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Art of Love #2

Created In Fire

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Despite a dating past littered with the broken hearts of women they both knew and worked with, all 34 yr old Michael Larson sincerely wants is to marry Carrie Larson, the mother of his future child, and love them both forever. Even though he truly wants the baby they created in the fire between them, Michael really doesn’t care how or why Carrie is now in his life and his bed. His sole focus is how to keep her there no matter what it takes. He definitely doesn’t have any intentions of honoring the prenuptial agreement with the divorce clause she’d insisted on. Michael won’t—can’t—let her go. He’ll never survive if he loses the only chance with Carrie she’s ever given him.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2011

85 people are currently reading
365 people want to read

About the author

Donna McDonald

149 books599 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author

I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.

I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.

I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.


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5 stars
295 (49%)
4 stars
213 (35%)
3 stars
72 (12%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews628 followers
January 21, 2018
I got this free book on Amazon and did not have high expectations, but I ended up really enjoying it.
In this book we have the story of Michael who is William's eldest son. William is the hero of the first book in the series.
I recommend reading the series in order, but it is not necessary to understand the story.
Michael is a single artist and he is very womanizing.
He is in love with a woman who always refuses his invitations to dates and is about to marry for the third time.
Every time she marries he becomes desperate and heartbroken. To try to overcome it he becomes more and more womanizing.
But our heroine is not immune to the hero's charm and between the second and third marriage they have a night of sex. For our hero it was a hope that she would accept his love, but he did not know she was engaged to another guy and with a date set to marry. She is a cheater!
This night of passion resulted in pregnancy.
I confess I did not like the heroine and I thought her attitude very cold when she met our hero and told him about the pregnancy.
She did not want a relationship with him or the child after birth. WTF!
At that moment she was not worthy of being a heroine in my book.
The hero despite all the shit he did in the past really loved her and faces this accidental pregnancy as a way to make her fall in love with him.
She was traumatized by an event involving her and our hero in college.
He does not even remember her or what happened, but he really gets embarrassed and sorry about it.
She has serious psychological and family issues. Not an easy-going or lovable heroine.
He has shown growth as a man and as a human being.
But I enjoyed the story and loved his family's involvement in the story.

He was sick, had to be sick to want to tie himself to a woman so unforgiving and so unwilling to see what could be. She knew how it was, how strong it was. Hell, she had married other men to avoid what was between them.

“Open your heart to me— just a little,” Michael demanded softly.

Even casual sexual relationships are serious to most women. If they tell you differently, they’re lying. A woman always has a reason for sleeping with a man.

Michael— women almost never have sex without a motivated reason. Physical relief is not at the top of their list like it is for men.

“But be fair, Michael. Carrie didn’t parade her husbands under your nose every day where you worked. You slept with just about every woman she worked with, and she had to be civil and professional to them while it was going on. If Carrie had any feelings for you at all, you demolished her self-worth on a regular basis with that alone. No woman wants to feel like she’s competing with the entire female population of the world.” “She was fucking married, Shane,” Michael yelled, standing to pace.

Be honest with yourself. You dated women Carrie knew to get even with her, Michael. And it probably worked because she’s still hurting over it. Now your petty behavior is coming back to bite you on the ass.

“Some people live watching life. Others live reacting to life. You live by feeling life. It shows up in your art. I don’t just like you. I also respect you for working to be true to yourself.”

This is love, she thought. The fighting and struggles. Working things out. Trying to offer comfort instead of more harm to someone.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews116 followers
Want to read
January 11, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2018)! 💝
Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,799 reviews343 followers
March 19, 2021
Michael is the oldest of the Larson brothers, but he didn't always act like it...

This novel ties in with the first in the series, and there were sightings of Will and Jessica, as well as the beginning of Shane's (next book?) possible romance as well.

Quick, funny at times, but not overly romantic, it was an ok story.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
90 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2013
I loved this book, this series and this crazy and passionate family.

Created in Fire is the second book in the Art of Love series and revolves around Michael and Carrie. Michael is an abstract artist and has been in love with Carrie for years but has had to stand back and watch her get married ......... twice, and then watch her get engaged to another man after that.

Carrie on the other hand has deep-seated issues with Michael which relates to their past history. She is trying to deal with it, but even so, there were times when I wanted to shake her and get her to either listen to reason or at the very least discuss the problems she has with him. But she is so stubborn and does not talk about her fears or her feeling and half the time he has to guess what she needs and has to act on his instincts more than is healthy in a relationship. But he perseveres, and manages to get what he wants and what he feels she wants and needs too LOL.

All the Larson men, not just Michael, are extremely charismatic and have strong ethics, but they are all driven by their passions to such an extent that their partners are sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of it all. Don't get me wrong, the women they love are all passionate, strong and demanding in their own right, but these men take their passions to a whole new level, sweeping everyone along with them. They will do absolutely anything for the women they love, and I do mean anything - they love with every fibre of their being.

I loved that the characters from Carved in Stone are also prominent in this book - it is great to see how they are doing and the interaction between the entire family is a lot of fun to read.

I really enjoy the author's writing style, the pace is fast and held my attention until the last page. I kept watching the progress bar at the bottom of my kindle, not wanting it to end. Heaven knows what I will read after I have read the following two books as I think I am slightly addicted to this series :)

I highly recommend this book and this series - I LOVED it, it is a really GREAT read.
Profile Image for Angie.
428 reviews
October 15, 2011
Great story that I couldn't put down! Michael and Carrie are both passionate people who have no idea how to love one another! She was emotionally hurt by him in college and she can't let go of her pain. He doesn't remember her from then just knows that he loves her now. How they figure things out makes a great story!
Profile Image for Shelly Jenkins.
83 reviews16 followers
September 4, 2013
Such a cute story. I'm so glad I found this series. It's a quick read with a great hero. I honestly struggled with liking the heroine and trying to see what the attraction was for him. But I ended up giving her the benefit of the doubt, since he seemed to love her so much. It had some really touching scenes that I thought about long afterward. I recommend it happily.
1,503 reviews47 followers
January 20, 2018
Although when Michael gets Carrie to move in and marry him, to help support her with the baby, knowing that she wants nothing to do with it he hopes to change that.
Carrie has problems dealing with the her and Michael’s past and how her family treats her, while at the same time going through pregnancy hormones. Michael doesn’t understand what he can do to make Carrie, believe that he loves her and only her, only after a talk with his brother, Shane, does Michael see why he may have been the way he was with women, although it leaves him with more questions as well.
Carrie and Michael need to work through their past, and their issues together to reach their happily ever after and start their real life together. Enjoyed this read as they worked though their issues and how the story ended, also seeing a glimpse, of Michael’s brother Shane who is looking for Mrs Right and when he meets Reece the sparks fly.
Profile Image for lovestoread.
953 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2018
Wow book two is incredible. I cried happy tears, but I also cried sad tears.

Carrie fell in love when she was in college. She was badly hurt by him too. She has been carrying this with her and has hardened her heart toward men. To top it all off, her family has never been very supportive.

Michael met Carrie when he was setting up to do a showing of his sculptures, Carrie was his event organizer. He fell in love with her at first sight.

This story is full of emotion. All the characters are brought more to life in the telling of Michael's story. We get to see how his parents and step parents grow, get an introduction to new family when Carrie's family comes on board, and we get a glimpse of what (who?) Shane is looking for.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews97 followers
January 18, 2018
Loved It

A wonders second book in the series. Michael finally lands Carrie, but she is now engaged for a 3rd time. But she is his event planner for his artwork. She shows up at his house unexpectedly because she is pregnant. And she knows its his even though they were careful. But they have a lot yo get past.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,182 reviews22 followers
April 5, 2019
We are shown the true feelings of Michael, son of Will, from book 1, when the girl he has loved from afar, for over 3 years, but who had spent one fantastic night with him a month earlier, turns up on his doorstep.
I won't go into further detail, as I hate to give away a great storyline. One, you may need tissues to help you through it.
402 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2021
Just loved this story

Carrie and Michael are two amazing characters. I love how the author weaves the past and the present through the story. And having all of the characters from the first book as well as some new ones makes me want more. Just loving this series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
July 20, 2016
Kirstin's Review:

Carrie and Michael have had a history together since the first book in this series, and now you finally get to find out what happened between them in the past.

Without spoiling too much of the story, these two have more of a past then was already shared in book one, and it's a past that Carrie is having a hard time letting go.

So the question is, is resentment of past mistakes worth risking a love that was meant to be? And can that resentment finally be overcome?

Well, maybe not in real life,.... but it sure can in a romance novel!
It just takes a lot of emotional angst and hot steamy sex to help finally set things right!

So, if like a good emotionally charged romance with some hot steamy sex then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Ellen.
1,063 reviews13 followers
May 30, 2014
CREATED IN FIRE - All 34 yr old Michael Larson wants is to marry Carrie Addison, the mother of his future child, and love them both forever. He doesn’t care how or why Carrie is now in his life and his bed. His sole focus is how to keep her there no matter what it takes.
I have really enjoy reading Donna McDonalds books. Her characters are so real with faults and problems that you can relate too. The Larsen family are fabulous and I have really enjoy reading this series.
Being 50 myself, I love the older characters you find in her books. Her stories are charming, funny, sweet and sexy. Definitely recommended reading - just be sure you don't start reading the first one if you have things you need to get done. I am on to the next book. I can't wait to read about Shane "CAPTURED IN INK ".
Profile Image for Marcie Oropeza.
94 reviews12 followers
March 23, 2013
This is book two in a series that you must purchase: it's so worthwhile, you'll read and re-read it. This is Carrie's and Michael's story but it's also the continuation of Will's and Jessica's story and a bit of a moving-on of Ellen's and Luke's story, too. This is what I love about this series: the characters become so endeared to the reader that you simply must read more to find out if they get their HEA and what happens next .... to whom!

Carrie and Michael have so much to deal with in this story. Their pain is gut-wrenching, their love is fiery, their conflicts...prickly and their sex....off-the-charts hot!

Yet another book that I couldn't put down.
523 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2016
I think this was my favorite of the stories about the Larson men. Carrie spent a lot of time being upset over things in Michael's past but I have to say that I didn't blame her a bit. I read A LOT of romance and one thing that frequently bugs me in other books is that I will ask myself "well why didn't she ask about that?" or something similar. What I love about Donna McDonald's characters is that they are real. Carrie has been the most real to me. I understood how she was feeling throughout the book. There was never a point where I was wondering why she wasn't looking for answers.
Donna McDonald is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Nancy.
2,521 reviews61 followers
October 25, 2015
Michael & Carrie's Story

Unusual setup between Michael & Carrie..she is pregnant and living with him. They plan to be married.
I enjoyed the scene where Shane meets "ann" (Reesa) for the first time.
The psychological riff is fun too in this series.
M & C's relationship was trying for this reader
especially towards the end. And this reader disagreed with some of the moral stands taken.
The whole Larson family is a great support team to see in action and I recommend this series overall.
Profile Image for Lidia.
2,615 reviews29 followers
January 28, 2014
So nice and cute this second book of series, Michael is a wonderful character, who don't have fear of showing his feelings...and cries a lot, there aren't much so men in the books. The story can seem simple but it is multi-faceted and Mrs McDonald then writes of painful arguments , as of abortion for Carrie, in way discreet but realistic,, investigating and deepening the psychological aspects without take off lightly at story.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
368 reviews
May 14, 2016
Michael and Carrie's story started many years ago, even if Michael Larson can't remember it. Their story had me from page one. It had me crying several times as well. Carrie wants to run from him and doesn't want to like him much less love him, and Michael is willing to do whatever it takes to have her permanently in his life. I am loving this series and I knew from the little sneak in book 1 that Michael and Carrie's story would be a great read and it was!
2 reviews
May 29, 2016
I love the fact that Donna McDonald is writing about characters that aren't in their 20's. How refreshing for those of us who are in our -ahem- prime years! It's a joy to find books that have these characters that are flawed like we are, yet continue to have the same real emotions, wants, dreams and desires. I loved this book, was crying half way through, and adore that Michael wasn't afraid to be real and show his feelings. I can't wait to keep going with the series!
Profile Image for Stephen Ashley.
487 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2014
Book Two of a Series

Warning: I love the author! This story is a continuation in a series and blends in wonderfully. First we learn of Will, now one of his sons. An entertaining story of people struggling through life and living with issues. Trust and broken hearts abound. In this story it was almost painful to endure Carrie's doubts. Off to read book #3 tonight.
Profile Image for Jennette.
573 reviews
May 29, 2014
Another fun read. I like this wacky family. I will say that this book is better if you read the first book in the series before as all the family characters are set up in that book and just continued in this one. I loved all the emotional baggage and how it doesn't just instantly vanish just because they fall in love. All of the emotional turmoil makes the characters seem more real and likeable.
Profile Image for Leenkie.
619 reviews
August 8, 2015
The book was good in parts but I'm glad it's over. I was getting tired of Carrie. Yes, she has a past that's upsetting but so do many others and they've managed to at least be happy. She's miserable. I really like Michael but even he was starting to irritate me. It's not the easiest love story. I can see how others may really enjoy this book though.
Profile Image for Jennifer DiGiugno.
57 reviews
February 23, 2013
besides the grammar and other editing flaws this book has humor and passion. simple yet intriguing read; this writer keeps you wanting to read. the character's are so real you can't help but want the best for them and root them on.
Profile Image for Twaithe.
7 reviews
August 6, 2013
This is a four part series. Jessica and Will, Michael and Carrie, Shane and Reesa. Wonderful, wonderful love story. I could not stop reading. You will come across every emotion reading this series & find a little bit of yourself ion each one.
All I will say so as not to spoil.
813 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2013
Second in the series is about Michael and Carrie. Michael feels he has found the woman he wants for the rest of his life. Carrie has some issues because Michael doesn't remember her from years past when they were in college together. Can they wrk things out and find happiness.
Profile Image for Pamela.
48 reviews
November 7, 2013
I really like this series. I like the characters in these books enough to keep reading to see what happens. They mostly seem like real people to me...I feel like I truly get to know them. I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of this crazy family does.
Profile Image for Michele.
546 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2014
I love how much the characters families are tied into this story. The support of the brothers, and the perfect set up for the plot of the third book is genius. Plus some good advice from the therapist Carrie sees is a bonus. Never thought I could get so much from a romance novel.
Profile Image for Polly.
794 reviews
July 19, 2015
Not sure I've read a book with more emotion in it. Your writing is beautiful and I just hurt watching these two hurt each other because they loved each other so much. Shane should be fun and moving as well.
9 reviews
November 12, 2015
I liked this book didn't disappoint. Hot Romantic great characters. I will definitely read the next in this series!

I love the interplay between the characters. I wanted to encourage the ladies when hard times came, Wish I could send them some yogurt bars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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