From USA Today bestselling author, A.M. Hargrove, comes From Ashes To Flames (A West Brothers Novel, Book 1). This is a stand-alone, single dad, enemies to lovers, second chances, nanny contemporary romance.“A deliciously sexy slow-burn romance. I absolutely loved this book!!” Tia Louise, USA Today Bestselling AuthorAfter losing his wife in a plane crash, Dr. Greydon West finds himself struggling … Greydon West finds himself struggling to manage his life.
As a single father of two, he’s barely handling things.
He’s also hiding a secret that’s ripping him to shreds.
Forced to hire a nanny, he’s unprepared for the quirky woman who shows up to fill the role.
Marin McClain’s life couldn’t get any worse.
Dumping her cheating boyfriend and getting fired from her dream job has sent her spiraling downward.
Becoming a nanny for the hot-tempered Dr. West as a last resort, she’s determined to be the best there is.
But soon Marin is wondering why the grouchy doctor ever had kids in the first place.
When she accidentally discovers his secret, Dr. West reluctantly unlocks the mystery behind his brusque behavior.
As she begins to soften towards him, they both find an undeniable attraction blossoming.
After sharing a heated kiss, lust explodes between them that’s impossible to ignore.
Will they pursue this forbidden relationship, or will their hearts end up flaming into ashes instead?
From Ashes To Flames (A West Brothers Novel, #1) features surprising plot twists and a mix of lovable characters that will keep you turning the pages. If you like raw emotion with a bit of humor, then start this series today.
From Ashes To Flames and all the other books in The West Brothers series, including From Ice To Flames, and From Smoke to Flames can be read as stand-alone novels.
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Loved all three
Amazing is the word! Hilarious in so many ways and heartwarming and wrenching in one story!
The characters are real with real problems that happen in daily life! The kids are the best and the families are rock solid in their love and support!
You should always remember to take each person for who they are and not lump them into the group of those that have hurt you in the past! This story shows you this in a well written way!
What an emotional rollercoaster ride!!!
I went from yelling at my kindle to laughing to falling in love and even blushed a time or two 😉 This story had me all over the place. But that is pretty common when you read a book written by A.M. Hargrove. She isn’t afraid to write a story with some tough subject matter.
One thing A.M. Hargrove should always do when writing stories is, put children in the story. I absolutely LOVE the kids she gives us in this book and her other books as well. They are so adorable and lovable, I want to squeeze them right up!!! I makes me miss when my boys were younger.
From Ashes To Flames is the first book in her newest series….The West Brothers. It is a standalone novel and is told in Dual POV. I love that she does that because we get to see into the heads and minds of both characters. I think that helps connect with their story better. I thought the flow and pace of the story was perfect. Nothing was missing and nothing seemed rushed. I thought she played out Marin and Greydon’s journey perfectly. These two characters both had a lot of issues to overcome and work through before they could find happiness again.
In this story we follow Greydon and Marin. Greydon is a cardiologist and an amazing father of two kids. His world is rocked twice in one day when he gets an unexpected visitor and a phone call. His world is turned upside down. Because of these events he has put up some walls and has started pulling away from his kids. Marin is a journalist who works for a pretty well known publication…that is until she refuses to write an article that isn’t really a story. Leaving behind her dream job she ends up at home early to a site she wasn’t expecting. Her life starts to spiral out of control….until her mom steps in and gets her a nanny position with Dr. Greydon West. Things start out pretty rocky, but one the course of the story things start to switch. Will these two be able to get past all the hurt and open their hearts again?? Can they find love again?? Read this emotional forbidden love story to find out.
We also met some secondary characters who are pivotal to this story and I look forward to reading more about them in the future. But also love meeting Kinsley (Grey’s 7 yr old daughter) and Aaron (Grey’s infant son) These two add so much comic relief to the story but also provided a lot of the emotion to the story.
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves a book that has a forbidden feel to it. But is also a second chance at love story. This book is a story of healing and moving forward with your life. Learning to live again!!! One of my favorites of 2018!!
I’ve had this book on my kindle for a long time, I’m not sure why I haven’t read it because I’m a big fan of the author. Last night I opened it, I was pleasantly surprised by how good the story was, I was hooked by chapter 3, this book brought out a lot of emotions for me. I laughed, cried, grieved for the hero and his beautiful children and cheered the heroine on. This was a great single dad book, it was beautifully written with a strong hero and heroine and adorable children.
I’m on a roll. I decided to read all the books from this author that I can get my hands in and I was super excited.
A.M Hargrove is not only a sweet gal but also an amazing author.
Have you read any of her books? Guys, you need to.
From Ashes To Flames is the first book from the West Brothers series and explores the lives of Marin and Greydon.
Greydon is a sad man. He had lost his wife and was left to take care of his two kids.
He’s grumpy and doesn’t believe in relationships.
When a stunning woman enters his life to be the nanny…
Marin had it all until she got fired and found her boyfriend and best friend together.
After this, she hit rock bottom but her parents had other ideas. To become a nanny for their friends’ son.
OMG, what a book.
Perfect plot, super engaging and intense.
The way the story progressed made me want to read it non-stop.
There were parts of the story that I wanted to slap someone silly, jeez, stubborn much? But then, there were others that I wanted to hold them close and promise better days.
The kids are so freaking cute and I wanted to take them home.
The characters worked perfectly with each other and you can feel the love progressing.
I’m sad that this book is over. I wanted to keep reading about these two.
And lord have mercy… The hot factor… Uau.
I’m so glad to have started this series.
I’m freaking loving it.
I can’t stop now.
Another amazing book A.M. perfect in every way.
Let’s grab book 2.
A beautifully sweet, intriguing, and adorable story. I enjoyed the angst, banter between these characters, and all of the sweetness. It may have taken some time for these two to get together but it was a fun journey to get there. I liked this story.
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. Hot cardiologist doctor?!? Hello Grey’s Anatomy! They even used medical terminology and I LOVED IT!! Greydon (Grey) is a 40’s something Doctor and newly single father with two kids. Marin is a twenty-five year old who quit her job, was cheated on, and so happens to be the new live-in nanny for Grey’s children. This book was a kind of hate-to-love, slow burn romance and was a joy to read and I’ve already started on the second book in the series about one of Grey’s brothers, Hudson. A.M. Hargrove is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
If you’ve been reading the West Brothers series then you will have seen this book coming… we were given glimpses of Pearson and his issues in each of the other books culminating in his book. Not only do we have Pearson’s issues – which are BIG – but we also meet Rose and see her issues – which are almost as big. This book is chock full of BIG triggers – drug use, spousal abuse and more. However the author melds it all together into a well written story that makes them seem not so bad at times. It all depends on who is with you and what your attitude is. I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would given the subject matter. I thought at times some of it was maybe a bit too easy but that’s why it’s a fictional story and not real life! It still was a fairly gritty and realistic take on a difficult topic. Well done for making me like it as much as I did. Have to say the additional characters in the story really helped with this! Rose’s daughter was just a bundle of sweetness and when she got going on the ‘clicky shoes’ it was the cutest thing! Definitely recommend this read but I would suggest you read books 1 & 2 to see the whole family dynamic, which plays a big part in this book.
Marin and Grey are great characters who both have a lot to overcome . One word to describe everything in this story is angst . It was filled with angst , and you will feel like your heart has been beaten along the way . But I promise all the pain you feel while reading will be worth it
OMG!! I couldn’t handle all the LOVE I had for this book!!! I was absolutely blown away by this story which will definitely be a re-read soon.
Usually I’m not a huge fan of age difference in a book but I didn’t mind it in this case because both characters were old enough for my liking. I was also glad that it wasn’t one of those daddy romances because although there was a 15-year age gap, the heroine was already 26 and mature enough to handle a 41 year old man so that I never had the feeling she would be too young for him or he too old for her.
I absolutely loved this book which started with a bang! There was so much going on right from the start which made it so easy to get sucked into the story and I kind of felt like being a teenager again, in love for the first time and making a fool out of myself because I was so giddy the whole time. I may have a huge crush on Greydon. =P
The love story was a slow burn for anyone who likes to know, but let me tell you, it’s so worth it and absolutely perfect! There’s no way it would have been that good if the characters were head over heels in love from the beginning because the story definitely needed to take its time to unravel and for the H and h to be comfortable with each other. Especially since Grey had a lot to deal with until he could even acknowledge Marin’s presence.
I would have never expected the story to go this way because honestly, I feared that once the characters got it on with each other that it would be all lovey-dovey and soon get boring but WOW! My worries were for nothing because I was totally engrossed in this book from start to finish. Talk about unpredictable and unputdownable!! It’s nothing like I’ve read before and definitely the best nanny book I’ve read so far.
Greydon was a broken hero who had to deal with a lot of pent-up anger and frustration which was totally understandable. I felt so very sorry for him because he would have needed to get everything off his chest before his world fell apart but life doesn’t always go the way you want it to. Anyway, I noticed that there were some people who didn’t like the way Greydon treated Marin or how he acted at times. (Although he got his ass handed to him a time or two from her because she certainly was capable of handling a guy like him).
I’d just like to say that I had no problem with Grey’s behavior because although it must have been hard for Marin, I could totally relate to his feelings and how frustrated he was. He couldn’t act any differently because of the situation he was in and his actions were absolutely comprehensible. He was authentic and I loved to follow the process of his recovery. The author did an outstanding job with this story!!
My feelings were all over the place during this read and I wish I could have bottled up all those good emotions to have them at hand when I needed a dose of love.
I loved Marin’s character. She was awesome and did what she thought was right and never let anyone dictate her anything she didn’t want to do. I also loved her appearance because she wasn’t the typical beauty of the rich society with her colorful hair, piercings and tattoos.
The kids were the most well-behaved children and so adorable. Kinsley was so funny and a really clever and smart girl. She and Aaron were always good-humored and almost too good to be true.
I loved this book something fierce and can’t wait for Grey’s brothers’ stories!!
I really liked how the heroine didn’t immediately throw herself at the hero. Marin in fact doesn’t like him when she first becomes his nanny. Grey has trust issues he needs to get over and this causes some conflict between the two characters. My only complaint is that Marin seemed to firgive Grey pretty quickly for his behavior after Vienna. Overall, a great book and some laugh out loud moments.
Greydon just puts his foot in his mouth half the time, “have you tried to get another job?” When her expression crashed, I quickly added, “Okay, that was a stupid question. Sorry.” Greydon is learning not to upset his woman, because she has a mean temper, “listen to me. I don’t care if you have to wear those green scrubs and one of those goofy hats. Your *** better be there or else.” The call ended. Eff, she meant business.” Grey just loves busting his woman’s balls, “did you inspect all my underwear?” The man doesn’t like his skills questioned, “I’m not done with you. Just because I’m an old man doesn’t make me a deadbeat between the sheets.” You gotta love Grey’s kids, they keep the man on his toes, “When he did that, he took half the covers with him, exposing my nakedness. “Daddy, why isn’t Marnie wearing her jammies?” He slammed back down onto the bed.” Where to start on my final thoughts, I just loved everything about this book, Grey’s woman challenged him and made him question himself and I loved that she wasn’t meek and mild
3.5 stars
From Ashes To Flames was a fun and light contemporary romance. I love stories with single fathers and this story fit perfectly into that category. I fell in love with Grey’s children: Aaron (one year old) & Kinsley (six year old) right away. Especially Kinsley was just the cutest little girl, she was just so sweet and curious. When Grey loses his wife he hires a nanny to take care of his children while he is working. He was a moody and arrogant guy, he was also very stubborn. The interaction between Grey and his new nanny Marin is pretty shaky in the beginning, but that changes over time. He sees how good she is with his children, and knows they are in good hands with her.
There is a age difference of 15 years, she is 26 and he is 41. I liked that she was in her mid-twenties instead of early, because at least she is more mature. However there were times she didn’t really act her age, which I didn’t like. But mostly she was a very likable character. On the other hand, Grey annoyed me at times with his behavior and decisions. But I was glad he saw the error in his ways and did his best to correct his mistakes. My favorite parts were with the kids. Especially the interaction between Kinsley and Marin were so cute. Overall this was a fun read. The story/writing had a great flow that was easy to follow. I am looking forward to the upcoming books in the West Brothers series. I recommend this book for lovers of fun single parent romances.
Great, read!
What a story. This is the best book I’ve read from AM. I love all her work but this book was amazing. I f’love it. It was an emotional story between all the characters but Kinsley was the cause. I adored that little girl so much. Even though I’m not much a fan of OM/YW romances, I will say, this is one of the best. I loved Grey and Marin together. She was such a perfect fit for him. I especially loved her sarcasm and their banter. Amazing book and definitely one of my favorites.
Well, A.M. Hargrove gutted me with this story. The emotional angst in this story really hits you hard as Grey navigates what is left from deceit and Marin tries to rebuild her life after everything blowing up in her face on a single day. Months later these two get thrown together in the most unexpected way as she becomes his nanny to his little children. While they both had walls up, they slowly crumbled as they learn more about each other and they feel that chemistry that should not be there. As they navigate through it all, the emotions are high and my heart was in my throat as it all played out. The ending was beautiful though.
Overall, I fell in love with this story and the characters that Hargrove created. It was a unique take on the nanny and employer and I loved every moment. The flow of the story was amazing plus the passion and emotions. The character build was amazing as you really got the feel of each of them and the pain that they endured. I would highly recommend this book as it is a brilliant story and I could not put it down.
This is the kind of story I love to read. The ones that keep me up all night because it consumes me so much that I can’t put it down. This 5 star story really latched itself to my heart, mind and soul.
Marin is living some difficult times. That is until her parents do the tough love on her. Greydon is trying to keep his head above water. A widowed father of 2 young children. He’s trying to come to terms for his wife’s betrayal. Marin knows nothing about children but she takes the role of nanny like a champ. This is their journey.
This is an addicting and captivating read. One I basically read in one sitting.Beautifully written with a storyline that sucked me in the heart of these amazingly created characters. I just adore stories with children, they tend to make the stories so much sweeter. It can be heartbreaking at times but I was left smiling.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Ashes to Flames is the first book in A West Brothers Novel and can be read as a standalone. It is also my first book that I have read by this author. I am so happy that I read this book!
First off I absolutely love Polka Dot! Yes, you will have to read this book to know what I mean. Aaron was cute too. But, Polka Dot stole the show!
Ashes to Flames is Dr. Greydon “Grey” West and Marin (Marni, Marniemom ) McLain’s story. This is a true romance book! I loved the story told. BTW I think you nailed a cardiologist’s personality! I have worked with a few just like him.
I loved Marin too! She wouldn’t take any crapola from Dr. West! Grey soon learned he couldn’t win with her unless he straightened himself up.
I loved this story and will definitely be reading more books by A.M. Hargrove!
From Ashes To Flames in the first novel in the West Brothers series. The story flowed well and it is emotional, angsty, and fun. The characters Marin and Dr. Greydon were intriging, and I liked them. The little ones were so cute too. I enjoyed this single father, nanny story.
3.5 stars
From Ashes to Flames is the first book the West Brother’s series by A.M. Hargrove. I jump at the chance to read anything by this author because I just know it will be angsty and heart wrenching and captivating. I quite enjoyed the beginning of this book. Grey and Marin have a slow burn romance but my problem was when Grey suddenly started showing interest in Marin. I felt like it way too sudden and totally contradictory of Grey’s usual attitude and character. It wasn’t really that credible or believable to me and was too fast paced for my liking.
Greydon West thought he had it all: an amazing wife and two perfect little children, but when he receives some devastating news that overturns his whole family and everything that he thought he knew, he shuts down, puts his whole focus into his work, and puts his family on the back burner.
Marin has been dealt a pretty shitty hand in life lately. Being forced to leave her dream job and then going home to find her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend, she hits rock bottom and can’t seem to make herself crawl out of the despair she is in.
Marin’s mother getting her a job as a nanny to Grey’s two adorable children, Aaron and Kinsley, is what finally brings her out of the shell that she has put herself in. Having never really been around children, Marin is in way over her head with her new nannying gig but she dives right in. The banter between Marin and Kinsley will have you laughing out loud the whole book and will make you fall in love with them both. And I love how Marin isn’t afraid to tell Grey how it is and what’s on her mind. She has a sassy feisty personality that I absolutely loved.
This story will have you laughing out loud and having you smiling the whole way through. I quite enjoyed this book for the most part and can’t wait to see what comes next.