SYNOPSIS
After being saved by a firefighter, Velaney Wills meets Eric Reilley, who recently moved from Texas to Boston to work on the Boston Fire Department. Ironically, Eric lives below Velaney and with his devilish charm, and sweet accent, Velaney is finding him hard to resist.
Velaney grew up in what should've been the perfect childhood. Her father owns his own dental practice, and her mother a Pastor. She wasn't allowed to swear and never got into any trouble, however, her troubled and complicated past makes her build walls that she doesn't let down easily.
Eric is fascinated with the fact that Velaney can't swear. She uses filler words to express herself that he often finds hilarious. Velaney runs as her outlet - releasing the rage and anger she has built up inside her from a deep secret she's never told anyone except her lifelong best friend, and roommate, Carissa.
Eric and Velaney become running partners - only securing their obvious sexual tension between them. No matter how much Velaney pushes Eric away, he will always be there to save her.
EXCERPT
"Good morning, sweetheart," Eric welcomes in his beautiful sweet tone.
"Why is it so bright out?" I ask, crashing my arms on the breakfast bar, laying my head down.
"That typically happens when it's morning my dear."
"What are you making?" I ask, seeing a counter-filled of grocery bags.
"Waffles, eggs, French toast, and hash browns."
"You remember this isn't a frat house, right?" I smile, teasing the fact that he thinks girls eat all this in the morning. I barely ate a granola bar in the mornings. I need time to wake up.
"You girls need your strength after working all night. Plus, I like my girls with an appetite."
Huh?
"That's not what I've noticed," I spat out a little too quickly.
He turns and glares at me. I feel the blush rising to my cheeks, immediately regretting that last statement.
"And what does that mean exactly?" He crosses his arms across his wide, broad chest.
Fine, let's play this game.
"I've seen you with a couple girls. They are all skinny minis. I doubt they have an appetite." I laugh, hoping to lighten the mood.
Before he can answer, Carissa wags her butt in the kitchen in only a t-shirt and panties. "Yes, waffles!"
She bends down to grab one off the plate and starts going to town. Eric and I stay silent, watching her.
"What?" she asks with a mouthful.
"Velaney thinks I'm a man whore."
"What? I never said that!" I gasp, standing up. "I never said anything even remotely close to that!"
"Lane, chill," Carissa says, pulling my hand to sit back down. "Dude, what did you do to my girl?" she asks Eric, now scowling at him.
He doesn't respond, but instead he just keeps cooking. After a long ten minutes of silence, he places the rest of the food in front of us, and then smiles.
"Well ladies, enjoy your breakfast and your day." He grabs his jacket and walks to the door. I hop off the stool and try to reach for him before he leaves.
"Eric, wait!" I call out, reaching for his arm. He turns abruptly, staring at me thru his beautiful eyes. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Velaney." He's standing closer to me now, studying my face.
"I don't want you to leave mad," I say quietly, unsure of what he is thinking.
"I told you before. I could never be mad at someone as beautiful as you." His upper lip curls up in a slight smile, making the tingles reappear.
"Why do you say stuff like that, Eric?"
"Because you are beautiful. Do you not like me saying it?" he asks, stepping closer once again, if there was even any space left between us.
"I love it." His eyes are intense, and before I can protest, he crashes his lips to mine. My hands immediately flock to his head, squeezing his hair between my fingers. His arms wrap around my waist, clenching me tight against his chest. It feels amazing to be in his built, strong arms. He squeezes lightly against my back, urging me to stand on my toes.
MY REVIEW
What is not to love when a book contains a hot, tattooed, southern firefighter and that same firefighter also has a piercing and drawl that will make you weak in the knees! Brooke Cumberland weaves us through a love story that is electric and heart breaking all in one book. This is a 3.5 star read!
Velaney is a twenty something, strong young woman focusing on her independence from her family and enjoying life with her roommate and best friend.
Eric is the southern gentleman that unbeknownst to Velaney, lives in her apartment building. Eric's instincts kick in when their apartment building is on fire and he rushes to help people escape. Little did Eric and Velaney know but their lives would never be the same after that fateful night.
The attraction is immediate and HOT! Eric is determined to purse this attraction and Velaney insists they are only friends.
"But the way you kissed me, the way you made me feel.... it's not something I want to ignore. It's not something I can ignore." ~ Eric
This love story is not without it's fair share of angst. Velaney had a sad and heartbreaking childhood. Her love and affection was betrayed in ways no child should endure. Velaney stills lives with the effects of her childhood although she is determined to move forward and holds her head high doing so.
Brooke creates a page turning story and one which will keep you on the edge of your seat. As people from Velaney's past threaten her future we find the end of the book in a cliffhanger. But before you throw your Kindle don't fret BURN is set to release in October.
AUTHOR BIO:
Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She's studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.
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Wow cant wait to read this book! i would probably swoon if a hot fire fighter rescued me!
ReplyDeleteTy and take Him out to dinner!
ReplyDeleteThank him and hug him! :-)
ReplyDelete