So, I made the mistake of looking at some of the negative reviews prior to reading the book, and I almost didn't give it a fair shot going in, I've read a bunch of the Black Daggar Brotherhood books, and I loved the earlier ones, but not so much the newer ones. This isn't them. This isn't PNR. This isn't an alpha male who is redeemed by the love of a good woman. This isn't a fun book. But it is, IMO, a great character driven novel with an interesting and suspenseful storyline. Some complained that Anne was flat, but she was an incredibly complex character, just one who held herself so tightly together that she appeared stoic and callous. But the moments of self doubt and vulnerability showed her depth. Others said there were only a few female characters, and they were mostly negative portrayals, but Anne was a part of a male dominated field. And her childhood had been spent rejecting her "girlness". Many seemed upset because this wasn't the same as the author's previous works. Which is true. If you're in the mood for a good PNR don't pick this book up. However, if you want a compelling book that looks at family, and how it shapes us, loss, and how we cope with it, fear, and what it will make us do, set amid a love story and an arson investigation, give Consumed a shot.

Anne, aka Sister, is the only woman firefighter at #499. She is determined to prove that she can be just as good as the boys. She's fallen for playboy Danny but she wants to be taken seriously so she won't allow herself to go there. When an event happens that threatens her career, she's forced to re-evaluate her life.

Danny, aka Dannyboy, is the guy perceived to have it all, but internally struggles with a lot of loss in his life. He's the playboy in the group until Anne joins the team. He finally finds a woman who can change his ways but she is out of reach. His life starts to spiral out of control when he's forced to make an impossible decision.

This was a very captivating story. The beginning punches you in the gut and leaves you with an aftermath that will quite frankly consume you.

I will advise you to read The Wedding From Hell prequels. There are two and they give you an important look into not only our main characters, but a few side characters that you need to keep your eye on.

This had one main storyline with a few running in the background that if I had to guess will set up the next book in the series. Anne and Danny our main characters and we get both POV's that helped me know what was running through their heads. We also get a few side character's POV with those smaller start up storylines.

Despite everything going on, this was a very easy read because I just got so hooked on these characters and what was happening. There is a lot of excitement in this. If you've seen the prime time show the Chicago Fire, you'll get the picture of what you get in Consumed. I'm truly looking forward to the next in the series.

The best way to describe this book is page-turner. This book was so full of great characters, action, mystery, relationships, and romance that I could not wait to see what happened next. I always enjoy a story that includes the camaraderie of first responders, but these characters were well-developed and their individual issues were put in the forefront which made them not just heroes, but flawed humans. The friends to lover relationship is also one of my favorite types of stories, but this one was so much more complex based on their history together including job-related tragedies.

When I first began reading this book, I thought there might be too many characters and too many different storylines the author was trying to put in, and I was afraid it would be a lot to keep track of. Once I read deeper into the book, however; I was completely engrossed in the characters and immersed in all aspects of the story.

Although this book is a standalone, some things were left unfinished and I look forward to the follow-up books to come.

2.5-3 stars

This is a really hard review for me to write. JR Ward is one of my favorite authors. I am OBSESSED with her Black Dagger Brotherhood books. I was very excited to read Consumed. I mean, JR Ward and firefighters? Heck yes! There were parts of this book I did enjoy, but for the most part, it was just okay for me. The main issue I had is that I felt no connection to the two main characaters. I didn't love them together, or even as individuals. Even though this one didn't really work for me, I'm looking forward to reading more from JR Ward!

Consumed (Firefighters #1) is the first book in a new series written by J.R. Ward. To enhance the enjoyment of this first book I recommend you read the two prequels, The Rehearsal Dinner (The Wedding from Hell, #1; Firefighters, #0.5) and The Reception (The Wedding from Hell, #2; Firefighters, #0.6). Both books do a great job introducing the characters and setting the scene for Consumed. An added bonus, they are free on most venues.
If you are new to J.R. Ward’s books you are in for an amazing ride of a read and if you are already a fan, welcome back! In true Ward style, Consumed is well written, expertly researched and the characters are developed to perfection. Anne is a strong, but also flawed, independent woman in a male dominated world. I loved the way the author had Anne navigate all the uncertainties that encompass firefighters, without losing site of her femininity. Danny is all bad boy alpha male, firefighting machine. These two have been watching and wanting each other for two years….they are totally combustible together. I loved the journey these two characters experienced together. Ms Ward also introduces us to the other guys of the 499 crew and I am looking forward to reading about them in future books.
Ms. Ward’s development of the firefighter story line is gritty, edgy and profoundly realistic. Her detailed, descriptive language immerses you into the fire scenes, so much so you feel as if you are right there with these brave firefighters of the 499 Fire House. It as if the “fire” is a character unto itself. There will be surprises….nail biting action and profound darkness.
From the first page to the last Consumed totally captivated me. This is a incredible start, to what I consider to be, a series that will keep me reading and wanting more of the 499 Fire House crew for many years. I wholeheartedly recommend this book….Happy reading
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review in order to read this book. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***

A new book by JR Ward? Count me in! If you are a fan of BDB books like me then you will jump on this book without reading the blurb or even knowing what it is about just because of who wrote it. But this book is definitely different from those books and you have to know that going into it. The book starts off pulling on your heart strings (which of course she is great at!) but it also shows how a character can grow and change to become a better person. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I am still not sure if I truly like Danny and Anne. Danny in this book just seems to be a jerk and by the end I definitely liked him but some of the things he does just put me off. Anne just seemed to harp too much of being seen as one of the guys and when she wasn't in that part of the job anymore she lost her whole identity. I don't know, I just had a hard time with them personally. By the end it was much better for me but the beginning was hard. The writing itself was excellent as always, I just hope that the books following this one bring more depth to the characters and that it might be easier to connect to them.

Anne and Danny are grouped together as fellow firefighters and, for one night more. . They work well together because they both have a problem following the rule book until one particularly bad fire where they have to make a decision that will change both of their lives.
Anne now works as an arson investigator and, Danny is back as a firefighter but, both are dealing with the loss of their friendship and the significant changes in their lives.
Suddenly, the arsons Anne is investigating start coming together as planned for a reason and, Anne is determined to find out who is behind these fires. Unfortunately, the person behind these fires is not about to let her win. Danny decides he will protect her, whether she likes it or not and, they both start finding things are a lot more involved than they ever imagined.
I was swept up into this story from the first page and, happily held on for the fast-paced, fascinating ride!

I finished this last night and had to sleep on it to get my thoughts together. I'm honestly wavering between 4 and 5 stars right now, but going to bump to 5 for now.

I have only read the first 6 or 7 in the black dagger brotherhood series, but I am hoping to continue, eventually. I also have a bunch of her other books, and I know I like her writing. So as soon as I saw this, I requested it, not caring what it was about.

I read the two novella prequels (twice!) before starting this one and I really, really, really enjoyed them. I definitely think you should read them first! They made me super excited and I couldn't wait to get Danny and Anne's story. Then I started this and bloody hell shit hits the fan really early on and I was gobsmacked. Not expecting that at all. It stalled a bit for me towards the middle and I kept picking up other books, but eventually I sat down and got over that hump and finished it in one more sitting.

It was very complex, there was a lot going on, I do admit I didn't really care 100% about a lot of the details pertaining to the fires or other random information -great that she does her research, but I'm here for the people and their development, you know?

I really liked Danny, Anne was a bit harder to relate to but I liked how she grew. I thought she was crazy mean/pigheaded about her mother, but like I said, I like how she grew and matured as a character. I was a bit disappointed in the conflict that almost split them up, like come on Anne, have some faith or at least think about it... though, I am super not happy with (spoiler!!!!!) the fact that Danny was with other women while him and Anne went through that weird separation.

Soot was totally adorable!

I did not expect the bad guy, on one hand I was like that person is a piece of shit, and the other, I was sad for that person.

I will say that I am totally down for reading the rest of this series, though to be completely painfully honest, I might skip the ARC next time - I know it's an ARC but I've only ever read published books by JR Ward and the errors took me out of the book. I don't think I have enough restraint to not request an ARC though if it's available, so don't hold me to it. I can definitely see myself rereading this one when it is published, perhaps before the next one. There were a ton of lines I wanted to highlight, but I don't keep ARCs so I didn't.

All in all, highly enjoyed, definitely recommend if you are a JR Ward fan or like romantic suspense.

DNF at 43% After not really getting into the characters so much at the beginning, there was a climbing scene which started turning the tide for me, but then the aftermath of the sex scene was so awful that I just couldn't continue. The language used seemed so crass it made me cringe. I really liked Ms Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but this one is not for me.

4 Stars - I recommend if you like complicated characters and relationships, and a bit of mystery/detective type work.

Based on the synopsis I thought this would be really brooding... but the prequels were pretty light hearted. However, this book ended up being more of the brooding variety which seemed a bit more appropriate. Holy cow, the first whole bit of the book HAD MY JAW ON THE FLOOR! Whhatt?! After that, the Tom sections were kind of a bummer. I just wanted to read from Danny and Anne's perspectives, but it ended up balancing out and coming together well. It's tough because there was a LOT of groundwork that needed laid for these characters, and it takes some time to get there. However, once that's been established the plot really picks up and sucks you in. I think this will make a good series. Despite this genre not being my normal read, I really enjoyed this one and am glad I read it. As a side note: at times this book was SOOOO New England. The dialogue had me cracking up.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It was fast paced, a bit of a thriller, a small bit of a love story, and takes place in New England.

This book starts off FAST. There is some intense information to gather straight away, which means you'll be hooked!

Interesting information learned about fires, and firefighters, so that will help with Jeopardy questions. :)

I would read more from this author.

There's plenty of excitement in this story of arson, investigation and the lives and relationships of members of a small town fire department , I really got the feel of what it might be like to be a member of a fire team as well as fight fires. The suspense kept me going, waiting to see what happened next. The hero & heroine of this book are both firefighters at the same firehouse. Danny is a good looking stud who's spent much of his adult life being a player. Anne is the tough-as-nails daughter of a hero firefighter she's always wanted to live up to. While Danny is ready to commit to a relationship with Anne, she has trust issues and is something of a "one and done" type. I had a very hard time either relating to or liking her at first. Once I got to understand her background, she grew on me. She is a strong, tough and independent woman who is a worthy character even if I didn't emotionally connect with her.. The romance between her and Danny is not really the emphasis in the book, but the background. It is the suspense story that is the center and it's done well. This is the first part of a series and while there is some closure for most plot strings, there is also plenty left hanging for another book. I'll probably read the next one because I enjoy anything Ward writes and want to see what happens next but it won't be because I got involved with the characters.

This book started off with a bang. It was intense and riveting and I could not look away. I read the prequels and was sucked in by the chemistry between Danny and Anne. I was excited to get more of that - and the wild way this book started off gave the potential for an emotionally charged, sizzling love story.

Unfortunately, it didn't always deliver on that. This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I was invested enough to want to know what happened, and I sometimes I felt like I was reading an episode of Rescue Me, which is a compliment because I loved that crazy show. Honestly, there were times throughout the book where I found myself just as riveted and hanging on for the next plot twist as I was in the beginning. But other times I felt like too many things were being thrown at me at once and I wasn't given enough of any of them to really latch on or care. I was torn over how to feel about this. It was interesting, but also...sort of disappointing. Ultimately I feel like the author tried to do too much, and this book would have been better served in a stripped down form.

That said - there was a lot that I loved. I'm guessing (maybe hoping) that part of the problem here is that this is the first book in the series and there was a lot to lay out. I'm curious to know where it goes from here. There were a lot of fascinating characters, and I was completely drawn to and invested in Danny and Anne's storylines. This wasn't a perfect read for me, but in the end I was glad I read it, and will definitely check out the next one to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and J.R. Ward for the opportunity to read "Consumed." All opinions expressed are solely my own.
"Consumed" pretty much consumed me!
I was hooked with the opening pages of the book to the ending of the book.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
HIghly recommend!

I’m disappointed to say this is not J.R. Ward’s best work. I’m a big fan of her Black Dagger Brotherhood series and had higher expectations of her work. The overly descriptive scenes pull you out of the action. It’s as if she did extensive research and threw in every single little detail in the hopes that her work would come off as knowledgeable. It did not. Rather than enrich the scenes you’re left wondering why these minor details were included and you are quickly pulled out of the story. The characters were stereotypical hard asses and carbon copies of every cop or firefighter show you’ve seen before.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. J.R. Ward is a favorite of mine and I've really enjoyed her paranormal. I mean who doesn't love the Black Dagger Brotherhood, right? I knew the writing would be sound. I particularly like the creative words she makes up from common words or by making her own verbs from ordinary nouns. I was glad to see she did this in this book too.

I never quite warmed up to Anne. She's smart, tough and a great firefighter and very self-contained. She's driven to be live up to her dad's legacy. Danny is hot, sexy. The couple had a slow-burning, budding relationship just before their lives are turned upside down. One day the unimaginable happens and Danny is forced to do the unthinkable to save Anne's life. The experience drives a huge, unintended wedge between them. The guilt Danny feels is so realistic and he doesn't know how to be with Anne. Anne feels guilty that saving her Danny put his own life in mortal danger. This situation alone was rife with opportunity for a serious, deep character study.

Months later can they find their way back to each other? As Anne delves into her first fire inspection, she finds startling evidence that will lead her to a shocking conclusion. I won't put any spoilers in but Ward does a great job of keeping the culprit Anne is chasing a secret until the very end.

I liked watching Anne and Danny even though I didn't love them. There were plenty of multifaced characters and plenty of suspense. I felt the climatic screen tried to wrap a lot of story up very quickly. I ended the book feeling sort of unfulfilled and adrift. I didn't have the usual "I can't wait for the next book" feeling Ward usually causes me. The book was very good, but not great.

Not as compelling as Ward’s BDB series, I still enjoyed this.

Though I felt most of the problems were created by the characters, it didn’t put me off. And thankfully, this didn’t feel like pure fluff as so many books with that issue tend to.

I liked Anne okay, but I think there was a little something lacking. Maybe a little bit nicer...though I could appreciate her being one of the guys!!

I always enjoy a romance that has to g through ups and downs. Especially when the downs leads to both characters being alone for a time. The reunion is always the best thing!

I liked how this sets up for the rest of the series, though I’m currently unsure of who I am looking forward to the most.

I will definitely continue and recommend this series!

Wow! Now I know why Ward has so many fans. My first of hers, but not my last. This book was intense and grabbed me from page one and did not let go until I finished it. What amazing writing, character development, and overall intensity that makes sure you don't want to put it down.
Will be using in a daily challenge, recommending, and letting people of Chapter Chatter Pub know that this is a must read.

Ok it's got to be me!

After all there are all of those 4 & 5 star reviews for Consumed (Firefighters #1) by J.R. Ward . What’s wrong with me, what was I expecting?

I've read almost all of the books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series (some better than others), but the writing was good, the characters were developed, it was easy to form attachments, likes and dislikes. I like the concept of a romance book with firefighters. But with Consumed I was just bored. It was hard to like the character's, the plot seemed jumpy and almost like filler around the arson investigation. Even the sex scenes were mediocre, seemed like they written because there was a requirement for them in the plotline - maybe if they were more passionate and believable if it felt like the characters had a real connection and not an obligation to do it. Maybe I was expecting the book to be like an episode of Chicago Fire (a TV show) with a little drama, good friendships, comradery, hard work, and great sex! (which can’t actually be shown on network TV)

Being a female firefighter isn’t an easy task, Anne had a lot to live up to, not only within the firehouse but with the public as well. She was written as a strong character, and there were times when she questioned her femininity, as well as her ability to still work within the firefighting career after her accident.

I felt the relationship between Danny and Anne was almost one-sided - I didn't feel that Anne was as emotionally invested as Danny was. Then there was Danny's guilt and downward spiral into self-destruction, it seemed like Anne was always trying to make him feel better - even when she herself had a tremendous obstacle to overcome (which she seemed to have done rather quickly). The secondary characters (Tom, Ropes, Moose, Chavez & Ripkin) seemed like they needed more development and better / more expanded roles to play in the story.

I’m sure my personal negativity towards this book is my problem, so please look at additional reviews, as this might be a great read for you.

I wish to express my thanks to the Author – J R Ward, the publishing company – Gallery Books
( Simon & Schuster imprint) and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for an honest review.

The expected publication date is Oct 2nd, 2018. The book will be available in multiple formats.

For me this was a 2 star read out of 5 stars.

Tl;dr:If you really don't like millennials, and don't mind that only the female mc* is portrayed in a positive light, then this might work for you. In other words, a maybe for diehard fans. (?)

Consumed is a romance novel with some light suspense elements thrown in. That's not the issue.

Look, I'm a Gen Xer. I would rather have peanut butter on my toast than avocado. But.

But.

Ms. Ward clearly either doesn't like or has an odd sense of humor about millennials. A nurse, trying to do her job, is jabbed about safe spaces. Two 20 something guys working at an indoor climb facility are " as agitated as the Instagram set could get about anything other than the inhuman atrocity of almond milk instead of soy in their matcha lattes." (The rich millennials, btw, all apparently are in favor of the infamous "wall.")

There's not pages of the stuff, but what there was just...really? Is Ms. Ward unaware that millennials read romance, or does she just not care? And even if she doesn't care, why take lazy potshots at an entire generation?

Even more than that, what stuck in my craw the most was the portrayal of women. The main character, Anne, is sort of fleshed out in that she's one of four* women not painted as vapid or worse. (Two of the others are minor, minor chatacters, one of whom seems to be there as the bit nonwhite female, and the final minor character is the mc's mother, who, as far as I can tell, gets some semblance of humanity in time for Anne to get her hair and makeup on point (no, I'm not kidding).

I'm all for a good love story. I'm not for one that exists to feature yet another generic hard body, hard living alpha bro who falls in love with the only female character who possesses some semblance of, you know, basic humanity.

As always, I'm sure I'm in the minority, but this was not. for. me. 1/2 star for Soot, rounded up to one because I did read the whole thing, even if I cringed through it.