What do you think?
From the Ashes
My childhood best friend is the only man I've ever wanted, but the crash left me too broken to ask him to stay.
Now he's back.
People say love is like a wildfire, unpredictable and all consuming. But the love I’ve had for my best friend has always been comfortable and warm.
Phoenix McKean was the spark that made my childhood magical. He’s unafraid and wild, the opposite of me in every way. He stole my heart before I even knew what that meant.
For a brief moment I was wrapped in his arms, my happily ever after secure.
But the car crash that took my mother from me changed everything. I was the only survivor and when my grief began to spiral out of control, I pushed Phoenix away before he could see how damaged I was.
A fire like his couldn't be contained. He was better off without me and my broken mind.
Just when I finally feel like I’ve moved on, he strolls back into town, successful and sought after by all. I shouldn’t feel jealous, but I can’t help it because, as much as I know I shouldn’t be, I’m still in love with him.
He deserves better than me. He deserves a life full of happiness and joy, not one full of pills, panic attacks, and shrinks. Besides, this wild man will never settle down….and especially not with someone like me.
But when he learns what I’ve become, I have no choice but to confess why I've hidden it from him all these years. If I don't, I might lose him forever, and the only thing scarier than watching him leave… would be asking him to stay.
childhood best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, second chance, small town, neurodivergence, standalone, HEA
Now he's back.
People say love is like a wildfire, unpredictable and all consuming. But the love I’ve had for my best friend has always been comfortable and warm.
Phoenix McKean was the spark that made my childhood magical. He’s unafraid and wild, the opposite of me in every way. He stole my heart before I even knew what that meant.
For a brief moment I was wrapped in his arms, my happily ever after secure.
But the car crash that took my mother from me changed everything. I was the only survivor and when my grief began to spiral out of control, I pushed Phoenix away before he could see how damaged I was.
A fire like his couldn't be contained. He was better off without me and my broken mind.
Just when I finally feel like I’ve moved on, he strolls back into town, successful and sought after by all. I shouldn’t feel jealous, but I can’t help it because, as much as I know I shouldn’t be, I’m still in love with him.
He deserves better than me. He deserves a life full of happiness and joy, not one full of pills, panic attacks, and shrinks. Besides, this wild man will never settle down….and especially not with someone like me.
But when he learns what I’ve become, I have no choice but to confess why I've hidden it from him all these years. If I don't, I might lose him forever, and the only thing scarier than watching him leave… would be asking him to stay.
childhood best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, second chance, small town, neurodivergence, standalone, HEA
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
About the author
Atreus Rosewood
32 books111 followersAtreus Rosewood is a gay romance author living in Michigan with his two boyfriends, two cats, a spoiled dog, and all the beaches he could ask for. He writes constantly to the detriment of all else and that's just the way he likes it. If you happen to find him wandering a beach and mumbling to himself, iced coffee is how you’ll lure him back to civilization.
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 3, 2026
Dude. That hurt.
October 26, 2024
This was an emotional ride. The main characters were very likable, even though--or maybe specifically because--their humanity and flaws are worn on their sleeves and displayed in their hearts. It's a beautiful story about love and vulnerability. The author examples quite efficiently the realities of PTSD and the impacts it has on the person surviving with it, as well as the complex issues it can bring into a relationship. Yet, the "love conquers all" is a message that uplifts the story, leaving the reader rooting for Nix and Charlie to find their way back to each other. Ultimately, with enough resolve, love can conquer all.
December 3, 2024
Ben écoutez, je suis une très grande fan de Blake R. Wolfe et de ses nombreux patronymes et cette romance n'en fait pas défaut ! J'aime même pleurer à certains moments !
On est sur une romance best-friends to lovers, qui se déroule sur plusieurs années. Même si les circonstances les a séparés, ainsi qu'un accident tragique, ils se retrouvent par la suite et leurs sentiments sont toujours présents !
Les sujets abordés sont assez forts, le deuil, la reconstruction, la seconde chance et les traumatismes. On n'en penserait pas que de tels sujets seraient abordés dans des daubes, mais écoutez, je suis de plus en plus surprise avec ce genre de lecture !
Bref, il reste dans mes recommandations !
On est sur une romance best-friends to lovers, qui se déroule sur plusieurs années. Même si les circonstances les a séparés, ainsi qu'un accident tragique, ils se retrouvent par la suite et leurs sentiments sont toujours présents !
Les sujets abordés sont assez forts, le deuil, la reconstruction, la seconde chance et les traumatismes. On n'en penserait pas que de tels sujets seraient abordés dans des daubes, mais écoutez, je suis de plus en plus surprise avec ce genre de lecture !
Bref, il reste dans mes recommandations !
March 22, 2025
OH. MY. HEART.
This book wrecked me in the best way possible. Atreus Rosewood has this magical way of making you feel everything—the pain, the hope, the love, the sheer determination of the protagonist. I swear, I could physically feel my heart breaking and then slowly being pieced back together with every page.
If you love stories about resilience, second chances, and finding strength in the ashes of your past (see what I did there?), then RUN, don’t walk, to grab this book. It’s emotional, it’s gripping, and I’m officially obsessed. (IT'S A CRIME THAT THIS BOOK DOESN'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF REVIEWS)
This book wrecked me in the best way possible. Atreus Rosewood has this magical way of making you feel everything—the pain, the hope, the love, the sheer determination of the protagonist. I swear, I could physically feel my heart breaking and then slowly being pieced back together with every page.
If you love stories about resilience, second chances, and finding strength in the ashes of your past (see what I did there?), then RUN, don’t walk, to grab this book. It’s emotional, it’s gripping, and I’m officially obsessed. (IT'S A CRIME THAT THIS BOOK DOESN'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF REVIEWS)
May 11, 2026
I’m not a puritan. But. I don’t like when the MCs are with other people.
This story came off a bit childish and inconsistent. The story telling is a bit choppy and unfortunately Phoenix being in the right still seemed to just bull doze in without consideration to Charlie.
I think it’s really quite telling that I’m more interested in Patrick’s and Tyler’s story than the actual main story (do they have one?).
This story came off a bit childish and inconsistent. The story telling is a bit choppy and unfortunately Phoenix being in the right still seemed to just bull doze in without consideration to Charlie.
I think it’s really quite telling that I’m more interested in Patrick’s and Tyler’s story than the actual main story (do they have one?).
August 19, 2025
5 Stars
Very enjoyable read. These two are not perfect and I think thats why I love them. They have flaws, they fight, the learn and grow. Its a very refreshing take on relationships as it provides a more realistic representation of them. On top of all of that it makes you feel emotions, the story is good, and the side characters have some depth.
Very enjoyable read. These two are not perfect and I think thats why I love them. They have flaws, they fight, the learn and grow. Its a very refreshing take on relationships as it provides a more realistic representation of them. On top of all of that it makes you feel emotions, the story is good, and the side characters have some depth.
June 20, 2025
Made me tear up
This book had my eyes filling with tears. The pain Charlie went through and the bad decisions because of it.
It's medium angsty, some pining , not super spicy 2.5 of 5. That being said I devoured this book in one night.
This book had my eyes filling with tears. The pain Charlie went through and the bad decisions because of it.
It's medium angsty, some pining , not super spicy 2.5 of 5. That being said I devoured this book in one night.
July 30, 2025
Fan Kindle
Me encantó esta novela una historia de amor desde la adolescencia también marcada por la tragedia pero al final todo se resuelve y los protagonistas pueden vivir su amor juntos y felices la recomiendo 💯
Me encantó esta novela una historia de amor desde la adolescencia también marcada por la tragedia pero al final todo se resuelve y los protagonistas pueden vivir su amor juntos y felices la recomiendo 💯
January 4, 2025
Devastatingly beautiful.
The build of romance in this story is one that I’ll remember as a story-teller myself. I flew through this read in two short sittings.
The build of romance in this story is one that I’ll remember as a story-teller myself. I flew through this read in two short sittings.
September 28, 2026
I really like this author, but I just don’t like this book. It is a great book for many it is just not what I’m looking for. This author always goes an HEA but I just cannot get there.
November 3, 2024
From the Ashes by Atreus Rosewood
From the Ashes was an emotional read for me. It starts from the very beginning of when Charlie is a lonely and bullied kid not having friends until Phoenix moves in next door. We read how their relationship progresses until a tragedy strikes that separates them. It was hard to read about Charlie not considering himself good enough for Phoenix. At times I wanted to be mad at Charlie but then I found myself feeling empathetic to him and understanding why he pushed people away. I really recommend reading this as it's a beautiful story of never giving up on someone when they try everything to make you go away. It shows true loyalty while also not being abused as there is particular scene where Charlie is told his truths even if it's hard to say and hear.
💠MM Romance
💠Childhood friends to Lovers
💠Second Chances
💠Author MMC
⚠️Car crash resulting in death
⚠️PTSD (medication use)
From the Ashes was an emotional read for me. It starts from the very beginning of when Charlie is a lonely and bullied kid not having friends until Phoenix moves in next door. We read how their relationship progresses until a tragedy strikes that separates them. It was hard to read about Charlie not considering himself good enough for Phoenix. At times I wanted to be mad at Charlie but then I found myself feeling empathetic to him and understanding why he pushed people away. I really recommend reading this as it's a beautiful story of never giving up on someone when they try everything to make you go away. It shows true loyalty while also not being abused as there is particular scene where Charlie is told his truths even if it's hard to say and hear.
💠MM Romance
💠Childhood friends to Lovers
💠Second Chances
💠Author MMC
⚠️Car crash resulting in death
⚠️PTSD (medication use)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews