Review of When We Burn (The Blackwells of Montana #1)
When I first came across When We Burn, I was instantly drawn in by the striking cover featuring a plus-size heroine—a rarity that deserves celebration in romance literature. Team that with Sean Masters’ captivating narration, and I was hooked before I even hit play. Written by the talented duo of Sean Masters and Erin Mallon, this novel unveils a story that resonated with me on so many levels.
The narrative introduces us to Bridger, a rugged firefighter, and Dani, his best friend’s sister. The complexity of their relationship is woven through the backdrop of small-town life, trauma, and romance. Bridger has been harboring feelings for Dani, but life takes a tumultuous turn when she leaves town, and he ends up entangled with her bully. This twist had me shouting in frustration—how could he possibly choose someone like that? But as fate would have it, Bridger becomes a single dad, and guess who returns to town? Yep, it’s Dani, now teaching his daughter.
One of the first things I appreciated about When We Burn is its brisk pacing. There’s no endless back-and-forth; Bridger knows what he wants, and he pursues Dani with an admirable tenacity. This divorced from the frustrating “will-they-won’t-they” trope that sometimes haunts romance novels. Dani’s insecurities as a plus-size woman are portrayed authentically, but I adored that she didn’t let them define her. Her connection to Bridger’s daughter was heartwarming and provided a much-needed depth to the storyline.
The emotional weight of Dani’s past adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Each reveal about her struggle kept me invested, and at times it felt like my heart was breaking alongside hers. I found myself grateful that the book treated these serious themes with care, without straying into melodrama. As for the suspense? Let’s just say it wasn’t overdone, and I appreciated that there were no outrageous plot twists involving kidnappings or the like.
Now, let’s talk about the steam factor—because, boy, is there steam! The smut scenes are plentiful and, while exhilarating, I did find them occasionally overshadowed the main story. However, with Sean Masters narrating, I was anything but disappointed; his voice is practically an experience unto itself! Erin Mallon’s portrayal of Dani was equally impressive, skillfully conveying her character’s struggles and joys.
Overall, When We Burn is a delightful mix of heat, humor, and heart. It’s a celebration of resilience and love in the face of adversity, making it a must-listen for fans of contemporary romance. Whether you adore single dad stories, appreciate a curvy heroine, or simply crave a fast-paced love story, this audiobook deserves a spot on your playlist.
Final verdict? If you’re searching for a romance that strikes a balance between poignant and passionate, grab yourself a copy of When We Burn. You won’t regret it; this book is a delightful escape that left me both satisfied and eager for the next installment. Happy listening!
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