Consumed

This story follows Anne, an ex-firefighter trying to make her way in a new career, and Danny a firefighter known for taking risks and being a bit reckless, Anne, a woman consumed, is tracking an arsonist and ends up in a bit over her head. In a dangerous situation, Anne turns to her friend and past love Danny to help her track down the arsonist threatening her life.

The opening scene of this novel just pulls you right in. The reader gets drawn right into what it's like to be a firefighter about to run into the heart of a storm. I think the opening scene and the first few chapters were fantastic and a great way to sink your claws into the reader. The story begins on a high point in my opinion as you end up in the heart of a fire essentially. First you get a bit of a teaser of the dynamic between the two main characters and the next thing you know there's a bit of a situation happening.

For me this was a fun and entertaining read. I felt that the plot was unique and not overly predictable. If I were to describe the style of the plot of would say its a thriller with some mystery aspects tied in and then some romance added on top. I definitely was not expecting the story to end as it did but feel that it was a fair and solid ending. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance with a thrill.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of Consumed by J.R. Ward. This is the first book in Ward's new Firefighters series and is a fantastic start. Anne Ashburn lost her career as a fire fighter in a battle against a fire that went horribly wrong and her partner and lover, Danny, had to make a life or death decision to save her from being burned alive. Anne moves on to fire investigations and it becomes apparent to her that there is a serial arsonist is at work burning empty warehouses just like the one in which she was trapped. Her former partner, Danny, can't forgive himself for Anne losing her career as a fire fighter and is having a crisis of his own, taking risks he has no business taking. Anne enlists his help to find the arsonist and they must work together again.
Ward is a master at storytelling and building suspense and brings out deep emotions in her characters and as a result, in the reader. If you have not experienced any of her books, I definitely recommend you try Consumed and you will be hooked.

I absolutely love JR Ward. Her characters are well written and have depth. I am so looking forward to this new series.