Consumed: Volume 1 (Firefighters, #1)

by J. R. Ward

'Raw, gritty, and gripping' Library Journal

'Addictive and explosive' Ana's Attic

From the author of the bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series comes a new band of brothers. And a firestorm . . .
_______________

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed - by her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralised, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn't believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again--until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.
_______________

Join other readers in discovering the thrill of Consumed:

'Raw, gritty, and gripping, this adrenaline-laced tale is impossible to put down' Library Journal

'Stunning . . . the story line was so intense and fluid that I didn't see the final shocking surprise until the last minute . . . relatable and gut-wrenching' Harlequin Junkie

'A fantastic blend of romance, action and suspense' All About Romance

'Addictive and explosive' Ana's Attic

'Pure adrenaline' The Good the Bad and the Unread

'A thick plot, suspense, a beautiful romance, well fleshed-out characters . . . it almost feels like we're watching an action blockbuster unfolding in our heads . . . a complex, badass, gritty female character who refuses to wait for a knight in shining armour' Natasha is a Book Junkie

• ISBN10: 1501194917
• ISBN13: 9781501194917
• Publish Date: 18 June 2019 (first published 2 October 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publisher: The Gallery Press
• Imprint: Gallery Books
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 416
• Language: English

Reviews

[scarr]

eh, this kind of dragged for me.

[thebookdisciple]

Consumed starts off with a seriously tragic event. We are introduced to our main characters on what is to become the worst day of their lives. Anne and Danny are both firefighters with the same company. During a warehouse fire, Anne is trapped. Danny attempts to save her. This results in both of them nearly dying and the course of their lives forever changed. After you are given the story, the plot moves ahead 10 months from the fire. Anne and Danny have a bit of a second chance story; not much time has passed, but because of the fire, their relationship ended abruptly. They still live in the same town but haven't spoken since that day.

Anne wasn't my favorite heroine, mostly because she has a big chip on her shoulder. She is a woman in a man's job and is constantly fighting for equality. I appreciated that, but she was fighting when there wasn't anything to fight against. She was really derogatory about her mom as well, saying she never wanted to be like her mom and just stay home waiting for her husband. I totally support a woman's right to NOT want to be a stay at home mom or wife, but I also support the right to do those things. Being a woman who stays at home to raise a family isn't something you should shame, especially if you are another woman! It really just rubbed me the wrong way. However, Anne is a dynamic character who does grow throughout the story. I think she was very immature in the early parts of the story but because of the tragedy and the aftermath she matures. While I might have really not liked her to begin with, she did get more likable in my mind.

Danny is a beta hero for sure! It was a bit odd at first, because I don't think I have ever read a beta hero from Ward! But, I loved him. He really struggled with what happened between him and Anne. The guilt he carried was immense and he just didn't know how to manage it all. He was a very sympathetic character (more so than Anne in my opinion!).

Consumed is so much more than just the story of Anne and Danny. There is a serial arsonist on the loose and people are getting hurt. I will admit I didn't guess correctly on what would happen with this plot line! The book also sets up what I think will be future characters. They are all pretty damaged and drama filled-typically of Ward characters! Consumed is a fascinating start to a new, angsty series that I am curious to continue!

 

• POV: 3rd


• Tears: no


• Trope: second chance, firefighters


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: series


• Cliffhanger: there are some plot points left unsolved that will continue into future books


• HEA: yes

In Her Bones by Kate Moretti, From Here to You by Jamie McGuire, Ultimate Sacrifice by KC Lynn...then you will probably like Consumed!

 

Consumed

 See full review on The Book Disciple

[kimbacaffeinate]

I loved Ward's Bourbon Kings series, and I've been working my way through Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, so I was excited to see a romantic suspense series. After reading the prequels, I was expecting sizzling chemistry and wicked banter as the forbidden romance between Anne Ashburn and Danny McGuire melted my Kindle. And while, Ward set of my smoke detector she also delivered scenes that blew me away, connected me to these characters and even had me shedding tears.

The beginning of this novel is gritty, nail-biting and full of holy shite moments. It felt real and powerful as I was pulled in. Ward did something I never would have expected and birthed a heroine who while flawed is someone you'll admire and respect. I will leave you to discover what unfolds, but dear reader gather supplies before you begin and shut off your phone. I recommend, wine and chocolate truffles.

The suspense angle took longer to begin as Ward laid the groundwork for Anne to investigate arson cases. Once it began, we witness Anne come into herself as she adjusts and sinks her teeth into her first case. I loved what happen on her first day. I laughed and fell for her even more.  Secondary characters like her boss have me wanting to learn more.

Ward blends complex characters into this brotherhood of firemen. Her research is evident, and I loved how she captured their fraternity mentality. She captured their banter, nicknames and loyalty even as they had quibbles and showed the passionate arguing only family can create.

I cannot wait for the next book. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Cocktails and Books]

There were moments when I was sat there staring at my kindle thinking "Did that just happen?". JR Ward crafted a series where the characters are gritty...sometimes to the point where you have a hard time understanding what the hell they're doing. But it made for a compelling read and left me wanting the next book in the series.

[Linda]

4.5 stars
Consumed consumed me :) I loved Anne and her flaws, her strengths, the way she acted, and how thorough she was! Danny was amazing, too. Just as flawed - and that just made them both real! - and I had a fantastic time with this story, and I can’t wait to read more about Ward’s firefighters.