Fan the Flames

by Michele Dunaway

[Cocktails and Books]

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

As soon as I read the blurb for Fan the Flames I knew I should expect it to be an emotional read. What I didn't expect was the way I was able to connect with the characters. This new to me author completely blew me away.

I mean, the story opens with Scarlett's husband's funeral. How much more emotional can you get? Well, apparently a lot more. As with all active military in combat, Todd entrusted his best friend, a former SEAL himself, with a final letter for his wife, Scarlett, on the off chance something were to happen to him and he did not make it home. When Todd does not return, Brad is faced with following his best friend's final wishes... take care of Scarlett, make sure she finds happiness and falls in love again. Years ago, when they were merely teenagers, he stepped aside and let Scarlett find her happiness with Todd. Will he let a face from the past and his own survivor's guilt force him to lose his chance with Scarlett a second time?

There were so many moments while reading this that I could feel my heart just melt for Scarlett and Brad. They are both genuinely good people who deserve to be happy, preferably with each other. Theirs was a sweet romance. They have known each other for half their lives, so there really wasn't that instant chemistry you may read in many stories. Theirs began at 15 and was pushed to the back burner, fed back to a small ember after Todd's passing and finally burning bright so that you never question how these two characters could possibly be together. They just seem to fit in each other's lives perfectly.

The only point of contention was the letter which Brad was to only give Scarlett AFTER he thought she may have finally fallen in love again and ready to move on. It felt to me that Scarlett was ready to move on long before Brad was. She pursued their relationship while he hesitated because of guilt. That being said, it was a great story of second chances and starting over after great loss. Dunaway has officially been added to my to watch authors. I can't wait to read the next Men of the Month book.

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