Two best friends - one summer that changed everything.
Eccentric Addie Greyson had called athletic Zeke Turner her best friend her entire life. Over the last decade, they’d seen each other through every obstacle adolescence had thrown their way.
When Zeke returned home for the summer after his first year away at college, their time apart forced them to see each other in a new light. Once temptation became too much to resist, lines were crossed and the relationship they fought so hard to protect paid the ultimate price.
When fate brought them back together two years later, would it mean a second chance? Or would the summer that irrevocably changed them be the one thing their friendship couldn’t survive?
Kate Benson was raised in Texas and currently resides in central Florida with her husband and their furboy, Boomer. She learned to read at the age of four and has been hooked ever since. She credits her passion for literature to her mother, her love of story-telling to her father and her unwavering faith in happily-ever-after’s to her husband, Sean. Some of her favorite things include rainy days, loud music, superhero movies, hot tea and of course, lazy afternoons with a great book. To find out more about Kate, her work or to just say hello, she loves hearing from her readers and can be found on social media. Facebook: facebook.com/katebensonauthor/ Twitter: twitter.com/Katebensonauthr Instagram: instagram.com/katebensonauthor/
Such a sweet book! You're really taken on a journey following Zeke and Addie from when they're young and first meet, how they become friends and into their teenage years when things devolop. I loved seeing all the little moments they sahre as they grow up that shape into who they are. Addie is her own person, she doesn't care what others think, she knows they find her weird and yet she refuse to change herself for thier sake. Meanwhile Zeke is always by her side, protecting her when others try to bring her down. I really liked both characters, they were both good to follow when it was their POV. And I really liked being able to look into both their heads and see things from both sides. Their story really begins when Zeke comes home from college and for the first time realize that Addie, his Addie, is grown up and maybe there's more there than just a friendship. Before long the their friendship moves on to the next level and they end up spending the summer exploring what it is between them. But when the summer is over and they both have to go their seperate ways they have to work hard to keep what they have.
"This could be epic. This could be what we were always meant for, babe."
It was such a sweet book about friends to lovers with a little twist as well that really keeps things interesting. And oh my god that end killed me... I need to know what will happen! Let the waiting begin, ha ha.
This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good love story.
“This time, it’s as if my soul has been waiting to be set on fire and Addie is the flame that’s always been meant to ignite it.”
“I’d been in love with Addie for years, ever since the day I’d stolen her kiss on the roof when I was fifteen and felt that spark.”
“We met when we did and things went the way they went because this is exactly where we’re supposed to be. It took us a while to figure it out, but we’re supposed to be together.”
My Review:
Kate Benson is a crafty wordsmith. I was hooked on page 1 and already feeling moved and in love with the characters during the prologue. I adore this story and Kate Benson’s writing style. This is my first time reading Ms. Benson’s work but I want to read everything she already has and will ever put down. She has mad skills and has been gifted with the writing gene. Her characters are unique, endearing, and squeezing my cold heart. The story is unpredictable, delectably steamy, and engrossing, I haven’t been able to put it down for more than a few minutes since I started reading. It does end with a wicked cliffhanger, but I knew that going in and already have the 2nd book loaded on my beloved kindle and I am ready to continue this adventure.
I absolutely LOVE Kate Benson's books and writing. When I started Ignite, I was unsure of what to expect! Well she did not disappoint. Zeke and Addie are best friends from an early age as they get older they remain close even if they are from very difference crowds. After Zeke goes away to school for a while he comes back to a more grown up Addie. Will they be able to remain friends like before? Will a romantic connection ruin everything between them? I love how Kate took the time to help us get to know and fall in love with the characters. This book flowed nicely and was not rushed at any point which sometimes happens when you read a story from childhood to adulthood! I give this book a full 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great read!
Ignite was a fun, quick read. I absolutely loved Addie's character. She's funny, quirky, and more than a little odd, but doesn't care what others think. It was refreshing to read a book with a female MC who didn't have self-esteem issues. And Zeke may just be the perfect man. Sometimes, it bothers me if characters don't have flaws, but I think it worked here because there was enough other conflict, both external and internal, as they fought their growing attraction for each other and had to deal with all the realities of life.
I enjoyed reading the story from both Addie's and Zeke's perspective and, for the most part, it was very clear whose head we were in. This really helped cement the idea that they were soul mates and got me rooting for them way before they even started thinking about something more than friendship.
My one word of caution is, as the author notes, that this book is for adults. While the beginning starts off with a YA feel as we watch them go through adolescence, it quickly turns into more of a steamy NA book once they finally give into their feelings and hormones, It also has a cliffhanger ending, so beware if that sort of thing bothers you. I felt that we had resolution to plenty of subplots, so I didn't mind.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes NA contemporary romance with graphic intimate scenes that approach, but don't quite reach, erotica-levels.
Ignite by Kate Benson filled me with warm fuzzy feelings. I am talking full on heartwarming fuzz all over the place. Ignite is the story of Addie and Zeke, best friends who grew up next to each other and finally fall in love. While the story starts with young love, the chemistry is crazy and the heat is turned all the way up. I loved Zeke, how wonderfully protective he was of Addie, and that he knew what he had was worth it. Their relationship felt real, organic, and it was a joy to watch it grow.
“Just like always, the second we touch it’s as though my body sparks to life. Something inside me ignites and his breath, his lips, his touch are all the oxygen I need to be set on fire. He sends me over the edge again and again as the rest of the world fades away.”
Ignite starts out fully focused on Zeke and Addie, and honestly I was waiting for the shoe to drop. And wow – does it ever! It is amazing how natural everything felt in the plot, but then the ending came out of nowhere! It honestly took me completely by surprise. Just beware, there is a major cliffhanger at the end. I was completely sucked into the story, had to find out what was going to happen, and read this book in a day! ~ Alicia, 3.5 stars
BANGOR BELLE BOOK BESTIES This book is such a sweet passionate love story and takes us on a journey from our Hero and Heroines childhood through to adult hood. From becoming best friends at 8 years old to falling in Love in their teenage years. But love doesn't always run smoothly!! From Addie and Zekes childhood through to teens the connection between both is so strong, real and so easy to get caught up in. When their feelings start to change and love becomes apparent, you can feel the emotions flying out of the pages and when love blooms, your heart just melts. Their relationship is written with passion and you just can't see any other path than for this young couple to be together but what happens when they have to go to college and they are separated? Can their Young Love survive the distance? I loved this couple, the pace of the book was good and the characters were easy to like. Yet at times you want to bang their heads together but thats because you find it easy to get involved in their story. Twists you don't expect throw your emotions into a loop and yes its ends on a bit of a cliffhanger butttt you can jump straight into the second book. Which i did!! I just couldn't wait !!!
This is a really enjoyable and well written story. I totally love Addie and Zeke. The author takes us in a journey with these two characters. Starting from meeting as kids on the street we read of their friendship. As we follow them into adulthood we see how feelings become more than friendship. Can they survive the distance? I thought it was great how the author brought up the subject of bullying.
After a really great story the author throws us a cliffhanger. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book was truly amazing.Kate benson always writes amazing stories and this one has blown my mind even more than I ever thought possible. The story is very well written and I also think something that everyone can relate to.and her amazing adult scenes are an excellent benefit to reading such a great book.
once again Kate Benson knocks one out of the park! not only is she an automatic one click for me.... but she never ceases to amaze as well :) this is an excellent choice to read! you will NOT be disappointed!
One word. Amazing! What starts out as a sweet friends to lovers story about Addie and Zeke suddenly takes an almighty turn that I didn’t see coming. Addie is sassy and brutally honest and her heart belongs to Zeke even when she is too young to realise it yet. Zeke is sporty and Addies neighbour and they are inseparable since the day he moved in. He adores Addie and as they grow up he fights with his feelings. This book had twists and turns I didn’t see coming and kept me fully engaged!
This ends on a cliffhanger, which I love and diving into Smoulder now.
This is the first in a duet, following Addie and Zeke from the time they were very young, their first meeting and the friendship that grew from there. I loved the sweetness from them throughout their childhood through high school and into college. Their bond is intense, I love that back and forth between them. There are moments that had me hanging onto my seat and the story has me wanting more and I can't wait to dig in to the second book in this duet.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Addie Greyson and Zeke Turner were best friends throughout childhood. They were loyal and would do anything for each other. Their connection through their teens years had also remained strong.
Then Zeke went off to college and when he came home that first summer, being apart from each other caused a change. They saw each other differently and the desire was too much to resist now. That summer may have cost them something very precious.
Two years later, they meet up again. Are they prepared to accept a second chance to explore the love that had started? Or did that summer damage what they had irrevocably?
Synopsis. Some love sets off a spark… Others ignite the flame.
When the athletic Zeke Turner moves in next door to eccentric Addie Greyson, the unlikely pair become instant friends. Growing inseparable over the years, the two stand together through all the trials of adolescence.
Zeke returns for the summer after his freshman year of college right as Addie’s preparing to start hers at another school. Their time apart forces them to begin seeing each other in a whole new light. When the temptation becomes too much to resist, lines are crossed and their friendship is irrevocably changed.
As outside influences interfere, the relationship they’ve fought so hard to protect begins to suffer. When Addie feels the sting of betrayal from the only other person she can trust, it makes her question everything she ever thought she knew.
When fate brings them back together two years later, will they get a second chance? Or will they find out the hard way that there are some things you just can’t take back?
SJ's Review. Zeke & Addy. My heart is owned.
These characters completely have my heart. Right from the very start these two captured my heart and kept it tightly in there little hands.
First introduction has your heart breaking along with Addie, her dog is hurt & she is sad. Zeke sits right along side her, from that very moment these two have been inseparable.
Each chapter has a date and you see these guys get older as the chapters go, the older they get doesn't mean they grow indifferent. Nope. It only pushes them closer together. Best friends til the end well so they thought.
One summer sees Zeke & Addie grow closer than ever. Zeke has been away at college and returns for summer break, they have kept in contact but each has grown in a way, a way they thought they would never notice each other. Sexually!
Addie has grown in all the right places & Zeke has been working out. Both notice the changes start away but continue to be friends & hide the attraction. Only bad can come of trying it on with your best friend, right? WRONG! The connection these two share had the relationship they have built over the years to an all new high. Sexual tension is thick in the air & ever Addie's Father notices. After a few stern words, they both have their orders, but with an attraction like these two have nothing anyone can see will stop them doing what they want to do.
Summer draws to a close and they realise they are both heading to different colleges. Can the relationship they have worked so hard to achieve survive a long distance relationship? Will the pressure be to much? Will jealous get in the way? They have had a friendship for more years than they have had an actual relationship, but does that make them any stronger? Or does it make them weaker?
There is no secret that I love Kate's past work but this has taken my Author/Reader love for her that little bit further. This has got to be one of my favourite reads of her and of 2015 so far! The book reeled me in, kept me prisoner & didn't me go until long after I finished reading. I messaged Kate a few times telling her I was loving the story. I couldn't even put it down when I was at work which resulted in me having my Kindle confiscated (spoil sports).
Addie is a strong, quirky, loving, unique female & Zeke is a confident, loving, trusting male. These two are destined to be together, but will Fate be on their side?
Do I have to give 5 stars or can I give more? This book doesn't deserve a 5 star rating it deserves so much more. The story, the characters, the twists & the turns. It was all 5 star quality & I can see an improvement in the way Kate portrays her characters & writes her story. A good writer became a great writer in my estimation.
This is the first of Kate Benson’s books that I’ve read and I wasn’t disappointed. Addie and Zeke have both been through the mill , one way and another, but their long lasting friendship and true affection, which blossoms into love, gets them through. Addie is more than a little quirky; she’s her own person, who doesn’t care what others think and Zeke is a sweet lad, who does all he can to protect her. I loved this book and the journey these two go on. It is really refreshing to have a strong female lead, who doesn’t follow the crowd. Kate is an excellent story teller and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.
I have been a fan of Kate Benson since I read her first book in The Promise Series. Since discovering her, I anxiously await her next book. Now, she has three series, and each one is different and great in their own ways. Ignite is her newest book, and this is the emotional love story of Addie and Zeke. It opens when Addie and Zeke are children and follow them through college. Addie was different from girls her age, so she was made fun of. Zeke was well-liked, but he always protected her. They were best friends. As they grow older and Zeke returns from college for the summer, each realizes their feelings have changed for one another. After fighting their attraction to each other, they give into their passions and embark on a new relationship as a couple. As with all good love stories, there will be many obstacles to their HEA, maybe even some danger.
As always, Benson has a talent for developing her characters in a way that instantly connect her readers with them. Zeke and Addie are no different. While Zeke is sweet, sexy, and loyal to Addie, Addie is the character that really stands out to me. She’s just a breath of fresh air; she is one of those special girls that just lights a room up when she enters. Zeke says it perfectly when he says, “while other girls our age shriek when it rains, ducking for cover to protect their hair, Addie dances in it.” She was sweet, innocent, and just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside even though I wanted to slap her for making a stupid decision!!!!
Once again, Kate has another winner with this book! Every series she writes is different from the other as are all her characters. I think this is what makes her stand out in this genre. The only common thing you will find in her books are her cliffhangers. I swear this woman is the reigning queen of unforgettable cliffhangers. However, don’t let that scare you off and miss the magic that is Addie and Zeke. As always, I am impatiently waiting for her next book in the series . *** I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.***
**Read and reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews.**
Wow. I can't believe how much I loved this book. I was hooked from the beginning when Addie and Zeke first met in the street as children. I absolutely loved how the story followed them through childhood, into the teenage years, and then into them being adults. I also can't believe where life has taken the two and I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out.
I absolutely loved Zeke and Addie. Those two are perfect together. I hesitantly watched as the two moved from friendship into something else. I loved how Zeke defended Addie from those who would bully her for being different and I loved how Addie wanted to protect Zeke from pain and bullying as well. The chemistry the two had was amazing. It was almost like I could see and feel their confusion, lust, and then love.
While this story progresses in a timely manner, there was one leap that totally lost me. As in, it happened and I had no idea what was going on. The story also had some developments that were a surprise, most good, and some that had me scratching my head and wondering what I'd missed. There's plenty of laughter, smiles, and romance. There's also some tears and anger, but also lots of frustration.
This is my favorite Kate Benson book by far. It does end on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens next. I have my fingers crossed and hope it'll be available soon and that Zeke and Addie will have the happily ever after they deserve. Kudos to Kate Benson for writing such a good book.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
OMG, first I want to say that I love, love, love reading these stories of friendship turned lovers type of stories. Something about them always and I mean always makes me one-click these suckers.
There is always so much love amongst each other since they were young and once it turns into more than just friendship, it's like holy sh*t, it all of a sudden gets intense.
Kate Benson has a way with her books, her story lines are phenomenal and they suck your attention up from start to finish. There is absolutely nothing boring about her books. As a matter of fact, the suspense will keep you going and you always want to finish her books because she leaves you breathless at the end.
The love between Addie and Zeke was one of a kind. Two people who have loved each other since they were little and as they get older it just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Their love is one of a kind and even though they have a few obstacles getting in the way "like school" they always find a way to make it work and find the time to see each other.
But other big things come in the way and will leave them heartbroken and shattered. And I have to say that my heart was shattered along with theirs. So many emotions evolve with this beautiful story. The things they have to go through and the things they sacrifice for love.
I was enthralled and utterly in love with this book.
I began reading and I was held captive by the story of Addie and Zeke that I finished the book in one day. It would have been finished in one sitting if a little thing called work didn't get in the way.
I enjoy books when you get a good background of the characters in the story that you can see their development throughout the book and you are invested in them and how their stories turn out.
Addie is the type of person people tend to classify as odd because she doesn't fit into the group of who are considered normal or popular. When Zeke moves in next door to Addie they become friends instantly. Growing up they become inseparable because they truly understand and accept each other for their true selves.
Time and distance separates them for awhile when Zeke is away at school. When he comes home for summer break the two are able to reconnect and realize there is more between them than just being best friends. What happens when they cross that line and both are off to separate colleges will they be able to maintain a long distance relationship? What has Addie's dad been doing that has people coming around looking for him?
I recommend you read about Addie and Zeke and how their relationship ignites into more than just being best friends. I can't wait for the next release to find out what happens with Addie, Zeke, her dad and Chad. Great read!
Kate you done it again absolutely love this story.
Zeke and Addie have been best friends since they were little but one summer things change and they notice each other in a different light and for fall for each other hard and fast.
Addie is a one of a kind girl she smart but yet down to earth and a bit strange to all the other girls but that makes her unique. she has the best dance moves and fashion sense going. Zeke is the typical Guy but can only see his best friend in front of him and don't want to cross that line as scared of what will happen between them.
Addie dad is away on a run one night and after fighting a losing battle Zeke gives in to temptation and bites the bullet and sleeps with Addie that was it one night was all it took for them both to wake up and realise they love each other they spent an incredible summer being together but that had to end at some point when they had to leave to go to separate schools they tried but after a while Addie called it off but 2 year's after they called it a day they move into a new apartment each only to find out there neighbours can they love ignite again or has it sizzled out ........
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review. Ignite is another fabulous read from Kate Benson, she has given us two more characters to fall in love with as we go on their emotional rollercoaster of growing up and falling in love this book had me hooked from the very first page. Zeke and Addie are best friends and live next door to each other. Over the years they are together through everything then Zeke leaves to begin his freshman year at school, that summer when he returns their feelings for each other turn into more than just friendship but with them both off to different schools can they make a long distance relationship work. I loved Addie's quirks and the feelings they have for each other are so sweet this book will make you laugh and cry. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone. Kate is known for her cliffehangers and this one is no different. I'm so excited to see what happens with Zeke and Addie next.
Kate has done it yet again with another amazing read. I have yet to read a book by Kate that I have not enjoyed. like every other book by her I was hooked from the beginning and just devoured this book. I had to force myself to go to sleep because I just did not want to stop reading it.
Addie doesn't care what others think of her she's funny, a little off her rocker at times but u just can't help but fall in love with her. Zeke to me was pretty much the perfect guy you could think of and protective as heck of Addie.
Addie and Zeke grew up best friends who later fall in love with each other. but is taking the next step best for them? can they make a relationship work past being friends?
this book will suck you in and leave you wanting more at the end with the major cliffhanger that Kate leaves us with but then again it wouldn't be Kate if she didn't leave us hanging on for dear life wanting more!!!
I started reading Ignite early in the evening and could not put it down. From page one, I was completely drawn into the story and held captive until 4am when I finally finished. This book completely blew me away!
Kate Benson did a phenomenal job writing this book. It's written from two POV's, Addison's and Zeke's. There's not a lot of authors who can pull off male POV's, Ms. Benson nailed it!
A beautiful story that starts off when Addison and Zeke are children and follows them to college. There's romance, laughter, secrets, and sadness. Ignite is definitely a book I would recommend and I cannot wait until book two comes out.
I received this for an honest review. I have to say I fall in love just a little bit more with every book I read from this author.. This story is a wonderful story of two people falling in love as teenagers and working to keep that love during college and so on so forth. This story had me wanting more from the very beggining and now I am very anxious for the next book in this series. I really enjoyed this because although it is a very sweet book while you are reading it you feel as though something is happening in the background with other characters and so there is a bit of angst in the story that just does wonders for this book.....
Kate Benson is my favourite author and never fails to produce the most intriguing story. Addie and Zeke grow up together living next door to each other. Over the years their friendship had a bond that no one could break. Then they started to see each other in a different way. Kate has away of gripping you that you feel has you are there right beside Addie and Zeke in all that happens in their life. Their friendship Ignite and will take your breath away. Thank you Kate for a beautiful story and I can't wait to see what you have in line next for Addie And Zeke.
This story was exceptional. It tells the story of two people, Zeke and Addie, from the first day they met as kids and follows them as their friendship grows and blossoms into much more. But not every story has a happy ending and not every love has smooth sailing. I was drawn in and could not help but hope for the best for them, but throughout the story you have your doubts, just like the characters do. Then add in parents and friends and decisions and you have one amazing story. I hope Book 2 hurries because I cannot wait to read more about Zeke and Addie.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Jacquie / Scandalous Book Blog*** Kate Benson does it again, I just love all her characters and Zeke and Addie are no exception. Life long friends and neighbours until one summer when everything changes, and love Ignites. This is a bitter sweet love story with just the right amount of angst and yet again we're left with an amazing cliff hanger. Can't wait to see where Zeke and Addie go from here, so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Wow Kate Benson! You sure do know how to write a book! Addison and Zeke story was so sweet, fun and sexy! I love how the story made you feel their connection! Addison and Zeke have this special bond and will grab your heart. I loved how Kate Benson kept you wanting more! This book is an amazing start for the series! It's a page turner and you will not be disappointed! A MUST read! 5 Stars well deserved Ms Kate Benson!