This book has such a great premise. I love firefighter stories and this one seemed to hold promise with a female in the lead role. One who has a history to live up to and one to live down. Along with Ann our h, we meet Danny who carries a nut load of burdens and keeps them locked down tight, so he thinks. Seems everyone in the firehouse has something going on and the plot gets tedious and we're given snapshots of the team's individual crisis and then nothing. They never reappear again in the story. Her relationship with her brother in tense. The backstory with the mother another plot injection and there are so many it's a little much. Ann is severely injured in a fire and can no longer be a firefighter so she opts to be an investigator. Something she's good at. She's bright and I will say I loved the dog. Lots of twists, half bits of characters and things not fully fleshed out left me wanting.
Plots don't have to follow a straight line and rarely if ever do, but they need an anchor. This one was a bit adrift. Too much and then not enough.
arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review

Let me just say that the beginning of this book was absolutely mind boggling as it ripped me from my comfort zone of lazy reading and right into a nightmare. It is initially shadowed with bits of darkness and an ever growing angst that when it finally bursts, you hope you’ll experience some relief but instead find yourself captivated by the varied drama unfolding around these characters.

Picking up just a few weeks after the prequel, Anne and Danny respond with their crew to a fire and experience more than what either could have anticipated. While firefighting is dangerous and can be life threatening, they are both faced with decisions that are soul crushing and my heart literally howled at the injustice of it all.

Fast forward ten months and this couple have been through hell and each one is trying to find their way back. It’s angsty and drama laden and there is just so much emotion to it that I ached from the torment these characters were experiencing. With the addition of a new job for Anne that pulls in some mystery and intrigue, we have the downfall of Danny as he is not finding his way out of the abyss in a healthy manner.

Danny’s devotion to Anne is never really in question but he’s at a complete standstill from attempting to make a connection with her. Living with grief, guilt and loss he wallows in his own reckless decisions.

Due to the fire that changed everything, Anne has grown into a woman capable of accepting her loses and moving on. And yet, her familial relationships still leave a lingering bitterness in her life that she hasn’t faced. Much of her past dictates her actions even if she is not aware of it.

These characters were all very well developed as well as the many secondary ones that often brought levity to the story. Anne and Danny really aren’t in a lot of scenes together, considering the length of the book, and there was always so much angst that the chemistry and heat was a low sizzle instead of a roaring flame. However, when the walls did lower they were combustible.

Anne’s investigation is most of the driving force. The conclusion was well played if not a complete surprise. The relationship wrap up seemed a bit rushed but then again I wanted to see Anne and Danny together, solid, as a couple while they were happy. Instead, the glimpse we were shown was much too brief.

Overall, this is an excellent story that I felt leaned more on individual character growth and the mystery rather than Danny and Anne’s relationship. However, everything with the couple was well written and felt real including their issues together and separately.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense a little light on the romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Pocket Books/Gallery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first book by this author. I thought the book started out really strong and had me hooked. But then it just dragged and I didn’t find the 3 main characters all that likable. Overall it was ok, hopefully die hard dans of J.R. Ward will find it more of an interesting read.

Thanks to Netgalley, J.R. ward, and the publisher for an ARC copy!

WOW- hands down, BEST fire related book ever! The author knows the band of police, fire and paramedics so well, and it shows on EVERY page. While readers may cringe and hesitate to keep reading the initial fire scene, but it is SO critical for setting up all the characters and how they think, while acknowledging what it means to put lives at risk with every step. The book really LOOKS at how we are formed by our childhood heroes, and what happens when we see the mentor taken off their pedestal. HOW we react makes us the people we are. In this case, how Anne takes on her new challenges, even those she wasn't expecting, and still soldiers on. How Danny keeps going back into fires, even with a head full of trauma. These are characters you will understand and wish you knew in real life, and you won't want to see the book end. And then it does and you can't believe the ending- it's messy and real. And honestly shocking. This is supposed to be the start of a new series, and I hope so, as I can't wait to see more of Anne, Danny and their coworkers!

I love a good firefighter romance, and this book was a great combination of realistic characters, suspense and romance. The plot line was well developed and wove together several different characters, telling the story from each of their points of view at times. I liked that the main characters, Danny and Anne, weren't perfect people. They were both firefighters and secretly in love with each other. But when Anne gets trapped in a fire, Danny faces the toughest decision of his life - permanently hurt the woman he loves and risk the chance that she'll resent him forever, or die with her, because of course he would never leave her. He chooses to save her, but in getting her out of the building, he gets seriously injured himself.

The story picks up after both have healed, at least on the outside. Anne is now trying to come to terms with just being an arson investigator for the rest of her life, while Danny carries around the guilt from hurting Anne. When they reconnect after a series of fires Anne is investigating start becoming dangerous for her, they'll each face their demons together. In the end, the two get their much-deserved HEA.

I would definitely read additional books from this author, and especially in this series.

I haven't read JR Ward before, but when I saw that she had a contemporary story about firefighters, I couldn't help but be interested.

I liked Alice and Danny well enough. They have good hearts given the shitty situation that they were originally put in. I was generally intrigued, but that didn't hold my attention too long. They each had their own demons to battle, but it felt like 3 separate stories instead of one with glimpses of the past.

While the story between Alice and Danny were interesting, there was too much story being built. I expected this to be like other JR Ward books that I've heard about, but it was too serious at times.

Overall, I struggled with reading finishing. I connected to the characters, but I felt there wasn't enough of just their story.

**Huge thanks to Gallery for providing the arc free of charge**

4.5 stars Consumed by J.R. Ward is the first novel in her newest series, Firefighters. Ward shocked me, tugged at my heartstrings and curled my toes as she pulled me into an arson investigation with a surprising twist. A unique heroine, troubled hero, and burning fire await you in Consumed. Look for my full review at Caffeinated Reviewer and Amazon on October 2nd.

Mystery, romance, tragedy, ghosts in the closet for characters, and fire fighting action make this a good read. First book I've read by J. R. Ward. Would read another!

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed and Consumed is a book you will not be able to put down!

After Anne makes a decision at a warehouse fire that changes her life forever, she is thrown into a new career as an arson investigator, not quite the exciting adrenaline life she had always craved.

However, a series of suspicious fires changes all that. Anne teams up with Danny McGuire a stellar fireman, best in the area, but Danny has his own issues he is dealing with. When Anne starts to find the arsonist, the arsonist starts to find her and targets her.

I read this book in 24 hours, it was a non stop thrill ride, with twists and turns at every corner.
I found my heart was beating a little fast at certain points, and when a book can do that , you know you know the author has created a masterpiece.

5 STARS!
I feel Burned.
I'm scorched, seared, and forever branded by this multi-faceted narrative of courage and rising from the ashes.
Consumed is a story of grief, healing, forgiveness, redemption, and love. These feelings touch on multiple layers of relationships, and not just of the main couple.

I know that all sounds so vague and cliche, but don't want to divulge too much.

First of all, before even picking up this book, I would HIGHLY suggest reading the two FREE PREQUELS titled: The Wedding From Hell, Parts 1 & 2. You will get a better insight into the complex background of Anne Ashburn and Danny McGuire.

After an engrossing, explosive, and heart-pounding first chapters, firefighters Anne Ashburn and Danny McGuire find themselves sitting in the middle of a life that they both did not ever anticipate. They are two broken souls who share a transformative experience. This book tells the story of how they try to pick-up and rebuild.

Ward builds a cast of complicated, yet noble, characters bonded by their firefighting roles. The camaraderie of the first responders - Fire, SWAT, Police - is forged in trust and respect. What happens in Consumed tests all that. Ward spotlights the human aftermath that is often ignored: the mental anguish and coping mechanisms of these everyday heroes as they process some gruesome events that they are forced to face as a normal part of their job. She explores beyond the surface and gets in-your-face real. It's shocking and brutal. But life doesn't have a slow-mo or pause button.

The three points of views made an interesting path of dropping hint nuggets that built the mystery story line. I liked the distinct voice Ward gave to each character and how that voice developed and grew as the story unfolded. I felt the timeline was well-paced and the prose... oh JR Ward's prose wins the blue ribbon! It is witty, laced with lots modern references ("The Office" bits were hilarious!) with sarcastic asides. Absolutely amusing! They served as a perfect Yang to Yin's dramatic scenes.

I've read the first book of JR Ward's popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't relate to the fantastical element they had. But this, this book hit all the points for me! It felt authentic with the rich raw details. It felt relatable with the character's actions, their flaws, defeats, and triumphs. It won my heart with a slow-burn love story between two characters that find salvation in each other, in more ways than I ever would have hoped.

Thank you to publisher Gallery Books for granting me an early copy (ARC) of this spitfire of a book in exchange for an honest review.
​

Book one in her new series and it didn't fail to impress! J.R. Ward is amazing and has given us another great story. I can't wait for more!

When I lucked into an ARC of Consumed I couldn't believe I had my dirty little hands on a brand new J.R. Ward series. Blurb? What blurb? Who needs to read the blurb when it's The Warden?

I waited to start it until I could read all the prequels of The Wedding from Hell first. Because the prequels were so much fun, I just couldn't wait to get to Consumed.

Happy little me started reading and in no time at all...

BAM --- BAM! ---BAMBAMBAM!!!

...then sad little me lay curled up on the floor crying my heart out.

Now, Ms. Ward, is that any way to do your committed readers? (I hear evil laughter in the background)

Gah! What a story. Tummy turning trauma and heart breaking heartache.

Yup, I loved it.

*Read the blurb if, unlike me, you want to know what it's about before you read the book.

Consumed – J. R. Ward

I was fortunate to receive this novel from Netgalley.com as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

Anna Ashburn is one of New Brunswick, Massachussetts' leading firefighters, and is assigned to the crew of the 499. Like any firefighting crew, she is ‘tight’ with her team, consisting of Danny Maguire, Emilio Chavez, Patrick Duffy, Deshaun Lewis, and Christopher Baker. As the book opens, the crew is dispatched to a box alarm, and drive up upon a working structure fire within a warehouse. As the team splits up to handle their respective assignments, Anne and Emilio head inside to clear the building of any occupants. As a couple of vagrants are shown to safety, a big explosion triggers a collapse of the building trapping Anne and her partner inside. As the team struggles to free their injured team members, Danny finds himself with a hellish choice to make – and almost loses his own life in the process.

Flash forward several months later. Anne, unable to return to her former position as a fire fighter, opts for arson investigation instead. The warehouse fire that ended her career weighs heavy on her mind, and as she investigates the site of yet another fire, she can’t help but wonder if they are connected. As she begins to research the buildings, she learns that the majority of the buildings are owned by one individual – and as she sets her sights on him, someone else is watching Anne. But the danger may be much closer than she realizes…
I was hooked from the first page and could NOT put this book down. Filled with a colorful, unforgettable crew, each with their own demons to overcome, this novel was filled with rich dialogue and quiet introspection, giving each character a depth you don’t often see. And as Anne and Danny face their individual challenges and attraction to one another, you can’t help but to cheer them on. I truly LOVED this book!!

Consumed by J.R. Ward is draws me in like a moth to a flame. Irresistible to the flame, I couldn't stop reading this book. Emotionally gripping, hot, and full of risks, this writer captures my full attention. The plot moved quickly. Attitude, loss, grief, and romance fill these pages. I enjoy watching the two siblings give each other shit. It was funny. They obviously care about each other but show it differently than most. Then, there's the attraction between two firefighters who have a knack for danger. Just as they go on a scene they end up in a situation neither thought they would be in...the reality comes and shakes their world. Sending it breaking into pieces. Their confidence shatters. But with time and a team that still cares, they might just survive...unless someone they trust tries killing them and succeeds. Overall, this book consumes. It takes me in deep and does not let go.

"You've got it all wrong, Danny. Fire is like cancer. It doesn't care what it kills. We mean nothing to it because its not alive. You're not battling a beast. There's no monster there."

If you've been following the novella releases for this story like I have, then you've gotten a little taste for what author JR Ward has in store for us with her exciting new Firefighters Series. Personally, I haven't read anything by this author since I dove into the world of The Black Dagger Brotherhood a few years ago. So, when I heard about Consumed, I was really excited to not only read something new from this author, but to also experience her take on Contemporary Romance.

Right off the bat, this author doesn't hold back. If you're familiar with the 3 part novella series she released prior to Consumed, you know what I'm talking about. If not, that is totally ok. The first 4-5 chapters are from part 3, so you will not be lost at all. And if you're like me and have already read said novella's, it's the prefect recap to get you back into this new world. So, like I said the author does not hold back. She starts this story off with one heck of a bang and doesn't look back. Anne's life has been forever changed since the fire that almost took her life. She's been handed so many obstacles since that fateful day, one of the biggest is a change in career. She now finds herself working as a fire inspector instead of on the lines with her comrades. She is determined to figure out who has been starting fires and putting those she loves at risk....Danny also has been the same since that fateful night when Anne almost lost her life. He's taking crazy risks and his friends couldn't be more worried about the path he's heading down. The last thing Danny ever planned on was being teamed up with Anne again. But, that partnership might just be what the doctor ordered.....

Overall, I found this book to be an enjoyable read. This story was well written and definitely intrigued me. True to JR Ward's writing style, this story is told from multiple points of view and has many plot lines. You are given a taste for the story and there are many layers being built. I enjoyed seeing the stage of this story being set and all the little bread crumbs dropped along the way, but not really knowing 100% what was going to happen next.

Consumed totally consumed me and had me devouring the pages. I couldn't wait to see what was in store for Danny and Anne and was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved the feeling of family, friendship and camaraderie that I got from this story. The Firefighters as a whole were loyal, true and took some amazing risks. This story was sexy and suspenseful with some great twists along the way.

Consumed kicks this series off to a great start. The world/stage has been set. Characters have been introduced and the plot has me curious as to where this series will go next.

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Consumed is the first in Ward's new Firefighters series. I found the back and forth perspective from characters to be a nice change from single person narrative. I am not familiar with this author, so I dont know if this is her usual style. The book is well-written and addresses subject that is not normally found in contemporary romance. Loss of limbs, addiction - of which there are many forms, etc.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy to read and give my opinion.

I'm a big fan of this author so I was excited to get an ARC to this new series. I just have to say this.... I was consumed by this book. I was on an airplane as I read and I don't even remember the flight. The author just grabs you and JUST DOES NOT LET GO. Freaking amazing. Danny and Anne were just hot as a nuclear fire. What they go through is just horrifying and you just cheer throughout this book that they will make it through. I'm not going to spoil anything but be prepared to get swept.

What did I like? Amazing characters. You could just feel their pain and just suffer right along it was so intense. Fire fighters do such an amazing job and the author just nails them. I had a long relationship with a fire fighter and its amazing how much she captured.

Would I buy this book? Absolutely, I just know I'm going to love this series just as much as her others.

Thoughts for the author? The way you wrote this book was just phenomenal. I can not describe how much this book sucked me in so much that I did not want to put it down. Five amazing stars!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I am so excited to read these smokin’ HOT firemen. I absolutely love JR. Ward’s vampires but I think this series is going to be just as good. When this book started I was stressed to no end. That first fire, one mistake, and two lives changed. That on mistake left one finding a new career field and the other feeling guilty and responsible.
Anne is one strong willed, hard headed, and courageous woman. These things are what kept her going when she wanted to give up but she fought and came back a stronger woman. I loved Anne she doesn’t back down and is so ballsy.
Danny, yeah he got my heartrate going. He is just as strong willed and hard headed as Anne but toss in that he is an Alpha that there is a triple threat.
The chemistry between Anne and Danny is off the charts and we see it from the beginning. They are like magnets when facing opposite directions they do not fit but turn them around and BAM they go right together. It takes them a while to figure things out as both of them are trying to find themselves after THE fire that changed their lives. I cannot even start to tell you everything that is going on in this book but there is much more than just Danny and Anne. There are things the other guys in Danny’s fire station that are dealing with some heavy stuff. Plus there is Anne’s brother WOW he has a lot on his shoulders.
The twists that happened in this book blew me away I didn’t see any of them coming. Let’s just say I was floored so many times. I am so excited for this next book. I need to find out what is going to happen with the entire group of firefighters not just Danny and Anne’s group but her brother’s too.

I loved this book!!! I loved J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series but had yet to be captured by any of her other books until now.
I enjoyed everything about the Consumed. The beginning starts with a bang, when the heroine losses her hand in a fire. The hand is removed by the man that loves her, also a fireman who runs into the flames to rescue her. He gets her out of the fire and then the building collapses on him.
The story then follows both characters as they come to terms with what happened and how they reinvent themselves after the fire. The book then takes a twist or two as an arson investigation into warehouse fires "heats" up. I am trying not to give anything away so people will enjoy the story, as I did.

Anne Ashburn is a third generation firefighter. During one fire she is trapped and becomes unable to continue being a firefighter. Her lover Danny McGuire is trapped but saved.  During their rehab and healing, they  lose touch with each other. Ann can't fight fires anymore and becomes an arson investigator. Danny goes back to work with the Engine company where Ann's brother is chief. When a warehouse burns down and it appears to be arson. Ann becomes consumed with finding the arsonist and the reason for it. Is there a pattern? Is it a firebug or is there another, more sinister reason? What if the arsonist is closer to Ann than she knows? She is being targeted by the arsonist. Will she survive this case? Danny comes back into Ann's life and feelings that never left, spark into flames. Full of action and excitement. You won't want to put it down until it is finished. I received this book from Net Galley and Hachette Books Australia for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.