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mlcreads's review
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ella and Caleb's second chance romance. Ella and Caleb were high school sweethearts but after a car accident, in which a friend dies and Ella is seriously injured, they break up and eventually both leave town. Now they are both back in Willow Creek and another accident throws them together. This story is faced paced and action packed, it is full of wonderful characters and lots of emotions. Another great book in the Into the Fire series.
hijinx_abound's review
2.0
Okay 2nd chance story. The characters were kind of flat and the story was not overly compelling. I liked it but I won't remember anything about it.
lexee9's review
4.0
I loved this story. Caleb and Ella are just so cute. They were high school sweethearts with Caleb being 2 years ahead of her. His senior year there was a horrible accident and his best friend died in the crash. Ella was driving and a drunk driver hit them. In the aftermath, Ella called things off between them and as they were both trying to figure things out and right their world again they didn't end up back together. Both have always felt something for the other one. Ella comes back into town, to stay for good, and they immediately reconnect. Ella wasn't sure what she wanted to do as she still suffers from survivors guilt and is trying to deal with that, along with a stalker. Caleb knows that he wants her back, always has and so when the opportunity arises, he goes for it. I loved how things played out between the two of them. Caleb doesn't push Ella too much and allows her the time she needs. You have the intrigue of the stalker and how all of that is going to play out. The story had my attention from beginning to end and I really enjoyed it. It flows smoothly and had plenty to keep me engaged.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
xakyr's review
2.0
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH INKSLINGER PR. I ALSO PURCHASED A COPY OF THE BOOK AT MY OWN COST! I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THESE MANNERS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I have to be quite honest here: I have never read this author prior to this book, despite the fact that I've been picking up her books for years, to the point where I have at least 4 different series by them, and most of the books in each of those series! However, I was so disappointed with this read that I am not sure I will even read those books I purchased previously.
A big problem I had with the book was that I couldn't connect with the characters. Everything felt ... clinical, for lack of a better term. Ella is supposedly consumed with guilt over a car accident that she had while in high school, yet we really don't see how it affects her life other than pushing Caleb away. We're told a lot of things about her relationships, not shown them. It really drug the book down for me.
The suspense angle that was in the story wasn't that suspenseful! We're told everything that happens in it, and the guy really didn't seem to be all that threatening. We're told about Ella's fear, but not shown it, so it kinda felt like a cheap ploy for a plot hook. Again, I never felt an emotional connection to Ella, because we're not really shown her reactions and emotions.
This was not a good first impression that the author left me with. I am uncertain if I will read the author again.
I have to be quite honest here: I have never read this author prior to this book, despite the fact that I've been picking up her books for years, to the point where I have at least 4 different series by them, and most of the books in each of those series! However, I was so disappointed with this read that I am not sure I will even read those books I purchased previously.
A big problem I had with the book was that I couldn't connect with the characters. Everything felt ... clinical, for lack of a better term. Ella is supposedly consumed with guilt over a car accident that she had while in high school, yet we really don't see how it affects her life other than pushing Caleb away. We're told a lot of things about her relationships, not shown them. It really drug the book down for me.
The suspense angle that was in the story wasn't that suspenseful! We're told everything that happens in it, and the guy really didn't seem to be all that threatening. We're told about Ella's fear, but not shown it, so it kinda felt like a cheap ploy for a plot hook. Again, I never felt an emotional connection to Ella, because we're not really shown her reactions and emotions.
This was not a good first impression that the author left me with. I am uncertain if I will read the author again.
bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Burn So Good is hands down my favorite book in the Into the Fire Series by J.H. Croix! This book has it all! Caleb and Ella were thrown into a bad situation as teenagers. A car accident tore their world apart and destroyed a life that same tragic night. Ella was left with burn scars that would forever remind her of that tragic day. In the darkness of her pain, she ended her relationship with Caleb which devastated him in turn. He had suffered in the accident, too but he never thought that she'd push him away. Years later Ella is returning to Alaska and the town that she fled. This is a choice that she made on her own, but she had a push to help her with her decision. She went from having what she called her dream job to living a nightmare. Now, she's back in town and has crossed paths with Caleb yet again. The sparks are still there, the love and longing are still there. Now all she has to do is let him in.
Burn So Good is a fantastic story from start to finish. I have been hoping that the author would give us more and she has done it! I loved this book to death! Ella has a cyber stalker, but he's not content with just being that and harassing Ella. I like that the author brings this threat closer to home for Ella and that it threatens the relationship. In the other books in this series, I've always felt that the storyline was always tame, with it just focusing on the two characters. This book brings in a threat that isn't just the two of them battling their feelings for each other and whether they should give in. I also love that we are reunited with characters from the previous books and get a glimpse into their own on-going side stories. There are some fun surprises and hopeful moments for the future. I love it! I also like that we get to see them fighting a fire and working! This is another thing that I have really wanted as well! I mean, it's a series about sexy firefighters! I wanted to read about them doing their jobs and engaging in firefights and not just hearing about them after the fact or in passing. Like I said, this book is perfect!
I will admit that there are some editorial issues with this book, but nothing that detracts from the storyline at all. I couldn't get enough of this story. I loved every bit of it and wholeheartedly thank the author for giving us more.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars! This book is hands down my favorite of the series and a must-have in my book. The author does a fantastic job with this story. We have outside chaos/threat, reading about a dangerous work situation, and get to have that wonderful happily-ever-after that the author always promises. This book is a must read if you have enjoyed any book by this author and/or read any of the Into The Fire Series!
Burn So Good is a fantastic story from start to finish. I have been hoping that the author would give us more and she has done it! I loved this book to death! Ella has a cyber stalker, but he's not content with just being that and harassing Ella. I like that the author brings this threat closer to home for Ella and that it threatens the relationship. In the other books in this series, I've always felt that the storyline was always tame, with it just focusing on the two characters. This book brings in a threat that isn't just the two of them battling their feelings for each other and whether they should give in. I also love that we are reunited with characters from the previous books and get a glimpse into their own on-going side stories. There are some fun surprises and hopeful moments for the future. I love it! I also like that we get to see them fighting a fire and working! This is another thing that I have really wanted as well! I mean, it's a series about sexy firefighters! I wanted to read about them doing their jobs and engaging in firefights and not just hearing about them after the fact or in passing. Like I said, this book is perfect!
I will admit that there are some editorial issues with this book, but nothing that detracts from the storyline at all. I couldn't get enough of this story. I loved every bit of it and wholeheartedly thank the author for giving us more.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars! This book is hands down my favorite of the series and a must-have in my book. The author does a fantastic job with this story. We have outside chaos/threat, reading about a dangerous work situation, and get to have that wonderful happily-ever-after that the author always promises. This book is a must read if you have enjoyed any book by this author and/or read any of the Into The Fire Series!
cheryls's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
This is book 5 in the Into the Fire series and it features Caleb and Ella. This is a second chance romance that is full of pain and guilt but mostly missed chances. You know, that love you let slip away that you should have fought harder for? This is that one! The chemistry is as hot as the fires he fights.
I absolutely love most of the story line and the characters but there was something missing. There was no climax. The story line was fantastic but I missed the climax. I love this series and look forward to reading more from this extremely talented author.
This is book 5 in the Into the Fire series and it features Caleb and Ella. This is a second chance romance that is full of pain and guilt but mostly missed chances. You know, that love you let slip away that you should have fought harder for? This is that one! The chemistry is as hot as the fires he fights.
I absolutely love most of the story line and the characters but there was something missing. There was no climax. The story line was fantastic but I missed the climax. I love this series and look forward to reading more from this extremely talented author.
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