“Dark, brutal, bloody—and incredibly compelling, with brilliant worldbuilding and a romance that gripped my emotions. Milla Vane has created something extraordinary in this story of kings and war, gods and vengeance.”

—Nalini Singh
New York Times Bestselling Author

“I loved A Heart of Blood and Ashes.  Full stop. […] Maddek is the classic badass barbarian – fierce, capable, confident, sexy, strong – but he more than meets his match when he finally meets Yvenne, the woman he’s sworn to kill.”

—Desert Isle Keeper Review, All About Romance

“Combining the scope of an epic fantasy with the scorching sex scenes of erotic romance, Meljean Brook (the Iron Sea Series), writing as Vane, makes a splash with this enemies-to-lovers romance that kicks off her A Gathering of Dragons series…Fans of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel trilogy will be hooked.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Yvenne and Maddek’s love story is strong, and fraught with hope. It’s also hot as hell. Their chemistry fairly burned off the pages. And more than once I had to stop and breathe…A Heart of Blood and Ashes, I already know just 6 days into the year, will be my favorite book this year.”

—Angela, The Alliterates

“This book was everything I never knew I always wanted! […]  I loved how complex the characters were. So realistic to me. Strong yet weak. Selfish and arrogant. But also kind, resourceful and loyal. Honest. And of course the smut was next level…”

—Adrianna, Romance Book Binge

“The characters walk through the pages with heart, soul and courage, and are matched by Vane’s equally stellar world building, which weaves seamlessly with thrilling action scenes.” (Starred Review)

—BookPage

“This book is a lusciously brutal foray into romantic fantasy, with a love story that burns so hot, you might singe your fingers while reading it.”

—Navessa, the Alliterates

“This book was so unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Barbarians on horseback, dark magics, lies, and truths, and pain, and love. I was utterly captivated the entire time I was reading…”

—Alpha Book Club

“This book was SO FREAKING GOOD! … I loved the amount of steam we got as well as a good dose of angst between our main characters. I was HOOKED onto the romance.”

—Lacey, Booklovers For Life

“An astounding read that will captivate the reader from the first page…stunning picturesque detail, sensuality dripped on each page, characters that steal your heart and a love tale so rich in its design you won’t be able to put this page turner down until the very end…HEART AND SOUL—BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY!”

—Addicted to Romance

“A Heart of Blood and Ashes is epic fantasy romance at its finest and I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the next installment.”

—SmexyBooks

“Maddek’s and Yvenne’s entwined stories are salient, agonizing and exhilarating…The romantic fantasy world will never be the same for me!”

—Whiskey With My Book

“If you are looking for a great read that is filled with stubborn warriors, strategic queens, lies, betrayals, magic, hope and romance you need to add this book to your need to read list!”

—Books–n–Kisses

“I enjoyed how this author made both men and women equals. Both sexes were represented with matching strength, intelligence, and value to their people…I am truly impressed with this author in that regard.”

—Book Besties

“A Heart of Blood and Ashes is fantasy at its best, with intense nonstop violent action, excitement, fantastic characters and a wonderful romance.”

—The Reading Café

“To say that I loved A Heart of Blood and Ashes, would be an understatement… The attraction between Maddek and Yvenne was sizzling from the first moment these two met each other.”

—Readaholic Book Reviews