Reviews

Afterburn by E. Davies

thosemedalingkids's review against another edition

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Wasn't enjoying the chemistry between the heroes. 

amystraw's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

fleurette's review against another edition

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3.0

This is my first book by this author, and I haven't read the previous books in this series either, but that wasn't a problem, although the characters from the previous two books are strongly present in the story. Overall, it's a very cute story, much more than I expected, I guess.

Although there are many more sex scenes than I anticipated. But they are skillfully written. You definitely feel the emotions of the main characters, the sex scenes cement their relationship and are part of their relation, they move their relationship forward.

Besides, this is to some extent a love at the first sight story. But it's written so well you don't notice it at all. Which is good, because I usually don't like this theme. Jace and Charlie complement each other very well and make a lovely couple with interesting dynamics. I love that their relationship is based on banter. This is something unique and I would like to find something like that more often in my books.

But Jace and Charlie are also interesting and multidimensional characters on their own. Each of them carries a baggage of life experiences that they have to deal with. The author did a good job of showing how the past shapes their current behavior and ability to enter into new relationships. I think this makes Jace and Charlie stand out from other characters in books like this.

There are also some very difficult and dark topics in the book, including domestic violence and drug addiction. But they are all handled quite delicately. These are not triggers for me, so to tell you the truth, I would even prefer that these topics were treated more strongly. They would add depth to the story, but certainly make it darker as well. The topics that are more present are the anxiety attacks and past mental health issues of Charlie. These are the strong points of this book that give it depth despite the light tone of the whole story.

Overall, I am nicely surprised by this book, especially since I have not heard of this author before. I would certainly consider reading at least the rest of the books in this series.

ktomp17's review against another edition

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5.0

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC copy I received from the author

YES! We finally get the Chief's story!!! I felt so bad for him when we found out his husband was horrible, and this book picked up right at the divorce. Charlie and Jace couldn't stand each other when they first meet, and then find that they become really good friends (sometimes with benefits). Neither man was looking for a relationship and didn't want one, but they found a comfort with each other as they struggled with personal demons. They were a fabulous complement to each other, and I absolutely loved this.

ktomp17's review against another edition

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4.0

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Dylan and Liam both had trauma in their pasts that caused challenges for them in their adult lives. Liam is forced into therapy by his fire chief, and quickly finds benefit from it. Dylan, who is going to school to be an art therapist, has no faith in the therapy system because it never worked for him before. He is in denial that he needs someone else to help him, and vows to help others so they don't have to suffer like he did. He has trouble trusting others, so it makes sense that he would try to take care of things himself. Fortunately, Liam helps him see that he is worthy of happiness.

I have to admit I was expecting a fire to happen in some way during the book, but I was glad to see that I was able to be surprised and be wrong
I thought Dylan's mom's house would have an issue with the wildfire
. It was the wake up call both Dylan and Liam needed to see what they had right in front of them was worth fighting for. I liked the characters together. They were seemingly opposites, yet they were more alike than anyone would expect. They were a great pair.

terriaminute's review against another edition

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5.0

This is nicely done; first we love each guy, and then we learn just how complicated they are, and just what those complications will mean. It's a sweet love story won through mental illnesses and life challenges, and I want a Velma, please. :)
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