Fuse

by Deborah Bladon

FUSE, a new standalone novella from New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Deborah Bladon

Brighton Beck has the life that many men can only dream of. He's a successful artist, he has a loving family and he's surrounded by people who appreciate and respect his talent. To anyone looking in from the outside, they'd see a perfect life but he's lost two women he loved and that stalled him in his tracks. Beck is stuck in a bottomless pit of self-pity and it's starting to not only impact his loved ones and friendships, but his career too.

Zoe Cameron is dealing with her own demons when she lands in Manhattan in anticipation of starting law school. She's determined to leave her past behind but she's experienced her own personal loss and the only way she knows how to deal with it is by pretending it never happened.

When Beck and Zoe meet, the attraction is instant and absolute. She lights a fuse beneath him that propels him back into his art studio and his element.

As their friendship shifts into something more, Zoe realizes that the only way anyone can truly move on is by accepting their past. Will Beck be there for her when she's ready to expose her deepest secrets or will his own fears steal him away?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Erotica

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2015

About the author

Deborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.

She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.

Reviews

[Eda** · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3 “hot cocoa” STARS **

“Have you ever been in love, Zoe? Have you ever loved someone so much it tore you apart inside? Do you know what it’s like to lose someone?”
~ BECK

Brighton Beck is a world famous watercolor artist. He has more money than he would ever need. He has a handsome face and beautiful green eyes that can captivate any woman in New York. Yet, he is terribly lonely... Brighton Beck has fallen in love twice before in his life and lost both of those women forever. One married the man she’s in love with now and one never really wanted him in the first place. Now that he's thinking of it, Beck isn't sure if he even knows the meaning of love, let alone have felt it before...

“They don’t get it. No one does. I’m a pathetic guy who happens to know how to apply paint to a canvas. That’s it.”
~ BECK

Zoe Cameron has moved all the way to Manhattan from Philly, to escape the demons of her past, finally fulfill her lifelong dream of going to Law school and start a brand new life here. One night, at the pub she works as a server at, she meets a gorgeous man with so much pain in his eyes, reminding her of her own pain and loss, and feels an invisible bond forming between them even in the mere minutes they talk.



The more Beck and Zoe spend time together, the harder it becomes to deny and resist the growing need they feel for each other, but not knowing if the other feels the same way, they both try to hide everything deep inside...

“Let me be your friend, Zoe. Please be my friend.”

“Just friends?”

“Just friends, Zoe. It’s what we both need.”

Will they finally succumb to the weight on their hearts and confess that they're undeniably in love with each other?



I know most people pretty much hated Brighton Beck for all the sh*t he's pulled in Deborah Bladon's previous books, but I think I can't be the only one that wanted him to have his own HEA after losing so many women he really did care about. Or at least tried to... I was very happy to hear he was getting his own book and am very satisfied with the way his story ended.

This wasn't a perfect romance book, oh no, I could list a few things that TOTALLY didn't work for me and made my eyes hurt because of all the rolling and stuff...but it was still a good one and certainly wasn't the author's worst either.

P.S: So apparently the next series will be about a FIREFIGHTER. I actually giggled when I read that. A good giggle, not a sarcastic one... ;)

[Aditi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The H cheats on OW with some OW and when he tells this to h, she listens to it as if he is just telling her the weather forecast. No reaction on cheating whatsoever??? Yeah girl he didn't cheat on you, but he cheated on his ex and you're ok with it???

[Myla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first met Beck in "Vain", he's so arrogant and became the villain in Alexa & Noah story. I don't like him but Author Deborah Bladon was able to transform Brighton Beck into a swoon worthy hero who believe that the woman in front of him, Zoe, is destined to be the love of his life.

Zoe has no idea the man in front of him is Brighton Beck,the famous artist, to her it's just a man who is drunk and hitting on her just to get laid.

Beck can't seem to forget Zoe, and he wants to apologize to her and give him a chance to prove that he isn't such an a$$hole and offers to be her friend.

As they spent more time together being friends isn't enough, it was Zoe who asks the question...

"Have you ever thought about kissing me?"
"Did you ever think of me as more than just a friend?"

I enjoyed and time well spent reading this friend to lovers story from one of my favorite author. Beck & Zoe's story belongs to my favorite couple list.

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me why I love Deborah Bladon's work. What a great story. Well developed characters, slower pace but excellent development.
Brighton Beck is a very famous and wealthy painter but emotionally he is quite unsatisfied. Hurt from the women in his life and his own choices, he spends his nights with random women, trying to dull the pain. Until Zoe comes in his life. She is different and they begin an unlikely friendship. Zoe's dream is to go to law school and she has to try hard to fulfil her dreams. She is not at all intimidated by Brighton's success and he is impressed by that. But, they both want more. Will they overcome their demons in order to be together?
As always, the writing was excellent and I simply loved the female heroine. This author writes the best heroines; I've said that before.
4 Stars from me.

[Krystel Theodore-Branker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Let me say this is the lowest I have ever given one of Deborah's books. I am a hard-core fan of her and her books. The thing is I was always sceptical of this book ever since she announced she was going to give Brighton Beck his story so I read with an "attitude". The reasons are, I already disliked his previous girlfriend Ivy from the Obsession series and then he cheated on her with one of my fave characters Alexa from the VAIN series. It's always difficult to separate your feelings and give a character a chance when you've already created you own perspective of them. However while reading I realized Beck was a bit misunderstood and maybe because of his own hurt and having to deal with Ivy's rejection he made some mistakes that he probably never set out to do but did. Again love Deborah and looking forward to Trace Series next as well as Ember !

[melissa martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

After reading all of your other books I had a dislike for beck. But after reading this book I liked him very much and understood why he was the way he was. Great story Deborah!! Can't wait for rd your other books!!!

[lynette desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe and Beck

I've been absolutely dying to read about Beck's story. He had a little presence in Jax and Ivy's story and I fell in love with him from there. Then I hated him when I got bits and pieces in Noah and Alexa's story and now...I love him again. Beck really grew up in this book. From all of the series he's been in I'm glad I got to see his transformation. Zoe is a saint and I can't say enough good things about her. I wish what happens at the very end of the last chapter would have been a little different. Zoe is going to struggle a lot with a demanding schedule and two huge changes/transitions happening at the same time. I'm hopeful that her and Beck will be able to deal with it all.

Side note/part rant:
I escaped my due diligence of reading my kindle books (especially Deborah Bladon's I usually read and post a review with a day or two of release) and recently opted for a paperback and audiobooks (I know I've been neglecting my good e-books). But I'm back. I've been trying to read this book for a while but in between reading the paperback version of "Gone Girl" (which I'm still not even halfway through) I've finally finished this and I can't wait to go download and read the Trace series.

[Lin #Historical lover...❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This was the best of DB's work that I have read so far.

For a short story it was full of all the good stuff... Good plot, good characters, good twists, good sex...

If I say much more I will spoil.

Excellent read for a challenge

I reread this Jan 11-12, 2016 when I was reading all bladon's books in order. I agree with my first review.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Another awesome one by Ms. Bladon!

Loved how they started and loved how they ended!

Definitely different!

Absolutely addictive!

Beautiful story <3

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕💕💥

I can’t believe she did it again. I honestly didn’t believe I’d ever be able to love beck after what he did to Alexa then bam she brings in Zoe. I immediately fell in love with her story, pain and compassion. I could feel exactly what beck was going through as he grew in character and depth. Such a wonderful storyline full of some amazing characters

[Mindy Martinez Borda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuse is one of my favourite stories of this author. I have read ir many tjme and it never fails to give me all the feels. Beck and Zoe are just everything. Their angst touches you so completely that you can't avoid falling in love along with them. A must read for everyone.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jave been a fan since 20q4 and its 2020 and i will continue to read until she stops writing.

[Hanleigh Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there is one thing I love about Bladon's books it's her uncanny ability to come up with incredible plotlines that take me completely by surprise and Beck and Zoe's story was no different. Brighton Beck is a character we've met before and he's not always been a character we've liked. He's a world famous watercolour artist. He's rich and he's hot. Beautiful face. Green eyes (which is always my favourite). He's a bit of a player but he's lonely. He's been in love twice and lost it both times. One woman married someone else (Kayla - there's another character we already know) and the other one didn't really love him at all (a character I've hated right from the very first book I read by Bladon - that's right it's the two faced bitch Liz best friend of Ivy). Previously he was a character to be hated but the things that made us hate him are the same things that make us love him now. It's always good when the villain becomes the good guy.

Then he meets Zoe. Zoe Cameron has moved to NY from Philly to get away from her own past. She works as a server and just so happens to meet Beck at work. They get to know each other but they have no idea how the other feels so they keep their feelings to themselves and agree to just be friends. ""Have you ever thought about kissing me?" Zoe asks Beck. "Did you ever think of me as more than just a friend?" she asks. Considering how they met, Beck sat drunk in a pub as his ex girlfriend got married across the street, it's amazing that they managed to make something of their relationship other than a rebound, perhaps it was their friendship that saved the day.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely hooked on Deborah Bladon's books!!! As much as I love the classic alpha males taking what they want when they want it. I also enjoy the bad boys who fight the urge and be sweet. This standalone was perfect. Meeting Brighton Beck in previous books, I was hoping things would turn around for him. Of course he crosses paths with Zoe who wasn't what is usually on his radar and falls for her hard and fast. What I love is how he cares about his friendship with her too. To up the angst a little more, they both are unsure of each other's feelings until that one moment when no one is holds back. LOVE LOVE LOVE this one. It's short and sweet, but wouldn't make this 'universe' complete without their story being told. On to the next!!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Deborah Blazon book. I should have started from the beginning. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, there was too much backstory that wasn't delved into. It was mentioned and the characters moved on.
I did like the characters though. Beck is hot. Who doesn't love a handsome, broody, Artist? Zoe was likable.
I do want to read Bridgette's story in Ember, but I think I may go back and read more of this series before moving on.
I only gave 3 stars because it took the whole book for them to get together, and when they did, BOOM it was over. I just wish there was a touch more so we could get a bit more incite into how their pasts affected them.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRIGHTON AND ZOE - 3.5 STARS

This was a short romantic story of when Brighton meets ZOE. It's different than the other stories in they started out as friends and only became romantically involved much later in the story. That wasn't a distraction to the story. I do however wish their was more detail to their life together after they decided they loved each other. Please Deborah, don't only write novellas, which this story read like one. You still are one of my favorite authors and I have read every series. I look forward to the next series, Ember.

[Lauri Tribbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brighton Beck sizzle s

Deborah has once again delivered another set of interesting characters that find common ground as fast and furious friends. Beck the renowned artist has had a rough day and finds himself at a pub having to much to drink and looking for therapy from an unlikely source Zoe the cocktail waitress. Zone just want to do her job and move along. Read this smartly written story and find out what happens after Beck leaves Zoe a $500 tip and then comes looking for her the next. Great fast page Turner.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about one of the characters from Deborah's other series, who wanted love but just didn't recognize until it was too late and while falling under his misery at a pub across the street from where his ex girlfriend just got married he's drinking himself to death and feeling sorry for himself and flirting profusely with all the waitresses when he meets one that is different from the rest and falls passionately in love with after he makes a quick decision to put her in the friend zone. Great Great story.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm. What was it missing? I did not feel the connection from friends to lovers between Beck and Zoe. Natha, zilch. It was all rushed. It needed some drama. I think it would have been great to include Liz and Alexa into the storyline somewhere. It was nice to see Clive for just a second. And finally some heat. The sex was....lackluster. I love Deborah's books. I adore it especially when she injects humor, as with Alexa and Noah. Moving on to another of Deborah's books. I'm enjoying reading the series and stand alones in order.

[Chianti Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck and Zoe! Another great read from Deborah Bladon. I enjoyed this book. It reminded me that I am married to my best friend. Sometimes the friend zone is exactly where you need to start. Will there be ups and downs? Yes, there will but you work through it. These two needed to find each other so they could face the darkness together. Sometimes you never know where you will find the "one".

[Stina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so nice for once to read a book to the end and feel some sort of relaxed and almost peaceful mindset. Even though it's not the longest book, I found it very readable and enjoyed the story., the characters and the atmosphere of the book was very typical for this author and one of the reasons why I love reading her books. I recommend this book to the fullest, and as mentioned before it's nice reading a book that has this relaxed feeling all the way. Thank you for a good read.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fuse was a delightful change from most of Deborah’s titles because Beck and Zoe’s romance reads like a realistic relationship where a couple actually bonds emotionally before getting physical. I loved the character development, the emotional connection, and the nuanced storytelling without the overly dramatic cliffhangers in stories chopped into multiple books though I wish this book had been longer. I hope Beck and Zoe’s love story bodes well for more engaging reads just like this one.

[Diane Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Fuse

Finally Beck's story takes you on a quick journey addressing the need to move on. I think my only sadness is it was quick and I would enjoy more reading of Beck. The story is sweet with some interesting twists. I love how characters from other series are continually integrated keeping you connected.

[Lexi Cubbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I've been waiting for you, Beck stars.

I'm so glad Deborah decided to write his HEA, too. (And look at that cover!) I love her style, pulling off insta-connection between the characters perfectly.

Zoe was lovely and Beck is just the man we are all waiting for, admit it.
Their story proves there's love even after pain and heartbreak. Sweet!

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

ah, Beck

Deborah Bladon is by far one of my favorite authors. Her ability to develop characters is retry amazing. Beck turns out to not be a huge douche as originally thought when we met him in (vain, I think?) I really like how his relationship with Zoe started and grew into more. They were really sweet together!

[Simone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm very sorry about this review, but I have to be honest. I loved every book by Deborah I read so far and gave them 4 and 5 star ratings but this was just plain boring. The story was unimaginative and predictable. There was no real passion, chemistry and fire between the two main characters, there were absolutely no interesting plot twists, the sex was boring. All in all very disappointing.

[Lovette Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story

I love reading all of Deborah's books and seeing the relation of each character. I feel like I know them all! I really wanted to see what Beck was like in real life because he didn't seem to much of a sweetheart with Alexa, but here he is and I love it. The story flowed smoothly and was relatable.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic & adorable

So adorable! I loved the beginning of Beck & Zoe's relationship. The whole not knowing what the other person is feeling. It is very realistic and I liked reading about it. Then their love turns out to be strong and amazing. Loved it! It was a fast read and once they admitted to loving each other it ending pretty quickly.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Finally Beck gets his happy ending!!!

Loved the teaser at the end of Ember with Bridget. A hot sexy firemen?? Yes please!! I've been waiting for a book like this for awhile. Can't wait till it's released!!!

[Octavia Drayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah has done it again!

Deborah's books are amazing, she makes you love the characters...warts and all. She sucks you into the story and readers are always clambering for the next one. Great job