Spotlight & Giveaway: Dangerous Exes by Rachel Van Dyken

I started the audio book of the first book of this series, Dirty Exes by Rachel Van Dyken, and it's been a lot of fun so far so I'm excited to feature book two, Dangerous Exes with an excerpt & giveaway of Dangerous Exes along with a $25 Amazon Gift Card!  Jessie and Isla's romance sounds like a sexy antagonistic romance, full of heated and passionate exchanges! I can't wait!

Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc #2) y Rachel Van Dyken
Publication Date: October 30th 2018 by Skyscape
Pages: 318
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible


About the book:

Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.
Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when thAey let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!
Actually…could it be?
Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.

Isla Turner's Top Ten Reasons To Stay Away From Jessie "Freakin" Beckett 

I like control. 

And I think arrogant cheating men are the devil. 

Its why I cofounded Dirty Exes PI, to pin down scoundrels with the tip of my stiletto heel. 

My names Isla and I have a confession to make. 

I think football players are sexy. 

This poses a problem since enemy number one just happens to want to take down my entire company with his massive quarterback hands. Did I mention he has massive hands already? Stupid, who likes big hands anyways? Not this girl! 

He wants to destroy me. 

I want to end him. 

I never lose. 

Besides, I've come up with a fool proof plan, I'm a woman on a mission, a woman who likes order, and lists, so I've conjured up a list of ten reasons Jessie Beckett is the absolute worse (I may have been drinking wine, but it was the only way to power through). 

10. His eyes crinkle when he smiles. I hate it. It's distracting and I think he does it on purpose just to appear friendly to the elderly. He's satan in sheeps clothing. 

9. He has too many abs. I know it seems an unusual thing to be upset about, but theres just too much muscle? It's...disgusting. When he's shirtless I look away and I pray. You know, for his digestive system, theres only one way you get that much muscle, protein shakes, gross. 

8. He helps orphaned children. I think it's a ploy for attention, theres no way it's genuine. 

7. He's too competitive, which means you always have to have your A game. 

6. His kisses are too, passionate (trust me I hate that I even know) it's like you're the sole focus of his entire world which would be fine if you weren't getting kissed on camera in front of hundreds of thousands of Patriots fans! 

5. He's arrogant. So. Arrogant. The guy doesn't even need words, he just gives off this smug look and sea's of people part or just pass out completely. 

4. His megawatt smile makes my face hurt. No botox in that forehead, it's all huge and ready for the next picture op. 

3. He's secretive. Which makes him sketchy, he doesn't want people prying and he thinks I'm the biggest one of them all! 

2. His pantry is pathetic, no color, nothing exciting, or fun, and his cereal is all, well dont get me started on his cereal. I actually took care of this point, but it still makes my eye twitch. 

1. He had the best fake proposal I will probably hear. Ever. Which just makes him the ultimate bad guy, who does that to a girls heart? When she knows full well it's not real? He's a horrible, horrible human being and I can't wait for everyone to see what I'm talking about when they read Dangerous Exes! 

Excerpt:

About the Author

Rachel Van Dyken is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and #1 New York Times bestselling author known for regency romances, contemporary romances, and her love of coffee and Swedish fish. Rachel’s also recently inked a deal for her Wingmen Inc. series—The Matchmaker’s Playbook and The Matchmaker’s Replacement—to be made into movies.

A fan of The Bachelor and the Seattle Seahawks (not necessarily in that order), Rachel lives in Idaho with her husband, a super cute toddler son who keeps her on her toes, and two boxers. Make sure you check out her site, www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com, and follow her on Twitter (@RachVD).

Connect with Rachel Van Dyken:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review & Giveaway: Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

Publication Date: October 9th 2018 by Berkley

Pages: 384

Purchase Links: 

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Nook | Books a Million |Indiebound | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play

A series of chance encounters leads to a sizzling new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn't hell enough, a cloud of volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava's ever had. And that's all it was--until Caleb shows up on her doorstep.

When pure chance pulls Ava back into Caleb's orbit, he proposes they enjoy their physical connection while he's stranded in Boston. Ava agrees, knowing her heart's in no danger since a) she barely likes Caleb and b) his existence in her life is temporary. Not long thereafter Ava realizes she's made a terrible error because as it turns out Caleb Scott isn't quite so unlikeable after all. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. But even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her....

My Thoughts:

Caleb was such a total dick at the beginning and I seriously wanted to smack that guy at first! But there was a definite attraction from the start, in between the all loathing and murderous thoughts. Maybe these two would’ve parted ways just thinking “wow, that guy was a total ass” and “wow, that woman was a shallow, self-absorbed Barbie” but they were thrown together so much revealing the real person underneath all that bluster, changing their feelings of hate into desire.  Thinking they’ll only have one night they give in to the pull between them only to find out later their paths are not yet separating. 

Their encounter is out-of-this-world good, so when it’s apparent they’ll be around each other more, Caleb and Ava agree to “just sex”, which, of course, ends up leading more complex emotions.  Caleb continues to pretend to not want anything more, but his actions say something else entirely, and Ava can’t deny the intensity of her growing feelings.  Painful pasts make taking a chance difficult.  Ava’s is revealed early on, and boy could I sympathize! What shitty friends!   Caleb’s is revealed later on; partly because that’s how the story went, and partly because we don’t get his POV.  I really would’ve liked his POV included.

Caleb’s Scottish accent is written in the story and I have to say it was distraction and a bit annoying. I did finally just skim over those bits, and after a while it became easy to ignore.  Still, I highly recommend Fight or Flight!  It was a lot of fun, clever banter back and forth with plenty of sniping at first, and the irresistible attraction a-brewing was delightfully delicious!  

4 Suns

Connect with Samantha Young:

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Berkley has generously provided A Paperback Copy of Fight or Flight to one lucky reader.  Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Please fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Good luck!

Release Day Launch: Tempting Brooke by Kristen Proby

       

 

This novella was sexy and fun so I'm excited to be taking part in the Release Day Launch!

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes TEMPTING BROOKE, a new novella in her Big Sky Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

About TEMPTING BROOKE:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new story in her Big Sky series…

Brooke’s Blooms has taken Cunningham Falls by surprise. The beautiful, innovative flower shop is trendy, with not only gorgeous flower arrangements, but also fun gifts for any occasion. This store is Brooke Henderson’s deepest joy, and it means everything to her, which shows in how completely she and her little shop have been embraced by the small community of Cunningham Falls.

So, when her landlord dies and Brody Chabot saunters through her door, announcing that the building has been sold, and will soon be demolished, Brooke knows that she’s in for the fight of her life. But she hasn’t gotten this far by sitting back and quietly doing what she’s told. Hustle is Brooke’s middle name, and she has no intention of losing this fight, no matter how tempting Brody’s smile — and body — is. 

Grab your copy of TEMPTING BROOKE today!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon AU

 

Download the Free Kindle App

  EXCERPT: 

The bell dings, and I reach for my small handbag and answer the door.

  Brody’s eyes start at my face and slowly meander down my body to my sandal-covered feet, and if I’m not mistaken, his jaw clenches.

Just friends, Brooke.

  “Hey.”

  I can’t help but take my own perusal of the man standing before me. Jesus in a basket, he fills out a suit nicely. His shoulders are broad, and his arms muscular.

Yes, this does things to me.

  “Can I come in?” he asks with a small smile on his lips.

  “Of course.” I step back and he walks inside my small house.

  “This is nice,” he says, but his eyes are still on me.

  “Thanks. I’ve been here for a couple of years.” I glance around, wondering if Brody and I have the same tastes, and then I glance back to him and bust out laughing.

  “What?” he asks.

  “Turn around.” He complies, and I reach up to pull the tag that’s poked out of the neck of his jacket. His hair is soft against the back of my fingers, and I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like as I fist it while he does amazing, sexy things to me.

  I take a deep breath and hand it to him with a laugh. “Wear it every day, my ass.”

  He tucks the tag in his pocket. “I didn’t bring a suit to Montana. I had to improvise.”

He bought it just for me.

  And according to the tag, it wasn’t cheap.

  Now I feel bad. I shouldn’t have pushed the issue. He spent a bunch of money that he didn’t need to, all because I gave him a hard time.

  “I thought we could eat at Ciao tonight,” he says as he leads me out of the house to his rented convertible. The sun broke out a couple of hours ago, and it’s the perfect temperature now. But     I just did my hair.

  I think about asking him to put the top up, and then decide, fuck it.

  I reach into my handbag and pull out a hair tie, twist my hair on top of my head, and grin as I sit in the fun car.

  “I could have put the top up.”

  “And that would have been a waste on a day like today,” I reply smoothly and have to physically restrain myself from reaching over to brush my fingertips through that soft hair at the nape of his neck.

  We drive through town in silence. Rather than park in front of the restaurant, he drives past, and I frown over at him.

  “Having second thoughts?”

  “No.” He sends me a smile. “Before we go in, I’d like to know why you got so quiet.”

  I bite my lip and look out my window, then turn to him and say, “Did you buy that suit just for me?”

  “Seems I do a lot of things for you lately,” he replies with a grin. “It’s not a big deal, Brooke.”

  “I’m sorry,” I reply. “I was just goofing around this afternoon. I didn’t mean for you to have to do all of this.”

  “All of what?”

  “Buy that gorgeous suit, take me to dinner. I feel like I hijacked your day, and I feel bad.”

  He pulls over, whips his seatbelt off, and turns to me.

  “Look at me.”

  I comply. He drags his knuckle down my cheek again, and that’s all it takes to set my body on high alert.

About Kristen Proby:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Connect with Kristen Proby:

    

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Author Goodreads * TEMPTING BROOKE Goodreads

Sunday Post #4

The Sunday Post is kindly hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog.

It's been a hectic week back at work and I'm back up in Northern California with my daughter.  She just closed on a house and we've been helping unpacking and setting up.  I'm tired!  Didn't get a lot read of books read, but I loved the two I finished.

Read:

Even though the Scottish accent written in was distracting I did really enjoy Fight or Flight.  Monkeewrench was sooo good I can't wait to get for the next story!  I think I'll have to break down and buy extra audio credits for the series because none of them are available by audio at my library. :(

Purchased/Received/Library Lend:

I couldn't resist Hate Notes, and it's been a while since I've read Vi Keeland. Hope it's really good.  The Last Woman in the Forest spiked my curiosity. Being in love with someone who may have been a serial killer?  Yikes! The story sounds all kinds of amazing! 

Watched:

I love catching up on Modern Family episodes.  They always make me laugh! 

I'm dead tired, but at least I have some pretty awesome views the two minutes I get to relax, lol! 

How was your week?

Review: Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne

Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne

Publication Date: September 25th 2018 by HQN Books

Pages: 320

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

He’s giving her children a season of wonder…

Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.

Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms

My Thoughts:

Dani, a single mom of two girls, moved to Haven Point after her veterinary school mentor invited her into his practice.  Haven Point, a small idyllic town sounded exactly like the kind of wholesome town she wants her kids to grow up in. However, Dani holds herself back from getting close, worried that people might find out about her ex and then judge her family by his wrongs. Wrongs that got him killed.  Dani re-thinks that decision when her teenage daughter, Silver, has trouble fitting in and gets into trouble.  Realizing she may have made a mistake by not taking advantage of the kindness and friendship of the community, Dani reluctantly accepts the help of Deputy Ruben Morales.  She’s reluctant because she’s been attracted to him since she first laid eyes on him and doesn’t want or need the complication of a romance with all she’s got going on. 

Ruben’s had his eye on Dani since she first moved next door, but she’s been standoffish and prickly until Silver gets into trouble.  As Ruben helps with Silver, the walls Dani had erected slowly start to crumble and they get close.  Ruben helps Dani and her girls rediscover the magic of the holiday season, experiencing the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. 

I loved Ruben and his family!  They had so much patience and love.  Dani and her girls certainly needed a lot of both!  Season of Wonder was so sweet and low on angst. A story that left me with warm fuzzy feels, perfect for the Winter Holiday season!

4 Suns

Can't Wait Wednesday #1

Can't Wait Wednesday is a meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings  to feature a book we can hardly wait for (I usually have several at any given time, lol). This is my first one here on Waves, and let me tell you, I am DYING for this one!

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

Publication Date: March 5th 2019 by Ace

About the book:

In this new instalment in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . .

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.
And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.
The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.
But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

After the last breathtaking installment of the Mercy Thompson series, Silence Fallen, I did a re-read by audio of the entire series and it was even more brilliant the second time around!

Patricia Briggs is such a talented and phenomenal writer, even ten books into a series she manages to keep it fresh and riveting! I can't wait for Storm Cursed! 

Sunday Post #3

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog.

I got back from my vacation on Sunday and as much fun as I had, it is nice to be home.  If definitely feels like Fall is in the air and it even rained last night!  It's still warm during the day, we get up to the 80's but cool off quickly.  I went to a steakhouse last night with family, a real old-fashioned one complete with sawdust on the floor, and had a great time!  I slept late today, and then got up and made cheddar cheese soup.  Cloudy, rainy days are perfect for making soup, right?

Read:
(Click on title for Goodreads link)

Got quite a few read on vacation.  Burn Bright was a re-read by audio and I loved it even more the 2nd time around! My husband loved it (1st time for him)! We listened to it right after Tailspin and he liked it a lot more! Season of Wonder was a perfect Winter holiday read.  I listened to The Search and liked it, but as with most Nora Roberts books it was about 100 pages too long. A Tall, Dark Cowboy Christmas was good, but not my favorite Maisey Yates. Consumed was fantastic! I loved every page and I can't wait until the next one!


Purchased/Received/Library Lend:
(Click on title for Goodreads link)

Her Last Day, Monkeewrench, and Dark House are all audio purchases.  I saw the 3rd book of the series by T.R. Ragan up on Netgalley and before I downloaded I wanted to see if the 1st book was any good. I read The Guilty Dead (book 9 of the Monkeewrench series) and enjoyed it so I wanted to go back to the beginning. It's really good so far!  I've had an e-copy of Dark House for ages and I was in the mood for a spooky story since it's October and all, so I thought I'd have more of a chance to get to it if I listened to an audio version.  I just got my library audio copy of The Simple Wild downloaded and can't wait since I've heard good things.

What I've Watched:

I guess it's been a week of Jacks!  Jack Reacher: Never Go Back was entertaining, and Jack Ryan is really good! I'm hooked! I have three more episodes left to watch in this first season and I'm trying to pace myself so it doesn't end too quickly.


Has anyone ever had a photo made into a canvas?  I bought an antique picture frame in Washington last week, and husband wanted to use it for one of our Paris photos.  That took a lot of time finagling with effects and having to resize it!  Let's hope the final result turns out nice, but this is the photo we chose:

Also, I have a giveaway running for the first eight books in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones (click here) if you're interested.

How was your week?

Review: Tailspin by Sandra Brown

Tailspin by Sandra Brown

Publication Date: August 7th 2018 by Grand Central Publishing

Pages: 424 Pages Audio book: 12 hrs 54 min

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Kobo

About the book:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown returns with a potent fusion of tantalizing suspense and romance, in a thriller about a reckless pilot caught in a race against time.

Rye Mallett, a fearless "freight dog" pilot charged with flying cargo to far-flung locations, is often rough-spoken, usually unshaven, and he never gets the regulation eight hours of shut-eye before a flight; but he does have a rock-solid reputation: he will fly in the foulest weather, day or night, and deliver the goods safely to their destination. So, when Rye is asked to fly into a completely fogbound Northern Georgia town and deliver a mysterious black box to a Dr. Lambert, he doesn't ask why--he just ups his price.

As Rye's plane nears the isolated landing strip, more trouble than inclement weather awaits him. He is greeted first by a sabotage attempt that causes him to crash land, and then by Dr. Brynn O'Neal, who claims she was sent for the box in Dr. Lambert's stead. Despite Rye's "no-involvement" policy when it comes other people's problems, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to the intrigue surrounding his cargo...and to the mysterious and attractive Brynn O'Neal.

Soon Rye and Brynn are in a treacherous 48-hour race to deliver the box before time runs out. With the hours slipping by and everyone from law enforcement officials to hired thugs hot on their heels, the two must protect their valuable cargo from those who would kill for it--that is, if they can trust each other. 

My Thoughts:

You get the gist of the story from the book description, so I won’t regurgitate the details in my review.  I can tell you the story was pretty addictive, with a few of Sandra Brown’s usual twists, but I did find a few scenes a bit tedious. I felt they should’ve wrapped up or got to the point much sooner.  Still, I really enjoyed the mystery, was on the edge worrying about our characters, and I liked the connection between Rye and Brynn. They got to know each other in bits and pieces while determining just how much they could trust each other. Their relationship/romance was antagonistic off and on throughout, but never doubt that Sandra Brown can create some palpable chemistry, and sizzling sex scenes!  

I listened to Tailspin during one our long stretches of driving on our Pacific Northwest coastal vacation.  It made the time go by quickly and allowed me to take in the scenery (the Fall colors were beautiful!) while my husband drove.  He said driving didn’t seem to take nearly as long (9 ½ hours one of those days!) because of the captivating story.

On a side note, Victor Slezak narrated the story, and he’s a regular narrator for Sandra Brown novels.  His style of narration makes a lot of the male characters sound like rednecks (not to be offensive!), I think more than they were actually meant to be. I’m used to his narration, but my husband said it made some of the story feel corny.

3.5 Suns

Giveaway: First 8 book of the Charley Davidson series

Hello readers! I'm giving away the first 8 books in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. This series has been a lot of fun for me but I'm trying to make room on my shelves and I figured I'd pass them over to someone else to enjoy. 

First Grave on the Right-Hardcover & has a little damage on the spine of the dust cover.

Second Grave on the Left-Paperback

Third Grave Dead Ahead-Paperback

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet-Hardcover (signed by author to me)

Fifth Grave Past the Light-Paperback

Sixth Grave on the Edge-Paperback

Seventh Grave and No Body-Paperback

Eighth Grave After Dark-Hardcover

The giveaway is open to US residents only.  Good luck!

Review: Consumed by J.R. Ward

Consumed (Firefighters #1) by J. R. Ward

Publication Date: October 2nd 2018 by Gallery Books

Pages: 416

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo

About the book:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series comes a brand-new novel about arson investigator, Anne Ashburn, who is consumed by her troubled past, her family’s scorched legacy, and her current case: chasing a deadly killer.

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed...

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn't believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again--until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

From the creator of the bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood, get ready for a new band of brothers. And a firestorm.

My Thoughts:

Just finished Consumed and wow, I loved it!

Anne Ashburn and Danny McGuire were fellow firefighters at the 499 firehouse, close friends always battling attraction that Anne didn’t want to give into until one desperate night.  Fearing loss of respect by her crew members and being another notch in Danny’s belt were just a couple of the many reasons she couldn’t let things go farther. But all those concerns fell to the side when a night on the job almost kills them, and leaves Anne unable to do the job anymore. 

Anne picks up the pieces and goes on, now as arson investigator. The job isn’t something she thought she’d ever feel passionate about, like Anne did fighting fires, until solving a string of warehouse fires sparks her interest and puts a target on her back.

I was sucked into Anne and Danny’s story from the first page to the end. I read the novellas and Consumed in a 24-hour period and I don’t want to let their story go!  I was a little worried that Anne would be pushing Danny away through most of the book, but I shouldn’t have.  Their romance was a gradual process; one of self-discovery, honest self-admissions, and building trust.  With Anne’s past revealed it was easy to understand why she’d be wary of letting any relationship consume her, but I appreciated she started acknowledging how that past was hindering her future. 

Oh Danny! All in, head-over-heels in love with Anne, something that’d been brewing between them since she started at the 499, but he worried she’d never come around.  It was bittersweet longing on his end, (on Anne’s part too, not that he knew that) and it made my heart ache for him!  Unrequited love (that turns out well, of course!) is one of my favorite types of romances. Danny was so protective and wanted to do right by all his crewmates/friends, not only Anne.   The whole thing with Moose and Deandra was a hot mess to put it mildly.  Deandra was a horrid piece of work!

Not only did I LOVE the romance between Danny and Anne, I enjoyed seeing Anne’s fractured relationship with her brother and mother heal and evolve.  I’m looking forward to seeing Tom (Anne’s brother and Fire Chief) in the future.  He and Mayor Catherine Mahoney lock horns, but I could see a possible romance in the future for them.

I’ve read both her paranormal/fantasy and contemporary stories, and J.R. Ward writes a captivating tale no matter the genre!  Consumed was a page turner!  Anne and Danny’s romance, and some of the mystery wraps up, but there are loose ends in the arson investigation that will probably go on into the next installments.  I can’t wait! 

As a side note, I think it’s a really good idea to read the prequel novellas. They give background and more foundation to Anne and Danny’s story that shouldn’t be missed.  Both are free (here and here) and pretty short: 87 pages for both combined.

5 Suns

Connect with J.R. Ward:

 Facebook: J.R.WardAuthor • Twitter: @JRWard1 • Instagram: jrwardauthor • Website: jrward.com