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The Savage Crew #2
Through the Ashes
I’ve never fit in, but I have no desire to stand out either. I was perfectly fine hanging in the shadows, but my choice to remain anonymous is taken from me.
I’m thrust into the spotlight. His spotlight.
Asher Beck is a golden god at Savage River High. Football star, whip-smart, and popular, we don’t belong in the same hemisphere, let alone circle. But underneath that perfection is a darkness he only reveals to me.
I have no idea what I did to capture Asher’s attention, but he is relentless in his pursuit. The problem is, I can’t tell if he’s trying to break me or own me...and I don’t know which I want more.
Broken boy meets broken girl.
Author's Note: Through the Ashes is a high school bully romance with mature themes and dubious situations some readers may find offensive. If heroes who are golden on the outside but dark as night on the inside aren't your thing, this book isn't for you!
I’m thrust into the spotlight. His spotlight.
Asher Beck is a golden god at Savage River High. Football star, whip-smart, and popular, we don’t belong in the same hemisphere, let alone circle. But underneath that perfection is a darkness he only reveals to me.
I have no idea what I did to capture Asher’s attention, but he is relentless in his pursuit. The problem is, I can’t tell if he’s trying to break me or own me...and I don’t know which I want more.
Broken boy meets broken girl.
Author's Note: Through the Ashes is a high school bully romance with mature themes and dubious situations some readers may find offensive. If heroes who are golden on the outside but dark as night on the inside aren't your thing, this book isn't for you!
Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2021
About the author
Julia Wolf
43 books2,701 followersJulia lives in Maryland with her patient husband and three crazy, beautiful kids!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
September 20, 2023
3.5 stars
I love Julia Wolf's writing and this series is connected to some of the other Savage books, so I wanted to get to this one. I liked Bex a lot, Asher took some time to grow on me. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall it was good. I'm really looking forward to the next one. I can't wait to read about Gabe!
I love Julia Wolf's writing and this series is connected to some of the other Savage books, so I wanted to get to this one. I liked Bex a lot, Asher took some time to grow on me. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall it was good. I'm really looking forward to the next one. I can't wait to read about Gabe!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Emery Erickson & Gideon Frost
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: YA/NA Romance
Length: 10h 12m
May 10, 2021
Through the Ashes is Julia Wolf's second book in her Savage Crew series which delves into the darker side of new adult relationships. The story picks up a short time after book one, Start a Fire ends, which is where I first met Bex Lim and Asher Beck, the lead characters in this high school enemies to lovers bully romance.
The opening chapter begins with a tragic, unexpected bang, my favorite way to be drawn into a new story! There's no putting a book like this down for long! Bex is trying to come to grips with the repercussions of someone else's actions as her world falls apart. Her barely there parents are too wrapped up in their own lives to deal with hers...she's basically on her own. The loneliness she feels at home is crushing this awkward little alt girl, as she calls herself. At school, she marches to her own beat, trying to keep her grades up and her head down while attempting to avoid drama by blending into the shadows. I liked her in Start a Fire as Grace's delightful, artsy, quirky friend, but I absolutely loved her in this. She had maturity, intelligence and strength on her side unlike many girls her age and I admired her confidence, wicked sarcasm and witty comeback lines. She was a quiet, unassuming little butt kicker and I was in her corner every single time.
Asher- I thought I had him all figured out in the first book- the aloof popular football star, good grades and gorgeous golden looks, but boy, was I wrong. That was the face he showed the world but something deeper was brewing inside him and I never would have guessed what it was. He was a fascinating character- the kind that hides their flaws and fears behind a perfect facade. Asher and Bex had a strange, intense connection that no one understood, not even themselves at times. He loved to hate her-angrily pushing her to the limit, sometimes over the edge, looking for any reaction whether good or bad. She hated how Asher made her feel but Bex had her crew to rally around her, shielding her as much as possible from the ugly pettiness that the mean crowd wanted to throw her way.
What strong feeling were brought out in Through the Ashes, a play on words for sure as the ups and downs of Bex and Asher's hate/love relationship was tested over and over. Getting dragged through the volatile, emotional landmines that surrounded them was an everyday occurence as they were pushed, pulled and manipulated by interfering, villanous fools and nasty, jealous haters who loved to stir the pot.
Bex and Asher had more in common than they thought and I loved how their angsty attraction morphed into an explosive chemistry that practically leapt off every page! Those intense scenes were hot AF, almost burning holes in my Kindle... sooo good! Was it possible that these two misunderstood and broken souls were meant to be together??? Could they find solace and peace in each other and say to hell with the rest of the world? If enemies to lovers romance is what you love most, Julia Wolf's Savage Crew are the kind of characters you would definitely love reading about. Bex and Ashers's story will break and then mend your dark loving heart. Make sure to add this memorable book and series to your TBR. Be on the lookout for more to come in this Savage world....can you say Gabe Fuller??? I can't wait for that crazy man's story!
This was my honest review of an advanced copy of this book.
The opening chapter begins with a tragic, unexpected bang, my favorite way to be drawn into a new story! There's no putting a book like this down for long! Bex is trying to come to grips with the repercussions of someone else's actions as her world falls apart. Her barely there parents are too wrapped up in their own lives to deal with hers...she's basically on her own. The loneliness she feels at home is crushing this awkward little alt girl, as she calls herself. At school, she marches to her own beat, trying to keep her grades up and her head down while attempting to avoid drama by blending into the shadows. I liked her in Start a Fire as Grace's delightful, artsy, quirky friend, but I absolutely loved her in this. She had maturity, intelligence and strength on her side unlike many girls her age and I admired her confidence, wicked sarcasm and witty comeback lines. She was a quiet, unassuming little butt kicker and I was in her corner every single time.
Asher- I thought I had him all figured out in the first book- the aloof popular football star, good grades and gorgeous golden looks, but boy, was I wrong. That was the face he showed the world but something deeper was brewing inside him and I never would have guessed what it was. He was a fascinating character- the kind that hides their flaws and fears behind a perfect facade. Asher and Bex had a strange, intense connection that no one understood, not even themselves at times. He loved to hate her-angrily pushing her to the limit, sometimes over the edge, looking for any reaction whether good or bad. She hated how Asher made her feel but Bex had her crew to rally around her, shielding her as much as possible from the ugly pettiness that the mean crowd wanted to throw her way.
What strong feeling were brought out in Through the Ashes, a play on words for sure as the ups and downs of Bex and Asher's hate/love relationship was tested over and over. Getting dragged through the volatile, emotional landmines that surrounded them was an everyday occurence as they were pushed, pulled and manipulated by interfering, villanous fools and nasty, jealous haters who loved to stir the pot.
Bex and Asher had more in common than they thought and I loved how their angsty attraction morphed into an explosive chemistry that practically leapt off every page! Those intense scenes were hot AF, almost burning holes in my Kindle... sooo good! Was it possible that these two misunderstood and broken souls were meant to be together??? Could they find solace and peace in each other and say to hell with the rest of the world? If enemies to lovers romance is what you love most, Julia Wolf's Savage Crew are the kind of characters you would definitely love reading about. Bex and Ashers's story will break and then mend your dark loving heart. Make sure to add this memorable book and series to your TBR. Be on the lookout for more to come in this Savage world....can you say Gabe Fuller??? I can't wait for that crazy man's story!
This was my honest review of an advanced copy of this book.
February 13, 2022
So I was excited to read Bex's book as her relationship with Asher came out of nowhere and was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed their connection even when it wasn't a good time for either of them.
But while I died and loved for book one, I had a few issues with book 2. I felt terrible for Bex over what was happening to her but also Asher's unrealistic expectations for her. I don’t want to delve too deep (to avoid spoilers) but I felt like she was grossly villified by Asher for doing something she should have been free to do to heal. Ugh. My emotions are too overwrought right now but suffice to say I think the conflict in this book and Asher's issue and what he needed to "forgive" was absolutely ridiculous.
Overall however, this was a solid read and now I can't wait to devour Gabe's book. 4 stars! ~Ratula
But while I died and loved for book one, I had a few issues with book 2. I felt terrible for Bex over what was happening to her but also Asher's unrealistic expectations for her. I don’t want to delve too deep (to avoid spoilers) but I felt like she was grossly villified by Asher for doing something she should have been free to do to heal. Ugh. My emotions are too overwrought right now but suffice to say I think the conflict in this book and Asher's issue and what he needed to "forgive" was absolutely ridiculous.
Overall however, this was a solid read and now I can't wait to devour Gabe's book. 4 stars! ~Ratula
October 2, 2021
Based on the high rating my expectation was set high. Decided to DNF at about 65%, which I rarely do these days, but just can't spend more time on a story with shitty drama...
The beginning was very promising, and I got a glimpse of how the story could unwrap. -> Girl sleeps with a guy at a party, being a virgin, but he isn't aware. He then all pissed and angry, because she left without saying a word to him, a little OW misunderstanding. The angst would continue, encounters which would lead to sex, couple of OM/OW situations, then he finds out the first night together meant something to her, leading to discussion and here we go HEA at last.
Nice in theory, but it wasn't exactly like that, which frankly should be a good thing. Original stories are better than those clichés romances being repeated over and overa again, despite me liking it that way...
I'm trying really hard to be objective, here, but I'm failing... Asher is more than angsty, he's mean and once he finds out Bex was a virgin, it does nothing to cool his anger. That's where I realized there will be more to the story, but started to dislike the Hero a lot. I wanted to DNF back there at 25%. He was the ultimate bully - taking pictures of Bex asleep in his bed? Doesn't matter he wasn't the one to spread them, he should have never even taken them in the first place and showing them to Bex's fresh ex-boyfriend was so low...
By the 60% hitmark finally reader finds out what the angst is about - Spoiler inside a spoiler warning 😊 . Going back to the first sex scene of the MCs, I don't get it. There was a huge chemistry between them and Asher didn't act mean even though he was aware, who Bex is. Yes, the sex may have been rougher, but it's nothing compared to the other sex scenes. 
Anyway, between bullying, Hero beating the bullies, OW/OM drama (and not only ONE OM and OW, but more 🤦♀️), here we have another drama! It's all just too much and Bex nor Asher are likeable enough to save it. The only character I actually liked was Gabe, but I'm not brave enough to read his own story...
1.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
This book is so bad. I’m sorry author but its true. I hate unnecessary childish high school drama like this book😂😂😂 THE HERO IS SO BAD. Bad in a very bad wrong way...
ONE MINUTE HE WANTS THE HEROINE, AND NEXT HE DOESN’T WANT HER AND RUDE TO HER FOR NO REASON. When he find out the picture him and the heroine together in his bed has been uploaded to snapchat, he doesn’t get mad at the OW that posted it. BTW the OW and him never have s*x. He just wants to play with her for no reason, so childish. He doesn’t get mad at the OW, like seriously? That btch uploaded your picture in bed with the heroine, he doesn’t defend the heroine. What a dckhead. When the heroine get mad at him that he takes picture of her naked in his bed, he says its not wrong and its okay when at the time both are not in a relationship just have a one night stand. Like seriously? Whats wrong with him. When the hero broke the heroine’s camera that she got from her grandpa and it was precious to her, he mad at the heroine because why she likes things like that when its broken already. Nope, he doesn’t apologize or whatsoever. Wtf. Instead, he touch the heroine private parts when she was crying and trying to calm down after see her precious camera been broken. Like what? OMG.... The childish of these two and especially the hero is so annoying, so freakin annoying and I hated it. I immediately stops reading it after that scenes because the hero is too childish and too stupid. This is a disaster hero who’s too childish... I hate childish heroes, thats so childish and too stupid like its so fcked up.
I will read the other books instead from this author especially these series, hopefully I will find a better one. I want a hero thats not too childish and not too stupid and not too much of pushing away.
This character of the hero is too annoying. Af.
STONE COLD NOTES FROM THIS AUTHOR is amazing. More amazing than this one. Thats my first book from this author and it was great!
This is actually my second one and it was not that great lol. But hopefully this author will write better books than this one. 🤗
👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽Thank you so much for reading my review❤️❤️ For you who loves my review and follow it, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I did not get paid or be told to do a review on a book. I’m here just to write review about a book so i can remember it. Its my honest opinion😚 I didn’t know at first people will find me and follow me and trust me to be honest, I was surprised myself to look at the notifications from people who reach out to me😆 So everything i write down here on a review is based on my personal opinion and based on my true writing. I DID NOT COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW OR WRITING SKILL because at first when i was using this app for one year i didn’t know how to scroll down on a book and see the reviews from others😂😅🤣 I know, silly me but hey I finally learned my lesson 😛😛😛 Thats why when people assume i copy someone’s review i was like what? Because at first i didn’t know how to use this app properly and i didn’t know how to open someone’s review because for a year i never follow someone or add friends or someone😂😂😂🤣 (I’m laughing so hard) 🤪 AND I NEVER COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW EVER. IF I WRITE SOMETHING WRONG OR DOESN’T MAKE SENSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND BE NICE OKAY. 👈🏽👈🏽👈🏽✋🏽✋🏽
I have a disclaimer down bellow if you have negative thoughts about my review😙😙😙
🌐🌐🌐➡️↘️⬇️➡️This is my own personal thoughts and opinion about the book so if thats not sit right with you or you feel I’m not being fair blablabla, please know that everybody in this world have their own different things that they like and don’t like. It may not be the same thing with you but thats okay because i am my own person and you cannot control me or tell me what to do. For example; i put ketchup (tomato sauce) on my fried chicken. You think that’s disgusting? For me its not and i’ve been eating it like that for many many years. You tell me to put another sauce and see if i like that better? I already did many many times in years but i still like the way i like it. It’s called differences between me and you and billions people in this world😊 be open minded😙 I respect people’s opinions about my opinions but in the end of the day if i say I don’t like it or i do like it, its up to me and its on me. And in the end of the day i always liked and show my respect to books and people’s opinions on books whenever that book is good or not good in my opinion 😊 Respect people’s opinions guys😙😙 I don’t want to write this down because its not really my thing to do it. To like address something like this when obviously i know the people who’s been reading my reviews many times and all the time, they are smart enough to understand and respect other people’s opinions no matter what their opinions on book or their point of view 😙😙 am i right? 💕 also there are people even though i already write “this book is different because i have my own taste of book” those people still comment my taste is this and that when HELLO… everybody have their own thoughts on books and what they want to read… why i read it then? I read it and give it a review because i have to read a book to give it a review… why not read the description book to understand before I’m going to read it? Hello just in case you haven’t notice, description books can be tricky because they write this amazing things about a book but turns out the story is so toxic. Maybe for me its toxic but not for you? YES HELLO THATS WHY US HUMAN BEING HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES, WHAT I LIKE IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL LIKE IT AND EITHER WAY TOO. why i still write the review then if i just don’t like a book? Because I CAN and i want to, you cannot tell me what to do and not what to do🤪 if you still wants to be negative and be karens about my review on book after all of what i just write, i will never acknowledge you and simply ignore you because its not that hard🙏 I won’t respond to negativity comments🙏🏼🙏🏼 DON’T ASK ME AGAIN ABOUT WHY NOT RESPONDING TO YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS BECAUSE I ALREADY SAY IT HERE AND I WON’T BE EXPLAINING AGAIN BECAUSE WE’RE NOT CHILDREN SO ITS NOT HARD FOR YOU AN ADULT TO UNDERSTAND😌😌 YES MY REVIEW IS LONG BUT YOU READ IT ANYWAY AND ITS FINE ACTUALLY I CAN WRITE AS LONG AS I LIKE😎 YES MY GRAMMAR IS BAD SOMETIMES AND MAYBE ALL THE TIME BUT LUCKILY MANY PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M SAYING🤪 ⬅️↖️↕️⬅️↩️⤴️
ONE MINUTE HE WANTS THE HEROINE, AND NEXT HE DOESN’T WANT HER AND RUDE TO HER FOR NO REASON. When he find out the picture him and the heroine together in his bed has been uploaded to snapchat, he doesn’t get mad at the OW that posted it. BTW the OW and him never have s*x. He just wants to play with her for no reason, so childish. He doesn’t get mad at the OW, like seriously? That btch uploaded your picture in bed with the heroine, he doesn’t defend the heroine. What a dckhead. When the heroine get mad at him that he takes picture of her naked in his bed, he says its not wrong and its okay when at the time both are not in a relationship just have a one night stand. Like seriously? Whats wrong with him. When the hero broke the heroine’s camera that she got from her grandpa and it was precious to her, he mad at the heroine because why she likes things like that when its broken already. Nope, he doesn’t apologize or whatsoever. Wtf. Instead, he touch the heroine private parts when she was crying and trying to calm down after see her precious camera been broken. Like what? OMG.... The childish of these two and especially the hero is so annoying, so freakin annoying and I hated it. I immediately stops reading it after that scenes because the hero is too childish and too stupid. This is a disaster hero who’s too childish... I hate childish heroes, thats so childish and too stupid like its so fcked up.
I will read the other books instead from this author especially these series, hopefully I will find a better one. I want a hero thats not too childish and not too stupid and not too much of pushing away.
This character of the hero is too annoying. Af.
STONE COLD NOTES FROM THIS AUTHOR is amazing. More amazing than this one. Thats my first book from this author and it was great!
This is actually my second one and it was not that great lol. But hopefully this author will write better books than this one. 🤗
👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽Thank you so much for reading my review❤️❤️ For you who loves my review and follow it, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I did not get paid or be told to do a review on a book. I’m here just to write review about a book so i can remember it. Its my honest opinion😚 I didn’t know at first people will find me and follow me and trust me to be honest, I was surprised myself to look at the notifications from people who reach out to me😆 So everything i write down here on a review is based on my personal opinion and based on my true writing. I DID NOT COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW OR WRITING SKILL because at first when i was using this app for one year i didn’t know how to scroll down on a book and see the reviews from others😂😅🤣 I know, silly me but hey I finally learned my lesson 😛😛😛 Thats why when people assume i copy someone’s review i was like what? Because at first i didn’t know how to use this app properly and i didn’t know how to open someone’s review because for a year i never follow someone or add friends or someone😂😂😂🤣 (I’m laughing so hard) 🤪 AND I NEVER COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW EVER. IF I WRITE SOMETHING WRONG OR DOESN’T MAKE SENSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND BE NICE OKAY. 👈🏽👈🏽👈🏽✋🏽✋🏽
I have a disclaimer down bellow if you have negative thoughts about my review😙😙😙
🌐🌐🌐➡️↘️⬇️➡️This is my own personal thoughts and opinion about the book so if thats not sit right with you or you feel I’m not being fair blablabla, please know that everybody in this world have their own different things that they like and don’t like. It may not be the same thing with you but thats okay because i am my own person and you cannot control me or tell me what to do. For example; i put ketchup (tomato sauce) on my fried chicken. You think that’s disgusting? For me its not and i’ve been eating it like that for many many years. You tell me to put another sauce and see if i like that better? I already did many many times in years but i still like the way i like it. It’s called differences between me and you and billions people in this world😊 be open minded😙 I respect people’s opinions about my opinions but in the end of the day if i say I don’t like it or i do like it, its up to me and its on me. And in the end of the day i always liked and show my respect to books and people’s opinions on books whenever that book is good or not good in my opinion 😊 Respect people’s opinions guys😙😙 I don’t want to write this down because its not really my thing to do it. To like address something like this when obviously i know the people who’s been reading my reviews many times and all the time, they are smart enough to understand and respect other people’s opinions no matter what their opinions on book or their point of view 😙😙 am i right? 💕 also there are people even though i already write “this book is different because i have my own taste of book” those people still comment my taste is this and that when HELLO… everybody have their own thoughts on books and what they want to read… why i read it then? I read it and give it a review because i have to read a book to give it a review… why not read the description book to understand before I’m going to read it? Hello just in case you haven’t notice, description books can be tricky because they write this amazing things about a book but turns out the story is so toxic. Maybe for me its toxic but not for you? YES HELLO THATS WHY US HUMAN BEING HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES, WHAT I LIKE IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL LIKE IT AND EITHER WAY TOO. why i still write the review then if i just don’t like a book? Because I CAN and i want to, you cannot tell me what to do and not what to do🤪 if you still wants to be negative and be karens about my review on book after all of what i just write, i will never acknowledge you and simply ignore you because its not that hard🙏 I won’t respond to negativity comments🙏🏼🙏🏼 DON’T ASK ME AGAIN ABOUT WHY NOT RESPONDING TO YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS BECAUSE I ALREADY SAY IT HERE AND I WON’T BE EXPLAINING AGAIN BECAUSE WE’RE NOT CHILDREN SO ITS NOT HARD FOR YOU AN ADULT TO UNDERSTAND😌😌 YES MY REVIEW IS LONG BUT YOU READ IT ANYWAY AND ITS FINE ACTUALLY I CAN WRITE AS LONG AS I LIKE😎 YES MY GRAMMAR IS BAD SOMETIMES AND MAYBE ALL THE TIME BUT LUCKILY MANY PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M SAYING🤪 ⬅️↖️↕️⬅️↩️⤴️
May 19, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Asher
Heroine : Bex
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Review :
Alright, so this one was a good read for me. Bex and Asher are explosive and amazing. I will admit that I liked the first book more because it was darker lol. This one was more inclined to the enemies to lovers part and not much of a dark romance or a bully one.
The storyline was good and I liked the ending. The main characters had some amazing interactions but this book didn't have much of a suspense element. Which is why it was more of an enjoyable one time read for me.
I would definitely recommend this book to all those high school contemporary romance lovers out there. If you are hooked on this series then there is no way you can miss this new installment.
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June 16, 2021
Love this!! Asher and Bex are fire together!! Can’t wait for Gabe’s book!!
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 28, 2021DNF - not connecting to these characters. The H is not j/p enough for me. He allows naked pictures of the h to circulate without stopping it or punishing anyone. Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
This one really is a high school bully romance. I wouldn’t consider it dark, though. It’s more emotional and depressing than the first. It had tough scenes that made me really sad.
I didn’t like this one as much as the first and here’s why:
♡ I didn’t love Asher, I liked him, but I didn’t fall for him.
♡ It felt unfinished idky. I think we didn’t get closure on Bex’s parents. And both, Asher and Bex just had A LOT of emotional baggage. It wasn’t realistic how they worked through it (they kinda didn’t).
♡ What Bex took in the party at the end passed unnoticed. Wtf?
♡ The ending felt a bit rushed.
But I did enjoy the story. I’m a sucker for bully romances and even though this wasn’t the best, I couldn’t stop reading.
Once again, my babe Gabe took the spotlight. Grace and Bash were adorable and when Bash said stuff to Bex like “we care about you” I just wanted to bawl. I adore him. I can’t wait for Gabe’s book. I hope it’s good. I LOVE HIM
“Thank you, by the way. For Saturday, and checking on me, and just now. And I’m sorry for being an asshole.”
His light brown eyes crinkled from how wide he grinned. “Aw, Rebecca. We’re having a moment and I’m here for it. Don’t be going soft on me, though, girl. I kind of like it when you’re an asshole.”
Laughing, I kicked him in the shin and shoved out the door into the bright afternoon sun. Gabe chased after me, howling and yelling, “That’s my little asshole!”
p.s. the playlist was reaaaally good.
【SONGS:】
Feeling Whitney — Post Malone
broken — lovelytheband
Him & I (feat. Halsey) — G-Easy
“Our connection was forged in the fire of our brothers’ burning lives, and through the ashes they left behind, Asher and I emerged.”
This one really is a high school bully romance. I wouldn’t consider it dark, though. It’s more emotional and depressing than the first. It had tough scenes that made me really sad.
I didn’t like this one as much as the first and here’s why:
♡ I didn’t love Asher, I liked him, but I didn’t fall for him.
♡ It felt unfinished idky. I think we didn’t get closure on Bex’s parents. And both, Asher and Bex just had A LOT of emotional baggage. It wasn’t realistic how they worked through it (they kinda didn’t).
♡ What Bex took in the party at the end passed unnoticed. Wtf?
♡ The ending felt a bit rushed.
But I did enjoy the story. I’m a sucker for bully romances and even though this wasn’t the best, I couldn’t stop reading.
Once again, my babe Gabe took the spotlight. Grace and Bash were adorable and when Bash said stuff to Bex like “we care about you” I just wanted to bawl. I adore him. I can’t wait for Gabe’s book. I hope it’s good. I LOVE HIM
“Thank you, by the way. For Saturday, and checking on me, and just now. And I’m sorry for being an asshole.”
His light brown eyes crinkled from how wide he grinned. “Aw, Rebecca. We’re having a moment and I’m here for it. Don’t be going soft on me, though, girl. I kind of like it when you’re an asshole.”
Laughing, I kicked him in the shin and shoved out the door into the bright afternoon sun. Gabe chased after me, howling and yelling, “That’s my little asshole!”
p.s. the playlist was reaaaally good.
【SONGS:】
Feeling Whitney — Post Malone
broken — lovelytheband
Him & I (feat. Halsey) — G-Easy
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• The Savage Crew Series •
Start a Fire #1 ─ 4 stars
Through the Ashes #2 ─ 3.25
Burn it Down #3 ─ 3.75 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
May 21, 2021
This was one of my most anticipated reads and I devoured it in a day! Although it didn't surprass my love for the first book, I thoroughly enjoyed Asher and Bex's story.
This is lighter than the first book as no one can be as intense as Sebastian, but so very emotional.
It is not your usual bully romance. It's one with a twist. I flew through the first half of the book and while I loved it I wanted some more angst and development of our couple's complicated relationship.
The highlight of the book for me was Gabe. I mean...love that dude. And I cannot wait for his book.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars from me!
This is lighter than the first book as no one can be as intense as Sebastian, but so very emotional.
It is not your usual bully romance. It's one with a twist. I flew through the first half of the book and while I loved it I wanted some more angst and development of our couple's complicated relationship.
The highlight of the book for me was Gabe. I mean...love that dude. And I cannot wait for his book.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars from me!
May 2, 2021
I was not ready for this book. And now I'm done my heart hurts and my eyes are puffy. Firstly - my love language is Coke Zero and popcorn, so I knew early on this was the book for me, but I didn't expect it to grab me and not let go like this. I feel a bit like a stuck record when it comes to Julia's books because I do genuinely love them all. But this one... the pain and grief these two face, the challenges and heartache (trying not to spoil it) is immeasurable. I took a break from reading to go out for lunch and found myself thinking of the book and the characters - it didn't let up.
The puns had me rolling, and at certain points I felt like I'd been given a million little paper cuts soaked in lemon juice. I cried. This one hit me hard. The pain was tangible and raw and visceral. I love, LOVE how Julia writes strong women. She didn't buckle when he treated her like shit, she didn't back down and crumble, she didn't recognized the toxic behavior and she steeled herself to it. I loved Bex and Asher <3
I can't wait for demented uncle Gabe's story, I love Gabe, but this one... this book scorched my soul.
The puns had me rolling, and at certain points I felt like I'd been given a million little paper cuts soaked in lemon juice. I cried. This one hit me hard. The pain was tangible and raw and visceral. I love, LOVE how Julia writes strong women. She didn't buckle when he treated her like shit, she didn't back down and crumble, she didn't recognized the toxic behavior and she steeled herself to it. I loved Bex and Asher <3
I can't wait for demented uncle Gabe's story, I love Gabe, but this one... this book scorched my soul.
March 27, 2021
Oh, Bex. How I love you and your heart. You’re so strong, even when nothing but shame and humiliation slap you upside the head. And Asher? Man, I love you and your twisted, misguided heart also. Bex and Asher got off to a VERY rocky start, after a very explosive encounter. And when Asher decides that Bex is his to ruin because she somehow deserves it, the fight begins.
The push and pull between these two made me yell and throw my iPad at times, but I couldn’t help loving how Asher tried to get past his grief and how Bex forgave him for being a stupid, mean manchild. And Elena? Oh, I see a huge comeuppance in her future. She managed to be the epitome of cruel, yet jumped in at the last second to save Bex and Asher. I still adore Gabe and this book just made me love him all the more. Seeing how loyal Bash, Grace, and Gabe were to Bex proved just how right I was in loving them in the first book of this series, too. But I digress.
Asher and Bex had so much to work through. They didn’t have support from blood, so they forged their own support group. And while that group was a tad twisted and snarky at times, that’s okay. Because that’s what they needed. But my favorite moment in this book might’ve been Gabe and Bex in the moment that Gabe opens her eyes to just how much she hurt Asher without even trying. Gabe has really been an undercover genius in these books and I hope he finds his forever girl soon, because he richly deserves her.
I’m really loving the direction this author has taken in her writing because it proves that she’s got so much swirling in her head that her books will likely never be boring. I really hope for more of this group.
The push and pull between these two made me yell and throw my iPad at times, but I couldn’t help loving how Asher tried to get past his grief and how Bex forgave him for being a stupid, mean manchild. And Elena? Oh, I see a huge comeuppance in her future. She managed to be the epitome of cruel, yet jumped in at the last second to save Bex and Asher. I still adore Gabe and this book just made me love him all the more. Seeing how loyal Bash, Grace, and Gabe were to Bex proved just how right I was in loving them in the first book of this series, too. But I digress.
Asher and Bex had so much to work through. They didn’t have support from blood, so they forged their own support group. And while that group was a tad twisted and snarky at times, that’s okay. Because that’s what they needed. But my favorite moment in this book might’ve been Gabe and Bex in the moment that Gabe opens her eyes to just how much she hurt Asher without even trying. Gabe has really been an undercover genius in these books and I hope he finds his forever girl soon, because he richly deserves her.
I’m really loving the direction this author has taken in her writing because it proves that she’s got so much swirling in her head that her books will likely never be boring. I really hope for more of this group.
Want to read
May 20, 2021Through the Ashes is LIVE! Grab it now!
mybook.to/ThroughtheAshes
"Julia Wolf again gives us an unexpected and amazing story in this bully romance. This book has some great twists, strong characters and unexpected connections." -Deanna
mybook.to/ThroughtheAshes
"Julia Wolf again gives us an unexpected and amazing story in this bully romance. This book has some great twists, strong characters and unexpected connections." -Deanna
May 9, 2021
Through The Ashes is a phenomenal read and I couldn’t put the book down! As an enemies to lovers romance, this book checked mark all of my boxes. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions as this book elicited all of the feels. There were moments where I was brought to tears from all of the heartache and other times I was laughing so hard I was crying. This author expertly wove together a story that captivated my attention from the first page and kept me enthralled until the very end. My heart broke during parts of this novel, but I marvel at how she painstakingly put the pieces back together. This is a book that was full of heartbreak and hope, tears and laughter, and most of all love.
Bex and Asher are both complex characters that had great depth. Asher appears to be the golden boy who portrays himself as a popular and smart football player. However, he is deeply troubled and reveals in his darkness as he is grappling with something that deeply affected him. Bex is a strong heroine who is no wilting flower. I found her both admirable and relatable. These two start off as enemies as Asher plays the role of a bully with possessive tendencies when it comes to Bex. Both of them are hurting which has the potential to bring them closer together, but it also could tear them irreparably apart. The progression of their relationship was well done and I really enjoyed how things evolved between them.
I would be remise if I didn’t mention how much I adored the secondary characters. I enjoyed the camaraderie amongst friends and their unique personalities. Then of course there is one character that I positively loathed (don’t worry, we are supposed to have a strong dislike towards her) and I am curious to see if she gets what is coming to her in the next book.
Through The Ashes is a well written enemies to lovers romance with a solid storyline and impeccable character development. With lovable characters and an interesting plot, this book flows well and moves at a good pace. There was that perfect combination of angst, steam, drama, and humor which made this an engaging read. Through The Ashes is the second book in this author’s Savage Crew Series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Bex and Asher are both complex characters that had great depth. Asher appears to be the golden boy who portrays himself as a popular and smart football player. However, he is deeply troubled and reveals in his darkness as he is grappling with something that deeply affected him. Bex is a strong heroine who is no wilting flower. I found her both admirable and relatable. These two start off as enemies as Asher plays the role of a bully with possessive tendencies when it comes to Bex. Both of them are hurting which has the potential to bring them closer together, but it also could tear them irreparably apart. The progression of their relationship was well done and I really enjoyed how things evolved between them.
I would be remise if I didn’t mention how much I adored the secondary characters. I enjoyed the camaraderie amongst friends and their unique personalities. Then of course there is one character that I positively loathed (don’t worry, we are supposed to have a strong dislike towards her) and I am curious to see if she gets what is coming to her in the next book.
Through The Ashes is a well written enemies to lovers romance with a solid storyline and impeccable character development. With lovable characters and an interesting plot, this book flows well and moves at a good pace. There was that perfect combination of angst, steam, drama, and humor which made this an engaging read. Through The Ashes is the second book in this author’s Savage Crew Series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
July 10, 2022
I think the author made a mistake having Asher show a naked picture of Bex to her ex boyfriend - weird behaviour from a character that’s supposed to be possessive and crazy about the heroine. Wolf also made a mistake in Asher not being man enough to punch the evil witch who exposed Bex’s naked pictures. - Both these things had me almost getting the ick, I genuinely tried to rewrite what had happened because it annoyed me so much. Despite these things I kept reading and by the end could almost see how grief could make him do that to her, he grieved so much that he hated her as equally as he wanted her. I thought this was such a beautiful book about grief and love. Bex and Asher were meant to be, they seemed inevitable I could feel it through my kindle pages. Gorgeous book, onto book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
This was really good ☺️. These 2 characters went through a lot and got a great hea at the end.
May 16, 2021
This story was so much more than I thought it was going to be. Bex and Asher are both incredibly broken and think they’re wrecked beyond repair. This isn’t only a bully romance, but a beautifully written story that will give you hope. I can’t recommend this book or series enough.
May 18, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series.
This book was yet another hard read but like the other, it was one that was impossible to look away from.
Talk about opposites attracting and that was only the tip of the iceberg of many reasons why these two shouldn't of worked but did.
So much happens within the pages of this amazing book that I can't really say much more, but be prepared to be sent on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar.
I was hooked from the first page till the last, definitely recommend.
This book was yet another hard read but like the other, it was one that was impossible to look away from.
Talk about opposites attracting and that was only the tip of the iceberg of many reasons why these two shouldn't of worked but did.
So much happens within the pages of this amazing book that I can't really say much more, but be prepared to be sent on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar.
I was hooked from the first page till the last, definitely recommend.
December 4, 2021
I was curious to see what Bex’s story would be like and it wasn’t bad. I liked it better than Start a Fire but still ended up giving it three stars. It started off good and left me curious. However, it started to feel really drawn out. It just kept either being too much drama or more grief pounding on.
I liked Bex and felt bad for Asher, but I can’t really tell you if I wanted them to be together. To be honest, I found them to be exhausting towards the end. It’s a bad situation that they were placed in, I get that. However, it was just too much drama. Ex boyfriends, family, mean girls, and etc. Along with that, we had the back and forth between Bex and Asher to deal with. I do feel that towards the end that Asher was being unfair. Her wanting to have a relationship with a brother is still her choice and I don’t think it was fair that he asked that of her.
While this had a lot going on, I can say it was still a decent read. The next book is about Gabe and I don’t know I’m ready lol. He’s our flighty funny character, and I’m curious to see how his story turns out.
I liked Bex and felt bad for Asher, but I can’t really tell you if I wanted them to be together. To be honest, I found them to be exhausting towards the end. It’s a bad situation that they were placed in, I get that. However, it was just too much drama. Ex boyfriends, family, mean girls, and etc. Along with that, we had the back and forth between Bex and Asher to deal with. I do feel that towards the end that Asher was being unfair. Her wanting to have a relationship with a brother is still her choice and I don’t think it was fair that he asked that of her.
While this had a lot going on, I can say it was still a decent read. The next book is about Gabe and I don’t know I’m ready lol. He’s our flighty funny character, and I’m curious to see how his story turns out.
May 19, 2021
So ya that was amazing!
Sometimes I have a hard time with High School drama, I mean I have teens for children. But the things Ash and Bex are going through aren't the kinds of things we want people their age to have to deal with.
I often wonder how authors are able to write so many complex characters but with the right amount of research the information is out there. I think what I really question at times is how I can relate so much to a fictional character.
And then there's that sensation of can someone see what you were trying to hide?
That's how intently I was sucked in to this story
That is absolutely one of the reasons I loved the book though. The emotions were raw, and brutal. Nothing felt easy and kind it wasn't quickly made better or easy it was mean, honest and truthful like only true pain can be.
I loved to that we see talk of counseling, rehab, being comfortable with your own person. The depression and sadness of feeling nothing but lonely.
It was nice to discover to that although the pain is a huge part of what brings are main characters together that there were other forces at work. You'll have to see if you can spot them. I'm not telling!
This story is so worth your time I enjoyed every second of it. Now back to read Bash so I can read Gabe, and what a great group of friends.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Sometimes I have a hard time with High School drama, I mean I have teens for children. But the things Ash and Bex are going through aren't the kinds of things we want people their age to have to deal with.
I often wonder how authors are able to write so many complex characters but with the right amount of research the information is out there. I think what I really question at times is how I can relate so much to a fictional character.
And then there's that sensation of can someone see what you were trying to hide?
That's how intently I was sucked in to this story
That is absolutely one of the reasons I loved the book though. The emotions were raw, and brutal. Nothing felt easy and kind it wasn't quickly made better or easy it was mean, honest and truthful like only true pain can be.
I loved to that we see talk of counseling, rehab, being comfortable with your own person. The depression and sadness of feeling nothing but lonely.
It was nice to discover to that although the pain is a huge part of what brings are main characters together that there were other forces at work. You'll have to see if you can spot them. I'm not telling!
This story is so worth your time I enjoyed every second of it. Now back to read Bash so I can read Gabe, and what a great group of friends.
I have voluntarily left this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
so i decided to binge this series because of how much i loved the first book, and honestly, this one really sucked. i love an asshole hero and there's a reason i read specific bully romances, but asher was just kinda sleazy? i understood his hate towards bex (who i loved in the first book and was waiting to read about) but
the only reason i continued reading was because of gabe. i love reading about a jokester clown hero,and gabe was perfect. looking forward to his book. but overall, the story was intriguing enough, but i didn't enjoy the romance or the hero at all.
the only reason i continued reading was because of gabe. i love reading about a jokester clown hero,and gabe was perfect. looking forward to his book. but overall, the story was intriguing enough, but i didn't enjoy the romance or the hero at all.
May 18, 2021
This isn’t your ordinary bully romance. Yes, there is bullying. Yes, there is high school drama. But this story is so much more. Through the Ashes grabbed onto my heart from the very first page and didn’t let go until the very end. The complexity of Bex and Asher’s backstory and connection is equally sweet and tragic. I loved every moment of watching them face their demons and overcome one obstacle after another. A definite must-read book!
May 11, 2021
WOW! This is not your average high school book, it is new adult all the way because it is dark and deals with some pretty heavy topics. I absolutely adored Bex, she is strong but also so broken at the same time and seeing her go through it all just gave me all of the feels. Asher is one of the most popular boys in school and has his eyes set on Bex, which might not necessarily be the best thing for her.
It was an interesting and unique story that absolutely broke my heart. It was real and heavy and bared all of Bex and Asher to the world and you could not help but care about them. I was 100% invested from the very beginning and could NOT put it down! My heart bleed while reading this feeling all of their emotions and it is definitely a book that I will read again. If you like bully romances with a side of heavy feels, this is one that you need in your life ASAP. I give it 5 HUGE stars and cannot wait for Gabe's book. Great job to the author!
PS: Thank you to Julia Wolf and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
It was an interesting and unique story that absolutely broke my heart. It was real and heavy and bared all of Bex and Asher to the world and you could not help but care about them. I was 100% invested from the very beginning and could NOT put it down! My heart bleed while reading this feeling all of their emotions and it is definitely a book that I will read again. If you like bully romances with a side of heavy feels, this is one that you need in your life ASAP. I give it 5 HUGE stars and cannot wait for Gabe's book. Great job to the author!
PS: Thank you to Julia Wolf and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
May 16, 2021
What a story. Absolutely incredible. I honestly didn't want it to end. I was hooked. The characters were amazing together and the storyline had me hooked and desperately needing more. I devoured it. I was disappointed when it ended as I just wanted to keep reading about them. I'm looking forward to Gabe's story now.
May 10, 2021
I am really enjoying this bully romance series and this was another stellar entry in it. I admit that I can be a very harsh judge when it comes to this trope. I have firm lines I don't want to see crossed and some big pet peeves that can seriously effect how I feel about this type of book. However, this author is very skilled and quite clever. She delivers a read that is overflowing with raw emotion, drama, nail-biting tension, stomach dropping twists, have no choice but to stay up late intensity, steamy desire and enough turmoil and angst to make your heart feel like it has been pummeled with a jackhammer. The characters are lush and complex. Perfect in their imperfections, you can not stop yourself from being drawn to them and feeing for them. Combined this makes stories and couples that continually earn coveted spaces on your keeper shelf.
Bex and Asher made such an amazing and very hard-earned couple. The journey these two take you on is long, poignant and painful but also sometimes undeniable sweet and incredible moving. If you are like me you will find your heart aching for both these characters (even if I found myself annoyed with them a time or two). Together they have a boatload of emotional baggage and multiple external stressors that weigh heavily on their developing relationship and the unfolding storyline. As for the sparks these two generate, they are abundant and scorching hot. Whether caused by their attraction or animosity, the heat reaches inferno level.
This is the second book in the Savage Crew series. While I think you could read and enjoy it as a standalone, I know you would benefit from reading book one, Start A Fire first because characters reappear and events are referenced that previously occurred. That book was also an incredible five star read, so I really believe you would enjoy it. I myself can't wait for book three! This is my frank review that I am posting of my own accord.
Bex and Asher made such an amazing and very hard-earned couple. The journey these two take you on is long, poignant and painful but also sometimes undeniable sweet and incredible moving. If you are like me you will find your heart aching for both these characters (even if I found myself annoyed with them a time or two). Together they have a boatload of emotional baggage and multiple external stressors that weigh heavily on their developing relationship and the unfolding storyline. As for the sparks these two generate, they are abundant and scorching hot. Whether caused by their attraction or animosity, the heat reaches inferno level.
This is the second book in the Savage Crew series. While I think you could read and enjoy it as a standalone, I know you would benefit from reading book one, Start A Fire first because characters reappear and events are referenced that previously occurred. That book was also an incredible five star read, so I really believe you would enjoy it. I myself can't wait for book three! This is my frank review that I am posting of my own accord.
August 16, 2023
»I took something I had to return.«
»My heart?.«
★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑩𝒆𝒙
What a cute and lovely girl. She suffered so much and still didn‘t break apart.
❥ 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓
On the outside he is everyone’s sweetheart and golden boy, but there is so much more. He can be a total asshole towards Bex but also very caring.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Sadly this was not as good as the first book (Grace & Bash‘s story).
Yes, it was entertaining but I had a hard time liking Asher. This is kind of a bully romance with some psycho tendencies and a twist. I think this could have been done better.
The plot was okay, but nothing breathtaking.
I hope the next (and last book) in the Savage Crew series is better!
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: bully romance, dislike to love, highschool, friendship, football, secrets and lies, protective and possessive hero, dark
#1 Start a Fire ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Through the Ashes ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Burn it Down ★ ★ ★
»My heart?.«
★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑩𝒆𝒙
What a cute and lovely girl. She suffered so much and still didn‘t break apart.
❥ 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓
On the outside he is everyone’s sweetheart and golden boy, but there is so much more. He can be a total asshole towards Bex but also very caring.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Sadly this was not as good as the first book (Grace & Bash‘s story).
Yes, it was entertaining but I had a hard time liking Asher. This is kind of a bully romance with some psycho tendencies and a twist. I think this could have been done better.
The plot was okay, but nothing breathtaking.
I hope the next (and last book) in the Savage Crew series is better!
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: bully romance, dislike to love, highschool, friendship, football, secrets and lies, protective and possessive hero, dark
#1 Start a Fire ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Through the Ashes ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Burn it Down ★ ★ ★
June 24, 2021
This is the second book in the Savage Crew series. While I read the first one back when it came out, I didn’t have a hard time slipping back into this world. Colour me surprised to find out that Bex and Gabe aren’t the couple in this book! “Through the Ashes” features Bex pairing up with Asher, who we (apparently) briefly met in the previous book, though I don’t quite remember him. He’s a golden boy football player who’s in the top 10% of his class, but he has a darkness inside him. I loved peeling back his layers and finding out who he is. Bex is just as lovable as she was in the first book--sarcastic, but kind, and an adorable little goth. I can just picture the two of them--seemingly polar opposites on the outside, but they have a lot in common. Their romance was just as good as the romance between Grace and Bash in the first book!
There are a few twists in the story, and while they were kind of predictable, I love the places that the author took this story. It’s a lot more than a simple, two-dimensional dark high school bully romance.
5 stars!
There are a few twists in the story, and while they were kind of predictable, I love the places that the author took this story. It’s a lot more than a simple, two-dimensional dark high school bully romance.
5 stars!
May 18, 2021
This book was interesting and emotional on many different levels. Bex comes from a wealthy family, the homelife isn’t bad, it’s just nonexistent and after what happens at the very beginning my heart did hurt for her to some extent. She makes questionable decisions as an act of rebellion, which is what a young girl is to do in high school, but at times I think she handles things immaturely and can come across as pretentious even if she is just trying to blend in the crowd. If making big girl decisions know there is always big girl consequences. She does get bullied at times very cruel by Asher and I felt bad for her when he was so callous, but I found myself more intrigued about Asher’s anger towards her than Bex. Something about the way Asher lashed out towards Bex had me glued in because I just knew behind that anger was something else. I am not saying that him bullying her was the way to go about things because it wasn’t, but I wanted to know more. I got that they connected because of the pain they both endured by violence and tragedy, but why did Asher not just stay away from her? Why torture her endlessly to the point you couldn’t stay away? I did in all honesty feel bad for Bex, but my curiosity of Asher outweighed my connection with her. Asher and Bex mixed like oil and water but there is an attraction there underneath their animosity. Asher has a role he feels the need to play, and high school drama ensues, and he must decide to follow the herd of the crowd or stand up for what he wants in the end. The more reason I saw in Asher’s anger the more I understood why he would cling to Bex and her to him because they were brought together through tragedy and violence forever linking them. While I tried to understand Bex point of view when it came to needing closure over certain events, I still feel like Asher was justified in asking for time, not that his pain was more important or worse, but because as someone hurting, she could have tried to see it more from his point of view. Both hurting and grasping for straws to understand each other’s pain can they help each other or always cause each other pain? While I did enjoy this intense bully read, I ended up feeling more compassionate towards the bully-ier than the heroine because the one thing that Asher asked of her was the one thing she went out and did, so when he says “we’re ashes. That’s all that’s left.” I felt that in my heart for him. I tried to see Bex side of things and did understand some things but just couldn’t fully connect with her and if it wasn’t for Gabe, I probably would have ended up not liking her at all because Gabe in all his craziness was funny and honest to a fault. “We’d taken the pain and anger of loss and grief and melded it into something more, something useful, into understanding, forgiveness, love.”
May 19, 2021
This is my second read by Julia Wolf, Through the Ashes is a bully romance and book #2 in The Savage Crew series. Although it's a standalone, I recommend reading book #1 Start a Fire. Hence the heroine Bex was featured in it. It's also a diverse read, and I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous book. And Gabe!! He's such a trouble maker! Gabe and Bex have this love and hate friend/relationship. Bex tolerates Gabe's behavior to a certain point, once it reaches tipping point, they start bickering like a brother and sister. Reading their dialogues was definitely one of my highlights.
In the first few chapters, I thought had an idea where this plot was heading. But, oh boy! I was so wrong! At first, Bex and Asher (hero) really hit it off, which completely surprised me. But as the plot started to unravel, Asher did a 180 degree change. Asher is not what he seems like, he might be the innocent golden boy star football player, but that's just his facade. He's far more sinister; Asher has a darker side to him. Bex and Asher's interactions with each other was heated and explosive. A never ending standoff. Both of them may seem to despise each other, yet they are desperately craving for one anothers' attention and touch. A tragedy and unfortunate incident bounds them. And more then anything, Bex and Asher need each other. Overall, I really liked this book! And it's my favorite so far out of this series. Can't wait for Gabe's book!
While attending Savage River High, Bex wasn't really in the same circle/group of friends as Asher. Very rarely their paths crossed with each other; Bex avoided engaging with the popular crowd. Asher is on the high school football team, and Bex can be seen as a nerd while having a Gothic/artsy dressing style. Bex has a complicated home living environment. Bex's family expected nothing but the best from her, but at the same time, they weren't really present in her life; her parents were oblivious to their daughter's needs or feelings. Bex and Asher are both hurting, grieving in their own ways. And ultimately, they are two people who can understand each other the most.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest
In the first few chapters, I thought had an idea where this plot was heading. But, oh boy! I was so wrong! At first, Bex and Asher (hero) really hit it off, which completely surprised me. But as the plot started to unravel, Asher did a 180 degree change. Asher is not what he seems like, he might be the innocent golden boy star football player, but that's just his facade. He's far more sinister; Asher has a darker side to him. Bex and Asher's interactions with each other was heated and explosive. A never ending standoff. Both of them may seem to despise each other, yet they are desperately craving for one anothers' attention and touch. A tragedy and unfortunate incident bounds them. And more then anything, Bex and Asher need each other. Overall, I really liked this book! And it's my favorite so far out of this series. Can't wait for Gabe's book!
While attending Savage River High, Bex wasn't really in the same circle/group of friends as Asher. Very rarely their paths crossed with each other; Bex avoided engaging with the popular crowd. Asher is on the high school football team, and Bex can be seen as a nerd while having a Gothic/artsy dressing style. Bex has a complicated home living environment. Bex's family expected nothing but the best from her, but at the same time, they weren't really present in her life; her parents were oblivious to their daughter's needs or feelings. Bex and Asher are both hurting, grieving in their own ways. And ultimately, they are two people who can understand each other the most.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest
May 12, 2021
I've been reading Julia's work for a while now, and honestly, I must say she is coming into her own as an author. Her voice is becoming more robust, and each book she writes resonates deeply with her readers. This journey into dark bully romance has been unexpectedly engrossing. The first book and characters were beyond what I expected with characters of dimension and depth, who evoked real emotions from you as you read their story. I thought I sort of knew what to expect with Through the Ashes, and once again, Julia has produced something so profoundly moving that weeks later, I'm still feeling Bex and Asher.
Bex and Asher's story is like different sides of the same coin. Both from families that look for all appearances like everything is excellent on the inside. However, the ones residing in those houses know different; how parents, through not caring or caring too much (particularly about what others think), can damage their children deeply. That damage bleeds all over the family, leaving siblings to try to hold the family together. It's a no-win situation. Bex and Asher are trying in their own ways just to get through their last year of school. However, fate has a different path for them that puts them on a collision course. What neither expects is each other, and it's not necessarily what the other wants. Know how magnets turned one way irresistibly are drawn together, but when you turn them the other way, they repel each other? They were like magnets. One moment has irresistibly drawn them together; the next moment, they are repelling each other hurtfully. Their story and how they come through it moves them in the way that bonds them together.
Through the Ashes can be a challenging emotional read at times. There is a lot of pain, anger, and sorrow coursing through this book, the beauty at the end is worth it. Read this series; read this book; it has elevated the dark bully romance to new heights.
Bex and Asher's story is like different sides of the same coin. Both from families that look for all appearances like everything is excellent on the inside. However, the ones residing in those houses know different; how parents, through not caring or caring too much (particularly about what others think), can damage their children deeply. That damage bleeds all over the family, leaving siblings to try to hold the family together. It's a no-win situation. Bex and Asher are trying in their own ways just to get through their last year of school. However, fate has a different path for them that puts them on a collision course. What neither expects is each other, and it's not necessarily what the other wants. Know how magnets turned one way irresistibly are drawn together, but when you turn them the other way, they repel each other? They were like magnets. One moment has irresistibly drawn them together; the next moment, they are repelling each other hurtfully. Their story and how they come through it moves them in the way that bonds them together.
Through the Ashes can be a challenging emotional read at times. There is a lot of pain, anger, and sorrow coursing through this book, the beauty at the end is worth it. Read this series; read this book; it has elevated the dark bully romance to new heights.
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