Title: In Flames
Author: Jessica Jayne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book Descripiton:
Gracelyn Riley married a firefighter and knew that came with risks. But she never imagined herself widowed in her early thirties with two children to care for on her own. Even though her marriage to Chad Riley had its difficulties, dealing with the last year without him has not been easy. Her brother-in-law, Matt, has been the rock that has kept her from collapsing or imploding.
As a fireman, Matt Riley had been at the scene when his brother, Chad, was killed. For the last year, Matt has suffered from survivor’s guilt and drank himself into oblivion. His sister-in-law, Gracelyn, supported him, lending him a shoulder to cry on. Her friendship has pulled him through time and time again until he finally sobered.
With the year anniversary of Chad’s death upon them, Gracelyn and Matt turn to each for support and comfort. What they didn’t expect was to realize that their feelings for each other go beyond the solid friendship they share. Can they overcome the guilt and the scrutiny of their family and friends to find love together?
My Review:
So I have to first start this review by saying I believe this is the first time I have read anything by Mrs. Jayne. And yes I said believe, and I'll explain why at the end of this review. Now I have to say the synopsis of this book is what caught my attention and made me want to read it. I haven't read many firefighter story's lately so I thought it was time to read one again.
Look I felt for both Matt and Gracelyn. They both lost someone who was very close and meant something to them. Obviously Gracelyn lost her husband and Matt lost his brother.
Here's the thing though I never felt the loss from them. I never felt that emotional pull from this book. I think I felt the loss more from Matt than I did Gracelyn. That also might have to do with the fact that this book was mostly in Matt's POV. I never felt the grief from Gracelyn of lossing a husband except for at the beginning.
Look I really really wanted to love this book. But honestly it was just kind of eh, to me. I felt like the prologue pulled me in, and than it just kind of trailed off. And honestly Matt and Gracelyn kind of wigged me out. I mean I'm all for moving on after a loss, but these two just kind of jump into it after a year. I mean yes it was more than obvious Matt had an attraction to Gracelyn, but I wasn't sure about her with him. Also I have no problem with smexiness in a book, I mean the smexier the better. But these two were a little off the charts even for me.
As I just mentioned above this book was an ok book, and there were parts that I found enjoyable. I did really like the prologue and felt like the prologue would definitely pull you in. Also as mentioned at the beginning of this review I put that I believe this is the first time I've read anything by Mrs. Jayne and I said that because at the very end of the book Mrs. Jayne mentions that this book is a republished book and that she changed a few thing's in this book. I can't remember if I read the first version of this book or not, but the author's name sounded very familiar to me.
I'm giving this book 3.5 Stars out of 5!!!!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from IndieSage PR for my honest review. The opinions in this post are 100% of Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews and may differ from others.
