Review: From the Embers by Aly Martinez

From the Embers by Aly Martinez
Published by Self-Published on April 28, 2021
Pages: 240
Genres: Romantic Suspense


Amazon

In the aftermath of tragedy, it’s strange the things you remember.
The deafening boom as the house exploded.
The paralyzing fear as I searched for my wife.
The blinding smoke burning my eyes as I carried her out.

But carved into my soul for the rest of my days would be the earth-shattering realization that the woman in my arms wasn’t my wife.

Bree and I were the only survivors—not that either of us were truly living after that night. As a single dad with nowhere else to go, I moved into her guest house. And somehow, through the guilt and grief, we forged an unlikely team.

It took years, but I watched the gradual return of her smile—slow and life-altering.
The two of us could sit outside for hours, talking about nothing, and it filled the massive hole in my chest with new life.

I may have carried her out of that fire, but the truth was, Bree saved me.

As we healed, the secrets and lies of the past smoldered in the ashes, threatening to ignite again.

Our love was born from the embers, and together we would go up in flames.

Aly Martinez is my go-to author when I’m looking for romantic suspense with lots of twists. In a departure from her signature duets and trilogies, From the Embers is a standalone.

What a unique premise, and the plot unfolds in such an addictive way that I couldn’t read it fast enough. The story effectively conveys the anguish that Eason and Bree experience as the only survivors of a horrific fire in which they each lost their spouse. Although they have known each other for ages, they have never gotten along. It makes the story all the more interesting because they become two single parents who are forced to rely on each other to cope with life in the wake of the tragedy.

I loved every inch of Eason—his selflessness, his tendency to diffuse awkward situations with humor, his devotion to his family. The burden of guilt he bears almost broke my heart, and I hated the lack of faith others have in him.

Bree is a force of nature—always in control, supportive, fiercely protective, and a wonderful mother. I enjoyed how her perception of Eason changes over time and the bond of friendship they form. Together, they make an unbeatable couple.

The kids almost steal the show. Bree’s six-year-old son is wise and funny, and I loved the easy rapport Eason has with him. Bree’s daughter and Eason’s daughter are close in age, and the toddlers couldn’t be more adorable. Bree, Eason, and their children make a heartwarming family.

It wouldn’t be an Aly Martinez novel without some surprise revelations, and the fact that I guessed a couple of them didn’t dampen my enjoyment at all. From the Embers is so close to being a five-star read for me, but things fall apart toward the end. It’s too rushed, illogical, and feels incongruous with the rest of the story. 

The epilogue is to die for, though. I read it three times. All in all, From the Embers is an emotional and impressive story.

Recommended for fans of:
Suspense
Single parents
Red M&M’s

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