Burn For Me (Secrets & Shadows, #0.5) by Shiloh Walker
Romance Suspense
E book, Novella, 80 pages
April 1, 2014
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Reviewed by Tori
Tate Bell has never forgotten the night his mother disappeared. Convinced his father had something to do with it, Tate has spent years trying to find out what happened that fateful night and has locked down emotionally, much to the dismay of Ali Holmes.
Ali and Tate have engaged in a three year no strings affair but the lines have blurred and Ali finds she wants more than a few stolen hours in bed when her kids are asleep. Ali knows Tate has more to offer but his fear that he is as dangerous and will hurt her leaves him unwilling to commit deeper. When Ali demands more than Tate can offer, will he fight for their love or will he walk away for good?
Though a fan of everything Ms. Walker writes, I am bias in my thinking that she absolutely kicks arse in romantic suspense. Not only does Ms. Walker deliver her trademark scorching hot love scenes and dynamic, personable characters, but she shows no matter the story length, she is quite capable of creating a suspense that will keep you perched on the edge till the very end. Fast pacing and a dramatic layered storyline will hold you hostage as the tension builds through the novella.
Burn For Me is a prequel novella to Shiloh Walker’s newest Romance Suspense series, Secrets & Shadows. Three prequels in all will revolve around three siblings trying to discover what happened to their mother and attempt to move beyond their grief and get on with their lives. A full length novel in the series, Deeper In Need, will release June 2014. Though I’m not one to normally associate music with a book, while reading I kept hearing the song, “Say Something” by A Great Big World.
Emotionally dark, this novella opens up a veritable flood gate of pain, sadness, anger, and hope. Wanting someone who isn’t willing to give more is a heartbreak waiting to happen and Ali is determined not to be hurt anymore. After three years, she has grown to love Tate but his anger and grief keeps him mired in the past. Though only 80 pages, I never felt as though I was missing anything in the story or the protagonist’s relationship. I liked that while Tate and Ali aren’t guaranteed an HEA, they are given a chance at something incredible should they be able to work through their issues.
The romance is lush and bittersweet. The chemistry between Tate and Ali smolders heavy as they each struggle to deal with the changes in their relationship. It’s a strong part of the storyline and complements the conflict. Their physical scenes are steamy hot and satisfying. It was very easy to get caught up in the emotional currents of these two lovers.
The secondary characters are viable additions to the story as they add layers to the mystery. Each one is a piece in the puzzle; though Walker doesn’t give away much. As with any good suspense, there are multiple subplots running through the main storyline and each one is a possible key to the final outcome.
Burn For Me is an engaging start to this series and a must read for those readers who love their romances dark and uncertain. I am looking forward to the release of her next novella in the series, Break For Me, set to release late April 2014, by St Martin’s.
RATING: B
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This author is on my radar. I’ve only read Fragile and Broken ages ago, but Amy has rec’d her Ash trilogy to me and I know you read all her stuff. I like the sound of this one even with the 3 teaser novellas before the main book. Interesting way to introduce a series!
It’s really good. Dark and emotional but with a wonderful ray of hope that shines through.
First off I wanted to tell you how much I love your Blog! Second thanks for sharing this review, I have read a few things about this book, but wasn’t totally sold on it. I love books in a series so I might lean towards getting this one. I have been reading a few of Adrienne Giordano’s books, The Prosecutor was the first one of hers that I have read in a while, and I just finished Stealing Justice! Fantastic reads and in the Romantic Suspense genre she currently my fav author! adriennegiordano.com is her site, she has so many other books too. I could find myself reading many more of hers!
This review pretty much mirrors how I feel about Burn for Me. Shilohs work is becoming an auto buy for me. I’m really enjoying her rom suspense and u/f books. Great review :-)
Nice review I really need to find some time to read some of her books. For now my interest in romantic suspense is taken up by Heather Graham.
Good morning. I just found this terrific comment (Thank you, Chandra!) so I’m a bit late in posting, but wanted to offer a copy of Stealing Justice for you to review. I know you have a lot of books in your to-read pile, but please let me know if you would like a copy of Stealing Justice (or any of my titles). I can be reached here:
http://www.adriennegiordano.com/contact
Thank you and happy reading!