Ward certainly can get the reader's adrenaline pumping from page one and keep it going for the rest of the book. I could not put this book down. There is plenty of action, plenty of romantic angst and bad guys, but who is the arsonist? Although we know that Anne is a strong capable woman we readers worry that those against her will prevail. I can highly recommend this book for a truly enjoyable read.

As a fan of J.R. Ward's BDB paranormal/fantasy series, I was excited to see something new in the works by her. It's been a long time since I read one of her books, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get hooked again. I wanted to love this one so much, but I'm sad to say that this read was (mostly) a miss for me. At some points, I was tempted to just stop reading altogether because I felt a complete lack of connection to the characters and the storyline.

I downloaded the two prequels and had them on my kindle, but my impression was that these were just bonus content, and not necessary to fully enjoy the full length, Consumed. Honestly, I didn't care about seeing the characters attend a wedding from Hell where they have a one-night stand. I just wanted to get to the main event. I figured that all of the important character development and history would be included in this one, and with the other two being 48 pages and 39 pages respectively, I didn't anticipate that I was missing much. Then I started reading. I got to 40% and I felt absolutely no emotion for these characters. They were coming off the pages so flat, I began to have second thoughts about not reading the prequels. I figured I must be missing some important development there, so I dutifully went back and read them. Still nothing.

After reading all three parts, I'm at a loss as to why the story was divided like this. It was a confusing way to cut the plot up, causing the flow to be ill-fitting and choppy. In addition, there was no benefit of drawing me in or making me feel any excitement for them together. One minute they were staring lustfully at each other and ignoring their feelings, the next he was very abruptly coming to the conclusion that he loved her.

I didn't witness any foundation at all for him to feel that way. Timing does matter to me, I want to see that connection build, strengthen, and lock together. Not just be told that it happens. Yes, they had similar personalities, and were a great team at work. Outside of that, she showed him no encouragement to have a personal relationship. Her two main emotions were angry and cold, and I didn't even have a solid reason as to why until much too far in. Even the traumatic accident she went through which resulted in her being disabled didn't elicit much of a reaction from her.

Realistically, anyone would have a huge adjustment emotionally and physically, but any process she went through was briefly told to us rather than experienced. She ignores uncomfortable feelings whenever possible by pretending they're not there. Then it's hammered home how tough she is, and how she doesn't need to lean on anyone, let alone be vulnerable. Not only did her family life condition her to be that way, but it's the way firefighters cope with the trauma they regularly experience.

There was a lack of consistency with their hook up that I didn't care for. One minute they were dancing together, and she was continuing to chant the mantra in her head to ignore their sexual attraction because it was a very bad idea. A one-night stand was unappealing with this man who plays the field, plus it was against policy for them to date. Five pages later she was offering him a quick lay, then getting up and leaving him in the bed the instant they got off, while he looks at her like a kicked puppy dog. (She did this a second time later which really frustrated me.) He gobbled up the scraps she bestowed on him while internally calling her his "beloved" Anne. Why was she his beloved? I didn't get it! You know the plot is problematic when it feels like more time is spent on Moose and Deandra (the bride and groom from hell) than Danny and Anne.

I gave this two stars because the book was just okay for me overall. One thing I will say is that the firefighting scenes were obviously well researched, and perfectly brought me right inside the action. I have zero complaints on that score. The arson story arc was actually going pretty well, and there were times where I started to warm up to Anne as she faced off with the suspect. When she came out on top in their skirmishes, I was mentally giving her a high five. Her determination and courage were admirable as she struggled to find fulfillment in her new career. Finally, I was seeing some dimension to her character. It was refreshing to see her examine her insecurities over her body image, and reveal the reasoning behind her anger and disgust towards her parents. I thawed a little more as she let down her walls. Then Deandra goes off the deep end, causing a chain reaction of copious amounts of drama, and it lost me.

Consumed failed to hit the mark in many ways, but there was enough interest for the rest of the characters introduced that I can't dismiss the series altogether. When Anne's brother Tom's book comes out, I may give it one more shot.

Consumed (Firefighters, #1) by J.R. Ward Let me start by saying I give this 3 1/2 stars... thanks to the publishers and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. I am a great fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and was looking forward to this contemporary romantic suspense ...I read to escape from all the everyday news a conflicts... when the author brings some one sided political hits into the story I almost stopped reading it. Anne and Danny both have a lot of hangups... and care for each other but can't seem to get together. They is a lot of suspense, violence, some laughs, tears, danger, and violence that did keep me reading late into the night. Anne(sister) and Danny(Dannyboy) get to their HEA ...but I didn't feel as happy as I felt I should when I finished this book.

This is the first in a new contemporary romantic suspense series for this author, and I was so looking forward to the story. It went a little differently than I expected, but I really enjoyed it.

Anne Ashburn was an amazing firefighter, though she often took inadvisable risks. Her older brother, Tom, the Chief of her department, was constantly waiting for the call that something had happened to her, and one day, it came. She lived, but she can no longer do the job she loves, so she has to reinvent herself. (I absolutely recommend reading the FREE 2-part prequel novella, which shows a little more background about her love of her job, and her attraction to Danny, and their one night together.) She becomes an arson investigator, and tries to move on with her life. She feels she can't really hang out with all her old friends anymore, since she's no longer a part of their work inner circle. Not even Danny, who she misses so much, it hurts.

Danny McGuire is struggling hardcore. He is struggling with guilt, PTSD, and grief like whoa. He's back to work at the fire station, but nothing is the same without Anne. He hasn't seen her in months, and it's making him a little crazy. Danny and Anne always did their job the same way, full on, without proper risk assessment, and no regrets. He's still doing that, but now, it almost seems like a death wish. As they start to find their way back into each other's lives, and he starts to help Anne with the arson case she's investigating, he wonders how in the world he'll keep her safe this time.

Danny and Anne's chemistry was through the roof hot, from the first, and I loved their initial banter and obvious camaraderie. After the incident, and their separation, they didn't seem to know how to communicate anymore, and it was sad watching them struggle. I hurt for them and all they'd been through, both before the fire, and after, and I wanted them to get it together so badly, so I was fully invested. But, they both did things that thoroughly annoyed me along the way, and I struggled with that, personally, while reading. Anne just kept hurting him, and herself, and it was hurting me to watch it. Danny wasn't taking care of himself, and that hurt to watch too.

I enjoyed getting to know the many side characters here, both at the firehouses, and at Anne's new office. Soot was adorable, and I loved him to pieces too. We are clearly being set up for future stories in the series, with the many POVs and angles of storytelling, and I'm excited to find out who will be next, though I do have an educated guess! There are many characters whose storylines I'd love to know more about.

The suspense plot with the arsonist was quite exciting, and it kept me guessing until the end. It was multi-layered, and kept surprising me with each twist and turn. Though that plot was partially wrapped up, it will clearly still be ongoing throughout the series, and I'm eager to see how it all shakes out. Though there were several villains of the story, in my opinion, one was completely vile, and I can't wait to see them get what's coming to them.

I love this author's writing style in her paranormal series, and in her old school original contemporaries, so I knew I would like this story. To be honest, it was a little different than I thought it would be, though I'm not sure precisely what I was expecting exactly. Anne was very hard to get to know and had walls, on top of walls, on top of walls, which were exhausting to scale, even for the reader. I can't imagine how Danny must have felt! Danny's behavior was infuriating sometimes, and I wanted to strangle him more than I typically like in my heroes. There was plenty of angst, and though their circumstances made it totally understandable, I sometimes felt like telling them both to just get over it already. As much as I liked watching them finally come back together, the timeline of it just didn't work as well for me as I wanted it to. That fact, and my personality clashes with the characters, are what kept this from being 5 stars for me.

This was an intriguing romantic suspense, and I definitely recommend it. I'm sure plenty of readers won't have the same issues with some things as I did. Also, the issues I had still didn't keep me from enjoying the overall book, and finding it highly entertaining, and exciting!

I’ve never read J.R. Ward before. Based on her storytelling, characters and ability to draw me in and care about what happens, I look forward to reading more of her work.

The characters in this story were tough and vulnerable. Anne, recovering from her physical and professional loss. Danny, dealing with guilt and anger. Even the supporting characters had interesting backgrounds and demons they were wrestling with.

With a strong ensemble of characters and a well-written plot. J.R. Ward newest series Firefighters takes into a world of betrayal. Starting off the series we are introduced to a strong female character who is Consumed. Anne Ashburn who was on her way of building her own legacy as a firefighter, when one bad decision at a warehouse fire changes her life and set her on a new career path. Her first assignment to find the person or person responsible for setting the warehouse fires. The Anne’s investigation led her to betrayal at the highest proportions. I love J.R. Ward’s “Black Dagger Brotherhood” series. So, when I had the opportunity to read her newest book in a brand-new series about Firefighters. I thought why not. By the end of chapter one, I knew this wasn’t going to be one of J.R. Ward’s normal romance that I was used too. Though Consumed was dark at times, the story was entertaining from start to finish. Consumed, the first novel in J.R. Ward newest series and a fantastic start to the Firefighters series. A definite must-read for any fans of J.R. Ward and or fans of mystery suspense, thriller romance.

So, I made the mistake of looking at some of the negative reviews prior to reading the book, and I almost didn't give it a fair shot going in, I've read a bunch of the Black Daggar Brotherhood books, and I loved the earlier ones, but not so much the newer ones. This isn't them. This isn't PNR. This isn't an alpha male who is redeemed by the love of a good woman. This isn't a fun book. But it is, IMO, a great character driven novel with an interesting and suspenseful storyline. Some complained that Anne was flat, but she was an incredibly complex character, just one who held herself so tightly together that she appeared stoic and callous. But the moments of self doubt and vulnerability showed her depth. Others said there were only a few female characters, and they were mostly negative portrayals, but Anne was a part of a male dominated field. And her childhood had been spent rejecting her "girlness". Many seemed upset because this wasn't the same as the author's previous works. Which is true. If you're in the mood for a good PNR don't pick this book up. However, if you want a compelling book that looks at family, and how it shapes us, loss, and how we cope with it, fear, and what it will make us do, set amid a love story and an arson investigation, give Consumed a shot.

Anne, aka Sister, is the only woman firefighter at #499. She is determined to prove that she can be just as good as the boys. She's fallen for playboy Danny but she wants to be taken seriously so she won't allow herself to go there. When an event happens that threatens her career, she's forced to re-evaluate her life.

Danny, aka Dannyboy, is the guy perceived to have it all, but internally struggles with a lot of loss in his life. He's the playboy in the group until Anne joins the team. He finally finds a woman who can change his ways but she is out of reach. His life starts to spiral out of control when he's forced to make an impossible decision.

This was a very captivating story. The beginning punches you in the gut and leaves you with an aftermath that will quite frankly consume you.

I will advise you to read The Wedding From Hell prequels. There are two and they give you an important look into not only our main characters, but a few side characters that you need to keep your eye on.

This had one main storyline with a few running in the background that if I had to guess will set up the next book in the series. Anne and Danny our main characters and we get both POV's that helped me know what was running through their heads. We also get a few side character's POV with those smaller start up storylines.

Despite everything going on, this was a very easy read because I just got so hooked on these characters and what was happening. There is a lot of excitement in this. If you've seen the prime time show the Chicago Fire, you'll get the picture of what you get in Consumed. I'm truly looking forward to the next in the series.

The best way to describe this book is page-turner. This book was so full of great characters, action, mystery, relationships, and romance that I could not wait to see what happened next. I always enjoy a story that includes the camaraderie of first responders, but these characters were well-developed and their individual issues were put in the forefront which made them not just heroes, but flawed humans. The friends to lover relationship is also one of my favorite types of stories, but this one was so much more complex based on their history together including job-related tragedies.

When I first began reading this book, I thought there might be too many characters and too many different storylines the author was trying to put in, and I was afraid it would be a lot to keep track of. Once I read deeper into the book, however; I was completely engrossed in the characters and immersed in all aspects of the story.

Although this book is a standalone, some things were left unfinished and I look forward to the follow-up books to come.

2.5-3 stars

This is a really hard review for me to write. JR Ward is one of my favorite authors. I am OBSESSED with her Black Dagger Brotherhood books. I was very excited to read Consumed. I mean, JR Ward and firefighters? Heck yes! There were parts of this book I did enjoy, but for the most part, it was just okay for me. The main issue I had is that I felt no connection to the two main characaters. I didn't love them together, or even as individuals. Even though this one didn't really work for me, I'm looking forward to reading more from JR Ward!

Consumed (Firefighters #1) is the first book in a new series written by J.R. Ward. To enhance the enjoyment of this first book I recommend you read the two prequels, The Rehearsal Dinner (The Wedding from Hell, #1; Firefighters, #0.5) and The Reception (The Wedding from Hell, #2; Firefighters, #0.6). Both books do a great job introducing the characters and setting the scene for Consumed. An added bonus, they are free on most venues.
If you are new to J.R. Ward’s books you are in for an amazing ride of a read and if you are already a fan, welcome back! In true Ward style, Consumed is well written, expertly researched and the characters are developed to perfection. Anne is a strong, but also flawed, independent woman in a male dominated world. I loved the way the author had Anne navigate all the uncertainties that encompass firefighters, without losing site of her femininity. Danny is all bad boy alpha male, firefighting machine. These two have been watching and wanting each other for two years….they are totally combustible together. I loved the journey these two characters experienced together. Ms Ward also introduces us to the other guys of the 499 crew and I am looking forward to reading about them in future books.
Ms. Ward’s development of the firefighter story line is gritty, edgy and profoundly realistic. Her detailed, descriptive language immerses you into the fire scenes, so much so you feel as if you are right there with these brave firefighters of the 499 Fire House. It as if the “fire” is a character unto itself. There will be surprises….nail biting action and profound darkness.
From the first page to the last Consumed totally captivated me. This is a incredible start, to what I consider to be, a series that will keep me reading and wanting more of the 499 Fire House crew for many years. I wholeheartedly recommend this book….Happy reading
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review in order to read this book. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***

A new book by JR Ward? Count me in! If you are a fan of BDB books like me then you will jump on this book without reading the blurb or even knowing what it is about just because of who wrote it. But this book is definitely different from those books and you have to know that going into it. The book starts off pulling on your heart strings (which of course she is great at!) but it also shows how a character can grow and change to become a better person. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I am still not sure if I truly like Danny and Anne. Danny in this book just seems to be a jerk and by the end I definitely liked him but some of the things he does just put me off. Anne just seemed to harp too much of being seen as one of the guys and when she wasn't in that part of the job anymore she lost her whole identity. I don't know, I just had a hard time with them personally. By the end it was much better for me but the beginning was hard. The writing itself was excellent as always, I just hope that the books following this one bring more depth to the characters and that it might be easier to connect to them.

Anne and Danny are grouped together as fellow firefighters and, for one night more. . They work well together because they both have a problem following the rule book until one particularly bad fire where they have to make a decision that will change both of their lives.
Anne now works as an arson investigator and, Danny is back as a firefighter but, both are dealing with the loss of their friendship and the significant changes in their lives.
Suddenly, the arsons Anne is investigating start coming together as planned for a reason and, Anne is determined to find out who is behind these fires. Unfortunately, the person behind these fires is not about to let her win. Danny decides he will protect her, whether she likes it or not and, they both start finding things are a lot more involved than they ever imagined.
I was swept up into this story from the first page and, happily held on for the fast-paced, fascinating ride!

Mystery, suspense, danger and searing regrets are accelerants while romance is the igniter in J.R. Ward’s latest sizzling tale, CONSUMED.

It takes nerves of steel to enter a burning building, but coming out alive would be a defining moment for Anne Ashburn and Danny McGuire, a moment that almost didn’t happen, and their lives would be forever changed, as would the feelings they have for each other.

J.R. Ward blazes across the pages with another riveting read as two people, damaged by life and loss come back together to bring an arsonist to justice. The closer they get to discovering who is setting the blazes, the hotter and more dangerous things become as Anne becomes the focus of the arsonist and her life is in danger.

Page after page of tension, passion and revelations make CONSUMED another must-read from J.R. Ward! Her characters feel real, they aren’t perfect, but they are perfectly drawn as each scene comes alive and races toward an ending that is as heartbreaking as it is completely satisfying! Cannot wait for more!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gallery Books!

I finished this last night and had to sleep on it to get my thoughts together. I'm honestly wavering between 4 and 5 stars right now, but going to bump to 5 for now.

I have only read the first 6 or 7 in the black dagger brotherhood series, but I am hoping to continue, eventually. I also have a bunch of her other books, and I know I like her writing. So as soon as I saw this, I requested it, not caring what it was about.

I read the two novella prequels (twice!) before starting this one and I really, really, really enjoyed them. I definitely think you should read them first! They made me super excited and I couldn't wait to get Danny and Anne's story. Then I started this and bloody hell shit hits the fan really early on and I was gobsmacked. Not expecting that at all. It stalled a bit for me towards the middle and I kept picking up other books, but eventually I sat down and got over that hump and finished it in one more sitting.

It was very complex, there was a lot going on, I do admit I didn't really care 100% about a lot of the details pertaining to the fires or other random information -great that she does her research, but I'm here for the people and their development, you know?

I really liked Danny, Anne was a bit harder to relate to but I liked how she grew. I thought she was crazy mean/pigheaded about her mother, but like I said, I like how she grew and matured as a character. I was a bit disappointed in the conflict that almost split them up, like come on Anne, have some faith or at least think about it... though, I am super not happy with (spoiler!!!!!) the fact that Danny was with other women while him and Anne went through that weird separation.

Soot was totally adorable!

I did not expect the bad guy, on one hand I was like that person is a piece of shit, and the other, I was sad for that person.

I will say that I am totally down for reading the rest of this series, though to be completely painfully honest, I might skip the ARC next time - I know it's an ARC but I've only ever read published books by JR Ward and the errors took me out of the book. I don't think I have enough restraint to not request an ARC though if it's available, so don't hold me to it. I can definitely see myself rereading this one when it is published, perhaps before the next one. There were a ton of lines I wanted to highlight, but I don't keep ARCs so I didn't.

All in all, highly enjoyed, definitely recommend if you are a JR Ward fan or like romantic suspense.

DNF at 43% After not really getting into the characters so much at the beginning, there was a climbing scene which started turning the tide for me, but then the aftermath of the sex scene was so awful that I just couldn't continue. The language used seemed so crass it made me cringe. I really liked Ms Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but this one is not for me.

4 Stars - I recommend if you like complicated characters and relationships, and a bit of mystery/detective type work.

Based on the synopsis I thought this would be really brooding... but the prequels were pretty light hearted. However, this book ended up being more of the brooding variety which seemed a bit more appropriate. Holy cow, the first whole bit of the book HAD MY JAW ON THE FLOOR! Whhatt?! After that, the Tom sections were kind of a bummer. I just wanted to read from Danny and Anne's perspectives, but it ended up balancing out and coming together well. It's tough because there was a LOT of groundwork that needed laid for these characters, and it takes some time to get there. However, once that's been established the plot really picks up and sucks you in. I think this will make a good series. Despite this genre not being my normal read, I really enjoyed this one and am glad I read it. As a side note: at times this book was SOOOO New England. The dialogue had me cracking up.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It was fast paced, a bit of a thriller, a small bit of a love story, and takes place in New England.

This book starts off FAST. There is some intense information to gather straight away, which means you'll be hooked!

Interesting information learned about fires, and firefighters, so that will help with Jeopardy questions. :)

I would read more from this author.

There's plenty of excitement in this story of arson, investigation and the lives and relationships of members of a small town fire department , I really got the feel of what it might be like to be a member of a fire team as well as fight fires. The suspense kept me going, waiting to see what happened next. The hero & heroine of this book are both firefighters at the same firehouse. Danny is a good looking stud who's spent much of his adult life being a player. Anne is the tough-as-nails daughter of a hero firefighter she's always wanted to live up to. While Danny is ready to commit to a relationship with Anne, she has trust issues and is something of a "one and done" type. I had a very hard time either relating to or liking her at first. Once I got to understand her background, she grew on me. She is a strong, tough and independent woman who is a worthy character even if I didn't emotionally connect with her.. The romance between her and Danny is not really the emphasis in the book, but the background. It is the suspense story that is the center and it's done well. This is the first part of a series and while there is some closure for most plot strings, there is also plenty left hanging for another book. I'll probably read the next one because I enjoy anything Ward writes and want to see what happens next but it won't be because I got involved with the characters.

"Tragedy was but a moment. Responsibility for it was forever."

Wow! I've been hearing the buzz about J.R. Ward for years in the book world. But I was so late to the party and so many books had already been released that they've been stuck on my TBR till I had time to binge read. So, you can imagine my excitement when the author decided to begin a new series that I had the opportunity to read from the beginning. And, did I mention that I'm married to a firefighter? I devoured this story. I was consumed by this story. I can't stop thinking about this story...

Not only is the chemistry between Danny and Anne #HOT, their connection extends beyond the sexual. They can almost finish each other's sentences. They've been attracted to each other for years, but they both work at the same station, so it's forbidden for them to have a relationship. Of course, you know that I was mentally encouraging them to break the rules. I wanted to see them together. They are like fire and gasoline, explosive.

And then...BOOM! The warehouse fire that changed everything. I put myself in her situation and tried to imagine how I would have handled the decision that she had to make. I honestly could not see myself having the courage to go where she did. #MindBlown

I won't give you any more details, you need to just go into this blind. You will be thrown into the fire with the firefighters and later you will be trying to help Anne solve the arson investigation. If you are like me, you'll be guessing your ass off about who the arsonist is. Grab your fire extinguisher, you might need it before you turn the final page.