Name: From ashes
ISBN: 9780062267726

Molly McAdams

Aside from her dad, Cassidy has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn't expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He's Tyler's cousin. And there's something about Cassi that makes Gage want to give her everything. Too bad Tyler has warned him that she's strictly off-limits. When disaster sends Cassi running into Tyler's arms, she will have to decide whether to face the demons of her past, or burn her chance at a future with Gage.

From ashes

Meredith kirby

Let me state first that I feel a little bad giving this book three stars but I could bring myself to rate it any higher.

I found myself struggling to connect with the characters or even really care about them. I've noticed a pretty consistent pattern with all of this authors books. Girl and guy meet, falling deeply in love instantly and of course they face problem after problem keeping them apart. Every book, every time. Another thing that annoyed me about this book was Tyler... I mean really? At first I thought he was kind of sweet, but that ended quickly. I'm pretty sure he was borderline nutty. 

Moral of the story, the book was alright, but nothing special. I don't regret the read it was a nice easy read. Not sure if i'll keep reading from this author though.

Kelly Casey

** spoiler alert **
           I Read this a long time ago and gave it five stars.

Re-Read: March 2021

I don't know how I ever rated this so highly. I didn't even remember that this book existed or that I had read it. I stumbled across it on a recommendation, and realized my goodreads said I had already read it. So upon my re-read here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
-perfect level of steaminess
-Gabe is a lovable character
-easy to read writing 

What I DIDN'T like:
-most of the characters had absolutely no depth or just sucked. 
The main character Cassidy has no ambitions, doesn't go to college, her life revolves around taking care of the guys in her life, her friendships aren't really explored too much, and her only hobbies are cooking (which she's better than everyone else at) and photography which is only mentioned in passing twice. The only thing explored in this 400 page book is her romantic escapades and her baggage from her mom and step-dad literally abusing her every day of her life, and she made the decision to continue living with that abuse rather than being taken away from her best friend Tyler.

Now Tyler is one of the worst characters ever in my opinion. This kid let his best friend and supposed woman he is in love with get physically abused every day of her life for 11 years because she asked him to not tell anyone so that she wouldn't lose him. The only reason they were so close is because he took care of her when she was hurt, but she would never have been hurt or needed that if he would have done the right thing and told his parents. THEN, he fucking manipulates the crap out of her and his cousin who have obvious feelings for each other. He says degrading shit about her to Gabe. He purposely hurts them both to keep them apart. Then, he manipulates his relationship with Cassidy by saying if she doesn't start dating him that she'll lose him forever. He is a crap boyfriend to her, and super possessive. Then, he freaking brings home another girl to fuck while Cassi is home, calls Cassi his sister, says they're over, shoves her out the door in the freezing weather in the middle of the night while she is in pjs and wet hair without keys or a phone. She nearly died from hypothermia and then pneumonia. He is quite literally the biggest asshole character, and I can't stand him. Then towards the end were supposed to believe that they all end up as a big happy family and Tyler is completely forgiven. I don't like it.

Then you have Gabe who is probably the only character who had ambitions of his own. We never know what anyone majored in or what their classes were. We don't know about any hobbies. Most of the characters lives end up revolving around the main couple. At least we know that Gabe wants to own and run his family's ranch. Gabe also has the most personality. He is beyond chivalrous and generous, but he has a temper. It's sad that I can only list these two traits and yet he's the character I think had the most personality. Gabe is literally the sweetest when it comes to Cassidy, but honestly his character isn't explored that much either other than his interactions with other characters. 

Everyone else is just there to keep the plot moving

Don't even get me started on the detective that turns the love triangle into a freaking quadrilateral. Not sure why we needed yet another love interest introduced so late into the book.

-the length of the book was way too much, tried way too many plot points and twists, and didn't explore the characters enough.

-the miscommunication and manipulation in this book is my absolute most hated trope/plot point

I'm sure there's way more I could say, but essentially although it was an intriguing story with a happy ending there was just so much I didn't like.

Aside from her dad, who passed away when she was six, Cassidy Jameson has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn't expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He's Tyler's cousin. Gage Carson was excited to share an apartment off campus with his cousin. He didn't mind that Tyler was bringing the mysterious friend he'd heard about since they were kids . . . until the most beautiful girl he's ever seen jumps out of his cousin's Jeep. There's something about Cassi that makes Gage want to give her everything. Too bad Tyler has warned him that she's strictly off-limits. Despite everything keeping them apart, Cassi and Gage dance dangerously close to the touch they've both been craving. But when disaster sends her running into Tyler's arms, Cassi will have to decide whether to face the demons of herpast . . . or to burn her chance at a future with Gage.

From ashes

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