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From the Ashes: Love and Ruin at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair
Arthur Hughes, flamboyant and excitable son of one of Chicago’s most prominent families, ruined his reputation when he impregnated a woman from his social circle over sixteen years ago. Ever since then, Arthur has tried to earn back the respect of his peers, as well as his parents’ love. Now, with the World’s Columbian Exposition coming to the city, Arthur believes he may finally have a chance. Eager to secure a spot as an exhibitor at Machinery Hall, Arthur purchases his second print shop, only to become besotted with one of his employees—the most intriguing man he’s ever seen.
Jesse O’Connor, compositor and lead pressman, has worked hard to escape his former life. Raised behind the Union Stockyard, Jesse feels resentful that he has not yet managed to completely escape the clutches of poverty. Years back, after a member of the city’s social elite broke Jesse’s heart, he promised himself that he’d never again fall for someone with such extravagant wealth. But when one of the richest men in Chicago purchases his press shop, Jesse finds himself powerless to resist the bewitching man’s infuriating charms.
Arthur and Jesse fall hard and fast, but for their love to endure, Arthur must realize that there are more important things in life than his reputation, while Jesse must let himself believe that, no matter his background, he is worthy of Arthur’s love.
Set in 1893, From the Ashes is a heartfelt historical romance that explores the economic inequalities and social pressures of the Gilded Age, the flaws and merits of the World’s Fair, and how overcoming past hurts and present insecurities can be made possible through love.
Jesse O’Connor, compositor and lead pressman, has worked hard to escape his former life. Raised behind the Union Stockyard, Jesse feels resentful that he has not yet managed to completely escape the clutches of poverty. Years back, after a member of the city’s social elite broke Jesse’s heart, he promised himself that he’d never again fall for someone with such extravagant wealth. But when one of the richest men in Chicago purchases his press shop, Jesse finds himself powerless to resist the bewitching man’s infuriating charms.
Arthur and Jesse fall hard and fast, but for their love to endure, Arthur must realize that there are more important things in life than his reputation, while Jesse must let himself believe that, no matter his background, he is worthy of Arthur’s love.
Set in 1893, From the Ashes is a heartfelt historical romance that explores the economic inequalities and social pressures of the Gilded Age, the flaws and merits of the World’s Fair, and how overcoming past hurts and present insecurities can be made possible through love.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 22, 2026
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This author never disappoints.
Once again this was such a lovely, comforting read. I can always count on this author whenever I'm looking for a drama free and low angst story.
Watching two gentle, kind men slowly find their way to each I don't know what more I could ask for.
Jesse completely stole my heart from the start, and while Arthur took a little longer for me, once I really got to know him he absolutely grew on me. Their connection felt soft, sincere, and earned, which made the whole journey a joy to follow.
One thing this author consistently does so well is side characters and found family, and this book was no exception. I don’t say this lightly, but I loved the supporting cast almost as much as the main couple. and that says a lot coming from someone who's not that keen on the found family trope.
Everyone felt alive and meaningful, adding warmth and depth to the story instead of just existing in the background.
My only small gripe is a bit of a pacing dip around the 70% mark. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did slow things down just a touch.
Overall though, this was a sweet, feel-good romance that left me smiling and honestly, books like this are such a gift.
Tropes:
Set in 1893
Golden retriever mmc
class difference
boss x employee
first times
spice:
🌶️🌶️
Once again this was such a lovely, comforting read. I can always count on this author whenever I'm looking for a drama free and low angst story.
Watching two gentle, kind men slowly find their way to each I don't know what more I could ask for.
Jesse completely stole my heart from the start, and while Arthur took a little longer for me, once I really got to know him he absolutely grew on me. Their connection felt soft, sincere, and earned, which made the whole journey a joy to follow.
One thing this author consistently does so well is side characters and found family, and this book was no exception. I don’t say this lightly, but I loved the supporting cast almost as much as the main couple. and that says a lot coming from someone who's not that keen on the found family trope.
Everyone felt alive and meaningful, adding warmth and depth to the story instead of just existing in the background.
My only small gripe is a bit of a pacing dip around the 70% mark. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did slow things down just a touch.
Overall though, this was a sweet, feel-good romance that left me smiling and honestly, books like this are such a gift.
Tropes:
Set in 1893
Golden retriever mmc
class difference
boss x employee
first times
spice:
🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my favorite book that Logan Sage Adams has released so far! Arthur is a darling and his energy is unmatched. Jesse has a good head on his shoulders (I do love smart MCs) but the only thing he can't account for is Arthur being Arthur.
As usual, the character dynamics carry this novel. Adams wonderfully lets every situation breathe without letting go of the plot. Charlotte is also possibly my favorite Female Best Friend in all of Adams's books. This little queer found family has stolen my heart and I'm so glad that people finally get to read their story!
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an early copy of their book!
As usual, the character dynamics carry this novel. Adams wonderfully lets every situation breathe without letting go of the plot. Charlotte is also possibly my favorite Female Best Friend in all of Adams's books. This little queer found family has stolen my heart and I'm so glad that people finally get to read their story!
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an early copy of their book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet read! I absolutely loved Arthur and Jesse’s dynamic and the way their personalities complement each other so perfectly. Even more than that, I adored the little queer found family they create along the way.
Logan Sage Adams is such an amazing author, and the way they write communication is truly one of my favorite things. I love that their characters feel like real people and don’t rely on frustrating miscommunication just to move the plot forward. It’s sweet, refreshing, and exactly what I needed this week.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Logan Sage Adams is such an amazing author, and the way they write communication is truly one of my favorite things. I love that their characters feel like real people and don’t rely on frustrating miscommunication just to move the plot forward. It’s sweet, refreshing, and exactly what I needed this week.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2026
Logan Sage Adams never fails to impress me with their wonderful stories that are so filled with heart and warmth. The level of research, knowledge and love that goes into each story is commendable. I loved Jesse and Arthur’s story. What a wonderful cast of side characters, too!
Thank you to the author for my ARC, these are my honest opinions.
Thank you to the author for my ARC, these are my honest opinions.
January 12, 2026
I received an ARC from the author. Thank you!
This book was very, very sweet and enjoyable! I am fascinated with the late 1800's, and found the historical context so well-written and well-integrated into the story. Arthur and Jesse are just such an adorable couple, and I was rooting for them all the way! I appreciated how their class differences were highlighted, including the difficulties it created for them individually when building their relationship. Arthur's need to please his parents and prove himself to them contrasted so powerfully with Jesse's rejection of his own family, and that dynamic made for excellent character development. There is a fantastic supporting cast as well, with Arthur's feisty daughter Emma being my favorite. This is a lovely story that deserves a wide audience.
This book was very, very sweet and enjoyable! I am fascinated with the late 1800's, and found the historical context so well-written and well-integrated into the story. Arthur and Jesse are just such an adorable couple, and I was rooting for them all the way! I appreciated how their class differences were highlighted, including the difficulties it created for them individually when building their relationship. Arthur's need to please his parents and prove himself to them contrasted so powerfully with Jesse's rejection of his own family, and that dynamic made for excellent character development. There is a fantastic supporting cast as well, with Arthur's feisty daughter Emma being my favorite. This is a lovely story that deserves a wide audience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Logan Sage Adams' storytelling is exquisite. Having positive historical representation for the queer community is vital. Logan continually gives readers a peek into the past to view queer love stories that flourish despite struggles. Arthur and Jesse's story is so heartwarming as they navigate multiple obstacles to be together. These sweet men are so beautifully written and I love their relationship. The queer representation is evident among their found family as well. And the vibrant historical elements pull readers right in. I will be rereading this story again and again. Open door spice level 3/5.
January 2, 2026
I LOVED this book. Logan Sage Adams has done it yet again, she has made me fall head over heels for a historical romance. Arthur and Jesse are just SO swoon worthy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Logan Sage Adams is a new-to-me author, but when they reached out with a historical romance set in my city, I was excited to give them a try. Thanks to the author for the complimentary ARC.
Arthur Hughes is a member of Chicago's elite— a disgraced member, but a member nonetheless. He is still haunted by a choice from his youth and will do anything to get back in his parents' good graces. To that end, he's decided to purchase a second print shop in Printer's Row and apply to become an exhibitor at the upcoming Chicago World's Fair. But before he can consider exhibiting, he needs to learn something about the presses he now owns, so he turns to the constructionist at his new shop, Jesse O'Connor.
Jesse has a complicated relationship with the upper classes in Chicago. After a disastrous relationship with a young man from the elite while he was in college, he's sworn off mingling with them, preferring to stay in his lane in Bridgeport and keep his friends and acquaintances to the working classes. But when Arthur Hughes, the new owner, shows up at his work and asks for lessons on how the presses work, Jesse can't say no. And spending time with Arthur makes him feel things for this son of one of Chicago's wealthiest families that he swore he'd never feel again.
This was a lovely, thoroughly researched historical novel. I use that term very specifically because while there is romance and it is the primary plotline of the book, the stakes and pacing felt more like a historical fiction novel than a romance. That's not a bad thing by any means, just something different from what I was expecting as a heavy historical romance reader.
The research that went into this book was apparent on every page. I live in Chicago, so I know my city's geography pretty well, even if I live on the far, far north side of the city and not near Bridgeport or Printer's Row. But I spent a lot of time in that part of the city in grad school and was very impressed by how Adams navigated the geography, the flavor of the individual neighborhoods, and how one would travel in 1893. She really impressed me with her research and attention to detail.
The plot of this book is pretty low angst but also high stakes at the same time— an almost bizarre combination. Arthur and Jesse are living in a time when homosexual acts between men were illegal in the state of Illinois. The stakes are especially high for someone like Jesse, who is basically one paycheck away from homelessness at all times. Arthur would be ostracized from society if he were found out, but he has enough money to survive. The plot around the World's Fair was fairly low stakes. Nothing bad would happen to anyone if Arthur couldn't exhibit, and the Fair itself became more of a place where Arthur and Jesse could be out in public with a degree of anonymity. All that being said, I thought the story itself was very sweet, and I really cared about all the characters by the end of the book. They were thoughtfully portrayed and well drawn.
I did think this book was a bit too long. It could have used a solid editorial pass to trim down some scenes and cut others to make the story more streamlined for the romance elements. That said, the sentence-level editing was very well done, which is a steep hill to climb for indie authors who are not working with an assigned editor at a publishing house.
Overall, this was a lovely read, and I will definitely pick up more books by this author. 4 stars.
Arthur Hughes is a member of Chicago's elite— a disgraced member, but a member nonetheless. He is still haunted by a choice from his youth and will do anything to get back in his parents' good graces. To that end, he's decided to purchase a second print shop in Printer's Row and apply to become an exhibitor at the upcoming Chicago World's Fair. But before he can consider exhibiting, he needs to learn something about the presses he now owns, so he turns to the constructionist at his new shop, Jesse O'Connor.
Jesse has a complicated relationship with the upper classes in Chicago. After a disastrous relationship with a young man from the elite while he was in college, he's sworn off mingling with them, preferring to stay in his lane in Bridgeport and keep his friends and acquaintances to the working classes. But when Arthur Hughes, the new owner, shows up at his work and asks for lessons on how the presses work, Jesse can't say no. And spending time with Arthur makes him feel things for this son of one of Chicago's wealthiest families that he swore he'd never feel again.
This was a lovely, thoroughly researched historical novel. I use that term very specifically because while there is romance and it is the primary plotline of the book, the stakes and pacing felt more like a historical fiction novel than a romance. That's not a bad thing by any means, just something different from what I was expecting as a heavy historical romance reader.
The research that went into this book was apparent on every page. I live in Chicago, so I know my city's geography pretty well, even if I live on the far, far north side of the city and not near Bridgeport or Printer's Row. But I spent a lot of time in that part of the city in grad school and was very impressed by how Adams navigated the geography, the flavor of the individual neighborhoods, and how one would travel in 1893. She really impressed me with her research and attention to detail.
The plot of this book is pretty low angst but also high stakes at the same time— an almost bizarre combination. Arthur and Jesse are living in a time when homosexual acts between men were illegal in the state of Illinois. The stakes are especially high for someone like Jesse, who is basically one paycheck away from homelessness at all times. Arthur would be ostracized from society if he were found out, but he has enough money to survive. The plot around the World's Fair was fairly low stakes. Nothing bad would happen to anyone if Arthur couldn't exhibit, and the Fair itself became more of a place where Arthur and Jesse could be out in public with a degree of anonymity. All that being said, I thought the story itself was very sweet, and I really cared about all the characters by the end of the book. They were thoughtfully portrayed and well drawn.
I did think this book was a bit too long. It could have used a solid editorial pass to trim down some scenes and cut others to make the story more streamlined for the romance elements. That said, the sentence-level editing was very well done, which is a steep hill to climb for indie authors who are not working with an assigned editor at a publishing house.
Overall, this was a lovely read, and I will definitely pick up more books by this author. 4 stars.
January 17, 2026
I’m going to preface this review by saying that although this book wasn’t for me personally, I think that a lot of people will really enjoy it.
It is very low angst and I would describe the writing style as ‘quiet and meandering’; it focusses very much on the central characters and their emotions rather than any real plot (the plot is simply a rich entrepreneur who owns print shops in Chicago wanting to exhibit at the worlds fair and the pushback he faces - outside of the character plots, that’s it). Some people will love that, but to me I felt it dragged. The book is written in 3rd POV - when books are written in 1st POV, my biggest bugbear is inner-monologuing. The author of this book has somehow managed to perfect inner monologuing in 3rd person, ‘Arthur felt this, Jesse thought that…’ Again, this is something I dislike, but I know many people adore seeing inside the characters heads, so if this is you, do not let this review put you off!!
The found family of characters is interesting - Arthur has a teenage daughter, Emma, from his previous marriage (he is a widower) and lives with his best friend (who is Emma’s tutor) Charlotte. They have a happy little existence within the confines of Arthur’s extremely wealthy parents’ expectations. I didn’t like how for a lot of the book Arthur (a 36 year old man) was pushed about by his parents, especially when it came to the matter of raising his own daughter. He came across as weak-willed, even though the author kept telling us that he ‘bucked social conventions’.
Jesse was another character I had mixed feelings about - a college dropout from a poor background with the ability to work difficult printing machines. We find out that he left college due to being left brokenhearted by his ex boyfriend, which just didn’t feel right, considering what a tough, persistent character he is. I’d have liked to see more of that background and why it derailed Jesse’s life so thoroughly.
I enjoyed the scenes at the World’s Fair, and really would have liked far more of them (as it was an area of study for me at University - the sections the author wrote about did ring true though, and I liked that!)
So overall I think not a ‘me’ book, but if you’re into low-angst, character-driven historical romance I think you should give this a go!
It is very low angst and I would describe the writing style as ‘quiet and meandering’; it focusses very much on the central characters and their emotions rather than any real plot (the plot is simply a rich entrepreneur who owns print shops in Chicago wanting to exhibit at the worlds fair and the pushback he faces - outside of the character plots, that’s it). Some people will love that, but to me I felt it dragged. The book is written in 3rd POV - when books are written in 1st POV, my biggest bugbear is inner-monologuing. The author of this book has somehow managed to perfect inner monologuing in 3rd person, ‘Arthur felt this, Jesse thought that…’ Again, this is something I dislike, but I know many people adore seeing inside the characters heads, so if this is you, do not let this review put you off!!
The found family of characters is interesting - Arthur has a teenage daughter, Emma, from his previous marriage (he is a widower) and lives with his best friend (who is Emma’s tutor) Charlotte. They have a happy little existence within the confines of Arthur’s extremely wealthy parents’ expectations. I didn’t like how for a lot of the book Arthur (a 36 year old man) was pushed about by his parents, especially when it came to the matter of raising his own daughter. He came across as weak-willed, even though the author kept telling us that he ‘bucked social conventions’.
Jesse was another character I had mixed feelings about - a college dropout from a poor background with the ability to work difficult printing machines. We find out that he left college due to being left brokenhearted by his ex boyfriend, which just didn’t feel right, considering what a tough, persistent character he is. I’d have liked to see more of that background and why it derailed Jesse’s life so thoroughly.
I enjoyed the scenes at the World’s Fair, and really would have liked far more of them (as it was an area of study for me at University - the sections the author wrote about did ring true though, and I liked that!)
So overall I think not a ‘me’ book, but if you’re into low-angst, character-driven historical romance I think you should give this a go!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I picked up an ARC* of this book b/c I hadn't yet read an MM romance set in the Gilded Age, nor any featuring the World's Fair. I honestly had no idea what to expect as Logan is a new-to-me author, but I really liked it! Full disclosure - I have no idea how historically accurate this book is when it comes to interactions between the classes and same-sex romance, nor do I care- I just enjoyed the book!
Arthur was born into an elite Chicago family, and for the past 16 years, he's been trying to get back in his parent's good graces. Despite failing time and again, Arthur and his daughter want for nothing as Arthur flits from one flight of fancy to another. His latest? Acquiring printing press companies in the hopes of presenting at the World's Fair. Upon buying his latest press, Arthur meets Jesse, one of the lead typesetters.
Jesse has been burned by a rich man before, want initially wants nothing to do with Arthur- but the man's never-ending good nature, spirit, and enthusiasm quickly wears him down.
Was this book at all realistic? I have no idea, although I tend to think the author navigated same-sex relationships and class differences with a lot of optimism. Didn't stop me from enjoying this book though! The MCs were lovely, as were the secondary characters! I hope to read more by this author soon!
*Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Arthur was born into an elite Chicago family, and for the past 16 years, he's been trying to get back in his parent's good graces. Despite failing time and again, Arthur and his daughter want for nothing as Arthur flits from one flight of fancy to another. His latest? Acquiring printing press companies in the hopes of presenting at the World's Fair. Upon buying his latest press, Arthur meets Jesse, one of the lead typesetters.
Jesse has been burned by a rich man before, want initially wants nothing to do with Arthur- but the man's never-ending good nature, spirit, and enthusiasm quickly wears him down.
Was this book at all realistic? I have no idea, although I tend to think the author navigated same-sex relationships and class differences with a lot of optimism. Didn't stop me from enjoying this book though! The MCs were lovely, as were the secondary characters! I hope to read more by this author soon!
*Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
omg Arthur!! You adorable man! Jesse is right when he calls you beautiful and ridiculous and kind. I loved how Arthur teases Jesse making him blush. I loved Jesse - he must be protected at all costs, this man with such a bruised heart.
Adams gives us this sweet, wonderful absolutely swoony story about two men falling in love and finding a way despite everything that divides them. Growing up on opposite sides if the tracks - one a part of Chicago’s elite, the other clawing his way out of the poorest if neighbourhoods.
Their chemistry doesn’t hurt either, lots of first times, lots of praise kink, lots of clandestine secret meetings.
I think one of favourite parts was the stunning found family they both built - Giussepe, Charlotte, Patrick and everyone else Arthur essentially adopted building a family around himself and Jesse and Emma - ferocious Emma - I loved her the most.
The other thing that always moves me is Adams ability to take us away into historical times, not just with events and speech and other things representative of the times - like the world fair in this instance which was fascinating- but the struggles and the norms and emotions of the time. It’s a brilliant experience.
Watching Arthur come to accept what he wanted his life to look like was utterly lovely.
Adams gives us this sweet, wonderful absolutely swoony story about two men falling in love and finding a way despite everything that divides them. Growing up on opposite sides if the tracks - one a part of Chicago’s elite, the other clawing his way out of the poorest if neighbourhoods.
Their chemistry doesn’t hurt either, lots of first times, lots of praise kink, lots of clandestine secret meetings.
I think one of favourite parts was the stunning found family they both built - Giussepe, Charlotte, Patrick and everyone else Arthur essentially adopted building a family around himself and Jesse and Emma - ferocious Emma - I loved her the most.
The other thing that always moves me is Adams ability to take us away into historical times, not just with events and speech and other things representative of the times - like the world fair in this instance which was fascinating- but the struggles and the norms and emotions of the time. It’s a brilliant experience.
Watching Arthur come to accept what he wanted his life to look like was utterly lovely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another awesome book by Logan Sage Adams.
The time this book is set in, especially the topic around the World’s Columbian Exposition, isn't one I've read a lot about, but I do love books with a historical background.
I absolutely adored Jesse. It actually took some time for me to warm up to Arthur. He is the typical golden retriever, and it was amazing to see him grow into the man he wants to be.
At first, I was surprised by the - what feels like - fast pacing for the story and especially for this time. But I think it actually worked out perfectly.
What I absolutely love about all the books by Logan Sage Adams: there is never any huge misunderstanding or unnecessary third-party breakup. If the characters break up, it's always completely logical and relatable. So this is just a perfect book to get a feel of this time in history, get to know some awesome characters and spend time with two grown men who know how to communicate and simply work on finding their way to each other and their place in their world with their little found family.
A special thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
The time this book is set in, especially the topic around the World’s Columbian Exposition, isn't one I've read a lot about, but I do love books with a historical background.
I absolutely adored Jesse. It actually took some time for me to warm up to Arthur. He is the typical golden retriever, and it was amazing to see him grow into the man he wants to be.
At first, I was surprised by the - what feels like - fast pacing for the story and especially for this time. But I think it actually worked out perfectly.
What I absolutely love about all the books by Logan Sage Adams: there is never any huge misunderstanding or unnecessary third-party breakup. If the characters break up, it's always completely logical and relatable. So this is just a perfect book to get a feel of this time in history, get to know some awesome characters and spend time with two grown men who know how to communicate and simply work on finding their way to each other and their place in their world with their little found family.
A special thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Logan Sage Adams has done it again. I really enjoyed this super sweet romance.
From the Ashes is a historical novel set in the Gilded Era, in Chicago in 1893, when the World's Columbian Exposition was held.
Arthur is a businessman from a wealthy family who is overly concerned about what society thinks of him because of something he did in his youth. When he acquires a new printing press, he visits it and meets Jesse, a worker there. He is immediately smitten with him.
The class differences are very apparent, including the concern about what others will say about you.
Both characters feel that they are not enough, so they help each other heal.
It´s important to me that there is a bisexual character established from the beginning, although it is not the only romance in the book.
You can also see the beginning of feminism in the United States is also reflected in the female characters.
Looking forward to reading the next one, which I believe has already been announced.
From the Ashes is a historical novel set in the Gilded Era, in Chicago in 1893, when the World's Columbian Exposition was held.
Arthur is a businessman from a wealthy family who is overly concerned about what society thinks of him because of something he did in his youth. When he acquires a new printing press, he visits it and meets Jesse, a worker there. He is immediately smitten with him.
The class differences are very apparent, including the concern about what others will say about you.
Both characters feel that they are not enough, so they help each other heal.
It´s important to me that there is a bisexual character established from the beginning, although it is not the only romance in the book.
You can also see the beginning of feminism in the United States is also reflected in the female characters.
Looking forward to reading the next one, which I believe has already been announced.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the Ashes is a tender, low-drama historical romance that’s more about living than plot-twisting—think quiet domestic moments, a believable day-to-day pace, and two men slowly letting themselves want something good.
Arthur is charming, gregarious, and so emotionally available it’s almost alarming (sir, please keep your heart inside your body), while Jesse is the guarded, self-protective one with a lingering bruised sense of worth.
The 1893 World’s Fair setting is a standout. It's sparkly, buzzy, and full of promise. The side characters add a cozy found-family layer that makes everything feel fuller. The romance moves fast (they do not waste time), but the book makes the juxtaposition work: steady daily life + sudden, urgent feelings.
In the end, I wanted either a little more tension or a deeper dig into the consequences/stakes, but I still walked away smiling, muttering “beautiful man” and “silly man” like an absolute weirdo.
Arthur is charming, gregarious, and so emotionally available it’s almost alarming (sir, please keep your heart inside your body), while Jesse is the guarded, self-protective one with a lingering bruised sense of worth.
The 1893 World’s Fair setting is a standout. It's sparkly, buzzy, and full of promise. The side characters add a cozy found-family layer that makes everything feel fuller. The romance moves fast (they do not waste time), but the book makes the juxtaposition work: steady daily life + sudden, urgent feelings.
In the end, I wanted either a little more tension or a deeper dig into the consequences/stakes, but I still walked away smiling, muttering “beautiful man” and “silly man” like an absolute weirdo.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From The Ashes: Love and Ruin a the 1893 Chicago World's Fair is a magnificently crafted historical romance set against the fascinating backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair. This swoon, sweet class-difference romance is chocked full of delicious period details that make it a beautifully immersive reading experience.
Adams is known for creating fully-realised historic worlds where broken men find, love and fix each other. Her descriptive writing is truly marvellous; you'll be able to smell Jesse's awful boiled cabbage, and feel the crisp Chicago snow beneath your feet.
As usual, there is a whole cast of fantastically developed side characters with their own wonderful personalities and complex lives. It's aspects like that in Adams' novels with make them really stand out. There are so many layers to sink into and enjoy, the re-readability of this book is huge!
Adams is known for creating fully-realised historic worlds where broken men find, love and fix each other. Her descriptive writing is truly marvellous; you'll be able to smell Jesse's awful boiled cabbage, and feel the crisp Chicago snow beneath your feet.
As usual, there is a whole cast of fantastically developed side characters with their own wonderful personalities and complex lives. It's aspects like that in Adams' novels with make them really stand out. There are so many layers to sink into and enjoy, the re-readability of this book is huge!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love, love loved this!
Adams has gained an instant fan with this one, because I found it near impossible to put down. It truly felt like I was transported staight to the gilded age and that I was able to go along the MCs journey with them. And what a journey it was! I loved Arthur and Jesse. Arthur is so incredibly fun! He's goofy, and whimsical, but also carrying a lot of pressure and trying to make sure he does everything right for everyone but himself. And Jesse is lovely and sharp, but also jaded and a little broken and I just thought this dynamic was so perfect. Plus all the side characters? Perfection, especially if you're a fan of huge found families (I definitely am). It's character driven, but also has such an amazing setting that you can't sleep on that either.
To me, this was reminiscent of a Cat Sebastian novel, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Adams has gained an instant fan with this one, because I found it near impossible to put down. It truly felt like I was transported staight to the gilded age and that I was able to go along the MCs journey with them. And what a journey it was! I loved Arthur and Jesse. Arthur is so incredibly fun! He's goofy, and whimsical, but also carrying a lot of pressure and trying to make sure he does everything right for everyone but himself. And Jesse is lovely and sharp, but also jaded and a little broken and I just thought this dynamic was so perfect. Plus all the side characters? Perfection, especially if you're a fan of huge found families (I definitely am). It's character driven, but also has such an amazing setting that you can't sleep on that either.
To me, this was reminiscent of a Cat Sebastian novel, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Logan Sage Adams adds another amazing story to their list! Not going to love, going to something as huge as The World's Fair sounds so overwhelming and I think I'd hate it, but after reading this story, I really wish I could have gone.
Found family is one of my favorite tropes... when it was done well. The found family that Arthur and Jesse find for themselves is absolutely wonderful. I love all of the side characters individually, as well as how they come together as a group. I loved Arthur and Jesse, who both had their own struggles to work through and ultimately work to come through it together. I just really loved this book.
Found family is one of my favorite tropes... when it was done well. The found family that Arthur and Jesse find for themselves is absolutely wonderful. I love all of the side characters individually, as well as how they come together as a group. I loved Arthur and Jesse, who both had their own struggles to work through and ultimately work to come through it together. I just really loved this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC
This like all of Logan's books is sweet and yet pulls at your heart. Arthur trying to win his parents approval is a huge part of his character arch. When he finally realizes his happiness is not tied to his parents approval made me tear up. I was holding my breath in hope that it would have gone well for him.
I wanted to wrap Jesse up in a hug after him telling Arthur why he changed his name.
The nod to a Lavander marriage at the end of the book, showed how people had to bend the rules for people to be happy.
This like all of Logan's books is sweet and yet pulls at your heart. Arthur trying to win his parents approval is a huge part of his character arch. When he finally realizes his happiness is not tied to his parents approval made me tear up. I was holding my breath in hope that it would have gone well for him.
I wanted to wrap Jesse up in a hug after him telling Arthur why he changed his name.
The nod to a Lavander marriage at the end of the book, showed how people had to bend the rules for people to be happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Am I obsessed with the World's Fair now? Maybe!
Arthur and Jesse were so fun! I loved their dynamic and how they really completed each other. Arthur's optimism and joy is so infectious. Also the YEARNING? Love! The extra tension due to the time period was so good.
The cast of supporting characters shine in this book as well, found family is everything.
Thank you Logan for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!
Arthur and Jesse were so fun! I loved their dynamic and how they really completed each other. Arthur's optimism and joy is so infectious. Also the YEARNING? Love! The extra tension due to the time period was so good.
The cast of supporting characters shine in this book as well, found family is everything.
Thank you Logan for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This queer historical romance is perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian, Joanna Shupe, and Erin Langston. It is clearly meticulously researched, and features characters who are easy to love while having enough personal and societal differences to keep the conflict believable. I found it highly satisfying to watch Jesse and Arthur build their love and their lives together alongside the rest of the World's Fair, including the exhibition's Ferris wheel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing.
It’s a talent to take a very unexpected setting and turning it into a love story. Logan Sage Addams will never cease to amaze me with her talent.
Jesse and Arthur were wonderful together, a little angst thrown their way but even that was so well done and the payoff amazing.
It’s a talent to take a very unexpected setting and turning it into a love story. Logan Sage Addams will never cease to amaze me with her talent.
Jesse and Arthur were wonderful together, a little angst thrown their way but even that was so well done and the payoff amazing.
Review of advance copy
This romance was as feel good as the cover! Stunning yet realistic late 1800's setting. Jesse was just the sweetest man, and he brought out the best in Arthur. The way these two connected given their different statuses and families was simple and pure. I always enjoy found families and there were a ton of lovely ones here. Thank you for the advanced read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so good and so sweet. I love reading about the World's Fair, it was a perfect mix of some history and romance. Arthur is so over the top, I love him and Jesse so much. And their found family is so great❤️
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