Author J.R. Ward knows how to grab reader's attentions with some creative story writing and Consumed is amongst some great reads. Another attention grabbing read from the author.
Review copy received from the publisher via Netgalley

My review: Ward’s new series starts out okay, but with such an unlikeable heroine at its centre it was a bit of a slog to get through this first book.

Had it not been for the fact I read the prequel novellas I would find it difficult to see what Danny saw in Anne. She was very unsympathetic, and I had a hard time with her choosing to take the word of an acquaintance over Danny. She was pretty tough on her mother, too. Anne’s brother was horrible, and I also had a big problem with the idea that a fire chief could be in his thirties. Only Danny was great, and his buddies seem good guys – so far, so like the BDB. It seems Ward can write heroes really well but the women she has trouble with.

In fact, the more Ward I read, the more I am convinced she’s not a great writer. Her style is full of clichés and “gangsta lite” – instead of saying Danny lit a cigarette, Ward writes that he “got his smoke on.” Ugh. Tighter editing and removal of some of the clichés could have made this a much pacier, more enjoyable read.

I’ll probably continue with the series, but only because I know the heroes will probably be worth it.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 3.5/5

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
JR Ward is famous for her intense writing and stories and this one is no different! I was hooked from word go and the beginning had me so consumed (see what I did there) that I just couldn’t put it down. She went somewhere that few authors would dare to go, it was intense and an absolute ohmygod way to start a book!
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Anne, the heroine, is a firefighter but after tragedy, she has a new life instead as an arson investigator. She’s not one to let anything go and is then hot on the trail of something much bigger than a couple of abandoned warehouse fires. Danny was a fellow firefighter but with some serious feelings for her, however after the same tragedy the two fell apart. However, life draws them back into each other’s lives and neither wants to stay away.
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Both hero and heroine have a lot of emotional baggage to deal with, but in that way they compliment each other well as a couple. Anne is independent and a fighter which I think is exactly what she needed to be. Danny is nowhere near as alpha as the other heroes that JR Ward is known for writing and is a welcome change. Throughout the book he goes through emotional upheaval but his feelings for Anne never waver which I liked. There is also a great cast of secondary characters that make me want to read more of this world, especially Anne’s brother who we see a lot of.
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The one thing I wanted more from this book was really more Anne and Danny together which there wasn’t enough of in my opinion. There are two novellas that take place before this book and I purposefully didn’t read them wanting to see how the book stood on it’s own, which as a romance I found lacking. I did however read them afterwards and honestly they need to be compulsory reads because the book and romance itself really only makes sense with them. Having read the two prequel novellas I enjoy this book so much more and it’s a great addition to JR Ward’s contemporary romances.

Consumed is the first book in the new suspense romance Firefighters series. A gripping story with twists and turns throughout, centred around the firefighters of the 499 precinct. Consumed tell a realistic story of their lives and situations and takes you on a journey of camaraderie, jealousy, drama and tragedy as they face each day while living their lives and carrying out their duty.

️️️️ 4 out of 5


JR Ward is famous for her intense writing and stories and this one is no different! I was hooked from word go and the beginning had me so consumed (see what I did there) that I just couldn’t put it down. She went somewhere that few authors would dare to go, it was intense and an absolute ohmygod way to start a book! 
.   
Anne, the heroine, is a firefighter but after tragedy, she has a new life instead as an arson investigator. She’s not one to let anything go and is then hot on the trail of something much bigger than a couple of abandoned warehouse fires. Danny was a fellow firefighter but with some serious feelings for her, however after the same tragedy the two fell apart. However, life draws them back into each other’s lives and neither wants to stay away.

Both hero and heroine have a lot of emotional baggage to deal with, but in that way they compliment each other well as a couple. Anne is independent and a fighter which I think is exactly what she needed to be. Danny is nowhere near as alpha as the other heroes that JR Ward is known for writing and is a welcome change. Throughout the book he goes through emotional upheaval but his feelings for Anne never waver which I liked. There is also a great cast of secondary characters that make me want to read more of this world, especially Anne’s brother who we see a lot of.

The one thing I wanted more from this book was really more Anne and Danny together which there wasn’t enough of in my opinion. There are two novellas that take place before this book and I purposefully didn’t read them wanting to see how the book stood on it’s own, which as a romance I found lacking. I did however read them afterwards and honestly they need to be compulsory reads because the book and romance itself really only makes sense with them. Having read the two prequel novellas I enjoy this book so much more and it’s a great addition to JR Ward’s contemporary romances.

What a story! This had me on the edge of my seat at times, especially in the first 20 mins, I had to hold my breath during this scene. I read the two short prequels before reading this and it was a great introduction to the characters, but this can be read without reading them. Danny and Anne were great characters to get to know. Anne was one brave and gutsy women, though maybe she took a risk or two that went slightly overboard, but then she was extremely determined to find out the truth about the fires. Danny was a mess at times and I loved seeing him grow and deal with things. Anne's whole family was an emotional mess, and it was good to see the healing and understanding that took place through the story. The twist at the end was great, one I didn't see coming which is always good. The risks that fire fighters take to save people and properties is beyond anything I can imagine and I take my hat off to these brave men and women that put their lives on the line daily for little reward. Unbelievably this is my first J.R Ward book and what a great introduction to this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for a copy in return for an honest review.

This is a good new series from JR Ward. It was great to introduce the characters in the small novellas which just made you want to read more. Good series.

*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Holy moly wow. This book was amazing. I will start by saying that there are two short novella's which you will benefit from reading, before jumping into this one. They're a nice little introduction into the characters.

Right from the start of this book, HUGE things are happening and I was so hooked that I rarely was able to put the book down, apart from times I had to, such as going to work and the like. I have only read two other JR Ward books, which I have enjoyed, but this one has to be my favourite so far, and what is surely going to be a new favourite series for me.

I liked both Anne and Danny, and whilst this is the story of their "romance", this is also a crime fiction kind of book, although from the FireFighters POV's. We also get more than the two main characters POV's, which makes this an interesting read, and helps piece the story together in many ways.

While Anne has a lot of family/personal baggage, Danny is the playboy type, but they are both very in tune with each other and love what they do. The events that take place in the first few parts of the book (I'm talking the first few % here), shape the story up to be one of strength and determination, and then as things progress, the crime and suspense portion comes into things, and its all you can do but hold on tight for the right.

I thought at times I knew who might be the person behind what was happening, but by the time I got to the end, things were so intense, and I was so blown out of the water, it was all I could do to sit there in shock and say to myself holyyyyyy shit, what the hell just happened? .

I buddy ready this with a friend, and both of us were so hooked on this, and messaging each other about the events of the book. It had us both very invested in the storyline and determined to find out what on earth was going on.

This is sure to be a huge hit from JR Ward, and I for one CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on the next book.

One hell of a ride. Well done JR Ward, well done.

Wow! What a nail biting start to the Firefighters series. This book has all the drama you could wish for and grabs you from the very first page. Anne and Danny both work as Firefighters at the 499, Anne being the only female on the crew. Fires out in the field aren't the only ones with sparks. The Fireworks between Anne and Danny are fierce but neither will admit to them.

Anne thinks she has to constantly prove herself to the guys and when caught in a huge warehouse inferno she can see no way out of, rescue comes at a terrible price. Hers and Danny's. Relationships are tested, especially between lifelong friends and family, and evil is lurking just around the corner.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hatchette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this book.

For many readers, Ms Ward is best known for her paranormal romance, especially the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but if this first of her brand new Firefighters series is anything to go by, I’m sure she’s about to have another resounding hit. CONSUMED is best described as contemporary/suspense romance with many twists and turns throughout the story that keep the reader poised for the next revelation. Centred around the fire fighters of the 499 precinct, the story has many facets; camaraderie, jealousy, drama and tragedy all combine to make this a well rounded story that touches on the darker side of our heroes lives and the emotional turmoil that festers from the loss and suffering that confronts them while doing their duty.

The character portrayals are real and you can imagine all too easily the pressure and vices that impact their lives as a result of the expectations they face every day. Closing off your emotions is never a good thing, but survival demands that these men and women distance themselves from the reality, or go crazy from the guilt. I did find the story a little slow out of the gate, but hang in there, as once you are embedded in the plot, you won’t be able to stop till it’s done. Just a warning though, as with many of J.R. Ward’s books, the language is often unique and can throw the reader off if you aren’t prepared for the slang or broken dialogue that she favours; and I must admit, even I had moments of “What tha?” The story flows however, and I’m sure will keep readers intrigued. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

** Make sure you read the two free novellas TheWedding From Hell: Rehearsal Dinner and The Wedding From Hell: The Reception before diving in to Consumed. **

A new series from JR Ward - let me at it! Plus - firefighters? Helloooooo! Though I want to know where all these hot firefighters are hiding, as I have never found them yet!

If you have read the 2 prequel novellas above, you will know who Consumed it all about - Anne and Danny. And boy do sparks fly between them.

I liked how Ms Ward was not afraid to go into Consumed all gun "blazing". I mean wow, only a few % in and I was like hoolie doolie!


We are given a wonderfully written story that is more than firefighters. It was a heck of a lot more emotional than I was expecting. Anne has a cargo hold of familial baggage that she is carrying around.

I just want them to get together!

However there is more to this tale then a romance, and the mystery/suspense will keep you on the edge or your chair - or couch, or bed! There were some red herrings thrown in there, and I thought I knew whodunnit, but nope. I am sure Ms Ward is sitting back laughing at us all thinking we know how the bad guy is! When it was revealed I was all "what in the everloving fork?" I had no clue.

And I liked that I didn't know.

I buddy read this book with a friend, and we were both Consumed with this book.

Now I am impatiently waiting for the next installment of the Firefighters series.