Book Review and Giveaway: Slow Burn

Slow Burn
By: E. B. Walters
Published by: Firetrail Publishing
Release Date: May 1, 2011
Buy it at Amazon
Source: ARC provided by author
>Audience: Mature audiences only, 18+ years and older 



*Special Note: Giveaway rules and entry form are posted at the end of this review.

My thoughts: 
Slow Burn is an adult romance/mystery about Ashley Fitzgerald, a young woman who survived a horrific event as a child. She witnessed the death of her parents by fire, and survived the fire after being rescued by one of the firefighters. As an adult, she has blocked out the events of the fire and has moved on with her life through her art and the support of her family. When Ron Nobel shows up on Ashley’s doorstep, she has no clue as to how her life is about to change. Ron is the son of the firefighter who saved Ashley – and lost his life in the fire. After getting letters regarding the fire and raising suspicions as to the cause of the fire, Ron decides to do some investigating on his own and seeks out Ashley in hopes of convincing her to help him by sharing what she remembers from the events of that night. The attraction between Ron and Ashley is immediate. However, their relationship is doomed almost from the start. Ron is hiding the purpose of the investigation from Ashley, his mother hates Ashley and blames her for the death of Ron’s father, and someone is determined to keep Ron and Ashley from uncovering the truth. As key players in that fateful night begin to die and the danger gets closer and closer to Ashley and Ron, we have to wonder - Will their relationship survive the obstacles in its path? Will Ron and Ashley be successful in their quest for justice?


I really enjoyed reading Slow Burn. I’m a reader who has to be drawn into a book from the very start or I can’t get through it. Slow Burn is definitely one of those books that sucks you right in. When Ron appears on Ashley’s door step, she thinks he is the model she has been waiting for to pose for her erotic paintings. It’s a great scene, during which you learn a lot about both characters. I think I may have fallen for Ron a bit during that very first encounter – and I’m quite sure Ashley did too, although she wouldn’t have admitted that. Both main characters are well developed, strong characters. Ashley is easy to identify with. I love her creative side and loving side, but she is also such a strong woman. She’s not one to hide behind her man, and I loved that about her. As for Ron, he’s just hot. Ok, he’s not JUST hot. He’s got the whole package – he’s smart, determined, and sexy as hell, plus he’s got that whole alpha male thing going on, which I love. The story itself is fast paced and keeps the reader guessing. I am usually quick to guess the villain, but I kept going back and forth with the real arsonist on this one right up until the end.

While it wasn’t an “OMG, I can’t put it down or stop thinking about it!” book, it was a fun read. There were times that the story felt flat, and over use of the word must gave some of the scenes an overly dramatic feel. But overall, it was an engaging story with characters that stayed with me. In my experience with books in a series, the first book usually draws me in, but I find that the books get better and better as the series continues. I am anticipating that to be the case with the Fitzgerald Family series. I want more of Ashley and Ron, and I’m looking forward to reading more about this close-knit family. So, my final verdict… If you’re looking for a steamy romance with strong characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, then you should definitely give Slow Burn a chance!
Summary from Goodreads:
She doesn’t want to deal with the past...

Ten years ago, Ashley Fitzgerald witnessed the death of her parents in a tragic fire and blocked the memory. She pretends to have moved on, is a successful artist and photographer, until the morning she opens her door to a stranger she assumes is a model and asks him to strip to his briefs .

He wants to expose the truth....

Wealthy businessman Ron Noble has the body, the jet, the fast cars and the women, but he hides a deadly secret. His father started the fire that killed Ashley’s parents. Now someone is leaving him clues that could exonerate his father and they lead to Ashley’s door. Blindsided by the blazing attraction between them and a merciless killer silencing anyone who was there the night of the fire, Ron dare not tell Ashley the truth. Yet the answer he seeks may very well tear them apart.

While a demented arsonist...SLOW BURN(s)...and plots his ultimate revenge.

Find out more about Ednah Walters and the Fitzgerald Family Series on her website, blog, facebook fan page, and twitter.

You can also see the Slow Burn book trailer on YouTube.

For a reminder of the Slow Burn Blog Tour dates, click HERE.

And now on to the Giveaway!
Here is your chance to win a signed copy of Slow Burn, along with some fun swag...

Rules:
1. You must be 18+ years old. (This is an adult book)
2. You must be a Reading Lark follower.
3. Contest is open to U.S./Canada residents (or shipping addresses).
4. You can earn extra entries by commenting on this review and following Reading Lark on facebook and on twitter.
5. Remember, while it's not required for the Reading Lark giveaway, the Grand Prize winner at the end of the Slow Burn Blog Tour will be chosen from the Fitzgerald Family Series fanpage on facebook. So don't forget to go like that page!

Click HERE to enter!

*Stay tuned to Reading Lark for a very special interview tomorrow!*