“But, over the past twenty years, I’ve come to realize he was simply a flawed man. A hurting man who overcame a lot and had more to overcome. A man in need of forgiveness and redemption like every other soul on this planet.”

Although Lynette Eason’s Serial Burn features exciting action and a slow-burning romance, that line resonated with me. Family wounds run deep for both Jesslyn and Nathan the main characters of the story. I know this quote was about a specific person, but I could see its relevancy to another close family member of the two main characters. Yep, that sounds cryptic, but for the sake of not giving up the goods on this amazing story, I won’t say what person. Jesslyn and Nathan’s painful discoveries about the past fueled their intense conflict, stemming from a lack of forgiveness, even though neither was at fault. They were just biproducts of other family members actions. Again family secrets run deep in this one. I couldn’t figure out who was the bad guy. So grab this story and see if you can figure out who’s to blame before it’s too late! Such a great mystery!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

“There are a lot of questions that only God can answer.”
Jesslyn definitely has a lot of questions when an arsonist keeps targeting her and the buildings she is connected with.
Ms. Eason takes us on a thrilling and puzzling ride to find the person behind these crimes. Fire Marshal Jesslyn digs deep into her personal tragedy of 20 years ago to ferret out clues. FBI agent Nathan is along to protect her. But he has secrets of his own that may quench any romantic sparks about to ignite.
Full of excitement, danger and family drama, this story focuses on two hurting people who try to keep their eyes on God and His purposes. There is an excellent explanation of forgiveness which ties into the reason Jesus came to redeem us.
Do not miss this wonderfully human story of loss, love and faith.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell Publishing through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

A captivating, fast-paced thriller from beginning to end! Full of danger, suspense, drama, and romance plus twists and turns that kept me guessing and also took me by surprise. Difficult subject matter is handled with grace and very well written. The characters are enduring making you wish you were apart of their friend group. The story drives home the points of God’s grace, forgiveness, healing, and redemption. This book encompasses all aspects of a fabulous story.

Fire Marshal Jesslyn McClintock has focused her entire life and career are capturing the arsonist who killed her family when she was a little girl. As the 20th anniversary approaches, her emotional speech sets off a chain of events that has her racing to discover who is behind the danger. Her investigation leads her to uncover secrets long hidden making her question her own life.

FBI agent Nate Carlisle had his future shaped by a tragic event from his childhood that he doesn’t share with anyone. As danger presses in on Jesslyn, he finds himself forced to confront a past he would rather leave buried.

This book captivated me and it was extremely difficult to put down yet I never wanted it to end. While this entire series is fantastic, this has been my favorite book! It is a must read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason – Action-packed, mystery, and intrigue with a little romance

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series. This novel is action packed from beginning to end. Characters from two earlier books are included, but it works well as a stand-alone book.

It has been twenty years since Jesslyn McCormick lost her parents and sister in an arson fire. She has made a public vow to find out who murdered her family. As a Fire Marshal, Jesslyn is dedicated to help bring justice to those who lives have been impacted by arson.

When a local church has been set on fire Jesslyn has been assigned to the investigation. Because a church was attacked it is considered a hate crime and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle has been assigned to work this case. Will they be able to find out who started this fire and stop them before more people are endangered and damage is done? When more fires are started in Lake City evidence indicates it is the work of a serial arsonist. When Jesslyn has some close calls at fire scenes, she is concerned that she is being targeted by the arsonist.

This book has lots of action, suspense, and mystery throughout the story. Both main characters, Jesslyn and Nathan, have some serious issues from their individual lives that they are trying to work through. The cases they are working on are bringing those issues to the forefront. There is attraction between the two main characters, but they realize that for now that is something that will be put on hold.

I really liked the support network of friends that were part of their lives. Friends that were introduced to readers in the first two novels of this series. I liked how Jesslyn and Nathan were able to build a relationship and begin to trust one another. Faith was a part of the story. I would have like to have seen it play a bigger part. Perhaps in the form of examining their thoughts and actions compared to what the Bible says how a believer should respond. Or a friend who is a solid and very caring Christian speaking truth to them.

There were some heavy emotions and situations in this book. In addition to those who perished in fires, there was adultery, guilt, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, and thoughts about self-harm.

Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the suspense and whodunit. I appreciated the supportive friendships the characters had. If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and whodunit novels, you may want to read Serial Burn by Lynette Eason.

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Serial Burn by Lynette Eason. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. Serial Burn will be released on January 21, 2025.

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason is the 3rd book in the Lake City Heroes series. Fire marshal Jesslyn McCormick wrestles with grief from the death of her parents in a fire many years ago, and her latest arson cases may have a connection to her past. Eason puts Jesslyn in constant danger and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is there to protect her and solve the arsons. Add in the cast of Lake City Heroes from your previous books, and Eason has created a page-turner that will have you asking when the next book in the series will be released.

Serial Burn is another action packed installment in the Lake City Heroes series. Jesslyn and Nathan team up to investigate several fires in Lake City, and in between harrowing experiences, they share their backstories and learn to trust each other. The action never stops as they pursue the arsonist, and Jess and Nathan rely on their friend network to help them in their investigation. I loved the friend circle dynamic. In each book so far, the friends are always willing to drop everything and help the friend who needs it at a moment's notice, no questions asked. And Nathan is willing to face his greatest fear in order to ensure Jess's safety. Their love story is a bright spot in the midst of the darkness of hunting for a killer. Lynette Eason delivers another great story. Can't wait for book four!

"Serial Burn" is a Christian romantic suspense. While it's the 3rd book in a series, it works as a standalone. Jesslyn has dedicated her life to solving the arson that killed her family and to solve other arsons so people can have justice. As a child, Nathan made a foolish mistake which resulted in a fire that caused the death of his friend. While they shared an understanding of the grief that arson can cause, Jesslyn felt like she must solve her family's murder before she can have a future of her own.

The main characters were likable, capable people who reacted realistically to events. Jesslyn and Nathan worked well together and supported each other. The suspense remained high due to a serial arsonist setting buildings on fire even when people were inside. Someone was also attempting to kill Jesslyn. Nathan's brother struggled with accepting God's forgiveness of his guilt. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting story.

This book grabbed me from the first sentences and didn't let go until the last word. Full of suspense, great characters, and surprises, I was up late turning page after page. Craftly worded, this story touches on mental illness and self harm with hope at it's heart. Themes are: forgiveness, emotional and mental healing, and dealing appropriately with grief. I particularly enjoyed how sensitive the author was in dealing with issues close to many of our hearts. The story was intriguing. Mrs. Eason has outdone herself in the third of the Lake Heroes Series. I'm already desiring book 4!

Intense thought-provoking suspense story with wonderful characters and sinister criminals. Read this story and try to figure out who is evil and who I smiled good in a race against time. This book was provided by author Lynette Eason and her publisher through Netgalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own personal thoughts. Definitely worth the read.

Readers who like suspenseful stories will enjoy this latest installment of the Lake City Heroes series. Deputy Fire Marshal Jesslyn McCormick and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle are featured in this fast paced search for the person setting fires and trying to kill Jesslyn. The past comes to light in both of these characters’ lives and the need for forgiveness and healing is emphasized. This can be read as a standalone but I would encourage readers to read the first two. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended!

Classic Lynette Eason. Well written, engaging, quick-paced, and faith-filled. The idea of someone working their entire life to avenge their family’s death played well with this story and there was a lot both the main characters had to work through. I enjoyed how everything was not hunky dory and there was a lot of ugly and hurt that came out while searching for the truth. That’s real life. Good story!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4 Stars

Amazing! Another well-written book by this author, and the third in it's series.
Here is one of my favorite quotes:

“In the meantime, I’m going to go back to the hospital and let Jesslyn know this latest. She’ll want to see the picture of the jewelry.”
“You could just call her, you know. And text her the picture.” “I could.”
“So why don’t you?”Because I want to see her. “Because she may want to talk out strategy, thoughts on capturing this guy.”
“Oh, that’s why. Riiight.”“Shut up.”
“See you later, partner.”

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Negative Content

An unknown version of the bible is referenced.

A mention that somebody said they swore that they had made something clear to someone

A mention of someone having been sworn to secrecy.

After having been caught in the rain during a shooting and chase, a man drops a woman off at her house.
Later it mentions the man stayed the night to keep an eye out for her when she passed out in case the shooter came back.(While nothing happened, it still was not wise for him to have stayed the night alone with her even though he was a policeman, a female cop could have stayed the night in his place.)

It later mentions he watched her house over night from outside in his car, and that she felt bad for him having had stayed outside all night and that she thought she should have known he would do that and offered her couch. She tells him to tell her next time if he is watching the house, and that he could have the comfortable couch or not-so-comfortable guest room bed.”

A mention that a person thought to themselves that they wanted to hate someone, but couldn't.

A man mentions that when he was a young boy, he decided he hated God and stopped believing in him because another young boy died in the same situation that he managed to survived.(He says that he no longer hates God, and now once again believes in God.) He was also upset at his brother for trying to talk it out for a fair hunk of the book.

A woman thinks that when she sees all the trouble a hurt man in the hospital was having moving, she had almost offered to help him get dressed but figured that might take things way past awkward. If he needed help, the hospital had workers for that.

A mention that a woman wore jeans that were tore at the knee.

                  ....................
Trigger Warnings

A person is considering committing suicide, but a person talks them back from the edge and says, “We’ll get through this, but you have to swear you’ll talk to me if you feel like picking up a gun again —or any other weapon.”

A few mentions of people in the past having been alcoholic.

A mention that a person from before the book committed suicide
(Not the same person).
           .............................
I am so glad to have been able to read this book, and I can't wait to read the fourth and final book in the series!

I received a complimentary e-book to review from Revell through Netgalley as part of the author's launch team. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

Another nail-biting suspense-filled book in this series that has me anxiously awaiting the next book. Jesslyn had her parents and siblings perish in a house fire when she was little,and she is determined to find out who started the fire. With the 2oth anniversary of their deaths coming up, she makes an announcement that she will not stop until the culprit is caught. She also has plans to open up a youth center in honor of her father. Then a church burns down and Jesslyn feels like someone is watching her. The non-stop action will have you wondering if the new fires have anything do with her past or are they totally unrelated. Who is following and shooting at Jesslyn? With Nathan trying to help with the investigation and battling his own past, will he be able to save Jesslyn? Grab your copy as soon as it hits the shelves and be prepared to read it from the first page until the last one in one sitting. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book. I will be buying my own copy to go with the previous books in the series.

Just wow, what can I say but WOW!!! 😍 Lynette Eason does it again and again! This is book 3 in the Lake City Heroes series and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading. I was telling my mother also, this needs to be turned into a movie with how well it was written and thought out. The MMC/FMC Nathan & Jesslyn were such great characters feeling like I was in the book with them to solve the mysteries. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book by Lynette.

I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Great romantic suspense, wonderful characters, I could not put it down and was immediately drawn into the story! Someone is out to get Fire Marshal Jesslyn McCormick after her impassioned speech on the 20th anniversary of their deaths to honor her parents and find the arsonist who killed her family in a house fire twenty years ago. She went into this career to find the man who did this and to help others. FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. There is chemistry and depth to this story as they both work to overcome tragic fire related trauma from the past. Themes of long-lived-with-guilt, purpose, forgiveness, healing, and redemption are beautifully written into this compelling action-packed story . I highly recommend Serial Burn and the whole series! The Lake City Heroes series can be read as standalones, but I love reading them in order and I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Lynette Eason's latest novel Serial Burn has steamy characters and even hotter action! I love how fast-paced this story is - it doesn't let up for a minute.

That's my favorite kind of book, and I love to see the main characters deal with a never-ending flood of changing circumstances, and that fits the bill for Nathan and Jessalyn. It's fascinating to watch them learn and grow, and with the personal histories that these two have - as well as their high-danger careers - they have much to process.

Even though I'd hope that most of us don't have this kind of trauma in our pasts, these lessons of forgiveness, redemption, and identity are still important. We all need these, and I love when my fun entertainment goes a bit deeper and and gives me valuable nuggets of wisdom to ponder even after I turn the last page.

And I did, far too soon, because I couldn't put this one down. Between the fires, murder attempts, and mystery, I couldn't wait to find out what happened - and I didn't quite guess it, either. That's always fun.

So if you're in the mood for some high-octane action with loveable characters and strong life lessons, give Serial Burn a try. You'll be glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Good read. Enjoyed the characters and story line. Highly recommend reading.

I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

"I believe he is who he says he is—which is a loving, forgiving God who has a plan for my life—...I chose to grab on to that and hold it tight. Some days it’s more tangible than others. But I feel it. I feel his forgiveness. And even when I don’t feel it, I still know it because I know him. That’s why I know you can too.”

This book was one wild ride! Jesslyn McCormick was an intriguing character that we met in the previous book, Target Acquired, and Serial Burn is her story.

Jesslyn has a lot of questions about the past and not many answers, so when an arsonist starts targeting random parts of Lake City, she is determined to uncover the culprit before the whole town goes up in smoke.

I really enjoyed this book, and I liked how the plot flowed. The characters were great, and we see the beginnings of a sweet and clean slow-burn romance. This was a good read, and now I can't wait to read it sequel, Final Approach which releases in August of 2025.

Thank you to Revell for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Interviews and Reviews and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

Get ready to catch your breath at the end of each chapter! This story brings together two people who were forever affected by fire. Jesslyn, who became a fire marshal to bring arsonists to justice and Nathan who seeks justice as an FBI agent but stays as far away as possible from fires. When these two join forces to discover who is setting fires that seem to be connected to Jesslyn, the danger gets closer and closer to both of them. Action, suspense, and a touch of romance makes this a must read. Plus, there are enough twists and turns that you may not know "whodunit" until the exciting climax!! I received an ARC from the author and Netgalley but all opinions are my own.

This book was very interesting! I was so excited to read it and hated when I was to busy to read. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. At one point I thought I had it all figured out. In my head, I was like, "this character did this and related to this character this way" then I kept reading and what I thought I had figured out was totally incorrect. I loved the characters and how each developed and the love story that became! It was really neat to see different family members roles in the story and how it developed.