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My first thought whenever I think of this book is, where can I find my own Gage Carson? He’s seriously one dreamy, swoon-worthy, perfection in male form. And that proposal? Absolute perfection.
These characters always hold a special place in my heart, as do all others, but there was an undeniable love there between all of them that is rare to find nowadays. I can only dream of that love and instant connection that Cassidy and Gage share. And having a best friend like Tyler, life would be so much easier. Let’s not forget the Carson family, because life would be complete with all of those things wrapped up with a pretty bow.
The plot always kept me coming back for more because the way Molly writes wonderful but because I wanted Cassidy and Gage to be together, I needed to keep reading to find out what happened. And I was not disappointed the first time, or the second and I won’t be disappointed any time after that. I really enjoyed that she gave them a large story leading to a glimpse into the “end” instead of just leading up to that moment we all dream for only to give us slim pickings on their future.
Seriously, where can I find myself my own Gage Carson? *swoons and sighs dreamily*
Cassidy Jameson takes the phrase ‘a life of hard knocks’ and turns it into a backstory that is, quite simply, horrifying. Her life started out as the apple of her parents eye, the princess who never went without... and then, on her sixth birthday, that changes completely with the death of her father. Her mother... let’s just say she takes a flying leap off the deep end. And Cassi pays the price.
Having spent the last twelve years of her life suffering constant abuse, Cassi is quiet and reserved. Down trodden and afraid. But she still has spirit and she’s trying to move on with her life. Which is how she ends up moving from California to Texas with her best friend, Tyler. And how she meets Gage Carson, Tyler’s cousin.
Gage Carson is consumed by Cassi from the moment she steps out of his cousin’s truck. And is also warned to back off just as quickly. Cassi is Tyler’s girl, or so Gage is told. But it doesn’t stop him from wanting her. And it doesn’t stop him from trying to protect her and be Cassi’s knight in shining armor.
Because, truthfully, someone needs to watch out for her. And while Tyler might have been her saving grace for the last twelve years, he’s also perpetuates the problem and doesn’t let her grow. And he’s also manipulative and a total liar. A... crafty little spider, spinning constant webs of lies.
I enjoyed the evolution of Cassi and Gage’s relationship. The progress they make throughout. Seeing every step forward and back, seeing their friendship and romance from beginning to end. I like being there for it all.
And Miz McAdams did a wonderful job engaging my emotions. Making me care for Cassi and for Gage. (And completely NOT care for Tyler.) I like that she gave Cassi real issues and made her struggle to overcome them and, essentially, herself. And Gage was a very understanding and supportive partner. I was rooting for them the entire time.
From Ashes has a frenzy of emotions and turmoil and passion within its pages. It is full of characters that are dealing with serious matters and have a lot to overcome. If you love a story with a heroine who starts out broken and pieces herself together, a hero who will fight for her—even if it means he’s fighting himself, and a plot that is dramatic as well as tragic, then From Ashes is definitely for you.
Favorite Quote:
She nodded against me. “Do you need me to do anything?”
I didn’t need a thing from her, but I wanted everything. I wanted her to leave Tyler, to love me, to want to live here with me for the rest of our lives. I wanted so damn much.
”Just go back to sleep, then enjoy the rest of the day with the girls. I’ll be back tonight.”
”I’ll be waiting her for you.”
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath in and held it. if only she knew what she did to me.
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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Warning: this might contain spoilers, but I will try not to say too much. So read at your own risk.
I need to get this out before I forget everything I want to say. First off, I LOATHE Cassidy's mother and Jeff. I was literally 1% into the book and I had tears. I have a 5 year old and a 4 year old. My heart was ripped out and stomped on by her mother. I wanted to wake up my girls and hug them and kiss them all night last night. How any parent can harm their own child is beyond me and there's a special place in hell for them.
Then Tyler came along and my heart swelled, then it deflated. I don't care who you promised or what the circumstances were I would rather lose my best friend than see him/her almost die, daily. I couldn't get over that he never said anything and it went on for 11 years. ELEVEN YEARS! Tyler, your parents could have fought for her. Adopted her. Gotten her out of that house. Gage was right, you are a poor excuse for a man.
Then, you did good by getting her out of the house, but then you became Mr. Dickhead and my hatred for you reappeared. Seriously. WTF was your problem?
Mr. New, oh Gage, my heart pounded for you from the moment you stepped onto the page. What I didn't like about you was the fact that you went through Tyler to say what you needed to tell Cassidy. I HATED the non-communication. It pissed me off to no end. To just assume was wrong. I wanted to strangle you, Gage. You also made my love for cowboys even stronger. I NEVER thought I would be into cowboys, but holy hell these literary ones are amazeballs.
Cassidy, my heart ached for you. Your life crushed me. I understood your crutch of Tyler. I did. What I didn't get was your childish behavior. The constant running and not talking. COMMUNICATE! People can't read your damn mind, girl. Every time something happened it could have been resolved by you TALKING and not ignoring people.
Connor, you're a dick. Plain and simple. However, you did get Cassidy to open up and heal, but you're still a dick.
This book seriously pissed me off because of lack of communication and assumptions. I wanted to throw my Kindle and stop reading this several times, but I powered through and I am so glad I did.
The ending, perfection. The letter, wow, I have NO idea what to say about that. Perhaps too little too late?
4 stars because of the ending :)
Oh and thanks, Molly McAdams for not putting me in therapy again. Appreciate that!
But it was a nice fluffy read. Good beach recommendation if you need one!