much better, healthier place. And, his world has gotten a lot brighter because of his renewed bond with Colin and also because of his new job.

The tale brings back the gang and we get to find out what happened with Priya and Jet and her dad and secrets get outed and there's death and destruction, but there are also new relationships formed and people coming together for the greater good. For me, this series hasn't been big on the romantic front - not sure if I've not left that aspect of PNR behind - but it has been excellent on the world building and the meshing of the series and leads that this spun off from. I hope we'll continue to see these leads, and maybe we will, because Evan's new boss? There's something about him. He's a LOT more than he seems and for a while, I thought he was going to be a Richard, as we Brits say, but he saved the day in more ways than one.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Carina Press, for my reading pleasure.

Okay, I get it now, Jenn Burke. The fact that I never quite felt the chemistry between Evan and Colin in the first two book in this series ( All Fired Up and House on Fire) was actually a feature, not a bug. The bond between them has been broken, but Evan remembers Colin's written plea to "fight for us," and he is determined that their relationship can be restored. Or that they can at least go on a date. So we get a chance to see a real love story develop, and finally I can ship vampire Evan and phoenix Colin with all the feelz in my heart. We still don't have Colin's POV but he shines much brighter now, and his appeal is more obvious.

There's quite a bit of fallout from the dramatic conclusion to House on Fire on Colin's relationship with the family who thought he died in 1990. The interactions between Colin and his firefighter son are in turn heartbreaking, hilarious, and heartwarming. I wouldn't mind another spinoff series featuring CJ.

There are several new characters introduced, including a snarky, talented shifter named Maverick, who is also intriguing spinoff bait. The Big Bad is a little disappointing in that its motive is not terribly compelling, but there's still some sleuthing involved in tracking it down.

So, Jenn, I apologize for the meh reviews of the first two books in this series; I didn't understand your strategy. Reading this trilogy as one long story puts the somewhat lackluster initial romance between the two MCs in perspective, so that the eventual HEA is that much sweeter.

I don't think I'm ready to forgive you for the book 2 cliffhanger though.

ARC gratefully received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.