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From Our Ashes: Book Two

Not yet published
Expected 4 May 26
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They burned everything down.

Four years ago, Sebastian Langley walked away from the only man who ever made him feel real. He told himself it was for Ethan’s good. For his future. For all the reasons that made sense in his head, even if they shattered Ethan’s heart.

Now Ethan is back… whether Sebastian is ready for it or not.

Ethan has learned how to survive without him. How to be sharper. Stronger. How not to fall apart every time Sebastian Langley’s name crosses his mind.

But some things don’t stay buried.

The pull between them is still there. So is everything that was left unsaid. Between complicated families, buried resentments, and lives that have only grown more tangled in their absence, loving each other isn’t just about what they feel. It's about what it costs.

These second chances won’t come gently. They will come with truth, reckoning, and the risk of losing everything again.

From Our Ashes is the emotional conclusion to Ash and Ethan’s story, a second-chance MM romance about love, regret, and choosing each other when the world around you is still on fire.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 4, 2026

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Alex Cross

4 books422 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for 369Pages.
791 reviews50 followers
April 15, 2026
5⭐️
Hello, darlings, and welcome to my long-ass review of From Our Ashes. This duology is absolutely god-tier for me!
Ever since reading When We Ignite (book 1) last year, I’ve been in love with Ethan and Sebastian. Like, I read hundreds of books a year, but they were the one couple from last year that really STUCK with me. This book is the epic conclusion to their love story, happening 4 years after the scandalous beginning in book one.

This book has tropes like:
-second chance
-age gap
-boss/employee
-cheating (not between MCs)
-yearning (but in a very dramatic way)
-family drama (but I love the family sooo much)

Guys, this one made me cry. Like, mostly in a good way. Alex Cross’ writing is honestly exceptional.
Pacing? Excellent.
Story? So intriguing, exciting, and dramatic.
Writing style? Gorgeous.
Characters? Flawed, but developed SO well and SOOOO lovable and well done. Even random side characters make you love them.

This series is masterful. Like, how are you going to take elements like bad communication, cheating, and family drama, which I usually hate, and make me obsessed with it??? Fantastic.

The character writing is so good too. Ash and Ethan are so similar in so many ways, yet also foils for each other. They learn important lessons from each other, and their HEA made me cry happy tears.

Ethan! That man GREW UP! I’m so proud of him. Truly he found his spark. I was proud of him… and he’s a fictional character. Why am I proud of a fictional character?? Anyways he studied Bitchology between book one and book two because he was SERVING the whole book and I was loving it. It was so much more than this though, but I don’t want to spoil!

And Ash?? I’m maybe even prouder of him? He learned how to let people in, and he truly got the arc he deserved.

And don’t get me started on Henry!! What an amazing character. I can not WAIT for his book.

Anyways, this is the best MM duology ever and I’m willing to die on that hill.

Go read When We Ignite right now so you can read this when it comes out in May!!!
Profile Image for Bryoni Jayde.
151 reviews21 followers
Read
February 18, 2026
Beta Read - I will rate and review after I read the published version of the book
Profile Image for Aly Guz.
59 reviews39 followers
April 16, 2026
This was perfect. Everything about it. So happy Ethan and ash got their happy ending 😭
Profile Image for Evie.
596 reviews344 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 16, 2026
The way that I have been HANGING OUT for this book after it left me on the most diabolical cliff hanger 349 days ago is unreal. This was easily one of my most anticipated reads for the year and I am so pleased to say that Alex Cross completely knocked it out of the park. I am giving past me a pat on the back for becoming an Alex Cross fan early on so that I am now lucky enough to recieve an ARC of her new releases 😂.

‘From Our Ashes’ picks up Ethan and Ash’ relationship 4 years after the events of ‘When We Ignite’ with all the drama you would expect from these two. One of the defining features of the relationship between Ethan and Ash in ‘When We Ignite’ was their unreal sexual chemistry, which was equal parts steamy hot, toxic and completely addicting and it was so interesting to see that dynamic evolve in this book.

I know that for some people seeing that there was cheating listed as a trope in this book (not between MCs) was a bit of a concern, and I have to admit I was nervous as well, because its one of those tropes I never read. However, it highlights to me how any trope in the hands of a good author can be used well because its inclusion here made perfect sense and did not bother me at all (I assume because like Ethan we all knew that Ash was his first and there was never going to be any other option for him lol).

This book really built on the foundations of those found family vibes too which I loved. Ash and his relationships with his brothers really added a lot of heart to the story and Ethans friendship with Henry (and Henry himself) were some of my favourite parts. (Dare I hope for a Henry book? 😂 )

Cross has firmly cemented her place on my autobuy author list (the way she took two tropes I don’t normally enjoy and turned it into something that had me by the throat still impresses me). She is wonderfully talented at writing explosive chemistry stacked with tension and toxicity that has you cheering for the couples to get their HEA and falling into the sort of reading black hole where you blink and its dark outside and you don’t know what happened.

So for all of y’all who were waiting for book 2’s release before you picked this duology up? Come get your dinner.

Thank you to the Author for being kind enough to provide me with an ARC. These thoughts are my own ❤️

Planned release 4th May 26







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38 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
Spoiler Free Review!

We're back with part 2 of Ash and Ethan's love story!

In book one, When We Ignite, they part ways, Ash moving to Spain to start fresh after the media caught wind of our forbidden and secret relationship. Ethan being the 19 year old brother of his younger brothers fiancé had everyone, their families included, up in arms.

From Our Ashes, starts 4 years after When We Ignite. They haven't had any contact in over 3 years, Ethan has graduated university and is choosing where to pursue his Masters. Seems only logical to move to Spain with his new bestie Henry, Ash's other younger brother, right? Absolutely has nothing to do with the fact that Ash lives there, nope just a coincidence.

Ash, still the embodiment of control and power has seemingly moved on, has a boyfriend, and is successfully running a billion dollar empire. But is it only shiny from far away? Why does it seem like Ethan is the only one that see's the cracks in his exterior.

Can Ethan reignite the flame in Ash's now dull eyes. Will Ash set flame to his control and carefully laid plans? Will they burn together or rise from the ashes?

This second chance romance is messy and chaotic and rife with miscommunication which makes it so damn relatable it's not even funny. You'll be sitting there wanting to shake them the whole book because we the readers know without a doubt they are end-game and soulmates, they just need to catch up! It's a slow burn but when those sparks fly, they fly 🥵

Absolutely no notes, perfection, left no crumbs. Alex does not miss so this was no surprise! Now we need Henry's book 🥹
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
60 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 14, 2026
I don’t think I can form a coherent sentence right now to articulate how amazing this book was! I mean, I knew it would be, I’ve read everything this author has written and she has never disappointed but this! Jeeeeeez Louise! Perfect! Absolutely perfect!

The way Ash and Ethan’s story was wrapped up was done so frickin well.
They are fire and together they will burn the whole world down! Their chemistry is undeniable no matter how hard they try, they are inevitable. Do they make mistakes along the way, absolutely but again, that just proves the brilliance of Alex’s writing, the way she writes her characters flaws and their shortcomings.
People describe love stories as epic and theirs is one of the best! Did the ending of the first book hurt like a smack in the face. With a brick? Yes. But the reward of reading their HEA was worth every painful second!
I laughed. I cried. I had a great time!

Once again, Alex’s writing is poetic, it’s beautiful! It should be fucking studied! Because the way that woman can rip your heart clean out of your chest, stamp on it then slowly but so satisfyingly put it back together is a true gift!

Ohh, and Henry! I need to take a moment to appreciate the absolute legend that is Henny Langley! Another sign of the absolute genius of this author, that she can make you love a side character just as much as the main characters. He is, without a doubt one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading! I know without a shadow of a doubt that his book will be another absolute hit!

♾️ stars! My only complaint.. Is that it’s over!

***ARC***
Profile Image for Jen.
26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
I went into this sequel so excited. I loved the first book, and after a full year of waiting, I had built up so many different ideas of how their story might continue, which definitely shaped my experience with this one.

I really enjoyed being back with these characters. Seeing how much Ethan had grown over the years was one of my favorite parts, and their development felt genuine and earned. The writing was beautiful as always. it was very easy to fall back into this world.

However, I think what didn’t fully work for me was the lack of tension compared to the first book. Their relationship was such a central source of conflict before — especially with the age gap and complicated family dynamic — and I expected that to carry more weight here. Instead, it felt like those issues were resolved quite quickly, which made the emotional impact a bit softer than I had hoped.

At times, it felt like everyone was simply rooting for them, and the obstacles that played such a big role in book one weren’t really present anymore. For example, the shift in Ash’s father’s reaction felt quite sudden to me, and I personally would have loved to see that explored in more depth.

Overall, I did enjoy this and I’m still invested in the characters and the series. I think for me it’s less about the story not working, and more about needing time to adjust to the direction it took, especially after having a year to imagine so many different possibilities.

This is just my immediate reaction after finishing the book, and I could see my thoughts evolving with a bit more time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah Brooks.
225 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
Infinity stars! This book is EVERYTHING!!!

I have been so anxious to get our conclusion to Ash and Ethan’s story and it did not disappoint. I don’t even know how to put into words the love I have for these two characters. The love these two have for each other was so apparent in When We Ignite and seeing that love grow and become stronger in From Our Ashes… it was truly something special. Ash and Ethan were inevitable! No amount of time or space was going to be able to separate them for very long. Ethan grew into himself during that time apart but his love and determination did not waiver. Ash works so hard to be everything Ethan needs and deserves. Ash and Ethan beat the odds, they came back stronger, they loved harder and they got the HEA they deserved. It was not easy but they are the perfect example of love being strong enough to beat any of the odds.

There are so many heartfelt moments throughout the entire book not just for Ash and Ethan. Many relationships grow and become stronger while others were never meant to be. My love for Henny only got stronger and I hope we get his book because that baby deserves so much love.

There is so much more I want to say that I can’t even put into words. Heck, it’s taken me a whole week just to write this 🤣

From Our Ashes is a SLOW BURN and it’s going to wreck you emotionally in the best way. Have your tissues ready!

From Our Ashes is LIVE May 4th!

Ash and Ethan forever ❤️
Profile Image for Regina Marie Hatley.
47 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
April 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I don’t even know where to start… this read has been by far my most anticipated read this year, and it EXCEEDED my expectations. The way Alex wrote Ash and Ethan’s story you’re immediately thrown into the middle. Now keep in mind this is book two so obviously book one left me wanting more and more I got! I wasn’t ready to leave these two. 4 years is a LONG time to go without the person you love, YOUR PERSON. Regardless of what or who came in between throughout the distance for Ash amd Ethan proves that yes time ultimately gave them perspective, but it also proved that they’re love was worth EVERYTHING. This is not to say that it wasn’t messy, and sometimes love is. Ash knew what he was doing, and up until his talk with Ethan “that tall” I had soooo many questions and I they were all answered and it made sense true Sebastian Langley style. Ethan, his character growth tugged on my heartstrings, and his confidence made me smile. But when he was hurt and angry I truly wanted to reach in and both shake and hug him tight. SHOUT OUT TO HENNY!!!!! He definitely played a huge part in helping these two stubborn men remove their blindfolds. HARD FOUGHT HEA confirmed, but I truly wish I could read this again for the first time.
Profile Image for Mal.
620 reviews55 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
have developed an unhealthy addiction to Ethan and Ash. I have been waiting for this book since I read the first one as an ARC and boy was it worth the wait. The writing is in a word SUBLIME! Alex Cross draws deep into these characters- moulding a be shaping them, giving their inner lives and evolutions a voice. Ash is different through the book slowly gently softening letting go, Ethan is standing more and more steadily in his power. Like I said - sublime, brilliant character development arcs.

The romance and chemistry is as incinerating as I remember it - literally fire!! Swoon!! Epic!! Like magnets drawn together inexorably

Expect a slow burn that you’re sort of on a low simmer for - it’s hot!

There are wonderful moments throughout the book. Those that make you laugh, those you want to shake people for - mostly Ash, but my favourite are with the brothers together - they grow there too. I find the 30’s are a reckoning for childhood trauma resolution for a lot of us if we are lucky and Ash is lucky.

Again it is undeniable the contribution Ethan has to this resolution. Gahhh this book is layered. I could read a whole other book on their life now

I also really hope we get Henny’s book.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
48 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
April 12, 2026
This book! THIS BOOK! this author! From our ashes is the follow up story of Ash and Ethan and it's finally Herreee.

Alex Cross does it again! Everytime I think she can't write a better book than her last I read, she comes back swinging with a home run. I was so excited to read this book and I couldn't imagine a better way to finish this story. It was all feeling, chemistry, angst and love wrapped in a story i could not put down.

The chemistry between Ash and Ethan was even more fire than the first book and they fit so well together. Nothing is perfect, they haven't seen each other in four years and they still them, flaw and stubbornness included. They grew up and change but stayed themselves.

That's one of the things I love the most about Alex Cross. The way she write her characters. They not perfect and they make mistake but thats what make them so real. I especially loved how Ethan change and how he is not afraid to speak his mind and how Ash can't resist him.

The story was well paced and the evolution of the relationship felt natural. Nothing was out of place and was too much or unbelievable. It really felt like Ash and Ethan belong together and fought for each other.

I will never thank Alex Cross enough to have decide one day to start sharing her story with the world.

If you haven't started this duology, please do. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Taylor Moon.
13 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 14, 2026
I was given the opportunity to sensitivity read this book by Alex Cross and here’s my honest review:

This book was absolutely incredible. Having read all of this authors books so far, they have truly become a master at writing MM romance and crafting beautiful stories that captivate you from start to finish. This book is a continuation of Ash & Ethan’s story, taking place nearly four years after book one.

With Ash in a relationship, and Ethan still left wondering why and how things ended between two of them, they cross paths again and unresolved feelings that never truly left cause the fire between them to ignite once more.. and let me tell you… their story was everything and more. Messy, sure. But raw, real, and beautiful all at once, absolutely. Plus, I love a good romance story that has some family drama and billionaire business dealings weaved into the plot.

If you’re into
💜 Age Gap
🔥 Forbidden lovers
💜 Jealous MC
🔥Billionaires
💜 NSA (But end up catching feelings anyway 🤭)

Definitely check out When We Ignite, the first book.
Tropes differ/shift in this particular book but are still similar 💜
Profile Image for Amy Watson.
119 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026
Ethan and Ash's story was everything and then some. To say this book is one of my most highly anticipated reads this year is an understatement. I finished it the day I received it because that’s how all-consuming it is. Alex never fails to amaze me with her writing. The life she breathes into each of her characters shows so much love and care. I felt it in every word I read. And can we take a minute to talk about how Ethan finally found his voice over the past four years that he and Ash were apart? Ash Langley had no time to prepare for how sassy Ethan became. The first time Ash saw Ethan again felt like all was right in the world again. Their reunion had me kicking and screaming “FINALLY!” I do have to admit that Ash made me want to throw my Kindle across the room a time or two. But he eventually learned the error of his ways with a quick reality check from our boy Henny. I really love that we got to see more of Henry’s personality in book two. He has quickly become my favorite side character in this duet. If you love tropes like age gap, jealous mmcs x2, second chances, best friends brother, family drama, and a smidgeon of cheating, then you will love their story.
Profile Image for Reader Pippa Boyeson.
4 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW!

Wow wow wow this was EVERYTHING I WANTED AND NEEDED! 😭

An absolute perfect way for Ash and Ethan’s story to continue after When We Ignite. It was a beautiful blend of heart ache, frustration and love.

Ethan Bennet 🥵 oh the way I love that boy! He is MMC perfection and how he has evolved from the 19 year old we meet at the start of book one to the man I have just closed a book on is phenomenal.

Their growth and journey is just exquisite, I’m honestly going to miss them, my heart aches with how I wish I could continue reading about them.

Alex, this is now the fourth book from you that has etched itself into my soul! Four men that you have created that I have head over heels fallen in love with, despite wanting to shake them sometimes! I’m so thankful I found your writing, it really is something to behold. ❤️
Profile Image for Books_withtish.
208 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2026
I would have read this in a day if life didn’t get in the way. I have been waiting for these two for a love time. I love them your honour! They are literally the definition of fire. After book 1 (When We Ignite) is left on a cliffhanger, we head over to Madrid to our babies even tho separated and have been apart for 4 years their connection is very much still there, I felt it through my kindle screen. I love abit of angst and tension and most of all jealousy, so when Ash introduced his boyfriend I was like hell yes because we all know who is really
Boyfriend is but I love the bits in between ( even the cheating trope ) so check TW is this is something that isn’t for you. Ash & Ethan cannot be in the same room as one another without the sexual tension igniting and I applaud Alex for writing it so well. They are soul mates in all areas and I absolutely adored their whole story. Character development’s for both MCs was huge and thank goodness because both needed to become happy and together. I really hope we get Hennys book next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leigha Kwan.
90 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
My god, Alex, you can officially take the crown for perfectly imperfect, messy MCs.

Ash and Ethan had me in a chokehold. Even when I was begging them to just communicate like grown men, I couldn’t look away. This book put me through it yelling, Kindle-slamming, blushing, giggling… the whole emotional rollercoaster.

And honestly? I’m glad they had to work for their HEA. There was no quick, easy fix here, no magic solution to everything they’ve been through. It was messy, complicated, and at times downright heartbreaking… but that’s what made it feel so real, raw and honest.

This story doesn’t shy away from the hard parts, and because of that, the love feels earned in every possible messy way.

Thank you, Alex, for once again putting my heart through the wringer and somehow making me love every second of it.

5/5 ⭐
Profile Image for Dizzy_reads_mm.
40 reviews2 followers
Read
April 19, 2026
4.5⭐️

ARC read

Wow! I can hardly believe that Ash and Ethan’s story has come to an end. I’m going to miss them immensely. From the moment I picked up When We Ignite, I was captivated and eagerly anticipated From Our Ashes.

I knew Alex wouldn't disappoint with this sequel. From the longing, yearning, disappointments, happy moments, and even the cheating—everything came together like it was meant to. The love between Ash and Ethan withstood all the heartache they went through, and will withstand the test of time.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
37 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2026
😭😭 alright I’m a mess in the best way. RTC - I need the few hours of sleep I’m able to get.
Profile Image for Lore.
268 reviews127 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
Beta read: RTC
Profile Image for kaye taz.
580 reviews450 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook

i need a minute, i can see through my tears.

*i received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for Abbey.
383 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
beta read. Full RTC.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews