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The Fallout Duet #2

When the Smoke Clears

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When the Smoke Clears is book two in The Fallout Duet and picks up right where When Sparks Fly left off.

They say to live like you’re dying, but what happens when you come out on the other side?


I faced my attacker. I lived.

Now I have a new fight. Even as I heal, I’m fighting for my freedom, my mental health, my future. As family secrets continue to be exposed, it’s clear I’m not the only one whose safety or future is in jeopardy.

How do I reconcile this new version of me with who I used to be? And what will I lose along the way?

I finally figured out what I want, but is it too late for my happily ever after?

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2025

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About the author

Amanda Marquardt

6 books74 followers
Amanda Marquardt was born and raised in Texas, with a nomadic spirit. She currently lives in Florida with her husband and children. She began writing at eight years old, dabbling in romance, suspense, and fantasy along the way.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, reading, and visiting the beach.

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5 stars
27 (45%)
4 stars
26 (44%)
3 stars
5 (8%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Amber.
1,254 reviews53 followers
February 27, 2025
When The Smoke Clears was such an emotional finish to Maci and Sutton's story. It picks up right where book one left off with Maci injured from Colt coming over. This left her with anxiety and PTSD. The way Sutton and her friends helped her was perfect. Maci deals with a detective that doesn't seem to believe her, learning more about her dad and dealing with Alan, Colt's dad and her stepdad. She shows so much strength through it all. Sutton is the ever perfect boyfriend, doing all her can to be there for her. Will Alan finally leave her and Stephanie alone? Can Maci move forward with her life?
Profile Image for BookReviewMystic | Tabitha S..
112 reviews10 followers
April 30, 2025
I love that this books picks up right where the first book (When Sparks Fly) leaves off. I really enjoyed the continuation of Maci and Sutton's story. As Maci struggles with the aftermath of tragic events, she is surrounded by a supportive group of friends and family. I appreciate the messy parts of this book and feel it gives a good representation of PTSD.

I'm also greatly thankful for the deeper look into Stephanie and James' lives. While I do love Sutton... I am more than prepared for more of James, if Marquardt is so obliged.

Great ending as well! I can't wait to see what's next for this group of cuties!
Profile Image for Anais Rosa.
449 reviews14 followers
March 2, 2025
When the Smoke Clears by Amanda Marquardt is the final book in The Fallout Duet, picking up right where When Sparks Fly left off.

What to Expect:
🤠 Small-town cowboy romance
🕵️‍♂️ Family secrets & shocking twists
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/Comfort
🧠 PTSD representation
👨‍👩‍👧 Found family
🔥 Touch-her-and-die vibes

⭐ 4.25 | 🌶️ 2.5

“I’ll burn this whole damn world down if it means keeping you.”

Synopsis:
Surviving was just the beginning. As she heals and uncovers dangerous family secrets, she fights for her future—but is it too late for her happily ever after?

“You make me feel light, and free, and happy. So damn happy. And you are where I feel safest. Even when the entire world is crashing down, it’s not as scary with you.”

My Thoughts:
I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers, but this book was the perfect conclusion to Maci and Sutton’s journey. After the events at the end of When Sparks Fly, Maci is on the road to recovery, navigating life with PTSD. Sutton is by her side every step of the way, and his love and devotion to her are everything. He’s protective and always ready to help, but Maci struggles to ask for support—something she has to learn in this book. Her healing journey felt raw and authentic, and I really appreciated how the story highlighted the challenges of accessing mental health services, both with and without insurance.

Beyond Maci’s personal struggles, the family secrets that unravel in this book bring shocking twists that kept me hooked. Just when I thought things were settling down, new revelations added layers of tension and suspense. These twists not only impacted Maci’s future but also put others in danger, making the stakes feel even higher.

I loved watching Maci and Sutton’s relationship grow. Maci’s friends wanted to be there for her, but she hesitated to lean on them. I also adored the bond she built with Sutton’s mom—it gave her a sense of peace she desperately needed. The romance was so sweet, and if you love spice, Sutton’s dirty talk will not disappoint. Their chemistry was undeniable!

More than anything, this book showcases Maci’s strength and resilience, Sutton’s unwavering support, and the power of love and healing—even in the face of life-altering secrets. If you’re looking for a small-town cowboy romance with a touch of suspense and unexpected twists, this duet is a must-read!

Huge thanks to Amanda for the advance copy—this review reflects my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Brit W.
127 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2025

When the Smoke Clears is the second book in The Fallout Duet Series that will tug at your heart strings and have you on the edge of your seat. Maci faced her attacker and walked out alive — but her fights not over as she tries to prove her innocence, more family secrets are exposed and she is struggling to find her happy ending through all the smoke.

I was so excited to finally read the conclusion of Maci and Sutton’s journey after that jaw dropping cliffhanger in When Sparks Fly. As Maci struggled with the aftermath of the events, all I wanted to do was hug her. The support from those around her and them being there, even in the smallest moments, had me loving them even more - those are the kind of people you need in your life. Her strength was admirable and watching certain relationships grow was incredibly moving.

When it came to the chemistry between Maci and Sutton, it was still magnetic as ever and never faltered. This part of their story gets steamy and Sutton is not a sharing man. She was still feisty and he was his swoony self making them perfect for each other.

I think the multiple POV’s really brought the story together and showed the deeper connection it had. The way everyone evolved and grew together - in their own ways - was beautifully portrayed and it made the story feel so authentic.

When the Smoke Clears is officially available today! Make sure to get your copy! ♥️

What you can expect and love about this book:
• PTSD Rep
• Hurt/comfort
• Family secrets
• Touch her and ☠️
Profile Image for Sian curtis.
174 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2025
Wow so spicy and so good so glad I read these 2 books book one is already on my review list proper hooked me. I love the epilogue as well was wanting that to happen so badly they deserve it so much

Colt dies Maci shot him all tho she was stabbed by him. She ends in hospital and has to have surgery luckily nothing hit anything vital just muscle.

Maci struggles to get out her head alot so with the attack and k****ng Colt she has so much going on in her head she thinks the worse she does open up she keeps everything locked away. Maci has to speak detectives about that night all though the police dnt seem to beleive her she lives with Sutton until her family home get sorted out but Stephanie moves in as she escapes her husband after finding out things about him.

Melissa is colts mum and she doesn't blame maci she actually thought he was ill. She even tells the police about Colt but Alan tells a different story all together. Maci keeps seeing James her dad at the club to keep him updating on things. Maci has trouble also revisiting a house she once lived her nans due to the attack happening there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
748 reviews15 followers
March 3, 2025
“I’ll cut this thing off before I share it with anyone else, so yeah, I’m greedy. It’s mine.”

I loved seeing the culmination of Sutton and Macy's story.

In this book, we got to see the aftermath of what happened in Whem Soarks fly, and the author showed us how actions have consequences, and not everything is always peachy.

I enjoyed the way the author presented Maci's struggles. How she wasn't immediately ok with what happened. The way she had a hard time letting others in and accepting help made the story feel real and relatable. I also loved how her loved ones gave Maci the space she needed to process everything while always letting her know that they were there for her.

I do feel like there were some unanswered questions, especially when it comes to Stephanie, Alan and James, but I hope that we will get to see this when we see the stories that the author has planned for the rest of the characters.

Quote: “I don’t like being called your boyfriend. Boyfriend feels so temporary. What I feel for you isn’t temporary. I told you, I’m building a life with you.”
Profile Image for Sarah .
386 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Part 2 in the Fallout Duet and it was so worth waiting for. We continue to follow the story of Sutton and Macie and get to find out what happened after the cliffhanger ending of When Sparks Fly.

What can I say except this is just such a sweet story. It’s a story of trauma healing (with a PTSD rep), unconditional love and support and caring for those who are important to you. If you need to have faith in love, romance and the support people who care about you will provide - pick up this book.

Sutton as the MMC is the standout character for me. He is just such a good guy. I loved him in When Sparks Fly and love him even more after When The Smoke Clears. Macie as the FMC is also so well written - strong, coming to terms with a complicated family and trying to manage trauma.

This takes a slower pace than When Sparks Fly but in a good way. It follows the fallout from the first book but there are still some good twists and turns alongside that.

An all round good book which restores faith in the world.
Profile Image for Dani Freeman.
170 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2025
When the Smoke Clears by Amanda Marquardt is the final book in The Fallout Duet, picking up right where When Sparks Fly left off after the epic cliffhanger that left us all on edge.

Maci survived her attacker but with every secret coming to light under the grave consequences of someone’s actions her mind is a mess. Add on top her PTSD from the attack. Her life is full of twist and turns that makes her feel like she has to handle it all by herself. Enter Sutton, who shuts down every negative thought and continues to support Maci during her recovery but in his mind he still feels like he failed Maci by not protecting her in every way that night. He thought he lost her but he is determined to fight for his Firecracker and their future.

This book is a nonstop suspense roller coaster of a read that leaves you wanting to devour the entire book in one sitting. Please read the trigger warning prior to reading because your mental health matters with the sensitive contents within this read.
Profile Image for CookesBooks.
1,017 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2025
The cliffhanger at the end of When Sparks Fly had me on the edge of my seat and my jaw on the floor. I was so looking forward to When the Smoke Clears and the wait was worth it and then some!

When the Smoke Clears was an absolutely incredible conclusion to The Fallout Duet. The conclusion to Sutton and Maci's story was written with the emotion and grit I was hoping for and I loved every dramatic and emotional part of it.

As family secrets are exposed, Maci's resolve is tested time and time again. Danger and suspense seem to be around every corner and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the climatic conclusion.

Maci is one strong woman, and with a man like Sutton by her side, there was only ever one way their story was going to end. Love and resilience win in the end. Maci & Sutton's HEA was hard fought and dramatic at times, but that just made them coming out on top even better.

I can't wait to see what Amanda Marquardt has in store for us next!
Profile Image for Mishelle.
366 reviews
May 29, 2025
This book is the second part to When Sparks Fly (I recommend you go read that one, it’s amazing).

So this book takes part right at the end of the first book and talks about the aftermath. Amanda Marquardt really knows about how to write about the feelings after dealing with something traumatic. The fmc, Maci has changed and is trying to live life. But now there is a before this event and after.

The Maci she was before is not the Maci she is now and she will never be her again. Which is something that is hard to accept yourself but also for those around you to accept. But Sutton does. He knows things are hard for Maci and he is there for anything she needs.

Sutton is the rancher we all want in our lives. Book husband material with a cowboy hat, can we ask for any more?

Spice Rating: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Crystal Conwell.
36 reviews
January 30, 2026
Amanda Marquardt When The Smoke Clears was so incredible !!! This is book 2 of a duet. The chemistry between the FMC Maci and her rancher MMC Sutton is ⚡️. Maci continues her personal struggles and fights her need to be independent as Sutton shows her that he will be by her side always. She spends this book trying to reconcile events from book 1 while more threads unravel. Sutton spends this book proving how deep his love runs to Maci. There is a HEA, but not without Maci struggling u til the end. A character describes Sutton and Maci as two magnets because they truly believe they were always meant to connect. This book ended perfectly! Be aware of your personal triggers as this book touches on a lot of different tough subjects. But if you like Ranchers, MCs, and Drama this book is for you!
Profile Image for Keri Gilson.
Author 2 books2 followers
March 6, 2026
This book picks up right where that cliffhanger in book one ends, and I was immediately pulled back into Maci and Sutton’s story.

Maci is dealing with both the physical and mental aftermath of the Colt situation, and you can really feel the weight of what she’s going through. Sutton is trying to walk that fine line of being there for her without pushing too hard, all while still handling the everyday responsibilities of the ranch. Her friends and family are all also there for her. She’s got a great support system around her.

We also get to see more of Stephanie in this book, and honestly, I really started to feel bad for her.

Amanda does a great job of pulling you into the story. By the time you’re into this duet, the characters start to feel like family. This was such a spicy, fun read, and I really enjoyed seeing how everything continued to unfold.
Profile Image for Nora.
101 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2025
This picked up right after the last book left off and I was here for it. I still felt my audible gasp at the end of When Sparks Fly any time I thought back to that book so I was excited to jump back in! Maci found out so much about herself but her parents too throughout the book. I loved hearing more from her mom in this book and I would have loved a chapter perspective of James in different parts!

I really loved the development between Sutton and Maci. I feel like the end of book 1 really gave them that opportunity to grow together as Maci dealt with the fallout. Sutton is just so dang reliable and steady

This book gave us a look at just how strong Maci is. I know if I went through everything she did, I don’t feel like I would have taken the same road because it’s hard to do hard things on your own. She really just kept swinging for herself. I also loved how much of a support Sutton’s mom was for Maci! Between Sutton’s family and Maci’s friends she was definitely in good hands.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
321 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2025
Quick Look-
Genre: small town romance
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Recommend: yes!!



Full review-
Read the first book!!! Then read this one!! Sutton was the ultimate boyfriend in the first book, and he doesn’t let us down here either. He is so protective of Maci while also being so kind and gentle with her during her recovery. I absolutely adore them together-they work through things as a true team. Maci has a hard time letting people in, but eventually Sutton breaks down her walls. The characters are adorable, the spice is 🔥, and the plot is perfect! Go pickup both books for $2!!





“This entire ranch could burn down, and my only concern would be for you”
Profile Image for Stephanie.
62 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2025
I loved this 2-book series! Excellent writing. Excellent characters. LOVE a happy ending!

The book picks up from the cliffhanger in book one and immediately you're thrown back into the scene. The whole book is filled with intense moments that range from fear to PTSD to opening yourself up for potential heartbreak.

There is laughter, sadness and some spiciness! Relationship building. Learning to cope through PTSD. Threats. Leaving an abusive relationship. The book covers so many topics, but in an organized manner that fits.

I finished this in 24 hours. It would be a great weekend read or even something to take on vacation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie.
552 reviews22 followers
March 6, 2025
This was the perfect ending for this duet. It picks up exactly where the first book ended so you would need to read that book first.

I loved in this book how we got to see Maci work through what she has been through as well as navigating the secrets that are starting to surface from her family. I felt watching Maci and her struggles through her PTSD/Anxiety were so real and authentic.

Sutton..oh Sutton I adored him in this book as much as I did the first book. He is by Maci’s side the whole time she is navigating her PTSD and Anxiety. Sutton never wavers or tries to push Maci to quickly he lets her lead at her speed and he continues to let her know he is there and not going anywhere.

I also adored the friendships that Maci found through her journey. We all need girlfriends like Maci has!

I loved being back in this world and I can’t wait to see what Amanda has next for us.

Thank you Amanda for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
9 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2026
After finishing book one, I had to immediately go and binge this book. There are so many twists I NEVER saw coming. This rarely happens for me; I can typically pick up on potential plot twists. This storyline had me hooked through the end. I love that Maci is such a strong FMC. She will protect herself and not rely on someone saving her. Sutton comes in though to help her through all the trama that comes throughout this book. He is such a gentleman and his love for Maci is so clear. Ugh, I love these two so much! Worth the read and two books were definitely needed!
Profile Image for Sarah McCord.
376 reviews
February 27, 2025
I loved this duet! I was invested in the characters right from the beginning and loved seeing the dynamic between them. Even more so now knowing that we’ll be seeing more of them in future books! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

I ship this couple so hard!

Sutton is top tier book boyfriend, he’s protective, sweet, hot and a cowboy? Say less please 🥵
Maci was a strong, fierce FMC and an extremely relatable character. I love her 💞
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,901 reviews29 followers
March 6, 2025
A thrilling and satisfying conclusion to Maci and Sutton’s story, picking right up from the cliffhanger of the first book, When Sparks Fly of the Fallout duet. The same small town vibes were present, more of Sutton’s swoony, protective, cowboy vibes and Maci’s strength during times of duress, and even more secrets revealed. I appreciated that the main characters’ journey to a happily ever after is not without trials and tribulations-they have to work hard, internally and together, for each other.
Thanks to the author I got to read this early and am happily offering my honest thoughts.
4.25 stars
Profile Image for Tiffany.
38 reviews
March 27, 2026
A perfect ending

Maci & Sutton's love story is one every girl dreams of. The way Sutton cares and shows his love is so beautiful. The amount of love they have for each other fit perfectly. Throughout this book, Maci continues to show that she will not take any sh*t from anyone and that she will grow stronger no matter what life throws at her. Sutton is there for her and tries to take care of things for her, although Maci wont allow it.
Profile Image for Emily Maddux.
48 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2025
I really loved this conclusion to this duet. We got a lot of closure about things that happened in book 1, without anything feeling repetitive. I feel like a lot of books nowadays do that & I LOVE that this one doesn’t. The chemistry between Maci and Sutton gets even more explosive in this book, ❤️‍🔥plus there’s some new characters introduced. 👀 im so happy for the ending that these characters got! I’m excited to see the next book(s) this author comes up with! Definitely recommend giving this duet a try!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
1,150 reviews16 followers
February 26, 2025
4 stars

Book 2 in a duet- you HAVE to read When Sparks Fly first.

- Small town
- Found Family
- Suspense

I really enjoyed this duet. The last book left off on a hell of a cliffhanger and this book picks it right up.

I love Sutton and Maci, especially how supportive Sutton is of her. This book is much spicier than the first in the duet and I loved it.
Profile Image for Kenzie Nolen.
97 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2025
Sutton is such a gentleman and I absolutely loved the stubborn and independent nature of Maci! This couple is perfect and their story together was not easy but genuine. From the start of this book it had my attention and I just wanted to keep reading to know how it ended. I would definitely recommend this duet be added to your TBR!
Profile Image for Kate.
120 reviews35 followers
March 8, 2025
Great conclusion to the duet. There are a lot of loose ends, Leah, Pete, James, Stephanie, etc. I'm glad we are getting more books in this universe. Maci & Sutton had a really healthy relationship throughout the duet. I definitely wanted more epilogue, hopefully we will learn more in the future books in the universe. Great spice
Profile Image for Jessica Durazo.
84 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2025
How nice the follow-up in the lives of Maci and Sutton; I enjoyed reading about them very much. Their story was lovely. 🩷
Sutton a tender, loyal, loving boy, and Maci; a girl with a slightly difficult life, but who let herself fall in love completely with her cowboy. 🫶🏻🤩

The whole book very easy to read and entertaining.
Thanks for the ARC, this is my honest opinion. 🤍
885 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2025
Such a great ending to Maci and Sutton’s story! When the Smoke Clears picks up from When Sparks Fly and we see the way Maci and Sutton deal with the trauma and move forward. I LOVE the realness of Maci’s recovery and her journey with PTSD. Sutton is amazing by her side and gave her all the love and support.
47 reviews
December 29, 2025
Very good read

It was a very good read. I wished the drama would have stretched out a little more. The main characters fit beautifully.
For two books..it seemed a little long. I'm more of a dark romance reader and this was more sweet with a little action. With all that said, I do recommend this read.
Profile Image for Courtney.
670 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2025
(ARC) enjoyed the second half of The Fall Out Duet! Absolutely love this couple! The way Sutton cares for Maci is chefs kiss! I can’t wait to see what Amanda writes next!

Thank you for allowing me to read and review!
Profile Image for Kimberly Walters.
746 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2025
What an emotional finish to Maci and Sutton's story!
It tugged at my heartstrings and had me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry between Maci and Sutton was still undeniable and never appeared to falter.
I loved being back in this world, and I can’t wait to see what Amanda has next for us.
Profile Image for Chey Burr.
31 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2025
Gosh Maci and Sutton just yank at my heart 😭 This book is so perfect and I just want more of them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews