From the Ashes by Helen Juliet writing as HJ Welch (Redwood Bay Fire Book 2)

Second chance romance with a sweet re-meet cute and a found family twist... 

From the From the Ashes blurb:

Love is never lost

COLT

Walking away from Zahir Delacroix was the worst mistake I ever made. Over the years, I’ve tried to convince myself it was just a high school fling that wasn’t worth coming out for. My father was always clear that I was expected to follow in his footsteps, which meant becoming a hotshot lawyer and finding an appropriate high-society wife. Except I never did marry, and my legal career has brought me right back to Redwood Bay to take over his practice. Of course the first person I run into is Zahir, and it’s like the last fifteen years never happened. I still love him. Always have, always will. But I know he can never forgive me for what I did, nor love me when my family will never accept him. This time, it looks like I’m going to be the one left with a shattered heart.

ZAHIR

After ghosting me the moment we graduated high school, I never expected to see Colton Ross again. Coming face to face with him on a call is completely unexpected, and now he’s back in Redwood Bay, our paths refuse to stop crossing. I’d be a fool to let him into my life again, but my fragile heart can’t seem to resist my first love, my only true love. It might feel like destiny has reunited us, but nothing has really changed. I’m still never going to fit into his world, and I refuse to be his secret once more. But am I strong enough to let him go a second time?

From the Ashes is a red-hot, standalone MM romance. It’s the second book in the found family Redwood Bay Fire series. Join the members of the One-Thirteen house as the heat turns up and they find true love! This book features a second chance at first love, tattered hearts that need to learn to trust again, an intimate portrait painting session, rediscovering a love of surfing, a blaze that’s purifying in more ways than one, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.

Heather's Review: 

I love that Zahir and Colt are getting their second chance - and that Colt is taking control of his life!  This book was super sweet and really heartwarming - I loved watching Colt accept who he is and fight for Zahir.  I also loved watching Zahir blossom again as he felt more comfortable in the relationship.  The found family component was strong in this book and I appreciated all the side characters and their roles.

This book can be read standalone, but the first book is amazing too, so I do recommend reading them in order!

From the Ashes is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription