Consumed

Firefighters, Book #1

By J.R. Ward

ISBN# 9780349420622

Author’s Website:  http://www.jrward.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Daughter of the legendary hero, Thomas Ashburn Sr., and sister of the current fire chief, Thomas Ashburn Jr., Anne has had a lot to live up to.  She never wanted to live in her family’s shadows and instead has pushed the envelope to show people she can do anything they can do.

During a fire, she breaks protocol and ends up finding herself in trouble; trapped inside a burning building.  Fellow fireman, Danny Maguire comes to the rescue, but even he can’t get her out in one piece.  Her hand is stuck and they’re quickly running out of time.  Anne demands he cut off her hand to save both their lives.  He doesn’t want to do it, but has no choice as they are out of options.

The two of them grow apart since the incident.  Without two working limbs, Anne’s career as a fireman is over.  And, after his own recovery, Danny has to live with the fact that he mutilated the one woman that he actually loves.

Anne is starting a new career as a fire investigator.  It’s what she must do to move forward, but nothing compares to the thrill of battling the blazes as she did in the past.

Danny isn’t fairing much better as he tries to cope with the guilt of what happened.  He’s a wild card being dangerous and living a self-destructive life.  Their friends encourage Anne to reach out to Danny as they feel she is the only one who has a chance to reach him.  The duo start to grow close once again, but the case Anne is working on is getting dangerous.  Whoever is behind the recent fires know she’s getting too close to finding the answers she seeks and is ready to take her out!  Can Danny get to her in time or will she push him away, when he’s needed the most?

I was excited to see this new series by J.R. Ward.  And, it’s honestly so different from anything else I’ve seen from her, that I had to give it a try!  I thought it was a decent read.  It’s not my favorite of hers by any means, but I feel the series has potential.

I loved Danny!  Although I do usually love the cocky self-assured guys, in books …. a typical Ward male if we’re being honest!  But I loved how gentle he could be too.  He was great with Anne, who you can imagine is a bit self-conscious about her injury.  And he was great with Anne’s new pooch, Soot!  And, I have to say that was an awesome name for him!  I was glad to see that Ward decided to make Soot a pittie as well, they are such a misunderstood breed that get an unfair reputation.

I’m looking forward to seeing what is next in this series.  It seems like there are already a few budding relationships.  “Amy” and Josefina or maybe Tom and the mayor?  I also know I will love “Damnit’s” story when his time comes.  I do hope we get to see more of Anne and Danny though!