Burn (Alaska Heat)

I was selected to read and rate this book and received a free copy. I won't rehash the storyline as you will pick that up above. Burn is a book about finding the inner strength to overcome the things that you fear and hold you back. Stephanie Rowe weaves a beautiful story between Charlotte and Mack, two battered souls, who find each other and choose the courageous path of facing their fears and moving forward together. This story is set in the beautiful Alaska and what I love about the story is that you can imagine the crunch of snow and stark beauty. The book is fast paced and for those that love a mystery thriller romance, you will not be disappointed. I enjoyed both characters and found them authentic and believable. The book was well written and held my interest throughout. The reason that I only gave it a **** star and not a ***** star rating was that I would have liked a little more slow burn in their romance. Perhaps over a week or so. It concerned me that Charlotte fell for Mack so quickly with all the trauma she had endured. The time could have been extended without drawing out the book but it would have worked better for me. It is an excellent thriller romance. Enjoy!

BURN is the fourth instalment in Stephanie Rowe’s contemporary, adult ALASKA HEAT romantic, suspense series set in the wilderness of Alaska. This is cyber security specialist Mack Connor, and waitress Charlotte Murphy’s story line. BURN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mack and Charlotte’s story begins in book three GHOST. Mack is Ben Forsett’s childhood best friend, and Charlotte is Mari Walsh’s co-worker at the local bar. NOTE: For fans of the series, there is a six year gap for the author in writing the series, and a continuity error as it pertains to Charlotte’s family. Told from dual third person perspectives (Mack and Charlotte) BURN follows in the aftermath of Charlotte and Mari’s abduction by Charlotte’s former boyfriend Joseph. Struggling to move on with her life, Mari is determined to pack up and leave Alaska until Ben Forsett introduces Charlotte to the man with whom she will fall in love. Enter security specialist Mack Connor. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Mack and Charlotte, and the potential fall out as Charlotte’s past has returned in an effort to take down Charlotte and everyone connected to our heroine’s past. Charlotte Murphy lost everything five years earlier when her step-brother Dexter took the lives of her mother and father. Swearing to return to finish the job and kill the ‘sister’ he never knew, Charlotte has been hyper aware and in seclusion fearing Dexter will make good on the promise. Mack Connor’s last mission went all to h*ll, and in the ensuing months Mack has come to believe he is unworthy of love, relationships, friendships or help. Meeting Charlotte gave Mack a hope for the future but Charlotte’s issues of trust, may be something Mack is unable to overcome. The relationship between Mack and Charlotte is one of immediate attraction but Charlotte’s confidence is shattered, and she waffles between trusting our hero and the uncertainty of his ability to protect her life. Both Mack and Charlotte are a little bit broken and struggle with their demons both day and night. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many who have been introduced in the previous instalments: Cort and Kaylie (Ice #1), Luke and Isabella (Chill #2), Ben and Mari (Ghost #3) ; local Haas Carter; bar manager David Hampton; and Trooper Trey Hooper. BURN is a story of betrayal and vengeance; trust and uncertainty; relationships, friendships and love. The premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is captivating, tender and emotional; the characters are energetic and impassioned. BURN is an engaging and intense story of jealousy, retribution, hatred and hostility.

I loved both Mack and Charlotte’s characters both are broken yet still manage to push through the darkness that has them in its web. The storyline is amazing and flows with ease. I couldn’t put it down the drama, suspense and twists and turns throughout kept me glued to my seat. I received an early copy and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.