This is the first book by this author I've read. And wow, it grabbed me from the beginning and kept me.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters, the story, all of it. And when it ended I totally wanted more. The story kicked off with a wow - loved the relationship between Anne and Danny - and the twist and turns in the story.

I will be looking at other books by the author now.

Another engrossing read from J.R. Ward. I can see a whole series of books about many of the other characters we met in Consumed. I cannot wait to read more books set in the fire-fighting world.

I hadn't read any of J.R. Ward's books before and I was anxious to read this one as I know she has many fans. It was a fascinating novel about firefighting and arson investigation with some steamy romance and intrigue thrown in. During a routine warehouse fire, Anne, a fearless, take-no-prisoners, Alpha female suffers a devastating injury at the hand of Danny--the "bad boy" firefighter to whom she is attracted. Both are wounded characters, physically and mentally-- from their pasts and their present--and of course think that suffering in silence will help them "move on." Has that really ever worked for anyone? (But no one asked for my advice). In any case, it has a fast-moving plot, dynamic characters that are complex and flawed, and action that is non-stop. This will certainly make you respect firefighters and the dangers they face--so a very relevant read with all that's happening this fire season!

4.5 Stars
Fans of J.R. Ward will probably love CONSUMED, since her cast of primary and secondary characters, both male and female, are all in-your-face, don't F with me alphas, reminiscent of her Black Dagger Brotherhood protagonists. Her firefighters are dedicated and kick-ass in Book One of her new series. Keeping up with the action and pace of this story was like watching an extended drag race, and I have to admit I got fatigued by that at times, but Ward proved once again that she can deliver a unique series.

Good story about the dangers of fire fighting and the mystery of solving an arson case and maybe a little romance thrown in. .

I will admit that it was slow reading at first. Then somewhere around chapter 3 I couldn't put it down. Anne and Danny were relatable characters and you can't help but root for them. Ms. Ward did the thing I love best about her books, she gave us a wealth of characters to wait patiently for their stories to be written. She also made sure we were hooked on the overall conflict.

Anne and Danny are both strong characters and both have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Will they learn that shouldering it together is better than doing it alone? Will they learn that strength isn't in the circumstances? The warden gives us great characters with a great story and she doesn't skimp on the heat.

Consumed is book one in the brand new Firefighters series by J.R. Ward. I am a new reader to this author. I’ve been trying forever to start her Black Dagger Brotherhood series and haven’t been able to get to it yet. So when I saw that she was starting a new contemporary series, I thought that it would be perfect for me since I had no predetermined opinions about her books. It was the best decision I have ever made. This book completely rocked my world. I did read two of The Wedding From Hell prequels and I feel like it really helped to set the stage for Danny and Anne’s relationship.

Anne Ashburn has been with the New Brunswick station 499 Fire Department for a little over two years. She and Danny Maguire have been dancing around each other from the start. Then there was “the night” of Moose’s wedding when “it” happened. It’s been three weeks since then and the chemistry is still sizzling between them. Then everything changed. It was the night of the warehouse fire when she made a decision that would change both her and Danny’s lives forever.

Danny has been in love with Anne from the start. The night of his best friend’s wedding only cemented the knowledge that she was the only woman for him. Then came the night of the fire. The night that everything changed. The night that he saved her, only so that he could lose her.

Anne can’t fight fires anymore so she trains to be a fire inspector. Just like she does everything else, she accepts the challenge and jumps in. She begins looking into a recent fire and also some previous fires and finds what she thinks is something that ties them all together. It’s been ten months since the last fire she fought. Where she fought to overcome every obstacle in her path, Danny took a different route to dull his pain. He did it with drinking and taking crazy risks at work. But one thing doesn’t change. As soon as they come face to face again it’s obvious that the chemistry they once shared is still there.

I can’t tell you enough how amazing this book was. It starts out right out of the gate stealing your breath away. After everything that happened in just the first few chapters I asked myself how the author could keep up this pace but somehow she managed. There is love, steamy sexy times, some smiles, and plenty of danger. Anne is one tough woman. But she’s also soft when she needs to be. And Danny, my oh my I love that man. He was so broken but still had so much love to give.

I don’t know anything about the next book in the series. Only that I will read it whenever J.R. Ward writes it. This book swept me away. I was completely immersed into this community of men and women and their fight for survival. I can’t wait for more.

“Sometimes strength rested not in resistance, but in the release of arms against a foe of one’s own creation.”

Unfortunately Consumed was a DNF for me. While I normally don't review DNF books, Consumed deserves a review.

**Spoiler Warning**

Let's start with what I really liked about Consumed. At the beginning of the book there is a big fire, Anne and Danny are at the scene. Anne makes a bad call and gets trapped, Danny comes to her rescue. In most contemporary romances there would be a big magical "I saved you" moment of unrealistic proportions, I absolutely LOVED that while Anne was rescued it came at a cost. While my heart hurt for both Anne (for the injury) and for Danny (for having done it) I appreciated that there wasn't a magical rescue.

I am a person that is able to suspend belief while reading books. I know that it's necessary for authors to take certain liberties to move the story along, or add some flair to a story and I usually have no issues with this. However in Consumed that wasn't the case.

I'm not a firefighter, but I do know one so I know some stuff and I just couldn't handle all these things that were happening. It was just too much for me and felt like the author didn't do any research on firefighting before writing this book. Pretty much every firefighter we encountered were irresponsible, childish and/or insubordinate. While I can buy that there is a person or two that behaves that way, I can't buy that every single firefighter does. The main hero runs back into a fire without his mask on, and while at first it seemed like he was going to suffer the consequences of his actions but then the chief lets him come back after one therapy session and against the recommendation of the therapist. At that point it was just too many things for me and I decided not to continue with the book.

With that said, I would still recommend Consumed to those who are looking for this type of contemporary romance. It was well written and I loved that it featured a non traditional heroine.

4.5 The title says it all. I was "Consumed" by this book. I had to finish it. Anne seems bitter and hard headed, but just like in real life - there is a reason. Danny was um um good. I did feel like I came in the middle of their relationship so to speak. This book took me up and dropped me low, it made me shake my head in wonder, and cringe in pain. It made me step back and think about firefighters, all our first responders. There is a lot of angst in this book from most of the characters, and the twist at the end,....well I didn't see that coming. I think I have an idea who will be popping up in book 2, and I am hoping we are there watching Anne and Danny grow. I would recommend this book with the caveat to buckle up its a bumpy ride.! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions and thoughts I freely volunteer.

Anne Ashburn is a fighterfighter-turned-arson-investigator, after an incident leaves her unable to remain a firefighter.

Danny McGuire is a firefighter, still working at the old station that Anne used to work at, tormented by what happened to Anne, and still dealing with his own trauma.

After not talking for ten months, Anne and Danny team up to investigate someone who’s starting fires around town, which might endanger their relationships, and their lives.

consumed-9781501194900_hr

Rating: 3/5 Stars

I’ll probably read everything J.R. Ward writes. Even though I know almost nothing about firefighters, it was interesting to learn about them.

Sometimes, authors will write in different subjects, but it’s basically the same story with different characters. I think that this series especially will be different from the BDB.

Finally finishing this book now, I think that I was a little bit disappointed. I can “see” the mystery continuing on, and other characters that will have romances. There were no women in this book, so that was bizarre.

There wasn’t a resolution for the fire mystery, but I’m sure someone else will figure it out.

I’ll read the other books because I like J.R. Ward, but I didn’t love this.

The book doesn’t come out until October 2nd, so think about if it might be a fit for you.

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for review by Netgalley. All opinions are my own, and I wasn’t paid for this review.

This must have been a record for me; by page 2 I knew it was not what I wanted to read. Too much drama, too many stupid choices, too much yelling, too much unnecessary swearing. I only read a few chapters of this fire department story and it was reinforced that the more I read, the less I liked it so I stopped.
Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

The last time I read a J.R. Ward book, was one of the wildly popular, Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which I used to devour. On that same note, I never could get into her Fallen Angels series, so when I was offered this to read, I wanted to give the author a chance to grab a hold of me with a new series.

J.R. Ward has an in-your-face, hits you in the gut, no holds barred style of writing and it transfers well into this band of firefighters. There are several subplots running along with the main characters that help you to get more deeply involved with this station. After a tragic accident, Anne has to leave firefighting behind, and the risks she took in her job in the past – transcends to her new position as an arson investigator, and will land her in a world of danger. I connected well with Anne, and of course, I love Soot.

Danny – one of the elite firefighters, has turned to self-destruction, and it’s painful to watch. Feeling strong guilt of what happened to Anne has pushed him into a path of rage and alcohol. It took a while for him to grow on me. But when he did, it was complete.

The only real issues I had was how much the book jumped around. From chapter to chapter, we jumped around the different characters and even subplots running, and it would toss me out of the story a bit. The suspense, romance and secondary characters are well developed. Did I like it as much as the Black Dagger Brotherhood? Probably not. But it’s definitely a good start to a series and well worth your time. The ending will blow you away, and I really wonder how many readers will guess this twist, I sure didn’t.

If you let yourself not be taken aback by this author’s style of writing who can get down and dirty with the best of them, you will be in for a good ride. I’ll be staying on J.R. Ward’s roller coaster for a bit longer.

The opening opened with some great action, but that fizzled out fairly quickly. It stays slow for awhile and picks up close to the end. I have mixed feelings about the book. Ward set-up the book towards the end for spinoffs or to continue the series. I give the book 3 stars because it was slow for quite a long time.

Oh my goodness! This book just swallowed me completely and never gave me up! I have not read anything before by this author, big mistake for me! There was so much in this story, emotion, fear, intensity, courage, friendship, love and family. The intensity of feelings between Anne and Danny was magical. The story starts explosively and I was immediately drawn in. Anne and Danny were firefighters and Anne was trapped in a building. She could not free herself so Danny, with Anne’s permission, chopped her hand off to free her. The story really takes off from that point, how Anne moves forward, how Danny llives with his guilt, do they get together again? Wonderful, wonderful story! I highly recommend!

Consumed is about a woman who life changes one night and her will to get back on track. Consumed introduces Annie who grows even as she faces her worst known fear. With a little help of her delicious love interest. With mystery and suspense Ms. Ward created a new world with this new book that I had a hard time putting down.

Forewarning: I am biased because I really like J.R. Ward and the worlds she creates. I think she has diverse characters and is not shy with delving into making her characters imperfect.

Consumed was aptly named because I consumed this book. The pace of the book was great, I never got bored or felt that it was anti-climatic. The twist was not predicted (rare when you read as much as I do and when you have read the author's other books). The main characters, Anne and Danny, were delightful and interesting and grew. I cannot wait to watch them continue to grow.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. I think J.R. Ward is going to create a fantastic world that may not include fantasy but still has magic.

WOW! JR Ward comes out fighting in this first book of the Firefighters series! Talk about throwing it out there! I was reading and going "Oh My God!" Throughout this whole book, but especially in the first part of this book!

I REALLY enjoyed Consumed! I enjoyed the characters, the suspense, and the firefighter theme. I read the novellas that led up to these and I am glad I did, but you don't have to read them first.

This was an intense book with fun additions (Anne's boss and her dog) and Love and heartbreak.

I recommend this book!

Anne Ashburn is a legacy firefighter. Her father died on the job when she was only thirteen; her brother Tom is the current Chief. As a female and an Ashburn she is compelled to be the best; but an almost fatal mistake changes her life. She's forced to change jobs within the department, and totally remake her self image. Now she must also deal with a serial arsonist and her relationship with another firefighter from her old squad.
I was impressed with the authors insight into Anne's trauma and life changes - not an easy subject and very well done. The world of firefighters is a unique brotherhood and Ward has done it credit. All of the characters are compelling and you are drawn into their lives. You won't be able to put the book down. Not a paranormal story, but a very well written one. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the next. I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Storyline: 5
Angst: 3
Tissue: 1
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

Wow. I just didn't even guess where this story would end up with all of the surprise twists. Very good suspense and emotionally addictive. I was there step by step during her investigation and dealing with her family issues at the same time. Not to throw in Danny and his own personal issues and his love for Anne. It was just so freaking amazing. And I can't wait for the next book. While some plotlines were tied up with a tidy little bow, others are still waiting on some more information...some more digging in and finding out the truth. You can't handle the truth! Yes, I can!!! But this was a brilliant job on pulling the reading into a series, keeping their interest the entire story and leaving them always wanting a little more. Bravo!

For JR Ward, I felt like the characters in this book were rather dull. The story was pretty good but even when I finally got to the last 25% of the book, I could've stopped reading and never finished. I never developed a real connection to any of the characters in Consumed.

Consumed completely gripped me in an entirely unexpected way, pulling me in and connecting me to the storyline in a way that JR Ward's previous books never have before. While I'm still living under a rock and haven't read the BDB series yet, I was wholly captivated by the family saga of The Bourbon Kings. I adored that series so much, the three installments quickly becoming some of my top favorite reads to date. But still, I was not emotionally tethered to TBK characters and their love story the way I was with Danny Maguire and Anne Ashburne's romance in Consumed. For a reader that loves romance with a good bit of angst and longing, JR Ward DELIVERS with this steamy, smoking hot FIREFIGHTER love story. 

Before I even began Consumed, I had devoured the FREE Wedding prequels Ward had just published. I was so BLOWN AWAY by those prequels. IMMEDIATELY it was clear that Anne and Danny were characters I needed to know completely. The quiet longing that had simmered between them long before the events of Consumed ensnared me. I loved the vibe I got from those little nibbles, loved the overall feel Ward was setting up for this new Firefighters series. The tone of this world being shaped and built up around these blue collar Massachusetts firefighters was so different from what she's delivered thus far and I was CONSUMED by it. Everything about those prequels screamed sexy, emotional, riveting contemporary romance and I was so desperate for what Consumed had in store.

Well... I did not see this coming. Truly, my chin was on the floor for so much of this novel. The first 15% left me breathless. I had to stop reading and talk about it with anyone who'd listen. I was stunned. The events that transpire in the beginning of this book, the moments and decisions that truly alter the trajectory of these characters' lives forever, the devastation that sets into motion the unpredictable evolution of this story was, for me, JAW DROPPING. I couldn't look away. I couldn't catch my breath. I couldn't believe all that was happening in the blink of an eye, just three weeks after the wedding in that prequel. JR Ward knows how to rope a reader in with just a few pages because I was consumed. But the shock value never really stopped. The romance and the friendships, the family drama, the fire investigation, Danny's downward spiral, the jealousy and the fury Deandra provides, the vivid personalities of EVERY SINGLE character, the most mundane conversations that never really felt mundane at all... all of it had me turning the pages with vigor. I never wanted it to end but I was ravenous for more. I felt high reading this book, euphoric, consistently THRILLED and emotionally invested in every page of this book. That's how good I thought this book was. That's how much I just loved it. 

The balance in this book is just phenomenal. Consumed is sexy and steamy but not overtly so. It's just perfect, seamless with the overall tone of the rest of the book. But even without pages and pages of gratuitous sex, the fiery current between Anne and Danny is undeniable. But the balance between the romance and every other aspect of this novel is perfection. I was just as transfixed by Anne's investigation as I was by the family dynamics between both the blood-related characters and the family of firefighters. I was as intoxicated by the romance and the heartache between Dannyboy and Anne as I was by the danger that seems to lurk in dark corners. I was intrigued by every side character, by the drama and the possibilities that emerged surrounding all of them. And I was completely SHOCKED by the twists and turns this story took. 

I did not see any of this coming. I was so shaken, so sad, so hopeful and joyful and addicted all at once. I want a book for every character RIGHT FREAKING NOW. I never wanted this book to end. As I sit here reflecting back on everything I've just experienced, on the wholly unpredictable course of events that transpire between the first page of The Rehearsal Dinner to the last page of Consumed, I'm feeling both giddy over how fantastic it was and verklempt over having to wait for more where this came from.