I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a fan of J.R. Ward’s, Black Dagger Brotherhood, and Bourbon Kings series, and so was pleased to learn that she was writing a new series about firefighters. The first book, in the series is titled, “Consumed”.

Anne Ashburn, a firefighter in a family of firefighters, must redefine herself after she suffers a life changing injury, while fighting a fire. Danny McGuire, a fellow firefighter, suffers from PTSD, after a series of events, which culminate in his desperate attempt to save Anne’s life, in that fire.

Anne and Danny have always been crazy about each other, but life has always seemed to get in the way. When Anne gets a job as an arson investigator, she learns that things are not always as they seem. The arsonist that she is investigating begins to target her, and Danny is not about to lose her, again.

The author takes the time to give us a bit of history on the main protagonists, and also gives enough information on the other firefighters, to make me look forward to their stories.

This was a good read. I have always loved Ward’s female characters, and this book was no exception. Anne is a strong woman who does not wait to be rescued by a knight on a white horse. All of her characters are three-dimensional. They are strong, but certainly flawed. While not as intense as other books written by Ward, it kept my attention. There was some loose ends left at the end of the book, however, I am confident that they will be tied up in future books, in the series.

I would recommend this book and Ward remains firmly on my “automatic read” list.

ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Anne Ashburn has always had one dream, to be the best fire fighter she could be. Her father was her hero and the last thing she ever wanted was to turn out like her mother. Now that Anne is grown and living out her dream she realizes her father wasnt everything she thought but that doesn't mean it changed who she wanted to be.

Danny McGuire is one of the best firefighters in his station, in his area, however he doesn't always follow protocol or play it safe. That goes double for his partner, the one woman who really causes him to burn. Danny had his one night with Anne and he wants so much more but he knows she will never admit her feelings for him. He is okay with that for now, he just wants to keep her where she is.

Out on a call Danny quickly realizes all his dreams are about to come to an end as Anne is caught and there is no getting her out. He makes the decision to stay with her no matter what, then she asks him to do somthing he didn't think he could or he would ever forgive himself for. It was a choice that will change the both of them forever.

I really love JR Ward books but this one was nothing like I expected. I loved the characters as flawed and messed up as they were and I love the mystery in the story. It had quite the surprise twist. The characters change and grow and really do learn to be their best selves.

I have read JR Wards Black dagger books. This one is the start of a new series. It is about firefighters and arson. Anne is a firefighter that was hurt in a fire and recused by her love interest Danny. He had to hurt her to rescue her. She turns to Arson investigating and finds that she has linked several fires together.
The writing is excellent and has the feel of her other books. The people are strong doing a hard job but with problems. They help each other.
Since this is a new series, there are a lot of characters introduced. You can see that each one will have a book and I am looking forward to each one.
The first book is worth a read. Look forward to the rest
Thank you, Net Galley,

Very good story. Who doesn’t like hot firefighters? Unless you have read the novella that comes before the story, it is a little confusing, but you can figure it out.
Danny and Anne are very believable characters and the decision that Danny has to make concerning Anne is heartbreaking. Don’t want to give a spoiler, but it’s all good. Looking forward to read the next installment.

This was my first JR Ward book, and it did not disappoint. I'm a huge fan of firefighters and romantic suspense stories, so this seemed right up my alley. It was well paced, and exciting. I can't wait to read what happens next! In the meantime, I will be checking out the other books by this author.

As a fan of JR Ward I know that I will pretty much read anything she writes.

"Consumed" is the first in a new romance/thriller/suspense series, and it does quite a nice job kicking things off. It is easy to see how this book sets up what is to come in the future. The first few chapters were very intense, and suck you in to the story right away. After the initial action the story does calm down a bit, and carefully moves you along. As I was reading I did feel that major "action" parts were a little spread out, leaving me wondering when things were going to finally come to the surface. It's flow overall is much calmer than some of Ward's other works, but no less impressive. In fact it has a real life quality in the way not everything is over the top drama. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of drama to go around, but it doesn't feel like it's so much you get distracted by the absurdity of it all.

While there were a good number of characters introduced early on, it never felt too overwhelming. I got a sense of who each of the main characters were and was truly interested in their story. I will definitely be reading the next installment of the series.

The lives of firefighters are always doomed with impending danger. It takes a special kind of individual to run to a fire and fight it. It is a calling. Unusual as it may seem, Anne is a top firefighter following a long line in her family.

She is a turmoil of emotions as regards to her family, her firefighter friends, and most definitely Danny with whom she had a one night stand. She has sworn off getting married, but the feelings he elicits from her are sometimes too hard to control. All it takes is one fire where everything goes wrong, and the relationship between Anne and Danny is forever changed.

Who is lighting up these destitute warehouses on fire? And why? As Anne attempts to rebuild her life after her injury, it is her acute intelligence and intuition that helps her solve the case.

This is more than a book about firefighters. It is the journey of two people to understanding the deep emotions they are barely handling. In order for them to have a future, it is imperative that they deal with their pasts so they can move on.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the publisher for sharing a copy with me.

Wow, this book is intense. The title is very appropriate. The struggle of the firefighters, Anne and Danny for work and personally is sometimes hard to read. but ultimately most things work out. I was hooked from the very first to the end. I definitely recommend it. #Comsumed #NetGalley

This was an interesting story. I’m a huge fan of firefighters stories and Consumed has me hooked. My heart broke for both Danny and Anne and so bad wanted them to finally reunite. An amazing read and can’t wait too read more in this series.

I enjoyed this story but felt the mystery/suspense part didn't really get started until the second half of the book and then it felt like the ending was a bit rushed. I'm curious to see what happens with Emilio and his situation as well as Tom and his personality issues.

This was my first time reading something from J.R. Ward and I look forward to checking out some of her other works.

Another excellent story written by this author. It was captivating, emotional and filled with characters you can't wait to get to know. The opening scene had me so enthralled I could not wait to get into the rest of the story and see what would happen after that. This story also had multiple points of view as we got to know a little about the other characters and I can't wait for their stories. Between Danny and Anne there were so many obstacles for them to overcome, each had their own emotional baggage and at times it was so heartbreaking. this is a must read.

4.5 Fully Occupied Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
J.R. Ward has Legions of Fans. I must be one of the few who have not read her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. When this was presented, I jumped in feet first. From the first moment of reading, I was drawn in fully...it was hard to putdown to live my real life.

This book opens up with scenes which took you right into the heart of what firefighters do... they dedicate their lives to enter into situations which can change in an instant. Police officers also have these experiences, yet when fire is involved...I think there is this universal fear which runs through all of us. Fire has this life of its own...it is this monster which can be uncontrollable...and the power of knowing what it can do in any number of ways...adds to our fear.

These brave men and women are able to do everything they know... years of experience and positive outcomes yet with just one different pull of gravity to a building or switch of a wind, all of it can go out the window. The outcomes can be fatal, those left mourning those gone can have lasting impacts, too.

The blurb for this book tells you everything you need to be tantalized and drawn to this read. You understand there is a family legacy of firefighting for Anne Ashburn. It hints to the conflicts she carries. Her father was the "Hero" in her life. Anne knew he had wanted another boy and she worked everyday to earn his love. Instead, there was no acknowledgement of her achievements. Her relationship with her mother is difficult for a number of reasons and molded how she saw marriage and relationships.

What she loved was being a firefighter. It fed her mind and soul. She was part of the crew and it was her family. She was good at what she did and knew more about fires than most. The only one who she felt knew more and was as strong was Danny McGuire. She had a connection with him, and he her. They were this unwritten team...and they also never acknowledged that time they became more...

A call comes through, both Anne and Danny are on the truck talking about how they will meet up with the crew at the bar they all go to after...Anne is assigned to go with another fighter and Danny is sent to man the hoses.

In the warehouse, Anne and her partner are clearing the first level and then instead of following procedure and staying together...Anne sends her partner to the second floor. It turns out to be a turning point, as the unpredictability of shifting winds and elements take over, causing life changes to both Anne and Danny.

Side Note
The chapters covering this period are something which took my breath away. I wrote at the time an update which said everything... I felt completely overwhelmed, emotions and fears running through me to the point I was reading through my fingers covering my eyes as if I was watching this like a scary movie. I had to collect myself to continue reading.

After experiencing the changes Anne and Danny had, this book takes us on a journey of recovery and will. Each have to go about their own path to get to the other side. Anne embarks on a new career track as an arson investigator. Danny is back at his unit but there are actions which puts him at odds with the powers that be.

Combine a clear and present danger of a fire starter, those who may be behind them and the personal histories and needs of all of the characters. This is a full complete story which examines how the mind works, how heroes can made and fall, and how we may not know the whys of what we saw in the past.

All of the characters may not be touchy feely...especially Anne. She is crusty, hard to warm up to...yet her focus, strength, pain and human need to be loved is something all of us can understand. Not all romances are pretty. Most of the time they are very messy, difficult to talk about and have the insecurity we all have of wanting to know how the other one thinks before revealing vulnerability.

The mystery/thriller element worked and I particularly appreciated all the layers given to the secondary characters. Each person played their part. I will say the ending felt a tad rushed but overall, I was consumed. J.R. Ward I have joined your legion of fans.

J.R. Ward knows how to tell a story. My heart was pounding from the first chapter. I wanted to hug and squeeze both Danny and Anne (but for very different reasons**wink winker**). As with previous Ward books, there are several character/story lines woven seamlessly in a beautiful tapestry of words. Anne and Danny do get a resolution and there is no cliffy, but I did feel like there was a few unresolved things. Hopefully the story will continue with Tom or Jack as the main character.

I have been a fan of JR Ward’s other publications for sometime. So thankful for the opportunity to read this new one. I would rate this one as one of her best. I couldn’t put this book down, I loved everything about it. The characters and their stories were fantastically developed. I can’t wait to see where this new series go.

I’m a little torn over this one. I liked some of the storyline, it was really intense in some parts. There’s a lot of detail and there were several times where I felt I was right up in there watching it happen in front of me. I think the one major thing that made me not really enjoy the book was Anne. She drove me bonkers! I was 80% in and when I read the part about why she is the way she is towards her mom, I about lost my noodle on the fake people. I called my husband to bitch about her because I wanted to be done with her. I’m all hell no, Anne with an e. I wanted to put her in the time out corner! Then there was another incident between her and Danny towards the end too that really chapped my ass. But I digress... I really did enjoy some parts, just not all. Anne really is a badass and I liked her some of the time. Danny didn’t blow me away but I am intrigued about some other cool cats that I would like to read more about, especially Rizzo. I feel like I’m all over the place with my feelings because I really am torn. I just need to get over the pretend people pissing me off.

Explosive! What a way to kick off a series. Loved Danny and Anna and all their imperfections. Can’t wait to see where Ward takes it from here. Introduced a ton of characters that I’m looking forward to read about.

Consumed very much consumed me from the first word until the last. Everything in between was nothing short of spectacular. ~ Heather, White Hot Reads

Consumed was my first JR Ward book and now I wonder why I waited so long. Sigh. Now I'm determined to read all about the Bourbon Kings, but first -- Anne and Danny.

I don't know what I expected from this book - probably some super sexy firemen with a bevy of beauties who follow them everywhere. However, Consumed is so much more than that. It feels like a real life account of a firefighters life - and all the things that we don't see as the public.

Anger. Sadness. Despair. Tragedy. Mental Health. Investigations.

Anne has been part of the fire family her whole life - first, as a child of a fireman and then as a firefighter herself. Then one fire changes her life - forever. But Anne is a strong woman. She doesn't let these changes get her down. She keeps fighting and rises through the ashes. Her path now includes investigating the fires that her previous team fought. Add a huge dose of masochistic a$$holes and she becomes Consumed by the fire.

Danny, oh Danny boy. I have to say, I really loved him. Not just because he seems to be super sexy , but he's real. He's dealing with his demons. He's trying to find himself after...

Consumed isn't a love story - it's a life story. A story about all the things that happen in life and it teaches us that we can either be consumed by them or rise from the ashes. It's the perfect story that provides us lessons about learning to live again and what that can mean for all parties involved.

5 Phoenix Stars for Consumed!

This series is going to be the next binge read for all fans of J.R. Ward. This book ignited a passion for me, one that I don't think I can wait on for too long. I can't wait for the next installment and will be bursting into flames once released! A highly recommended read for those who have come to love the author, and those who just need a good dose of fire!

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Consumed by JR Ward
I received this book from the Netgalley for an honest review.
I was excited to see this new series on Netgalley when I was looking for a book to read. I am a huge fan of her paranormal series and I also loved her older Jessica Bird books.
Since I knew there was going to be world building with introducing a new series, characters and relationships, I sat back and enjoyed the world she was creating for us. The world building was a little bit slower then I anticipated but once the story took off, it was blowing me away. The twists and turns were amazing. I didn’t see the twists coming at all!!
Anne is one hell of a woman. I don’t know that I would have done what she does in the beginning of the story that changed her life for good. She is strong and feisty if not stubborn to a fault when it comes to how she feels for Danny.
Danny is just…yum…can I get that outta the way. He is strong and alpha but vulnerable when it comes to his feelings for Anne. They have a chemistry that you can FEEL through the pages throughout the story. Their banter is this flirty yet the push and pull that left me wanting more…wanting one of them to cross that line from “friends wanting” to “friends with MORE”.
The book has many different stories. Its Anne and Danny redefining THEM. Its Anne getting over her life changing event. Its Danny figuring out HIM after losing Anne. It’s the arson investigation Anne is trying to figure out. It’s the firefighters and the fire station. It’s the politics of the town and lastly its figuring out what you want out of life when you realize you had it all wrong.
The book is very complex with all the relationships and history of the characters. There is so much comradery and respect for one another all the while everyone is dealing with their own demons. Some of those demons will come back to cause issues for Danny, Anne and the entire firefighting family of station 499.
I can’t wait for the next book and I REALLY HOPE that Tom is the next book. Anne’s brother needs some love. He is carrying to world on his shoulders. I am even more excited for this series after reading the book.

This is my first book by J.R. Ward. I saw so many people talking about it in my reading groups that I just knew I had to read it. The book centers around a group of fire fighters, all men except for Anne Ausburn. She is living the legacy....a father who was a fire fighter and her brother is the Chief. Anne is somewhat involved with Danny McGuire her fellow colleague. Then fate happens.....Anne is hurt and no longer able to work as a fire fighter. She learns to reinvent herself in a new job as a fire investigator. The recent warehouse fires start to look fishy. The deeper Anne digs into the investigation, it appears she is putting herself in the line of fire. There is a twist to the mystery that I didn't see coming, but I don't want to give that away. I loved this book. I will be reading more books by this author! Great read!