Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: From the Ashes
SERIES: Redwood Bay #2
AUTHOR: HJ Welch
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 265 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2025
BLURB:
Love is never lost
COLT
Walking away from Zahir Delacroix was the worst mistake I ever made. Over the years, I’ve tried to convince myself it was just a high school fling that wasn’t worth coming out for. My father was always clear that I was expected to follow in his footsteps, which meant becoming a hotshot lawyer and finding an appropriate high-society wife. Except I never did marry, and my legal career has brought me right back to Redwood Bay to take over his practice. Of course the first person I run into is Zahir, and it’s like the last fifteen years never happened. I still love him. Always have, always will. But I know he can never forgive me for what I did, nor love me when my family will never accept him. This time, it looks like I’m going to be the one left with a shattered heart.
ZAHIR
After ghosting me the moment we graduated high school, I never expected to see Colton Ross again. Coming face to face with him on a call is completely unexpected, and now he’s back in Redwood Bay, our paths refuse to stop crossing. I’d be a fool to let him into my life again, but my fragile heart can’t seem to resist my first love, my only true love. It might feel like destiny has reunited us, but nothing has really changed. I’m still never going to fit into his world, and I refuse to be his secret once more. But am I strong enough to let him go a second time?
REVIEW:
From the Ashes is a heartfelt second-chance romance that explores the emotional journey of Colt and Zahir, two men whose love was once lost but never forgotten. Set in the small town of Redwood Bay, this novel beautifully captures the tension, longing, and hope that come with rekindling a past relationship.
When Colt, returns to his hometown, he is confronted with the painful memories of walking away from his first love, Zahir. His decision years ago was driven by family expectations, forcing him to suppress his true feelings. Now, back in Redwood Bay, Colt finds himself face-to-face with Zahir, and the emotions he thought he had buried come rushing back.
Zahir, on the other hand, has never truly healed from Colt’s sudden departure. Seeing him again stirs up old wounds, but despite his reservations, the undeniable chemistry between them remains. Their relationship is a delicate dance between trust and fear, as Zahir struggles to protect his heart while Colt fights to prove that this time, he won’t let go.
Welch masterfully portrays the push-and-pull dynamic between Colt and Zahir, making their love story feel raw and deeply personal. The novel highlight’s themes of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the courage to defy societal expectations. Their journey is not just about rekindling romance but also about healing and finding the strength to embrace love openly.
At the beginning of the novel, Colt is deeply conflicted. He has spent years convincing himself that his love for Zahir was just a youthful mistake, something he had to sacrifice to meet his family’s rigid demands. His father’s influence pushed him into a prestigious legal career, shaping him into a man who prioritised duty over personal happiness. However, despite his success, Colt never truly found fulfilment and his return to Redwood Bay forces him to confront the emotional void left by his past choices.
Seeing Zahir again is the catalyst for Colt’s growth. The reunion stirs up old feelings, making him realize that his love for Zahir never faded. As the story progresses, Colt wrestles with his fears, particularly the fear of disappointing his family and the uncertainty of whether Zahir can ever forgive him. His journey is one of self-acceptance and redemption, as he gradually sheds the expectations that once dictated his life.
One of the most poignant aspects of Colt’s development is his determination to make amends. He doesn’t just want Zahir back, he wants to prove that he has changed, that he is willing to fight for their love this time. His willingness to be vulnerable, to acknowledge his past mistakes, and to stand up against the pressures that once controlled him showcases his emotional maturity.
Colt emerges as a man who chooses love over fear. His growth is not just about rekindling romance but about reclaiming his identity and finding the courage to live authentically. A powerful testament to the idea that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Zahir, on the other hand, begins the novel guarded and wounded. Colt’s abandonment left deep scars, making him hesitant to trust again. His story is about self-preservation and learning to believe in love again. Unlike Colt, who must fight to reclaim what he lost, Zahir must decide whether he is willing to risk his heart once more. His journey is one of strength and self-respect, as he refuses to be a secret or settle for anything less than a love that is fully embraced.
Colt must prove he is worthy of a second chance, while Zahir must decide if he can let go of past hurt and trust again. The novel beautifully explores how love, when fought for, can heal old wounds and create something even stronger than before.
With intimate moments, emotional depth, and a satisfying resolution, From the Ashes delivers a compelling romance that will resonate with anyone who appreciate stories of love lost and found.
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