Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Book Review: Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood

Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, May 8, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 253 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackwood fans the flames of desire in her smoking-hot series about firefighters and the women who want them…
Unemployed schoolteacher Erin Jenkins is back in Portland, the town she hasn’t called home for more than a decade. It’s not the way she wants to spend her last days of summer: in between jobs and avoiding her mother’s snooping by escaping to the ice-cream aisle. But when the opportunity arises for her to accompany her brother’s best friend—her lifetime crush—to a wedding, summer gets a whole lot more interesting.
Firefighter and single dad Jake Bennett has built a nice, safe wall around his heart—no romance, no getting burned. That doesn’t mean he’s ruling out a fling. Considering Erin’s visit is temporary, they’re the perfect fit for a scorching no-strings one-night stand. Or two. Or five. Until the worst thing happens: Erin and Jake are feeling more. Damn that four-letter word.
Now their hearts are on the line, and when their smoldering summer comes to a close, it’s going to be harder than ever to put out the fire.

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Vikki’s Musings

I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review Burning Up, and since the book description peeked my curiosity, I accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Blackwood. The story has decent pacing and an intriguing concept. The writing flows smoothly and has the right amount of description to give me a clear picture without taking it too far where nothing is left to my imagination.

Erin Jenkins’ character is a mixed bag for me. I would have liked more depth to her character. I did not understand why she felt so strongly about leaving Portland in the first place, and why she is so determined to get out of Dodge as soon as possible. Overall, I never became vested in her character.

The best part of Jake’s character is his overwhelming love for his daughter, and that he is not a player, just a nice guy. Unfortunately, that did not give me much insight into personality. I’m not even sure why he falls in love with Erin, especially since I did not care for her. Again, his character needs more depth.

Let’s talk the romance element. It is the central theme of this novel. There is sexual chemistry between Jake and Erin. There is no doubt they are physically attracted to each other, but for me, the emotional connection is not strong, and that’s what is most important to me when I’m reading a romance.

Unfortunately, Burning Up was not my cup of tea, but I could appreciate the author’s witty banter and humor. Opinions are always subjective, and other will love this book. I would have liked a bit more action and emotional romance. Happy reading!

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