Author: Molly McAdams
Format acquired: Paperback
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Published on: April 16th 2013
Source: Received for review (Thanks, Sarah!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
When Cassidy Jameson's best friend Tyler took her to Texas with him when he left for college, she was expecting his cousin, their new roommate, to be a Stetson-wearing cowboy since his family owned a ranch; not this incredibly gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl that seemed to make the world stop whenever she looked at him. Because of her past, she's only ever trusted two men in her life, Tyler and her dad whom passed away when she was six. But there's something about Gage that draws her to him in a way she can't explain, only problem? He's always telling Tyler that he doesn't want Cassidy living there and sees her as nothing more than his little sister.
Gage Carson was excited his cousin Tyler was coming to live with, and go to college with him. When he'd called to ask if he could bring his friend Cassi with him, Gage didn't care. Gage had heard about this mysterious friend since they were kids and felt like he already knew her. Nothing would prepare him for watching her jump out of Ty's Jeep though. Not only was Cassi the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but there was something about her that within seconds of meeting her, made Gage want to protect her, and make her his. Too bad Tyler made it a point to remind Gage on a daily basis that he was dating her and she was completely off limits.
For a year and a half, Gage and Cassidy dance around their feelings for each other as Tyler continues to keep them apart; until one day Tyler unknowingly pushes her right into Gage's arms. With Tyler unable to keep lying to them, they finally start a relationship both have been craving since their first meeting. But when an accident and disaster sends her back to Tyler and California, will Cassidy be able to come face to face with the demons from her past to live a life she and Gage deserve; or will the fact that she once again ran to Tyler be the final push that ends Cassidy and Gage for good?
(Image and summary taken from Goodreads
Review
I've been hearing such great things about Molly McAdams' books, and to say that I enjoyed From Ashes would be an understatement. I actually expected this book to make me cry because a friend of mine told me that it was a total tearjerker but I was fine throughout the book. There were parts that made my chest hurt (both in a good and bad way,) but no cry-worthy moments. I guess it's mostly because Cassidy never really let herself cry either.
Cassidy, a survivor of abuse, was such a contradictory character. She spent years (I repeat, years) being abused by her mother and her stepfather, it was painful reading about what she went through. Actually, it was torturous. The fact that she had to go through that at such a young age just wasn't fair but in the end, she survived. Now I'm sure you're wondering why she's such a contradiction, it's because even though her life (before) was hell and needed so much help, she was still so resilient. Cassidy never let herself have a moment of weakness and was very independent even when others wanted to help her. Throughout her childhood till she turned eighteen-years-old, she has only ever depended on her best friend, Tyler. And this is where unrequited love steps in, for Tyler. The poor fellow especially since Cassidy has that instant connection with Ty's cousin, Gage. (Who is HOT, by the way.) I am honestly not a fan on insta-love but if it's done well, then why not? Because if you read this, you'll understand why I appreciated this book's insta-love. There was a struggle in this book and it definitely gave From Ashes its drama. And this is when you'll see Cassidy at her most vulnerable.
There were definitely a lot of surprises in this book... *cough*detectiveperson*cough* There were also parts that left me both frustrated and relieved. (I honestly wanted to throw the book across the room... in a good way.) There was definitely a lot of drama too.
I think that this book is about trust. Not just trusting others but also trusting yourself not to get into that darkness too much. Because even though Cassidy went through so much pain, she never once thought of trying to avenge herself or anything. She never even thought about reporting her mother and stepfather. I've always thought that forgiving does not mean forgetting because sometimes you need to remember the day/time when you learned to forgive someone for doing something so unforgivable. When you read about Cassidy's struggles, you'll really understand what it means to forgive and trust. Not just in herself but in Gage, Tyler and pretty much everyone in this book.
I really enjoyed Molly McAdams' writing. It flowed smoothly and it definitely helped give her book more impact. Her writing will literally just pull at your heartstrings and make you sympathize and empathize with Cassidy and her other characters.
Molly McAdams did not disappoint me at. All. I loved this book and I recommend this for people who enjoy some angsty but sweet romance. I appreciate the fact that Molly took such a sensitive topic and managed to sort of made it easier for the reader to understand it and swallow it. From Ashes made me believe that even though our whole life might have started off as crap, it's never too late to have a happily ever after. But that's only if you decide to fight for one. Anyone can be reborn and rise up from the ashes.
Cassidy, a survivor of abuse, was such a contradictory character. She spent years (I repeat, years) being abused by her mother and her stepfather, it was painful reading about what she went through. Actually, it was torturous. The fact that she had to go through that at such a young age just wasn't fair but in the end, she survived. Now I'm sure you're wondering why she's such a contradiction, it's because even though her life (before) was hell and needed so much help, she was still so resilient. Cassidy never let herself have a moment of weakness and was very independent even when others wanted to help her. Throughout her childhood till she turned eighteen-years-old, she has only ever depended on her best friend, Tyler. And this is where unrequited love steps in, for Tyler. The poor fellow especially since Cassidy has that instant connection with Ty's cousin, Gage. (Who is HOT, by the way.) I am honestly not a fan on insta-love but if it's done well, then why not? Because if you read this, you'll understand why I appreciated this book's insta-love. There was a struggle in this book and it definitely gave From Ashes its drama. And this is when you'll see Cassidy at her most vulnerable.
There were definitely a lot of surprises in this book... *cough*detectiveperson*cough* There were also parts that left me both frustrated and relieved. (I honestly wanted to throw the book across the room... in a good way.) There was definitely a lot of drama too.
I think that this book is about trust. Not just trusting others but also trusting yourself not to get into that darkness too much. Because even though Cassidy went through so much pain, she never once thought of trying to avenge herself or anything. She never even thought about reporting her mother and stepfather. I've always thought that forgiving does not mean forgetting because sometimes you need to remember the day/time when you learned to forgive someone for doing something so unforgivable. When you read about Cassidy's struggles, you'll really understand what it means to forgive and trust. Not just in herself but in Gage, Tyler and pretty much everyone in this book.
I really enjoyed Molly McAdams' writing. It flowed smoothly and it definitely helped give her book more impact. Her writing will literally just pull at your heartstrings and make you sympathize and empathize with Cassidy and her other characters.
Molly McAdams did not disappoint me at. All. I loved this book and I recommend this for people who enjoy some angsty but sweet romance. I appreciate the fact that Molly took such a sensitive topic and managed to sort of made it easier for the reader to understand it and swallow it. From Ashes made me believe that even though our whole life might have started off as crap, it's never too late to have a happily ever after. But that's only if you decide to fight for one. Anyone can be reborn and rise up from the ashes.
Rating:
.5
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