Rise of Ink and Smoke

Frozen Fate #4

by Pam Godwin

A spinoff of the Frozen Fate trilogy by Pam Godwin, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author.

Wolfson Strakh fought his way to freedom, and it still isn’t enough.
With ink-stained fingers and his fierce Alaskan family at his side, he should feel whole. Instead, the past clings like scars, leaving a loneliness that won’t release him.
Until Dove Rath blows it apart.
A runaway bride with a rifle, she’s the dangerous fairytale princess of his dreams. But she isn’t here to be saved. She’s here to end her stepbrother, Jag Rath.
Ruinously handsome and lethal behind a keyboard, Jag drags old darkness into Alaska, twisting protection into possession and loyalty into hunger. Curiosity sharpens. Desire flares. Boundaries blur. Secrets stir.
Jag’s past threatens the freedom Wolf bled for, the love he never expected, and the woman caught between them.
Now Wolf stands on another cliff, betting his life on love as everything ignites in a rise of ink and smoke.

The books in the Frozen Fate world should be read in order:
Book 1 - Hills of Shivers and Shadows
Book 2 - Cage of Ice and Echoes
Book 3 - Heart of Frost and Scars
Spin-off - Rise of Ink and Smoke

Tropes: Adult Romance, Age Gap, Alpha Hero, Angsty, Anti-Hero, Bisexual Awakening, Cartel, Dark Romance, Enemies-to-lovers, First Love, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Guardian/Ward, Heroine in Danger, LGBTQIA+, MMF, Poly (3+ people), Protector, On The Run, Romantic Suspense, Russian Mafia, Scars, Slow Burn, Stalker, Stepsibling, Taboo, Tortured Past, Touch Her And Die, Tragic, Vengeance, Virgin Hero

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Smut, M M F

Unknown Binding

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Pam Godwin, lives in the Midwest with her husband, cats, retired greyhounds, and an old, foul-mouthed parrot. She traveled the world for seven years, attended three universities, married the vocalist of her favorite rock band, and retired from her quantitative analyst career in 2014 to write full-time.

Her interests veer toward the unconventional: bourbon, full-body tattoos, and tragic villains. Equally peculiar are her aversions to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.

SIGNED BOOKS and MERCH: pamgodwin.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pamgodwinauthor
TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@pamgodwinauthor
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pamgodwinbooks
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/author/pamgodwin

Reviews

[Pam Godwin]

Release Day: Mar 24, 2026

Preorder Links →
Universal link: https://books2read.com/ROIS
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK33GTYF
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/ROIS
Apple: https://apple.co/466kzCK
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1149...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rise...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Author website: https://pamgodwin.com/rise-of-ink-and...
Preorder Signed Paperback/Hardcover: https://underthecoverkc.com/products/...
Audible: 3 narrators duet-style, Narrators: Stella Hunter, Henry Kramer, and Anthony Palmini (Tamlin and Rhysand from ACOTOR), Release date coming soon!

Content Warning: https://pamgodwin.com/rise-of-ink-and...

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review...☀︎RISE OF INK AND SMOKE☀︎ Is a full length spinoff of the Frozen Fate trilogy by author Pam Godwin.

📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

The books in the Frozen Fate world should be read in order:
Book 1 - Hills of Shivers and Shadows
Book 2 - Cage of Ice and Echoes
Book 3 - Heart of Frost and Scars
Spin-off - Rise of Ink and Smoke

TROPES: Adult Romance, Age Gap, Alpha Hero, Angsty, Anti-Hero, Bis3xual Awakening, Cartel, Dark Romance, Enemies-to-lovers, First Love, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Guardian/Ward, Heroine in Danger, LGBTQIA+, MMF, Poly (3+ people), Protector, On The Run, Romantic Suspense, Russian Mafia, Scars, Slow Burn, Stalker, Stepsibling, Taboo, Tortured Past, Touch Her And Die, Tragic, Vengeance, Virgin Hero

If those tropes don't get the blood pumping and anticipation levels skyrocketing... Nothing will...

This took me approximately 2 days to read, a runaway bride, a brilliant hacker, and I absolutely loved every minute of it, being back in this world, being back with these characters felt like coming home..

From the first moment I encountered Wolfson he became one of my favourites, unapologetically himself, a drag queen, a drama queen, all wrapped up in a flamboyant sexy man. His scars, his battle armour, his huge heart had me melting..

We had front row seats into all that made Wolfson tick, and what an emotional ride he put us through, his personality bled off the pages and straight into my heart, no other character has ever come close to replacing him, he became one of my utmost favorite characters and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book only to be in his orbit again.

I loved that he found happiness in his own part of the world, and the two that became his, were perfection. I highly recommend this series, it's beyond unique, it's gritty, it's dark, it's emotional, it's all consuming, it's addictive..

Email ಇ Twitter ಇ Instagram ಇ Blog ಇ Facebook ಇ Amazon 
ಇ Pinterest 

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read: Just know that even if Pam didn’t make a single edit after beta feedback, I’d still rate this book 5 stars. Full review to come after I read the final version, but I guarantee that my rating isn’t going to change. 🤭🐺🕊️🐆💅

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this book walked up to me like it owned the place, dropped three emotionally tortured wolves at my feet, and said, “Good luck, sweetheart — try not to fall for all of them at once.”

Wolf Rivals is pure shifter‑romance chaos in the best way, the kind where power, longing, and bad decisions swirl together until everyone’s one breath away from either kissing or killing each other. Taylor Nightshadow is a double alpha — which basically means she’s too strong, too dangerous, too everything for her own pack to handle. They exiled her instead of killing her, slapped her with a list of rules that would make a saint sweat, and expected her to quietly fade into the background. Spoiler: she did not.

When she’s allowed back for her sister’s mating ceremony, the loneliness she’s been carrying hits like a punch. She wants connection, she wants belonging, she wants more than the half‑life she’s been surviving. And the second she steps onto pack land, every man with a pulse feels it — especially the two who should absolutely not be looking at her the way they do.

Memphis Baywolf, the alpha, is a walking disaster of denial. He’s convinced Taylor is a threat, a loose cannon, a problem he needs to get rid of. Meanwhile he’s staring at her like she’s the moon he’s been howling at for years. He blames her for clouding his mind, twisting his instincts, messing with his head — but the truth is he’s just falling for her and absolutely hates that about himself. Watching him unravel is delicious.

Then there’s Conor Darkling, the best friend, the quiet one, the man who has been in love with Taylor for years and never stopped. He’s the soft ache to Memphis’s wildfire — steady, loyal, heartbreakingly devoted. He wants her, but he won’t risk her life. He wants her, but he won’t betray his friend. He wants her, but he knows wanting her might destroy everything. His longing is the kind that sits heavy in your chest.

And Taylor? She’s caught between desire, destiny, and the brutal reality that choosing any of them could get her killed. She’s powerful enough to crush them, but vulnerable enough to break over them. Her internal struggle — wanting love, wanting a future, wanting a pack — is the emotional heartbeat of the book.

The tension is thick, the steam is high, and the emotional stakes are sharp enough to cut. It’s messy, it’s angsty, it’s addictive — exactly the kind of shifter romance that leaves you staring at the ceiling afterward, replaying every charged look and every almost‑touch.

[Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this book for yesterdayyyyy MY GOOOOOOD
I literally just reread the first three books and I was thinking of the Wolf's story likeeeeeee I'm dying for it😵‍💫🫠

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Tatianna]

100% NEED!!! 😍

[Jen Altman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full RTC ✨

Pam Godwin’s uniquely melodic storytelling prose will have you laughing, crying & gasping all while your trope comfort levels bend until they break. She shatters traditional story guidelines, coming up with something deliciously dark and making it impossible to put down. These characters live rent-free in my head, and I’m deeply invested in every aspect of their lives. 700+ pages flew by in the blink of an eye because I simply could not put it down. Who needs sleep anyways?!

Favorite Quote:
“He isn’t your hero, Dove. He’s just another hungry wolf in the dark. Wolves don’t save. They hunt.”

Tropes:
🕊️ Age gap
💙 Bi-sexual awakening
🐺 Dark romance
🖤 Heroine in danger
🐆 MMF / Poly
🤍 Step sibling
🕊️ Taboo
💙 Virgin hero
🐺 Mafia / Cartel
🖤 Touch her & ☠️
🐆 Tortured past

RISE OF INK AND SMOKE is a spin-off of the Frozen Fate Trilogy and is highly recommended you read the trilogy first. This is a DARK romance with triggers many readers may find disturbing. For a spoiler-free trigger warning list, visit: https://pamgodwin.com/rise-of-ink-and...

[Kristy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!! I loved it! I know I needed Wolf to have his story, and this… was amazing! His first glimpse of Dove was epic. I loved how protective Jag is over Dove, but when Jag saw Wolf, he was stunned. Their first meeting was everything! You go read it… it went in slow motion for me. Monty’s worry over Wolf. They all worried, but to see how much Monty had changed. How they had settled into a family. It was great being back in Alaska. I LOVED It!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection. Pam is brilliant. She never fails to blow me away. I already know this will be one of my top reads of the year.

♾️⭐️

This is a SPOILER FREE ARC Review. 💙

I mean it when I say it feels like a privilege to be able to read anything Pam writes and Rise of Ink and Smoke was no different. This is now my 18th book I have read by Pam, and she just blows me away every time. I can see the growth in her writing and the absolute passion and thought she put into this story.

Without spoiling anything, it is safe to say I had really high expectations for Rise of Ink and Smoke given who it is about and the fact that it is a spin-off of the Frozen Fate Trilogy, which was fantastic in and of itself. Pam took every expectation I had and times it by a 100. I could not have imagined or asked for a better story for these characters. And I loved the role the Frozen Fate characters played as well as the other cameos that I will not go into further detail on because you just have to read it to find out.

This story. It's hard to even put into words how beautiful it was especially without spoiling it. Everything was timed perfectly and Pam hit all the marks. I would not change a single thing about this book. Everything happened how and when it needed to. Every single moment was intentional and it's one of the many things I really appreciate about Pam's writing. I really appreciated the time and detail Pam put into exploring these MCs. Every flashback and moment they experienced had a purpose and it really allowed me to understand the person that they are.

It got dark, fast. And when it did, it did not let up. This story is so much more than just a romance. It was about self-discovery, working through your trauma, exploring your sexuality and learning to embrace who you are and not care about what anyone else thinks. There were so many moments I had tears in my eyes not simply because it was sad, but because the EMOTION was so intense and the journey these characters were going on together and individually sat heavy in my chest and heart. I felt their pain, their struggles, their love like it was my own. Don't get me wrong, there are some lighthearted moments scattered throughout the story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I finished this book feeling healed and so proud of every single character in this book. The romance was the purest kind and deeply rooted in unconditional love and the upmost respect and patience for one another. I truly cannot rave enough about how good this was and the way Pam approaches these topics with so much grace and thoughtfulness. The found family was so strong in this, and lord knows these MCs deserved that. I am so happy they got it.

I will always swear by the statement that Pam is truly in a league of her own. Her writing is so unique, and I think with each book it just gets stronger and stronger. While I am so sad this story is over... I cannot wait to see what is in the future for such an incredibly talented author. Whatever she writes, I know she will pour her entire heart into.

Thank you Pam for the ARC. 🫶

[Heids_in_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 6 star masterpiece!
I am so lucky and grateful to have gotten this book as an ARC from Pam Godwin.

Before I even got the book, I knew it was going to be incredible, not just because Pams writing can do no wrong, but because the Frozen Fate Trilogy was one of my god tier series.
NOTE: Read this trilogy before reading this book.

This book is about Wolfson, the youngest brother that was in HOSS, and who we tragically thought had passed away.
At the end of the last book, he reappears and we all breathed a sigh of relief, because this man is something special.

Wolfson (24) has been through multiple traumatic events, and now he is free and safe, living with his family in Alaska.

One day on his way to work he sees Dove a 30+ something yo woman running down the street in her wedding dress, headed for the tattoo parlour he works in. From there he meets Jag, who is Dove's stepbrother(40), and their lives take a turn.

This story is so beautifully written. It was long and let me tell you I was sad when it ended. I wish it could have kept going.

Wolf who is a virgin, goes through all the emotions when he starts the different relationships with Dove and Jag. He works through his sexual trauma, his guilt, his self-worth, and of course how to regulate and control his emotions. All of his firsts in this book were so beautiful to witness, the compassion, understanding and pure love from Jag and Dove when traversing these monumental moments were incredible, and they really impacted my poor heart.

Wolfson will always have a special place in my heart. The sh!t he went through, not just once but his whole 24yrs was just shocking. Wolf, our strong boy, was always so loving, and went above and beyond for the people he loved. He never put himself first, because he didn't think he was worthy of the love. He was eccentric, different, sweet, and a little mentally unstable (who wouldn't be after what he went through).

I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to ruin it, just know you will not regret reading this, and to Pam, you're amazing! Thank you for doing our boy a solid with this one. Couldn't have picked two better people for him!


I borrowed this from another reviewer because I liked the layout(the tropes that is):
🕊️ Age gap
💙 Bi-sexual awakening
🐺 Dark romance
🖤 Heroine in danger
🐆 MMF / Poly
🤍 Step sibling
🕊️ Taboo
💙 Virgin hero
🐺 Mafia / Cartel
🖤 Touch her & ☠️
🐆 Tortured past

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

5★

Wolfson Strakh endured trauma, and though his scars are reminders of his past, they also tell his unique story. A man of many layers, Wolf is complex and fierce, especially when it comes to Dove and Jag Rath. Together, they must dive deep in murky waters in order to rise to the top.

“I still have scars. I always will. But they don’t run the show anymore.”

From the outset, being reunited with Wolf was worth the wait, as his character made such an impact on me in the Frozen Fate series. Narrated in multiple POV, Wolf is consistent with his shining personality but he also grows showing his strength in unexpected ways. With the introduction of Dove and Jag, they bring their own vulnerabilities and putting their broken parts back together with Wolf defines who they become. The storytelling feels effortless and well-paced which elevates the bond between this trio. Plus, the inclusion of certain secondary characters enriches the overall plot and character building.

“Together, they’re my center of mass, the balance point of my existence.”

In this novel, intrigue, tension and romance take these characters on an incredibly engaging and multidimensional journey in this author’s deftly crafted penned world .


*An ARC was provided for a review.*


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jenny Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. This story. Goodness, Pam. Rise of Ink and Smoke checked every box for me.

Coming out of Frozen Fate, I didn’t really know all that much about Wolf. Even then, I could see someone fighting his demons—fiercely protective of his family and unsure of his place in the world. This story showed me just how truly incredible Wolf’s character is. He’s someone who had to pick himself up off the floor during his darkest days and simply go through the motions, pretending he had it all together.

Then he meets Dove… and everything changes.

Wolf is deeply misunderstood, using humor and sarcasm to protect emotions he doesn’t quite understand himself. But when that layer begins to fall away, and he allows his honest, authentic self to emerge, it’s breathtaking. He’s also a sarcastic little shit—and I absolutely loved it.

Dove is one of my favorite characters Pam has written. Someone constantly on the run, giving pieces of herself to those who least deserve it while silently suffering for wanting love from someone she can’t—or shouldn’t—want. Watching her finally stop running, confront her past, and decide what kind of future she wants—and with whom—was such a beautiful journey, even when it meant ripping off the bandage covering her deepest wounds.

And Jag… oh Jag. Protector. Friend. Stepbrother. Guardian. Stalker.

He carried so much on his shoulders, and watching his story unfold was heartbreaking in so many ways. What does someone do when they’re trying to protect the people they love from the very thing that keeps hurting them—when that thing might actually be themselves?

Together, these three form a bond that only people who have endured the hardest parts of life could truly understand. No labels. No judgment. No forced choices. No looking back.

Just love, friendship, space, authenticity—and a future they choose together.

Pam’s writing here is deeply emotional, cinematic, and addictive. I found myself so happy to be back in Sitka, Alaska, with the Strakhs, fully immersed in a series that has become one of my absolute favorites.

And I’ll be very sad to leave them behind.

[Laini · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You meet a lot of Disney princesses?”
“No. I’ve waited my whole life for you.”

Oh my god. I could not of asked for a better book for Wolf. This was raw, emotional, dark, inspiring, and spicy as hell.

We get a deeper look into Wolf’s trauma and it hurts. My sweet boy deserves all the love—and the love he found in Dove & Jag was perfection. Even though Wolf has past trauma/ptsd, his character is so refreshing. He never shied away going to therapy. Never shied away from being his authentic self. He may use sarcasm & jokes as a form of armor, but I can’t help it—some of the shit that came out of his mouth had me HOWLING & my husband looking at me sideways. His character growth? Immaculate—also can he be my personal stylist? My Adam Sandler attire needs a refresh.

Dove. Sweet, badass, sexy as hell, Dove. Idk dude, Pam never fails when writing a kickass FMC. Elbows deep in grease, working on old cars while skating around the shop in her roller skates. I gotta take some notes from her.

Jag. Istg majority of his chapters were blurry. Everything he did for Dove had me a simpering mess.

It was also so nice being back with the Strakh’s—my girl Frankie will always hold a special place in my heart.

[Kims Book Coven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers...

Pam godwin has brought the emotional damage back with ink and smoke.

ive said it once and ill say it again. this series is god tier.

plot - god tier
spice - god tier
messed up men - god tier
emotional damage - god tier
twists - god tier

this book is a spin off from the frozen fates series and If there is ever a charter that deserves their own book is Wolf. I absolutley love this guy if I could be his bestie in real life I definitely would! He's so sarcastic and his one liners had me laughing out loud. Although he uses humour to cover his pain it makes you love him even more which just adds to heartache and happiness all in one book!

This book sees the introduction of lots of new characters and when I read the prolouge of this one character my eyes widened. I didn't see this character coming at all. Wolf goes on a dark rollercoaster fairytale adventure in this book. Full of ups and down with an ending you'll least expect. There's one story line that had me in tears. Im gutted this series is done and im praying for a novela. Im not ready to say goodbye to my Alaskan men yet!

[Blair Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the original trilogy. Wolf was always a character that’s stuck so much in my mind. I am so happy that this book happened. If you haven’t read the original trilogy and you’re reading this now you definitely need to but be warmed. This whole entire series is dark. It’s messed up. It takes you on a journey. You relive some of that journey through the eyes of Wolf and what happened after he went over the cliff. If anything wolfe is never gonna apologize about being exactly who he is and that something I love about his character. He loves, throwing people off with his style and unsettling them even. He uses it as a weapon, but also to protect himself.
And I love how when he first sees Dove he’s just captivated by her. And her story and Jags. Everything just came together so well and Pam is just an evil genius. The first three original books our books that I think about very very often. And now with this one added to it, just altogether, my all-time favorite dark romance series, probably ever. I’m not ready to leave these characters. And I will be coming back to reread the whole entire series again very soon and very frequently!

[warhawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Book 4 of Frozen Fate
POV: First person - multiple
Rating:
4.75 Stars



Wolfson Strakh spent his entire life surrounded by unspeakable horrors in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Now living safely within civilization, he tried to move forward, yet an essential part of his heart felt missing. When Dove Rath barreled into his life, he thought he finally found the missing piece. But she had her own baggage with her stepbrother, Jag Rath, and the complicated bond was not something any of them expected to confront.



Wolf is my favorite character in this series, so I was worried whether his pairings would be worthy. I’m glad to say that they were.

Wolf was endearing in his own irreverent way. Jag and Dove suffered their own tragedies, which formed an unbreakable bond. I liked how they took their time to adapt to the new dynamics.

“I’m cracked all to hell, Birdie. Mangled beyond repair in most places and missing some pieces. What’s left is taped together and unraveling in ways that make people flinch and stay away.”

Although the book is quite long, the storyline remained engaging throughout. I was especially excited by the direction the author took and the external connections made in the plot.

Rise of Ink and Smoke is a story of resilience and reclaiming one’s life. It would appeal to readers who enjoy dark romance with unconventional characters.



Books in the series:






For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL. THE. STARS.

In fact, I marked this as a 5 star in my tracker at about 13% in.

This was everything I wanted and more.

Let's start off with how THICK this book is. 771 pages and not once did the story lull or drag. It is well paced and full of action, trauma, healing, and dark humour. Every chapter revealed something new and progressed the story naturally without it being too much.

Honing in then, on the dark humour. Wolf wields dark humour like a shield, just as he does with his clothes, and whilst I smirk and giggle, it doesn't retract from the pain he suffered. It's just his way of coping. His theatrics keeps you on your toes, never knowing what he's going to do or say next. He loves fiercely, trusts wholeheartedly, and protects what's his with everything he has.

I adore Dove for loving Wolf the way she does, for actively checking in with him so as not to trigger him, for giving him space and freedom to discover who he is away from Hoss and for ensuring Jag takes it slow. She bursts onto the scene like a runaway princess bride, pulling out a gun on Jag (her stepbrother), and Wolf falls hard and fast.

Jag is the resident hacker/stalker/protector. He has taken on jobs and roles to ensure Doves safety, and whilst Wolf appears to be his next victim, Jag quickly learns there's more to Wolf than meets the eye. Jag, too, falls quickly for the quirky, tall, dark, and scarred cutie. The sexual tension is palpable, and when they do finally go all the way, it's explosive.

I loved this book. I loved being back in Sitka, I loved being back with Fankie and her men, but most of all, I loved seeing Wolf find his own place in the world. I also loved all his nicknames for everyone; Murder Muffin, Tiny Terror, Heartcleaver, Wildbird, and so many more.

I will absolutely rave about this book until I'm as blue in the face as Dove's hair.

✨️✨️✨️

“Leave your scars all over me, Heartcleaver. Just don’t leave me.”

✨️✨️✨️

A huge thank you to Pam Godwin for this arc in exchange for an honest review. I loved every second of this book and it will be living rent free in my mind for a very long time!

[Kia Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review. Thank you to Pam Godwin for writing an amazing book and I'm forever grateful for reading this early.

THIS IS EXACTLY THE STORY THAT WOLF DESERVES!!! This book met every expectation and took it out of the water. IT WAS SO GOOD! A fantastic continuation of a god-tier book series.

Let me start by saying that I binged the Frozen Fate series in August 2025 and it remains one of the best I've ever read. I probably think about it everyday. So safe to say this was my most anticipated read of 2026.

I loved Wolf's journey in overcoming his trauma and ultimately being the glue that healed Dove & Jag's relationship.

This book has everything. Mental Health representation. Bi-sexual awakening. Protective Men. Fierce women. And all your favorite characters that you know and love from the Frozen Fate series.

Wolf And Monty's father-son relationship tugged my heartstrings. Monty is immensely loyal and will "burn the world down" for his loved ones and he does it for Wolf. Kodi and Leo are always there for Wolf too.

Reading more about Frankie's relationship with her men and how protective they are of her during her pregnancy. Ok!!!! Too good!!!! Naming her daughter Kaya. Guys, that's my name. I'm honored. Another reason why this series is god-tier to me. My name is immortalized in Frozen Fate. It feels like a soulmate kinda situation.

Going into the relationship of Dove and Jag with Wolf is fantastic. Dove sparks the wild care-free energy of Wolf. She is fierce, and brave and smart while remaining tender in her feminine energy. Jag is charismatic, embodying the perfect "daddy" energy in his protectiveness and loyalty. I found these two characters balanced Wolf in the best way. They all challenged each other enough to grow, yet grounded to still remain independent. They are a triple threat if you will. Let me put it this way: the spice was SPICING.

While this book was a rollercoaster, it could've been longer. There could've been more angst, more spice. More epilogue. I say this only because I already love this story and love Wolf so much as a character. I would read a whole series of Wolf x Jag x Dove.

I could literally go on and on and on because this book is amazing, but now you have to go read it for yourself.

This in Wolf's words is a "plus one - plus one fairytale" that will seep its way into your bones and never leave. If you're looking for a romantic thriller with real, raw characters this is the book for you.

[Nell (nells.novels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐
3🌶️

Leave it to Pam to make me laugh while I sob. This was my most anticipated release of Q1 2026 after reading Frozen Fate TWICE since December 2024, and I had the privilege of reading an ARC of book 4. To absolutely no one's surprise, I devoured and loved it.

Rise of Ink and Smoke takes place after the events of the Frozen Fate trilogy, following the third feral Alaskan brother ("brother" being a term I'm using loosely here lol) as he navigates life outside of Hoss. With his quick wit, perceptive gaze, and endless supply of quips and dark humor to subsist despite his lacerated past, we see Wolfson Strakh captured in all his wild, eccentric glory.

With blue hair and a firey red disposition, Dove Rath storms into Wolf's life in a wedding dress with a gun and I could picture no greater meet-cute for her and Wolf. Their dynamic, from the start, was full of intensity - push and pull from Dove and obsession from Wolf. Both nonconformist, both survivors, their match was everything I wanted for Wolf since we were in the Hills of Shivers and Shadows.

Of course, Dove comes with an inescapable shadow. Her step-brother. The dominating, formidable, and enigmatic Jag Rath. Jag's ever-watchful eyes are set on keeping Dove safe, regardless of the cost and whether she wants it or not. Their push and pull is addictive, their relationship intense, and as his presence becomes more and more all-consuming to Dove, so it does with Wolf.

Wolf and Jag have tension so palpable I could feel it in my teeth. Both obsessed with their Little Bird, both refusing to surrender. Their journey with one another was hard fought, but with neither willing to give up, and with Dove as their sun, the darkest recesses of their souls are given the light they've always deserved.

The found-family element of this story is elite. Frankie, Leo, Kody, and Monty are just as wildly bound as they were in Frozen Fate, just as protective of their Wolf. I loved being a part of the pack throughout this untangling of emotions, healing of old wounds, and acceptance of fierce love.

Eyeball read? Phenomenal. And I cannot wait to re-read via audio when that releases.

So... 5 stars obviously lol 🤍

**Thank you so much to Pam Godwin for an ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own and are being left voluntarily.**

[Zahida Sayed · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first sentence, I knew that I was gonna love it.

I waited two years for Wolf’s booktwo whole years and he has always been my favorite. If you check my first review in the Frozen Fate series, I said that from the start. That never changed. Wolf has owned my heart from the very beginning, so finally getting his story felt incredibly special.

Getting closure to his journey was heartbreaking. Watching everything unfold
the weight he carries, the sacrifices, the emotional depth hit me hard. But I’ll admit it: I’m greedy when it comes to my favorite characters. I wanted more. More time in his head, more moments to breathe in his story.

The characters in this book are so complex that I truly felt like they needed more space to fully develop. And I needed more time with them to build that deep emotional attachment. Especially spoiler alert when Jag became part of the trio around the 65% mark. That just didn’t feel like enough. There was already so much happening, and we didn’t really get to see their relationship grow and shift in a gradual, organic way. I wanted to feel that evolution. Instead, it felt a bit rushed, which is probably the only thing that truly bugged me.

That said, I absolutely loved Wolf’s connection with his family. Those moments added so much heart to the story. And I appreciated the glimpses we got of the other characters from previous books it felt like revisiting old friends and seeing how their lives continue.

Jag and Dove mixed with Wolf? This trio owns me. The dynamic, the tension, the intensity it’s powerful. Even with my small frustrations about pacing, I was completely invested.

At the end of the day, I love Pam Godwin’s writing, and I love this universe. No matter what, I’m all in.

[SmuttyEverAfter · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

5⭐️♾️: Pam DID 👏🏻 NOT 👏🏻 PLAY 👏🏻!!! 🤯🤯🤯😱😱😱. This was an absolute masterclass! I was in a chokehold from chapter one and completely forgot that I was reading. I fell in love with Wolf from book one of the Frozen Fate series and to finally get the rest of his story was EVERYTHING!!! 😍😍😍 Wolf is so eccentric and witty with his ill-timed inappropriate jokes. He’s so broken from his trauma while also being a possessive MMC with those “touch her and ☠️” vibes. His character was in such a dark place and literally found the light by the end. Wolf experiencing all of his consensual firsts was 🥹🥹🥹 and felt really healing. The growth of his character was truly next level and so satisfying. Enter Dove and Jag Rath, both of them were such good counterparts for Wolf. They had such an interesting and complicated stepsibling dynamic. Dove came in fiery as a runaway bride on a mission - I loved her immediately. Jag was unlikable initially but of course you grow to love him after learning who he really was and the sacrifices he made to keep Dove safe. The three of them together were fireworks 🥵🥵🥵🫠🫠🫠. The crossover though?!?! 😱😱😱 I was screaming inside! It was everything I didn’t know that I needed. 🤯 How Pam brought everything full circle was absolute wizardry! It was like coming home and catching up with old friends. 🥰 This book was perfect. This series has and will continue to be one of my favorites!

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spectacular spinoff off from the Frozen Fate Trilogy featuring the Strakh family, but this books focus is solely on Wolfson Strakh and what he has endured after being captured from the mad doctor in that series.
Wolfson has been through so much, but when he sees Dove running in her wedding gown, he follows. When she runs into the tattoo parlour he works at he knows he must go in and see what is happening. She is brandishing a shotgun and it is pointed at the owner of the tattoo shop, Jag. Wolfson watches the dynamics of these two unfold in front of his eyes and is riveted to this blue haired beauty, because she is fierce and so unstoppable in her glory.
This story continues with many outside forces plaguing their building relationship. Dove has been through so much, along with her stepbrother Jag, but the two of them have always stuck together, Jag always ensuring she is safe and avenged when needed.
Sensational story, with some interesting appearances from characters we once read and loved ❤️

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and let me tell you, Pam Godwin delivered. If you haven't read Godwin's riveting Frozen Fate Trilogy, you must start there before proceeding - first because the entire trilogy will be spoiled (man, do you want that wild ride), and second, you want that context to understand what it took for our MMC to get to where he is now.

As always with Pam's books, check your triggers. She does not hold back.

Moving on...

The writing is captivating. You're instantly transported back to Sitka, Alaska, the terrors as they fought to survive in HOSS, and the aftermath of a lifetime of captivity. All three characters are beyond complex as we gradually learn their own unique paths of survival. A Rise of Ink and Smoke is dark, it's messy, it's sexy, it's haunting, and a beautiful ending for our favorite tortured wolf.

[Reya]

Anyone who read my review of Heart of Frost and Scars can tell that I was VERY upset about Wolfson being excluded from the harem, and Monty replacing him. Extremely upset. At the time when I heard that Godwin was writing a spin-off for Wolfson with another woman, I was not happy and thought I would never read it.

After two years, I've decided I'll give it a try when it comes out. Maybe I'll still like it if Wolfson stays his cute insane self and if him and mystery girl have good chemistry.

[Jenn Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! This was the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given and this is definitely my favorite in the Frozen Fate series. Where I was completely mind blown with Hills of Shivers and Shadows this book was a healing, beautiful journey for my favorite character. My heart absolutely broke for him in the previous books and I’m so glad he got his fairy tale happily ever after 🖤 He deserves it.

A few thoughts while reading, Wolf is my favorite MMC in any book. He reminds me of a mix of KID from Jescie Hall, Klaus from Umbrella Academy, and Callum from The Mercenary and the Mortician. He’s broken, quirky, beautiful, intelligent, and funny as fuck. His insults and nicknames were cracking me up.

The way Pam wrote about PTSD and trauma was so important. At first while reading I initially felt it was glossed over, I was wanting to see more of a struggle for Wolf adjusting to civilization after only 6 months, but with flashbacks and convos and breakdowns that came later, she did a beautiful job showcasing it, like flinching when a toaster would ding, not wanting to be touched, hugging his legs and rocking, etc. It was beautiful to watch Dove be there for him, being there without touching when that’s what was needed, helping him start a sexual journey that was not laced in pain and in trauma. “I’ll sit with you in the darkness.” And the beauty of seeing every ugly scar and not leaving anyway, “Look at me! What do you see?”

I love the strengthening of bonds we haven’t seen since the first book with Wolf and Frankie, Wolf and his brothers, and the new relationship he’s trying to build with Monty as his dad. The parallels of his relationship vs the one with Denver was so important and done so well. I especially loved the scene with Leo and Wolf halfway through the book. Family is still everything to them and that shines through with all of their individual moments.

Pam has a way of making every relationship beautiful and meaningful on its own and you care about each character before they share moments with each other, especially when it comes to the dynamic between Dove/Wolf/Jag. You understand their relationships with one another before they are all together and that flow is so natural and feels so beautiful without feeling like it’s coming out of left field just for shock factor. It’s meaningful and always the perfect level of spice, which she writes so well.

This book was just perfection. It was hurt and it was healing and it was funny and sassy and daring. It ended just as it should have and I ate this up and left zero breadcrumbs. I highlighted so many quotes and this one definitely rivals as one of my favorites from Pam. If you loved the Frozen Fate trilogy you will definitely adore this book. It scratches an itch on another level than the previous books. I’m already sad to have finished it. I will definitely do a reread of the whole series at some point.

Thank you again for the ARC (it was my first and I was so so grateful and excited!) I have been dying for this book for years and it was everything I wanted and more. Pam continues to slay and she is one of my favorites in the dark romance genre! I can’t say enough great things about her work and recommend her to anyone who will listen. And if you’ve never read her work before, please do! Check your trigger warnings if you need to!

[Midnight Tails and Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain you. Some devastate you. And then there are the rare ones that crawl under your skin, take up residence in your bones, and refuse to leave. *Rise of Ink and Smoke* is one of those stories.

Pam Godwin has always had a way with words, but here her storytelling feels almost melodic. Dark, hypnotic, and utterly consuming. Her prose does not simply guide you through the story, it pulls you under. One moment you are laughing, the next you are gasping, and somewhere along the way your emotional comfort zone quietly shatters. Godwin does not just bend tropes. She breaks them open and rebuilds them into something deliciously dangerous.

And somehow, across more than 700 pages, I barely blinked.

Sleep? Who needs it when a story like this exists?

From the first page to the last, every scene felt intentional. Every flashback, every conversation, every moment of quiet devastation had a purpose. Godwin takes her time exploring these characters, peeling back layers of trauma, fear, and longing until you understand them so deeply it almost hurts. By the end, their emotions do not feel like fiction anymore. They feel borrowed from your own heart.

This book gets dark. And once it descends, it never truly lets go. But what makes this story extraordinary is that it is never darkness simply for shock value. Beneath the grit and intensity is something far more powerful. A journey of self discovery, healing, identity, and the radical act of accepting who you are even when the world tells you not to. The emotional weight of that journey is immense. There were moments when tears sat in my eyes not because the scene was sad, but because the emotion was so raw and overwhelming that it pressed against my chest like a storm.

At the heart of it all is Wolf. This is the story he deserved. The ending he deserved.

Watching Wolf navigate his relationships with Dove and Jag was one of the most tender and emotionally layered experiences I have read in a long time. As a virgin carrying deep sexual trauma, Wolf’s journey through intimacy, trust, guilt, and self worth is handled with remarkable care. Every first he experiences feels monumental. Not just physically, but emotionally. The compassion and patience Dove and Jag offer him in those moments is breathtaking in its gentleness.

Wolf’s growth as he learns to regulate his emotions, confront his past, and believe he deserves love felt achingly real. By the end, my heart was completely tangled up in his story. Wolfson will live rent free in my head for a very long time.

And returning to Sitka, Alaska felt like coming home. Being back among the Strakhs and seeing familiar faces, especially the beloved characters from Frozen Fate, added another rich layer to a world that already feels deeply alive. It reminded me just how much this series has burrowed into my soul.

Even now, hours after finishing, I am still thinking about it. Still replaying scenes. Still feeling the emotional echoes of this journey.

Because this story was not just beautiful. It was hauntingly, breathtakingly beautiful.

Sometimes the wolf learns he deserves to be loved anyway. 🩵

[SPARKYSBPS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review : RISE OF INK AND SMOKE
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice /5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Hoss anymore”

I flew through this book because I desperately wanted Wolf to get his HEA. And it wasn’t an easy road to it. Along the way, you get this insight into him as well as how beautiful his relationship is to his family and especially Monty.

Pam is really good at making you dislike a character so intensely and then go… ohhp.. just wait a second… do you thought??? The chemistry between Jag and Wolf… my god. It sets pages on fire.

This story runs deep. We get glimpses back to Hoss as well as jumps back in time to tell Jag and Dove’s story. Both tragic but necessary. The connections are fast, intense and run deep. The chemistry… electric.

Is it as gritty as its predecessor, no. It’s about healing , it’s bout love and protection, and forgiveness. It’s about accepting who you are and being unapologetic about it. It’s about finding your people and embracing them, fighting for them, and it’s about family. Above all it’s about finding your place in this world and holding those you love close.

Definitely love the diabolical background story. I see what you did there Queen.

Wolf:

“… I don’t know how to bleed without making a mess.”

“My woman is a badass mechanic. Hard, honest work. The woman who gave birth to me was a rapist, and I killed her. The man I want is a criminal stalker. Dangerous, dishonest work. The man who raised me is a pedophile, and Frankie killed him. My real father? He’s one of the good guys. He loves like a man who refuses smallness. Too much love for a broken son like me. Too much grace. But I’m so fucking grateful for him.”

“When I started wanting without panic, wanting freely, wanting both of you, it felt…right. Fated. And the best part? Loving you didn’t fracture me. It put me together.”

Jag:

“Wanting Wolf isn’t a thought I can argue with or a craving I can starve out. He’s the moon in motion, recruiting my organs, engaging my nerves, and controlling every drop of blood in my body. He doesn’t chase. He alters the pull of the room just by existing in it. Currents shift. Gravity strengthens. Distances shorten, and I feel myself drawn, dragged closer by forces I don’t command.”

“But if I let myself dream, just for a second, I would give Dove and Wolf the world. Not to own it. Not to stand in the middle of it. Just to be allowed to exist at the edges of their life together.”

“You were never going to survive without them.”…” Without them, you would’ve never been able to breathe.”

Dove:

“Love doesn’t erase the past. It asks me to sit with the consequences and learn how to live differently going forward.”

Favourite quotes:

“To think, if I hadn’t thrown myself off that cliff, I wouldn’t be trapped in a concrete room without basic necessities like smokes and titties.”

“Overthinking should come after coffee, not before pants.”

“This is a bust-a-nut the instant you tongue-a-nut situation.”

“Then call me by my first name.” “What’s that?” “Yours.”

Thank you to Pam for giving me the opportunity to review this Arc Copy.

[bookfien3 Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONEEE.

I’d definitely recommend reading BOOKS 1-3 BEFORE reading this one but you def don’t have to. It’s been a while since I’ve read the series so the author def did an amazing job easing me back into the ‘frozen fate’ world. Man PAGE 4 😭🤣 reminding me of wolfsons character… HOW COULD I forgot him

“I stretched out my arms like Caucasian Jesus, died for mythical reasons, and resurrected downstream, right into the manicured hands of Dr. Try-Hard”

WOLFSONNNN😭🤣🤣 (insert FACKKK meme) i have the exact sense of humor wolfson does, so yeah i was laughing OUT LOUD but PAM YOU HAD ME FEELING like I was in an ocean full of emotions, ALL OF ‘EM HITTING ME as I kept on reading cause page 11 hit me with the

“How fucked up is it that I ache for Hoss right now, for those years when Denver came into my room and fucked me raw in the name of fatherly love? Good times”

😭😭 LIKE I WAS LAUGHING ALONG IN PAGE 4… now page 11 has me walking down memory laneeee…….
Anyways. Idk how this authors always has been accepting/ shipping ? The most outlandish things. Like yk Frankie’s hubbys all being kinda related in some sort of way and when I first heard step siblings… I was like…. WHATTTTTT???? This whole series is A HEAR ME OUT SERIES CAUSE…. Just the way I get lost in her writing needs to be studied. It was a bittersweet end to the series… bitter in the sense that reading wolfson face his traumas and see how it impacted HIM and it’s just so fucking relatable ima start crying again… OH forgot to mention READ THE TW! I always underestimate them when it comes to this series😭

Idk what it is about the authors writing but I get so lost in the plot, the thrill aspect of it catches me off guard at times. I was GASPINGGG

“My stomach drops. No way in hell am I stepping outside without Wolf. As I turn back, a hand slams over my mouth” GIRL I WAS GASPING LIKE WAS THEREEE🤣🤣😭 idk if it’s my adhd or my ocd, I tend to recognize patterns, or just outlines authors use in books so I usually see things coming but I WAS QUESTIONING WHERE THIS WAS HEADED TOWARDS? Like did I WANT to want what I wanted to happen ?? Cause in hindsight, the word step sibling is a loaded word. Like to me, step sibling is like one different parents so I was just like
👁️ 👄 👁️
Ummmm… but then I realized they don’t share dna so the idea of shipping the throuple was a distant now more acceptable thought 😭😭🤣

Idk if I wanted to like jag or not OH MY, it’s the first time I’ve struggled with a character. The backstory and everything explained was like unwrapping a well/ clean wrapped bow.

It was sweet in the sense that after reading that wolfson was in that cabin with loco doc and not decomposing, he got his fairytale. It was so fucking sweet, him seeing her run in a wedding dress, him finding HIS PERSONS, ugh… made me just so happy. Idk if it’s the trauma left after reading books 1-3 but how could I NOT CRY?

“A floating Magic Kingdom”

“This is my fairy tale.”

😭😭😭 im so happy wolfson got his HEA.

(so just HAD to give a huge thanks to the author, Pam Godwin!!!! Thanks for emailing backkkk and for writing such an enjoyable series)

[What Helen Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, 4 on the spice scale.

Rise of Ink and Smoke is a return to the Frozen Fate world that feels both familiar and completely new, and it absolutely demands that you’ve read the trilogy first. Not because this book can’t stand on its own, but because the emotional impact relies on everything you already know (and everything you think you know) about Wolfson.

This is Wolfson’s story, and it’s the one I've been waiting for, ever since his fate was left uncertain. He’s alive, but survival hasn’t meant freedom. When the book opens, he’s only six months out of captivity, still carrying deep trauma, and trying to rebuild a life in Sitka with the family who never stopped loving him. He works in a tattoo shop putting his mad artistic skills to good use. He’s vibrant and queer and chaotic in the most magnetic way, but he’s also lonely and hurting.

Then Dove barrels into his life in a wedding dress with a gun in her hand, and everything shifts. What begins as a chaotic meet‑cute quickly reveals itself to be something far more layered. Dove has come for Jag, with whom she has a long, tangled history. Their past is dark, but the book never lingers gratuitously; instead, it focuses on how trauma shapes people, how loyalty can warp into obsession, and how love can be both a lifeline and a burden.

As the story unfolds, Wolfson, Dove, and Jag become an unlikely but deeply connected trio. Their bond is intense, messy, and beautifully written. The book explores their individual wounds without ever losing sight of the hope threaded through their connection. There are dangerous forces at play, old enemies resurfacing, and a larger criminal network that ties this book back into Pam's Deliver universe, but all of that serves the emotional core rather than overshadowing it.

While, for me, this book isn’t as shocking or brutal as the original trilogy (mainly because I already knew about Wolfson’s past) it still carries plenty of emotional weight. What softens it, is Wolfson himself. His personality is electric, and his humour and intensity shine bright against the darkness.

Pam's writing is still as masterful and immersive as ever. She weaves trauma, romance, danger, and hope into a story that feels both epic and intimate. This is a stunning companion to the Frozen Fate Trilogy and Wolfson’s story is everything I wanted it to be.

All the stars! Again!

*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.