Title: Heart of Ash
Author: Kathy Otten
Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
In the skies over France during the Great War, the life expectancy of a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps is measured in days. Captain Elliot "Ash" Bainbridge is certain he'll be the next pilot sent spinning to earth in a ball of fire. Not because the Germans will shoot him down, but because God will punish him for daring to love another man. When Ash met Lieutenant Harry March, their attraction was instant. But Harry hates Ash's fatalistic attitude. He believes in capturing the moment. Can Ash set aside his fear of death and take a chance on love? Or should he try to keep his heart safe from hurt forever?
My Review:
Captain Elliot "Ash" Bainbridge believes his time has come and he'll be the next pilot to go down in a fiery death. It's not because the Germans will shoot him down but as punishment from God for being gay. It's not his fault for preferring men over women but his father says otherwise. His attraction to Lieutenant Harry March confuses him because when Harry kisses him in the garden, he's caught by surprise. Elliot's heart is at war with all the lies his father spewed at him which have festered over time. Harry tries to convince him otherwise but Elliot is sure his life is over, no matter how much he cares for Harry. Can Elliot embrace the love Harry is offering, even if it is only momentary, or should he keep his distance?
Heart of Ash is a beautiful historical romance between two RFC pilots in the Great War. It doesn't matter to this reader that the love is between two men. Love is love, no matter what the gender. Kathy Otten plunges the reader into the past and captures what the pilots go through on a daily basis with intricate detail and emotion. The romantic moments are tender and heartfelt. There's a fair bit of conflict warring inside Elliot which made my heart break for him. The ending surprised me and delighted me at the same time. If you're a romance reader, you'll love this short romantic story. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Author Biography:
Kathy Otten is the published author of multiple historical romance novels, novellas, and short stories. She is a Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star winner and a Utah/Salt Lake RWA Hearts of the West finalist. Heart of Ash is her fourth short story. She is currently working on her next full-length historical romance novel. She is a regular presenter at area events and online workshops. She lives in the rolling farmland of western New York where she can often be found walking her dog through the woods and fields. She has been married for thirty-four years and is the mother of three grown children and has one grandson.
Social Media Links:
Reviewed by: Mrs. N