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Westen #3
Close to the Fire
They once were lovers:
After ten years of keeping his distance to the one woman he's always loved, Fire Chief Deke Reynolds is finally ready to set aside his grief and confess his guilt to Elizabeth "Libby" Wilson his part in her brother's death. Libby's own guilty secret has kept her from sharing her life with the man who stole her heart as a teen and awakened her body as a young woman.
Danger has forced them together again:
A fire and their odd connection to a new teenager at the local half-way house have this couple finally sharing their secrets with each other. With an arsonist on the loose, threatening the town of Westen and its citizens, have Libby and Deke waited too long to find their love again?
After ten years of keeping his distance to the one woman he's always loved, Fire Chief Deke Reynolds is finally ready to set aside his grief and confess his guilt to Elizabeth "Libby" Wilson his part in her brother's death. Libby's own guilty secret has kept her from sharing her life with the man who stole her heart as a teen and awakened her body as a young woman.
Danger has forced them together again:
A fire and their odd connection to a new teenager at the local half-way house have this couple finally sharing their secrets with each other. With an arsonist on the loose, threatening the town of Westen and its citizens, have Libby and Deke waited too long to find their love again?
ebook
First published September 25, 2014
224 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Ferrell
40 books265 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Suzanne Ferrell discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she'd be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
The author of 20 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne's books have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Awards--SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writers of America's 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense).
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED, EXPOSED, UNMASKED and SHANGHAIED, part of a pre-WWII spy-chaser spin-off series) and the Westen Series (Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, Close To Christmas, Close To The Mistletoe, Close To Santa’s Heart and Close To Danger), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small town stories or historical suspense novels, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
You can Find Suz at:
Website: http://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferre...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
The author of 20 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne's books have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Awards--SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writers of America's 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense).
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED, EXPOSED, UNMASKED and SHANGHAIED, part of a pre-WWII spy-chaser spin-off series) and the Westen Series (Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, Close To Christmas, Close To The Mistletoe, Close To Santa’s Heart and Close To Danger), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small town stories or historical suspense novels, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
You can Find Suz at:
Website: http://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferre...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 18, 2014
Close to the Fire is a wonderful addition to Suzanne Ferrell’s Westen series.
I actually read this book two months ago, started a review and forgot to finish it. So I re-read Close to the Fire and quickly remembered how much I enjoyed it the first time and why I was happy to read it a second time!
Deacon “Deke” Reynolds was badly burned in a fire that killed his best friend, Bobby ten years earlier. Deke was in a relationship with Bobby’s sister; Libby at that time but his survivor’s guilt makes him shut her out of his life.
Elizabeth “Libby” Wilson had to deal with the man she loved forcing her out of his life, the tragic death of her much loved brother and during all of this, she lost a piece of her self…
Now a new teenager, Kyle Gordon, who has moved into the local half way house that Libby is involved in with her role as the county social worker, may be the catalyst to bring them back together. Deke is spending time with him too as his football coach and whilst Kyle is defensive with Deke, there appears to be an inexplicable connection between the two of them.
There is suspense throughout this story as an arsonist is at work and it begins to emerge that they are after Deke but Libby may get in their way…
Suzanne Ferrell has written a wonderful reconnection story for Deke and Libby. The romantic elements through out are very strong and they really do deserve their happily ever after.
I genuinely enjoyed all of the characters in the Westen Series. Their community spirit and strong family commitment tugs at the heartstrings. I felt like I became one of the citizens of the Westen Township myself. I now want to read the first two books – Close to Home and Close to the Edge!
Hopefully Suzanne will write a story for Cleetus and Sylvie, as their relationship in this story was an added bonus to Deke and Libby’s.
I actually read this book two months ago, started a review and forgot to finish it. So I re-read Close to the Fire and quickly remembered how much I enjoyed it the first time and why I was happy to read it a second time!
Deacon “Deke” Reynolds was badly burned in a fire that killed his best friend, Bobby ten years earlier. Deke was in a relationship with Bobby’s sister; Libby at that time but his survivor’s guilt makes him shut her out of his life.
Elizabeth “Libby” Wilson had to deal with the man she loved forcing her out of his life, the tragic death of her much loved brother and during all of this, she lost a piece of her self…
Now a new teenager, Kyle Gordon, who has moved into the local half way house that Libby is involved in with her role as the county social worker, may be the catalyst to bring them back together. Deke is spending time with him too as his football coach and whilst Kyle is defensive with Deke, there appears to be an inexplicable connection between the two of them.
There is suspense throughout this story as an arsonist is at work and it begins to emerge that they are after Deke but Libby may get in their way…
Suzanne Ferrell has written a wonderful reconnection story for Deke and Libby. The romantic elements through out are very strong and they really do deserve their happily ever after.
I genuinely enjoyed all of the characters in the Westen Series. Their community spirit and strong family commitment tugs at the heartstrings. I felt like I became one of the citizens of the Westen Township myself. I now want to read the first two books – Close to Home and Close to the Edge!
Hopefully Suzanne will write a story for Cleetus and Sylvie, as their relationship in this story was an added bonus to Deke and Libby’s.
October 25, 2014
Some things you just can't get over. For Deke there are two. In one fatal event he lost his best friend and the girl he loved. And it was all because of one guy who was addicted to the power of fire. In just a few hours Deke's live was changed forever. So was Libby's. Deke watched as his best friend died and he'll carry the guilt for the rest of his life. Now, he can't face Bill's sister, the woman he loves. He's let her down, let her brother die.
Ten years later nothing much has changed. But Libby is hiding a dark secret, too. One that she's sure Deke could never forgive. One that she can't find the nerve to confess.
Then one day a young boy, Kyle, comes to Westen to stay at Colbert House. Libby is the county's social worker and is on the board at Colbert House. She has to keep close tabs on all the residents. Kyle is a loner, but there's something about him that draws Deke to him. Soon, both Libby and Deke become protective of Kyle. It is a connection that reaches back into their past.
This book is the third in the Westen series and is just as good as the first two. It's full of small town charm, characters that become your friends, and enough twists and turns to keep you interested. The dialogue and the story both move quickly. If there's another in the series, sign me up!
Ten years later nothing much has changed. But Libby is hiding a dark secret, too. One that she's sure Deke could never forgive. One that she can't find the nerve to confess.
Then one day a young boy, Kyle, comes to Westen to stay at Colbert House. Libby is the county's social worker and is on the board at Colbert House. She has to keep close tabs on all the residents. Kyle is a loner, but there's something about him that draws Deke to him. Soon, both Libby and Deke become protective of Kyle. It is a connection that reaches back into their past.
This book is the third in the Westen series and is just as good as the first two. It's full of small town charm, characters that become your friends, and enough twists and turns to keep you interested. The dialogue and the story both move quickly. If there's another in the series, sign me up!
February 16, 2017
Wow - This was a great read. I had it figured out a bit before the characters but I like this type of story so I could see some clues as to who was setting the fires. Great story - can't wait to read the rest of the series.
September 30, 2014
Ten years ago firefighter Deke Reynolds and his best friend Bill were trying to put out a fire started by a serial arsonist. Bill lost his life and Deke lost the woman he loved – Bill’s sister Libby - due to his guilt.
Deke is now the fire chief in the small town of Weston. He still carries the guilt with him along with the burn scars on his body. He gets by doing his job and also by agreeing to help his friend Gage coach the high school football team.
Libby is the town social worker and has a full plate trying to help abused woman finally testify against her husband and also keeping an eye on the new kid in town just placed at the town’s halfway house.
Deke and Libby have avoided each other for 10 years but the teenager and a sudden influx of fires started around town have the two reconnecting again.
The core of this series is always about the people that live in Weston. Some have been friend since childhood. In Close to the Fire we also get the suspense of who is setting the fires and could this be related to the tragedy that happened 10 years ago. Its also about two people forgiving each other and also themselves over something that wasn’t their fault.
Deke is now the fire chief in the small town of Weston. He still carries the guilt with him along with the burn scars on his body. He gets by doing his job and also by agreeing to help his friend Gage coach the high school football team.
Libby is the town social worker and has a full plate trying to help abused woman finally testify against her husband and also keeping an eye on the new kid in town just placed at the town’s halfway house.
Deke and Libby have avoided each other for 10 years but the teenager and a sudden influx of fires started around town have the two reconnecting again.
The core of this series is always about the people that live in Weston. Some have been friend since childhood. In Close to the Fire we also get the suspense of who is setting the fires and could this be related to the tragedy that happened 10 years ago. Its also about two people forgiving each other and also themselves over something that wasn’t their fault.
October 20, 2015
Close to the Fire (Westen Series, Book 3) by Suzanne Ferrell is a suspense filled romance that will leave you guessing right up till the last page. We all know that firemen are sexy and this book is no exception. Fantastic characters, a suspenseful story with lots of surprises and romance make this sexy, on-the-edge of my seat story is a must read.
Usually I read a series from the beginning. This time I jumped in at Book 3 because this copy was given to me by the author for an honest review. From start to finish I loved this book! I enjoyed it so much that I snatched up a kindle copy of Book 1 for free and purchased Book 2. I need to find out what happened that led up to this book!
Well done Suzanne Ferrell you have a new follower and fan!
Please check out my blog Books I Love A Latte for a detailed review.
Usually I read a series from the beginning. This time I jumped in at Book 3 because this copy was given to me by the author for an honest review. From start to finish I loved this book! I enjoyed it so much that I snatched up a kindle copy of Book 1 for free and purchased Book 2. I need to find out what happened that led up to this book!
Well done Suzanne Ferrell you have a new follower and fan!
Please check out my blog Books I Love A Latte for a detailed review.
November 5, 2019
Too close to the fire
I love my visits to Westen, especially when the weather is so hot you know it will take a storm to ease the tension. Suzanne Ferrell writes a story within a story wrapped around another story! We get to know Deke, the FD Chief, and the tragedies he's lived and the love he desires while we enjoy Cleetus falling hard for Sylvie. We're introduced to Kyle, an abused orphan sent to Westen after too many other foster homes, and maybe my favorite character. Lorna, Rachel, and Pete play important roles in his life while we also enjoy people met in the first two books. Written with such a natural style, readers participate in the suspense like the townspeople looking on, offering their help. And there is a LOT of nail biting suspense! Start with the first book but definitely start this very enjoyable series!
I love my visits to Westen, especially when the weather is so hot you know it will take a storm to ease the tension. Suzanne Ferrell writes a story within a story wrapped around another story! We get to know Deke, the FD Chief, and the tragedies he's lived and the love he desires while we enjoy Cleetus falling hard for Sylvie. We're introduced to Kyle, an abused orphan sent to Westen after too many other foster homes, and maybe my favorite character. Lorna, Rachel, and Pete play important roles in his life while we also enjoy people met in the first two books. Written with such a natural style, readers participate in the suspense like the townspeople looking on, offering their help. And there is a LOT of nail biting suspense! Start with the first book but definitely start this very enjoyable series!
April 22, 2015
Suzanne Ferrell Westen Series
I found the stories below to be filled with action and passion. Stories set in a small town which will take you on an enjoyable adventure of love and life.
Close To Home (Westen Series, #1)
Close to the Edge (Westen Series, #2)
Close to the Fire (Westen Series, #3)
These stories had all of the characteristics that I like to discover when finding a good book to read:
• One or more HOT alpha males
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Good story line
• Danger
• Secrets
• Good backup characters
• Action
• Drama
• Suspense
• Romance
I will most definitely be looking forward to reading more from Suzanne Ferrell.
Covers: 8/10
Writings: 9/10
Heroines: 9/10
Heroes: 9/10
Humor: 7/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
I found the stories below to be filled with action and passion. Stories set in a small town which will take you on an enjoyable adventure of love and life.
Close To Home (Westen Series, #1)
Close to the Edge (Westen Series, #2)
Close to the Fire (Westen Series, #3)
These stories had all of the characteristics that I like to discover when finding a good book to read:
• One or more HOT alpha males
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Good story line
• Danger
• Secrets
• Good backup characters
• Action
• Drama
• Suspense
• Romance
I will most definitely be looking forward to reading more from Suzanne Ferrell.
Covers: 8/10
Writings: 9/10
Heroines: 9/10
Heroes: 9/10
Humor: 7/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
November 8, 2014
What a fantastic story, this one had me from the first page it is emotional and beautiful as Deke and Libby have a lot to discuss to get to their long awaited HEA and what a great journey it is with an arsonist in town a new kid Kyle living at the halfway house and catching up with the residents of Weston, MS Ferrell writes stories that bring the characters to life on the page their emotions and lives are so real that you will feel as if you are in Weston with them all. This is the third book in this series and I am really hoping there will be more I love visiting Weston and the characters do not miss this one.
November 13, 2014
The Westen Series has burned a place in my heart. Deke and Libby's story is one of fate, cruel circumstances and the power of Lorna! All of the characters that have been a part of this series all play a part in this book, and the community that Suzanne Ferrell has created all come together once again to work for the betterment of the citizens.
I certainly hope there is more of this series coming in the future. I love Westen, Clint and Emma, Gage and Bobby, Deke and Libby, Rachel and Kyle, and Cleetus and Sylvie. I have so many questions about the future of this small town, and I want to keep in touch.
I certainly hope there is more of this series coming in the future. I love Westen, Clint and Emma, Gage and Bobby, Deke and Libby, Rachel and Kyle, and Cleetus and Sylvie. I have so many questions about the future of this small town, and I want to keep in touch.
January 1, 2015
Good entry. In this story, old relationships and secrets keep the town's old sweethearts, Fire Chief Deke Reynolds and his high school girlfriend, Libby now the local social worker.
Someone is setting fires in town and threads connect many of the suspects. Unfortunately, many of them intersect on Deke and Libby. Everyone has searched for reasons to push Libby and Deke together, even though they both recognize that their "unfinished business" may stnd in the way of their future happiness.
Always trust Suzanne, though. She puts a twist on all of those threads, even though it may not be that hard to identify the culprit. The story is worth the time.
Someone is setting fires in town and threads connect many of the suspects. Unfortunately, many of them intersect on Deke and Libby. Everyone has searched for reasons to push Libby and Deke together, even though they both recognize that their "unfinished business" may stnd in the way of their future happiness.
Always trust Suzanne, though. She puts a twist on all of those threads, even though it may not be that hard to identify the culprit. The story is worth the time.
November 6, 2017
The first two heroes (Clint and Gage) were pretty nice, but they also said/thought some things that bugged me, so I was pretty wary starting book 3. Thankfully, I can't think of anything Deke said or did that really bothered me. This was a great story. I was so invested in Deke and Libby. You could really feel how much they loved (and longed for) each other. The fact that they both remained celibate during their 10 year separation was a huge bonus for me. I also liked that Suzanne threw in some cute budding romances between other characters :)
October 9, 2018
A fantastic second chance romance
Deke and Libby were together until a heart wrenching tragedy tore them apart. They’ve never stopped loving each other, but their guilt still keeps them apart. Ten years later, a new resident comes to Westen, will he be the reason they finally talk about what happened a decade ago? I love second chance books and this book didn’t disappoint. If you love small town reads, then you will love the entire Westen series.
Deke and Libby were together until a heart wrenching tragedy tore them apart. They’ve never stopped loving each other, but their guilt still keeps them apart. Ten years later, a new resident comes to Westen, will he be the reason they finally talk about what happened a decade ago? I love second chance books and this book didn’t disappoint. If you love small town reads, then you will love the entire Westen series.
October 12, 2014
Burning up with love
Suzanne has done it again. an amazing story of love and loss. Deke and Libby's story is just that. Deke not only lost his best friend the night he was burnt by the fire, but also his love. ten years later they reunite and have to fight to keep their love from being burnt up again. Great characters, great storyline and a great series.
Suzanne has done it again. an amazing story of love and loss. Deke and Libby's story is just that. Deke not only lost his best friend the night he was burnt by the fire, but also his love. ten years later they reunite and have to fight to keep their love from being burnt up again. Great characters, great storyline and a great series.
January 31, 2015
Though this book was a little too rushed, especially considering the many new relationships and new added characters, the book was still very enjoyable. In five days I've completed reading all three in the series, only one add-on novella to complete. This now means I am without a Westen, Ohio fix. Suzanne Ferrell, get busy! I'm looking anxiously ahead to next installment.(xAmazon)
September 19, 2016
Just finish reading this series and I enjoyed it greatly. I loved all of the characters story line. It was fun watching all the happens with all of the characters. Lots of romance,action and a little of suspense. Wonderful, can't wait for more on the small town of Westen. I'm looking forward to see what happen next.
May 20, 2020
Close To The Fire
A powerful book to read. If you like mystery,drama and Suspense then this book is for you. I have read all of MS Ferrell's books in this series and she is a magnificent writer. She knows how to get your attention and keep it. I added the audio portion to it and it made them even better. I highly recommend reading all of her books...
A powerful book to read. If you like mystery,drama and Suspense then this book is for you. I have read all of MS Ferrell's books in this series and she is a magnificent writer. She knows how to get your attention and keep it. I added the audio portion to it and it made them even better. I highly recommend reading all of her books...
April 27, 2015
CLOSE TO THE FIRE
What a great book, the town of Westen comes to life in these pages. This was Deke and Libby's story, but also Kyle's story. Right from the beginning I felt very protective of Kyle, he is a special young man.
What a great book, the town of Westen comes to life in these pages. This was Deke and Libby's story, but also Kyle's story. Right from the beginning I felt very protective of Kyle, he is a special young man.
May 3, 2015
I enjoyed reading Close to the Fire by Suzanne Ferrell. There were a few typo type errors through the book, but it was a good story, great characters, drama and a bit of sizzle. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I look forward to reading more from Suzanne Ferrell.
December 31, 2015
Great Book
This has tuned out to be a great series and one that I will read many times. Each book is a stand alone but it is best read in order to get the full impact. Each book has a mystery with the happy ending. I recommend this series to all.
This has tuned out to be a great series and one that I will read many times. Each book is a stand alone but it is best read in order to get the full impact. Each book has a mystery with the happy ending. I recommend this series to all.
March 16, 2016
I love this series it has a great story, even though you know boy gets girl, but not with suspense, a loving town and a great story behind what's happening.
My favorite is the strong women featured in this series.
On the final book in the series.
My favorite is the strong women featured in this series.
On the final book in the series.
April 14, 2016
Who is starting the fires in Westen?
Deke is the Fire Chief and one of the assistant football coaches. Libby is a social worker looking after all those who need help in Westen. Then the fires start...
Deke is the Fire Chief and one of the assistant football coaches. Libby is a social worker looking after all those who need help in Westen. Then the fires start...
January 18, 2021
Great series
Love this series and thoroughly enjoyed the mix of mystery, action, romance, and community. Loved the two side burgeoning romance along with the primary one. Didn't really enjoy the antagonist chapters. Also noted two minor plot errors.
Love this series and thoroughly enjoyed the mix of mystery, action, romance, and community. Loved the two side burgeoning romance along with the primary one. Didn't really enjoy the antagonist chapters. Also noted two minor plot errors.
June 27, 2021
A fire bug is on the loose.
A fire bug in Westen has brought Deacon and Elizabeth back together. Suzanne Ferrell creates mystery and romance that brings the small town of Westen to all of us. With each book I feel more at home here.
A fire bug in Westen has brought Deacon and Elizabeth back together. Suzanne Ferrell creates mystery and romance that brings the small town of Westen to all of us. With each book I feel more at home here.
November 7, 2015
really like this series, loved the story of Libby and Deke
October 9, 2016
enjoyed the story, had some suspense, was able to figure out most of it but enjoyed the authors resolution
August 21, 2017
Close To The Fire review
Close To The Fire is the third exciting romantic suspense book in the Westen series written by author Suzanne Ferrell.
Close To The Fire is the third exciting romantic suspense book in the Westen series written by author Suzanne Ferrell.
June 7, 2019
Great storyline
Yet another great story based around inhabitants of one town. Different story but same people involved in each book. More please.
Yet another great story based around inhabitants of one town. Different story but same people involved in each book. More please.
January 30, 2020
If you enjoy romantic suspense, this book will be right up your alley! Firefighter hero, sweet heroine, excellent plot, pretty engaging who done it. Recommend this one highly!
February 18, 2021
Includes Close the the Fire and Close to Christmas
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews