Storyline: 5
Angst: 3
Tissue: 1
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

Wow. I just didn't even guess where this story would end up with all of the surprise twists. Very good suspense and emotionally addictive. I was there step by step during her investigation and dealing with her family issues at the same time. Not to throw in Danny and his own personal issues and his love for Anne. It was just so freaking amazing. And I can't wait for the next book. While some plotlines were tied up with a tidy little bow, others are still waiting on some more information...some more digging in and finding out the truth. You can't handle the truth! Yes, I can!!! But this was a brilliant job on pulling the reading into a series, keeping their interest the entire story and leaving them always wanting a little more. Bravo!

For JR Ward, I felt like the characters in this book were rather dull. The story was pretty good but even when I finally got to the last 25% of the book, I could've stopped reading and never finished. I never developed a real connection to any of the characters in Consumed.

Consumed completely gripped me in an entirely unexpected way, pulling me in and connecting me to the storyline in a way that JR Ward's previous books never have before. While I'm still living under a rock and haven't read the BDB series yet, I was wholly captivated by the family saga of The Bourbon Kings. I adored that series so much, the three installments quickly becoming some of my top favorite reads to date. But still, I was not emotionally tethered to TBK characters and their love story the way I was with Danny Maguire and Anne Ashburne's romance in Consumed. For a reader that loves romance with a good bit of angst and longing, JR Ward DELIVERS with this steamy, smoking hot FIREFIGHTER love story. 

Before I even began Consumed, I had devoured the FREE Wedding prequels Ward had just published. I was so BLOWN AWAY by those prequels. IMMEDIATELY it was clear that Anne and Danny were characters I needed to know completely. The quiet longing that had simmered between them long before the events of Consumed ensnared me. I loved the vibe I got from those little nibbles, loved the overall feel Ward was setting up for this new Firefighters series. The tone of this world being shaped and built up around these blue collar Massachusetts firefighters was so different from what she's delivered thus far and I was CONSUMED by it. Everything about those prequels screamed sexy, emotional, riveting contemporary romance and I was so desperate for what Consumed had in store.

Well... I did not see this coming. Truly, my chin was on the floor for so much of this novel. The first 15% left me breathless. I had to stop reading and talk about it with anyone who'd listen. I was stunned. The events that transpire in the beginning of this book, the moments and decisions that truly alter the trajectory of these characters' lives forever, the devastation that sets into motion the unpredictable evolution of this story was, for me, JAW DROPPING. I couldn't look away. I couldn't catch my breath. I couldn't believe all that was happening in the blink of an eye, just three weeks after the wedding in that prequel. JR Ward knows how to rope a reader in with just a few pages because I was consumed. But the shock value never really stopped. The romance and the friendships, the family drama, the fire investigation, Danny's downward spiral, the jealousy and the fury Deandra provides, the vivid personalities of EVERY SINGLE character, the most mundane conversations that never really felt mundane at all... all of it had me turning the pages with vigor. I never wanted it to end but I was ravenous for more. I felt high reading this book, euphoric, consistently THRILLED and emotionally invested in every page of this book. That's how good I thought this book was. That's how much I just loved it. 

The balance in this book is just phenomenal. Consumed is sexy and steamy but not overtly so. It's just perfect, seamless with the overall tone of the rest of the book. But even without pages and pages of gratuitous sex, the fiery current between Anne and Danny is undeniable. But the balance between the romance and every other aspect of this novel is perfection. I was just as transfixed by Anne's investigation as I was by the family dynamics between both the blood-related characters and the family of firefighters. I was as intoxicated by the romance and the heartache between Dannyboy and Anne as I was by the danger that seems to lurk in dark corners. I was intrigued by every side character, by the drama and the possibilities that emerged surrounding all of them. And I was completely SHOCKED by the twists and turns this story took. 

I did not see any of this coming. I was so shaken, so sad, so hopeful and joyful and addicted all at once. I want a book for every character RIGHT FREAKING NOW. I never wanted this book to end. As I sit here reflecting back on everything I've just experienced, on the wholly unpredictable course of events that transpire between the first page of The Rehearsal Dinner to the last page of Consumed, I'm feeling both giddy over how fantastic it was and verklempt over having to wait for more where this came from.

I've never read J.R. Ward's other series but her masterful storytelling in "Consumed" got me hooked immediately. The first chapter drew me in with her desscriptive writing and characters. Of course I had to continue to see how Anne and Danny continue with their relationship with each other and other firefighters and how Anne overcomes the biggest obstacle of all, losing a part of her arm.

This wasn’t for me. I couldn’t connect to the characters or story in any way. I love her BDB books but this didn’t flow for me like those do. She’s still a great writer but not with this story.

A bit predictable at times and some loose ends left hanging. But a thoroughly enjoyable read. Some interesting characters and fast paced. It was (at least for this reader) a nice change of pace.

This is the first book in J R Ward's new series. This book deals with firefighters, romance, and mystery. I did enjoy the story line and characters but this book was depressing in sections

*Received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review*

Simply amazing! Anne and Danny are now one of my favorite couples in all of JR Ward’s series. Equal amounts of romance, drama, and action, this book is simply unputdownable!!

"Firefighting followed in the military's chain-of-command boot steps. You took orders or you were out. Even if that meant leaving the love of your miserable wasteland of a life in the middle of a two-alarm fire to get burned to death inside her turnouts.

Happy Friday night, motherfuckers."


Did you read her Wedding From Hell free novellas? If you haven't you might want to. It's a nice set up to this series. They are not long at all but I really liked knowing that extra details that it gave.

Danny and Anne, they were so alike that sometimes it was frustrating. When things kept bringing them back together it just showed how much they were meant to be.

The first few chapters were rough to read but at the same time amazing. She really just punched us right in the feels from the get go. The mystery aspect of the story was well done. I really did not see that ending coming. It wasn't anywhere on my list of possible outcomes. Loved it. I honestly don't know what is to come with the next books. I hope it's going to follow the storyline I am dying to get more of. There is something there and I want to see more of it.

This didn't read like a typical J.R. Ward book. It read more like her Jessica Bird books. There is nothing wrong with this at all but I thought others might like to know that. She still had it told from several POVs but if you have read her BDB books you'll know what I mean.

I fell in love with this new series from her right off the bat. It's a page-turner, clever, and full of romance that sizzles. Grab this now and fall in love with Danny and the rest of the crew like I did.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of Consumed

Being the first novel that I have read by J.R. Ward, I went with an open mind. The writing itself was good, you can tell that she is experienced as an author. However, the plot and the characters were under-developed. There was too much time spent on the mundane, and frankly too much death and depression. Both main characters had nothing positive to offer the story. We did not get enough of that push-pull we like to see in these romance stories that have strong male leads like Danny. In addition, Ward started subplots within the novel that just abruptly stopped and I was lost to the introduction of characters that had absolutely no value to the plot. I feel like the structure of a great book was here but perhaps the editor failed Ms. Ward. 2 stars.

This book is no BDB novel (which I love love love) and it shouldn't be, so don't go into this expecting that with this book. This book is about firefighters and it highlights the good and the bad of firefighting. It shows them as the adrenaline junkies that have to be to do such a difficult and stressful job. It shows the friendship and brotherhood along with strain on relationships. It shows alcohol and drug abuse. I believe J.R. must have hung out with firefighters to get what I believe to be an authentic look at them. I am basing my opinion on some distant, but personal knowledge of firefighters. Now, the story. Of course, there is a romance in this book. It won't seem like it will work out in any way for quite a while, but be patient. There are a number of alphas (including female) in this series and they can be difficult to read, but you need to hold out for the reasons they are like they are and J.R. never disappoints. I always wonder if she is/was a psychologist because she really digs deep after adding layers to her characters. I'm looking forward to the next one.

JR Ward's new series takes place in the world of firefighters. Perfect fodder for passion and romance, Ward introduces us to its primary characters in an exciting and dramatic scene that leaves an enormous impact. Its virtually impossible not to turn the (kindle) page to keep reading. The primary and secondary cIhharacters are flawed, deeply conflicted and well developed.

Although I will never give up the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the first of this new series is a perfect way for me to enjoy JR Ward year round.

Wow! Just wow. Still processing but amazing story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let me tell you about Consumed. I got to know the characters through The Wedding from Hell novellas and I had to move up my review of this book simply for the fact that I had to read it as soon as I finished the mini intros.

Just thinking about this book and trying to put into words my feelings brings tears to my eyes. Danny and Anne have such an intense an explosive relationship. It’s emotional and it gets you right in the gut.

The author was bold and spared no punches in her writing. She gave us straight up raw emotion and I can only think that each time she wrote a chapter in this book, it had to be exhausting. Giving everything she had to create this amazing story that not only will I not forget, but I will have to read over and over.

You simply don’t forget the characters that she has created in this book. My emotions were all over the place. Crying, smiling, happiness, heartbreak; they went everywhere.

Plus, the story was inventive and very unique. She included huge twist at the end that will catch you by surprise. Her mastery of subtlety in the mystery portion was fabulous.

I hope that you take the time to get to know J.R. Ward and her writing skills. She truly has an amazing gift of storytelling that simply begs you to invest your time and energy into her books. Consumed is not to be missed if you love romance, mystery, and suspense. And J.R. Ward has mastered the formula.

I'd been a long time fan of JR Ward's work and when I heard about this new one set around Firefighters I jumped at the chance to read it.

Anne's whole life she wanted to be a firefighter, to follow in her father's and brother's footsteps(or prove them wrong) since she was thirteen. And she succeeded at being the one of the best female firefighters she could be, until one night, one mistake, one lapse in protocol, one fire, cost her everything she ever knew. Her job, her life and possibly the love of her life. Danny. Her and Danny worked together and been 'buddies' a long time and 'bed buddies' just once, but it was once that neither of them ever forgot.
Right away the prologue grabbed me, it was action and back story all in one, then tragedy and man, JR Ward sure knows how to get you on the feels. The first 8 chapters, left me with a lump in my throat and I had to take a breather. The pain, it was so palpable.

Flash forward 10 months later and Anne has changed, A LOT and I'm not sure if it's for the better or not. She lives a life of solitude avoiding everything that was her old life and is now a fire inspector. She is unwillingly thrust back into her old world with her old firefighting crew, and possible love og her life, Danny when she is called to stop him from self destructing because he blames himself for that one night that cost both of them so much. The guilt that plagues Danny about what he did that night, what he HAD to do, what she TOLD him to do is driving him insane. Rule breaking at work, fights, and general disrespect has I'm on a mandatory suspension and psyche eval. When he see's Anne, the one woman who he has ever loved, he tries, really hard to get passed his guilt but let's anger, at himself, muddy his feelings and having her leaving before any real conversation cam happen.
Anne stubbles upon what she thinks is a string of warehouse fires, that she believes to have been deliberately set,(including the one that changed her life forever).
As the case Anne is working on get's hotter and hotter with motives, and one slimy land owner things with her and Danny get hotter and more confusing as well. And when Anne's life is threatened and she starts receiving threats Danny is ready to jump back into her life, and at this point she lets him...until one phone call changes it all.

The ending was one that I can say I did not see coming. I am usually pretty good with scoobing my way around a who-don-it type of story but this one? nope. That is good storytelling and writing. I love the way Ward intertwines stories and gives us glimpses into the lives of the sub characters around the two main ones, making it a story about a family of firefighters and not just two people.
Great story as always.
5 stars

A great read for fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series! Heroine Anne is definitely not a damsel in distress but a 2nd generation firefighter who can carry her own. When a warehouse fire goes from bad to worse, Anne's life is completely changed and linked with her intense and brooding fellow firefighter Danny. As they begin to investigate who is starting a series of warehouse fires, the intensity between them heats up, but both are afraid of being consumed.

Eh this book was just okay for me. I was initially interested in it because the main firefighter character was a female which is something we don't get very often.

Parts of this book were good (the heart wrenching decision Danny had to make in that fire, the guilt he felt over that decision, his own injuries) but other parts I really wanted to ask why they were even included in the book (Emilio's announcement). Was it just to give us a small crumble of what's to come in a future book?

For me, there was far too much going on in the story. You had Annie trying to live up to the pressures of being a female firefighter, her brother Tom questioning his supervisory ability (what was the point of this?), Emilio's health issue (again why?), her father's legacy (why?), Annie struggling to adapt to her new job and her new limitations, Danny's guilt & recovery and the arson investigation. Honestly it was just too much. Half of those issues could have cut out and the book would have been great because it would have kept the reader interested.

I was so excited when I was given an advance copy of the new J.R. Ward book that was coming out. I liked her vampire series so I was looking forward to see what she would do with firefighters. Unfortunately I was very disappointed. Anne and Danny are firefighters that work together. Something happens at the beginning of the book that changes things for them. There were so many problems with this book I am not sure where to start. My main problem was I was told what I was supposed to be feeling instead of feeling what the book made me feel. The book starts out with the fire that changes everything instead of leading up to the fire where you got to know the characters first so you were able to care what they were going through. Then she had so many random characters that were hard to keep up with and I can only assume she is setting up for a series. The "twist" at the end wasn't much of a twist and I didn't care anyway because we never really got to feel how these people felt for each other. The ending was like a Lifetime Movie on steroids and then not much of a conclusion after that. We are told they are best friends but not shown why or even much of a back story. We are told they love someone but you don't know why. I struggled so hard to get through this book so I could give a honest review but I honestly can't believe I made it. It truly pains me to give this review but not as painful as it was trying to read it.

Consumed by J.R. Ward consumed me. I could not put this book down and read it straight through. Anne is fighting stereotypes and her father and brothers legacy as a female firefighter. She is a never say die kinda gal and she will need that. Danny McGuire is a smoking hot fireman and Anne’s brother in arms so there is no going there (except the night after Moose’s disaster of a wedding). Watching these two find each other after going through hell is sweet, painful and sexy as hell. J.R. Ward has introduced us to a fascinating world that few get to see in this well written tale and I look forward to seeing where she takes us from here.

Overall, this was an ok read. Nothing extraordinary in genre, but I think J.R. went a bit deeper than some of the other hot (pun intended) firefighter reads out there. So, if you like Kate Meader (I'm actually not much a fan for hers, but I thought of her firefighter series), this is more gritty, pathos, women's fiction than romance and the world-building is more complex as she weaves in other characters to set up their stories.

I picked this up because of J.R.'s reputation. Her Black Dagger Brotherhood has its fans and the 1 book I picked up from the series was pretty good, though I usually do not go paranormal. So, I expected this to be quality read. Sadly, it didn't wow me.

JR Ward returns with a different kind of book, about firefighters not vampire fighters, but readers will be "consumed" with this story that includes her typical humor and amazing writing skills. Danny and Anne have a history both personal and professional (be sure to check it out in the prequel that Ward has released leading up to the release of this novel) that drives their conflict, but when it counts Danny makes a hard decision that haunts him and changes Anne's life and career, both find themselves in the middle of personal crises but come together to take down an arsonist before they are consumed by all the intended meanings of the title. It is a gripping story, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.