This was the first book I’ve read of Bridget Adrienne’s and I honestly loved it! I really liked that it’s a novella so it was a super fast read - I mean it was fast paced and pulls you right in so of course it was a quick read - you don’t want to put it down. I also liked that it was dual POV with each chapter pretty much.
This is an interconnected standalone within the scorched legacy - I’ll be reading “Scorched Sin” next for sure. The “Rangers inferno” series also ties in as well which is also on my TBR!
Anyway- this book is Ramsey’s book. He’s introduced as the brother of the main character in the first book - he seems a little arrogant to me in the beginning but man did he grow on me throughout the book. I need another epilogue for a few years after!
I love Cleo - putting on a brave face to make a break in her journalism career - that is until she really finds out who Ramsey is.
There’s so much plot in such a short book! The character growth, angst, drama - it’s all there and it keeps you turning the pages. Must read! Thank you to the author, Bridget Adrienne, for the ARC read - all opinions are my own!
What could possibly happen being an undercover journalist?
Thank you Bridget Adrienne for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Scorched Surrender.
If you haven’t read Bridget’s fast burn quick reads what are you doing with your life? Jk But for real, this book grabbed me and didn’t let go. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Ramsey’s story after reading book 1 but the instant connection, the lies, the love, the spice, 😏 I was sold.
I will always have a weakness for a good mafia romance and the Scorched Legacy is scratching that itch ever so perfectly for me.
Bridget Adrienne has quickly become a favorite short story author of mine! I was lucky enough to be chosen for an ARC of Scorched Surrender; the second book im her Scorched Legacy series. This book follow the story of Ramsey, the second oldest Ashwood brother and Cleo Callahan and smalltowm journalist. While trying to uncover all of the secrets that surround the Ashwood family, Cleo finds herself doing the ONE thing she said she wouldn't do. This was such a great quick spicy read!
"Because I'm tired of lying. I've spent my whole life playing games, doing whatever it took to survive in my family. And I'm good at it. Too good. But with you… I don't want to do that with you."
Rough and disturbing, Ramsey Ashwood is the unwanted spare in the Ashwood dynasty. In a town the Ashwoods own outright, there’s nothing they haven’t influenced, tainted, or taken just because they can. Now that their golden son has vanished with the love of his life, Ramsey is being dragged into the family’s dirtiest enterprises—forced into a role he never wanted by a father who’s always seen him as barely useful, certainly not fit to wear the Ashwood crown.
Cleo is determined to write the story that will make her famous. Well at least get her a job. To do it, she’s willing to scheme, fabricate the truth a little bit, and dig until she uncovers the secrets the Ashwoods are hiding behind big business board meetings—a truth darker than the town whispers ever hinted. Getting close to Ramsey Ashwood is supposed to be just a job, a means to an end, a way to expose his family’s corrupt empire. Falling for him was never part of the plan.
Drawn to the dangerous man behind the Ashwood name, Cleo finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and illicit deals. Ramsey is her best source and her worst mistake—an insidious temptation that pulls her deeper into his world even as her exposé threatens to destroy him. Get ready to plunge into the deep end. There’s no life preserver here—only a ruthless family, a town built on their power, and a consuming attraction that might drown them both.
Okay… Scorched Surrender was fast, filthy, and completely addictive. 😮💨 From the first encounter, I was hooked. Ramsey Ashwood fell hard and fast—and honestly, I loved every second of his unraveling. The man is possessive, obsessive, and emotionally complex in a way I didn’t see coming. Beneath that power and control is someone who feels everything too deeply, and Cleo dismantles those walls before he even realizes it’s happening.
Their chemistry? Instant combustion. 🔥 The tension, the voyeurism, the way they orbit around each other like they know they shouldn’t but can’t stop—it’s that perfect mix of forbidden and inevitable. Ramsey’s obsession walks a fine line between control and devotion, and Cleo’s strength keeps it balanced. She’s bold, ambitious, and knows what she wants… even when what she wants could ruin everything.
What surprised me most was how much heart this story had. It’s fast-paced, steamy, and chaotic in the best way, but there’s real emotion tucked between every glance and touch. Watching Cleo realize her story means nothing if it costs her Ramsey? That hit deep.
What to Expect: 🔥 Instalove Energy 💼 Possessive MMC 🖤 Forbidden Lust 👀 Voyeurism 🗞 Journalist x Empire Heir 💣 Mafia Family Vibes
Scorched Surrender is the kind of book that grabs your attention and refuses to let go—equal parts heat, heart, and chaos in the best possible way.
Scorched Surrender (Scorched Legacy #2) by Bridget Adrienne ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️ Standalone but interconnected * Dual POV * Hidden Identity * Small Town * Insta Love * Mafia * Possessive Men * Dubious Consent * Voyeurism * Stalking * References to Past Child Abuse * Obsessed MMC * 81 pages
You must know by now just how much I adore Bridget Adrienne's novellas. I will stop almost any book to read hers the moment it lands in my inbox. They’re perfect as short, spicy palate cleansers or to binge read if you’re like me.
Although this one is technically a standalone, it’s interconnected through mentions of his siblings. Two already have their happily ever afters—his older brother in "Scorched Sin" and his sister in "Ranger’s Inferno" series. And next up? One of the younger brothers!
We met Ramsey in the previous book, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t like him much then. But oh, did he redeem himself here and bring the heat! He’s still a possessive little turd (lovingly said), and Cleo? She’s his perfect match. Possibly my favorite FMC yet.
My only small gripe was wishing the ending had been stretched a bit more,maybe another 20 pages to slow things down a touch. But even then, I’m blown away by how much plot Bridget packs into so few pages while still pulling you completely into her world.
— 💭 My Thoughts: Short, sexy, and will grab you by the throat, where you will be begging for more! Quite literally! 🥵
Bridget Adrienne knows what she is doing! This was my first read of hers and the way she can pack so much into just a few pages is magical work! ✨💫
Ramsey is our obsessive and possessive hunk who falls faster than my self-control while I’m at a bookstore! I have ADHD, I have no self-control! 😂 Cleo is there for one thing, to get her story. She is determined, strong willed, and so real. I loved her storyline! She was so compelling! 💕
What could has been the extra step this needed to get my 5 stars would be the ending. I felt like it could have been just a little bit longer and had more depth to it. It so much build up and then it just kind of fell short.
However, this quick read was the perfect midnight snack I devoured when I should have been sleeping! — ✨Read as a standalone but part of an interconnected series. This is Book #2 of the Scorched Legacy!
I’m always happy to get an ARC from Bridget Adrienne because her stories never fail to entertain, and Scorched Surrender is no exception.
Book 2 gives us Ramsey’s story. He’s the second eldest Ashwood sibling and he’s never been the favorite son, always dismissed, always overlooked. But when his brother Rowan disappears, he’s forced to step up carry the weight of a depraved legacy. Cleo is trying to make a name for herself in a dying industry, and expose a corrupt family empire, but meeting Ramsey complicates everything, because not all Ashwoods are created equal. Will Cleo let the hammer fall? Will Ramsey forgive the lies? As truths unravel and obsession ignites, the question remains: will these flames endure, or burn out?
Another fast-paced, emotionally charged story, that despite its brevity, pulled me in and didn’t let go. I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
OMG Besties... "Scorched Surrender" had me clutching my Kindle and saying, "Whoa... so fast!". Ramsey is that broody, morally gray heir who never wanted the throne—but got the empire and the woman who could ruin it. Cleo? Bold, sexy, and playing with matches in a town built to burn. The tension? Instant. The spice? Unholy levels of fast-burn heat. We’re talking voyeurism, power games, and a dangerously obs€ssiv€ MMC who’s supposed to babysit the journalist investigating his family’s dirty laundry. Spoiler: he ends up craving her instead.
Bridget Adrienne gives us a novella that’s short, filthy, and addictive—perfect for when you want mafia vibes, emotional chaos, and steam that leaves scorch marks.
🔥 Insta-love + Dub-Con + Hidden Identity = my kind of trouble.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Please be sure to check all TWs before reading 📖 You’re mental health is always more important than anything else.
Thank you Bridget for giving us Ramsey.
Ramsey is intense and forceful. He is now the next in line to take over the family business and is diligent in the way he handles business.
Cleo waltzes into town trying to work her way into the Ashwood area to gain any knowledge that she can. She’s done her research, she knows what to expect but she doesn’t know what trouble she’s gotten herself into when she finally meets Ramsey.
Bridget Adrienne 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The deranged stalking that comes from Ramsey and the reaction that Cleo has to it. But more so, the vulnerability that he finally shows to her and ONLY her ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Cleo may seem like she would be meek and unsure of herself, but when it’s time to buck up, she stands taller than any man in any room could. 💪🏽👢
Scorched Surrender is an intense, emotional journey that blends romance with themes of trauma, healing, and redemption. What really stood out to me was Cleo’s role in pulling Ramsey out of the shadows of his generational trauma. Watching her help him break free from a dangerous cycle one that could’ve very well cost him his life was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Their connection felt raw and real, and the emotional stakes stayed high throughout. While a few moments felt a bit rushed or overly dramatic, the heart of the story Ramsey’s transformation and Cleo’s unwavering support was beautifully done. A powerful reminder that love doesn’t fix everything, but it can give you the strength to save yourself.
Bridget Adrienne has quickly become a favorite short story author of mine! I was lucky enough to be chosen for an ARC of Scorched Surrender; the second book im her Scorched Legacy series. This book follow the story of Ramsey, the second oldest Ashwood brother and Cleo Callahan and smalltowm journalist. While trying to uncover all of the secrets that surround the Ashwood family, Cleo finds herself doing the ONE thing she said she wouldn't do. This was such a great quick spicy read and i cant wait to see what Bridget does with the rest of the Ashwood Siblings.
Scorched Surrender is the second installment to the Scorched Legacy
Are you ready to meet Ramsey Ashwood?
Cleo Callahan came to Millhaven chasing a story. Ramsey Ashwood is the story - a legacy heir with blood on his hands and obsession in his veins. What starts with a favor turns into a dangerous game of power, control, and surrender.
Tropes: •instalove •Forbidden lust • twisted mafia family drama •Possessive men
Please check the Triggers before you dive into this twisted spicy little novella!
Cleo, an undercover journalist trying to have her “out” in the world by bringing a big story to the media. Little does she know, that story she’s trying to build is about the man she ends up falling for. Of course she doesn’t know this at first, but is quick to realize once they start speaking to one another.
Ramsey, part of daddy’s mafia team. Trying to make things right with daddy and earn his spot since daddy thinks less of him. Falls in love and becomes obsessed with Cleo only to find out her secrets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bridget did it again! Scorched Surrender had my eyes poppin from the start, guys! I did not like Ramsey after Scorched Sin if I’m being honest. But reading his book made me love him. He didn’t ask for any of cards life dealt him he’s just doing his best to play his hand. And I think Cleo is such a great match for him. And of course the spice was spicin!!
*I received this as an arc and am giving my honest review*
Another great spicy novella by Bridget! I love how each novella in this series continues with the Ashwood’s so each one you read, you get a better understanding of the family. I really love the storyline of this one too. SO difference from the first one, but just as good. I feel like I just wanted more of it, more detail. I know it’s a novella, but I would’ve eaten this up as a full novel! Great quick read!
It was fun getting to know Cleo and Ramsey. Ramsey has some serious family issues going on for sure. Cleo has her own agenda that gets a bit derailed once she gets to know Ramsey. The banter was there The spice was hot for sure! All in all, a fast, spicy read full of secrets.
Thank you Bridget Adrienne for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. @shortbookthyme #shortbookthyme
Scorched Surrender comes in hot never lets up! 🔥 Ramsey is the perfect mix of power, control, and forbidden temptation, while Cleo’s fire and determination make every scene crackle with tension. Their chemistry is undeniable—dangerous, addictive, and oh-so-spicy. This novella delivers all the steam, angst, and intrigue you could want in a quick, scorching read. A perfect guilty pleasure! 💋🔥
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion
This was a quick spicy read! I loved Ramsey and Cleo’s story. There were some parts that I feel like were a little rushed, but for a novella, you got all parts of the story. The spice was good and so was the banter. This was the first book by Bridget Adrienne that I have read and it definitely won’t be the last!
Let's just start with I didn't want this one to end. Devoured this in one sitting and couldn't get enough. Loved all the push and pull between Ramsey and Cleo from their first. They both shouldn't fall for each other but they can't hold back. Thank you so much for letting me arc read this Bridget! I enjoyed this one so much! 😏🫠
Book number 2. This one is about Ramsey and Cleo. Ramsey is brother to Rowen. Love that it is still part of the Ashwood family but different brother. Who falls in love with a woman in a different way than his brother Rowen did . Definitely a must read! Short book but filled with lots of action. Spice where it needed it too. I cannot wait to read the third book!!
If you are looking for a quick read, fast burn, instant love, and a slightly unhinged MMC, this book is for you! Cleo and Ramsey are great together, and even though this book is less than a hundred pages, you still get a good story line to go with your spice. I would definitely recommend it if you like a book with extra spice!
Cleo and Ramsey were so good! This was such a easy and quick read like all of the author’s other books. And each story gets more and more interesting as they go. I loved the couples banter and how the story played out the only thing I have to say is the last 20% was just a bit rushed.
Cleo+Ramsey were a delicious little duo- the spice was slightly more tame than book 1, but still scorching. Story line was still believable and honestly pretty awesome how things turned around. Cannot wait for part 3 in this little series!
Loved this book. I loved the way the FMC Cleo thought she could just walk into Millhaven and people not learn who she is. She clearly had no idea what Ramsey is capable of. Ramsey wasn’t going to let her go without a fight.
this is book 2 but can be read alone, I recieved an advance copy and excited to leave a review i enjoyed this book if you.love a quick spicy small town mafia book this is for you! it's not just all spice the storyline is also engaging
If your looking for a novella that is Fast Paced 😍 instant love🌶️ spicy you found it. Scorched surrender is perfect palette cleanser, a stand alone that is interconnected. Instantly hooked and just had to keep reading. Looking forward to reading more of Bridget’s novellas