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Embers #1
Stoking the Embers
Steamy and hot. Dark and disturbing.
She seeks security. He seeks freedom. They both think their lives are mapped out. Until an accident brings them together and their worlds collide, bringing passion they never expected.
But, in their shadow, evil exists. Subtle and soundless. Insidious and menacing. It won’t stop until it tears the lovers apart.
Welcome to the lives of Stephanie, a nursing student only months from receiving her degree, and Ken, a firefighter training to become a paramedic—two people dedicated to saving lives.
Will the embers of their budding relationship be smothered or stoked? Do they have the power to save themselves from the evil between them?
Stoking the Embers is the first book in the dark and sizzling Embers series.
She seeks security. He seeks freedom. They both think their lives are mapped out. Until an accident brings them together and their worlds collide, bringing passion they never expected.
But, in their shadow, evil exists. Subtle and soundless. Insidious and menacing. It won’t stop until it tears the lovers apart.
Welcome to the lives of Stephanie, a nursing student only months from receiving her degree, and Ken, a firefighter training to become a paramedic—two people dedicated to saving lives.
Will the embers of their budding relationship be smothered or stoked? Do they have the power to save themselves from the evil between them?
Stoking the Embers is the first book in the dark and sizzling Embers series.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2015
69 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Johnson
67 books129 followersLeslie is a California native but recently moved to Arizona after a stint in Arkansas. She enjoys travel and being with her grandchildren.
She is an avid reader of many genres, but prefers romances with travel or thriller themes. She loves writing about strong women and strong men because the world needs both!
Please visit me at:
http://lesliejohnsonauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie...
She is an avid reader of many genres, but prefers romances with travel or thriller themes. She loves writing about strong women and strong men because the world needs both!
Please visit me at:
http://lesliejohnsonauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 16, 2015
Rosalie's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
From the very beginning, you are pulled in. Cold chills spreading throughout your body, waiting on pins and needles to find out what happens next. The scenes change, so quickly though, that the cold chills are replaced with heat that you definitely want to hold onto!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
From the very beginning, you are pulled in. Cold chills spreading throughout your body, waiting on pins and needles to find out what happens next. The scenes change, so quickly though, that the cold chills are replaced with heat that you definitely want to hold onto!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
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July 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/22/2020)! 🎁
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August 20, 2015Five stars... My ass hurts!
Basics
So, the book starts with a nursing student and firefighter trying to help in a muti-car accident. They part ways with nothing happening of any moment.
Female MC goes home with broken fingernails and bruises all over her body from wrapping a tourniquet & "duck walking" a couple of people off the bus. Give me an fing break. The way her injuries are so overhyped and exaggerated, you'd think she was the one in the wreck.
Anyhow...
We meet, Jerome, the female MC's douche boyfriend. Weird scene with talks of pain, dungeons, millionaire status, and poking at bruises happens.
The next day firefighter and nursing student meet again at the grocery store where she works. Turns out he's a regular customer *eyeroll* and, while he's noticed her "sexy ass," too many other women have been all too eager to throw themselves at him in the grocery store for him to bother with the one that seemed aloof and shy. Suddenly he now has visions of her tied up, on her knees, blah blah blah.
Proceed to him asking her out.
Hhhhuhhhh....
I'm Bored & Completely Underwhelmed
At 22%, nothing has fing happened other than introductions. It's all fluff and irritants.
I'm bored!
By 40%, there's no fing trace of any plot going on here other than these two meeting and her breaking up with her douche boyfriend.
The Characters
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The female MC reminds me of a sheep thrown in the cage with lions ready to devour her. She's spacey, whinnnnnnny, and just uninteresting all around. I have this mental imagine of a Justin Timberlake singing "Cry. Me. A. River" every time she speaks.
And, if I read one more fing word about this chick's broken mfing fingernails and bruises, I may pull my own nails out with a pair of vice grips.
The male MC talks like he's a 16-year-old kid that got into his Dad's BDSM stash of porno. Nearly every sentence involves his cock, her tits, or is somehow or another disparaging toward women. He's just not likeable.
At every turn of the page there just seems to be some little irritant. Like him observing a "30-something" woman and assuming she's "desperately hanging on to youth" just because she's friendly to him, tall, and blonde. F you, dude; can you even spell narcissism?
The writing
And... What if this book didn't:
•Ramble about mundane shit?
• Have a non-existent storyline?
• Use dialogue that's stiff, unbelievable?
• Use the word "irony" in relation to cookies and spilled milk?
• Feature characters I'd probably punch in the face in real life?
Bottom Line
DNF @ 40%.
I'm astounded and perplexed over the number of high ratings this book received.
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This book is free on KU at the moment, but I'd strongly suggest downloading a sample before purchasing this book based on such reviews.
Basics
So, the book starts with a nursing student and firefighter trying to help in a muti-car accident. They part ways with nothing happening of any moment.
Female MC goes home with broken fingernails and bruises all over her body from wrapping a tourniquet & "duck walking" a couple of people off the bus. Give me an fing break. The way her injuries are so overhyped and exaggerated, you'd think she was the one in the wreck.
Anyhow...
We meet, Jerome, the female MC's douche boyfriend. Weird scene with talks of pain, dungeons, millionaire status, and poking at bruises happens.
The next day firefighter and nursing student meet again at the grocery store where she works. Turns out he's a regular customer *eyeroll* and, while he's noticed her "sexy ass," too many other women have been all too eager to throw themselves at him in the grocery store for him to bother with the one that seemed aloof and shy. Suddenly he now has visions of her tied up, on her knees, blah blah blah.
Proceed to him asking her out.
Hhhhuhhhh....
I'm Bored & Completely Underwhelmed
At 22%, nothing has fing happened other than introductions. It's all fluff and irritants.
I'm bored!
By 40%, there's no fing trace of any plot going on here other than these two meeting and her breaking up with her douche boyfriend.
The Characters
The female MC reminds me of a sheep thrown in the cage with lions ready to devour her. She's spacey, whinnnnnnny, and just uninteresting all around. I have this mental imagine of a Justin Timberlake singing "Cry. Me. A. River" every time she speaks.
And, if I read one more fing word about this chick's broken mfing fingernails and bruises, I may pull my own nails out with a pair of vice grips.
The male MC talks like he's a 16-year-old kid that got into his Dad's BDSM stash of porno. Nearly every sentence involves his cock, her tits, or is somehow or another disparaging toward women. He's just not likeable.
At every turn of the page there just seems to be some little irritant. Like him observing a "30-something" woman and assuming she's "desperately hanging on to youth" just because she's friendly to him, tall, and blonde. F you, dude; can you even spell narcissism?
The writing
And... What if this book didn't:
•Ramble about mundane shit?
• Have a non-existent storyline?
• Use dialogue that's stiff, unbelievable?
• Use the word "irony" in relation to cookies and spilled milk?
• Feature characters I'd probably punch in the face in real life?
Bottom Line
DNF @ 40%.
I'm astounded and perplexed over the number of high ratings this book received.
This book is free on KU at the moment, but I'd strongly suggest downloading a sample before purchasing this book based on such reviews.
February 14, 2015
From the very beginning, you are pulled in. Cold chills spreading throughout your body, waiting on pins and needles to find out what happens next. The scenes change, so quickly though, that the cold chills are replaced with heat that you definitely want to hold onto!
Stephanie is a nursing student, finishing her degree that comes upon a 3-car pile up. Knowing she has to help, instincts kick in and lives are saved, because of her. It is in this accident that she meets the sexy firefighter, Ken.
So on point, and the flow of the story was amazing. Loving some firefighter books, and this one is no exception. The scenes were so well described, and the chemistry so amazing between Stephanie and Ken, that I definitely reread certain scenes. The book had wonderful erotic scenes that were so beautifully written that it was never over the top. This book isn’t all sex and no plot though; Ms. Johnson pulls you in so hard that you don’t want the book to end. Finding out this is the first in the series has made me a very happy girl and I can’t wait for the next one (and the next one and the next one and the next one!)!!
Review by Rosalie Belle for Guilty Pleasures Reviews
Stephanie is a nursing student, finishing her degree that comes upon a 3-car pile up. Knowing she has to help, instincts kick in and lives are saved, because of her. It is in this accident that she meets the sexy firefighter, Ken.
So on point, and the flow of the story was amazing. Loving some firefighter books, and this one is no exception. The scenes were so well described, and the chemistry so amazing between Stephanie and Ken, that I definitely reread certain scenes. The book had wonderful erotic scenes that were so beautifully written that it was never over the top. This book isn’t all sex and no plot though; Ms. Johnson pulls you in so hard that you don’t want the book to end. Finding out this is the first in the series has made me a very happy girl and I can’t wait for the next one (and the next one and the next one and the next one!)!!
Review by Rosalie Belle for Guilty Pleasures Reviews
May 2, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Leslie Johnson.
I have never read a book by Leslie Johnson before. However, based on this book, I bought all three e-books in the Firefighter Romance Series.
This is the first book in a new series, and I can't wait to read the rest. The hero, Ken, is a fireman. The heroine, Stephanie, is in her last year of nursing school and works at a grocery store on the side. Stephanie also has a psychotic ex-fiance.
As soon as Stephanie and Ken met, I could feel the chemistry, even though both of them, especially Ken, seem to fight it. I loved Ken because in spite of thinking of himself as a free-spirit, he was very tender and loving to Stephanie.
This book had everything - humor, tenderness, friendship, sex and even a sad moment or two. But in the end, it is an awesome romance that is fun and quick to read!
Hurry up with the next book, Leslie Johnson! Meanwhile, I'll pass the time by reading the other three books I just bought.
I have never read a book by Leslie Johnson before. However, based on this book, I bought all three e-books in the Firefighter Romance Series.
This is the first book in a new series, and I can't wait to read the rest. The hero, Ken, is a fireman. The heroine, Stephanie, is in her last year of nursing school and works at a grocery store on the side. Stephanie also has a psychotic ex-fiance.
As soon as Stephanie and Ken met, I could feel the chemistry, even though both of them, especially Ken, seem to fight it. I loved Ken because in spite of thinking of himself as a free-spirit, he was very tender and loving to Stephanie.
This book had everything - humor, tenderness, friendship, sex and even a sad moment or two. But in the end, it is an awesome romance that is fun and quick to read!
Hurry up with the next book, Leslie Johnson! Meanwhile, I'll pass the time by reading the other three books I just bought.
February 22, 2015
Another good book from Leslie Johnson
I was given this book for an honest review. We meet Stephanie as she is driving home and she encounters an accident. She is in the last year of her nurse's training so she grabs her first aid kit, her stethoscope, towels and a sweater. She helps the people that she can. The fire fighters and paramedics arrive. One of the firefighters commends her on the actions she has taken. Her boyfriend comes over to share his good news and barely listens to her about the accident. She is very sore from moving the people and working in a cramped space, and finally gets him to leave after he pulls his Jekyll and Hyde behavior. He promises that she will be sorry that she made him leave. At the store where she works she meets the firefighter from the accident. Ken watches her checking his groceries out and is having a fantasy about her and sex when she drops the milk container and it splashes every where. Will Ken's fantasy come true? What about her boyfriend since he is no longer the nice boy she met in college? Since I don't read all of the blurbs and excerpts of the books that I read, I was enjoying the story until I realized that the book ended and the story didn't. Can't wait for the next book in this set.
I was given this book for an honest review. We meet Stephanie as she is driving home and she encounters an accident. She is in the last year of her nurse's training so she grabs her first aid kit, her stethoscope, towels and a sweater. She helps the people that she can. The fire fighters and paramedics arrive. One of the firefighters commends her on the actions she has taken. Her boyfriend comes over to share his good news and barely listens to her about the accident. She is very sore from moving the people and working in a cramped space, and finally gets him to leave after he pulls his Jekyll and Hyde behavior. He promises that she will be sorry that she made him leave. At the store where she works she meets the firefighter from the accident. Ken watches her checking his groceries out and is having a fantasy about her and sex when she drops the milk container and it splashes every where. Will Ken's fantasy come true? What about her boyfriend since he is no longer the nice boy she met in college? Since I don't read all of the blurbs and excerpts of the books that I read, I was enjoying the story until I realized that the book ended and the story didn't. Can't wait for the next book in this set.
May 5, 2015
I just finished Stoking the Embers! What a fantastic read! The characters were so real and believable! Stephanie is finishing her nursing degree and is trying to take charge if her life, when she suddenly finds herself first on the scene of an accident. Little does she know how this incident will have a significant impact upon her future plans. Ken is a firefighter who is training to be a paramedic. He meets Stephanie on the scene of that accident and later again when their paths cross. He is unprepared to discover the impact Stephanie has on him.
March seems so far away! I can't wait to read more about Stephanie and Ken!
March seems so far away! I can't wait to read more about Stephanie and Ken!
February 14, 2015
Wow, this one really threw me. I have read Johnson's other firefighter series but this one is hotter. Get ready for a cliffhanger, fair warning. Stephanie has an ex a vet computer savvy tech geek that has psychotic tendencies. She dumps him but won't take a hint and becomes a stalker if sorts. Ken is a true man and has the right instincts but is clueless about the dangers Jerome is bringing upon Steph. The suspense is great but if you pay attention you can figure it out and then yell at Steph for not being smarter. This will be a great series! My copy was given for an honest review.
February 14, 2015
I received this and once I started I could not put it down. Amazing book and leslie did an amazing job keeping her readers. Yes it does have a cliffhanger. Can't wait for more.
April 9, 2015
Shallow people, no real plot, read like poorly written fanfiction. I couldn't identify with the insipid main characters, DNF.
June 21, 2015
Entertaining with fair plot development. Ending with a cliffy:(. Have to read book 2 to see how it unravels.
Want to read
March 5, 2024Purch Amz April 13, 2021
May 8, 2015
This was my first read by Leslie Johnson and I have to say it was amazing, but I do love a read about a sexy man in uniform.
The story in this book was very well written and well developed, and the plot of the book was very fast paced and the ending of the book will leave you will your jaw on the ground in shock. The characters in this book are very well written and the chemistry between Stephanie and Ken is off the charts hot. And we cannot forget the slime ball that Stephanie is dating, Jerome, he rubs me the wrong way and gives me the creeps.
In this book we will meet a women who is studying to be a nurse when she happens upon an accident where she meets the sexy fireman Ken. Ken to me seems like a playboy who is afraid of relationships but when he meets Stephanie he sees her different than all the other women he has been with and that scares the crap out of him. In this book we will also see a Stephanie's showing up every where and basically stalking her. In this book we will see many strange things happen, who could be behind them??? and what will happen between Stephanie and Ken???
Loving this new author I have found, now going to dive into book two....
The story in this book was very well written and well developed, and the plot of the book was very fast paced and the ending of the book will leave you will your jaw on the ground in shock. The characters in this book are very well written and the chemistry between Stephanie and Ken is off the charts hot. And we cannot forget the slime ball that Stephanie is dating, Jerome, he rubs me the wrong way and gives me the creeps.
In this book we will meet a women who is studying to be a nurse when she happens upon an accident where she meets the sexy fireman Ken. Ken to me seems like a playboy who is afraid of relationships but when he meets Stephanie he sees her different than all the other women he has been with and that scares the crap out of him. In this book we will also see a Stephanie's showing up every where and basically stalking her. In this book we will see many strange things happen, who could be behind them??? and what will happen between Stephanie and Ken???
Loving this new author I have found, now going to dive into book two....
May 11, 2015
Wow...so who doesn't love hot firemen um no one.. honestly this book was incredibly intense this was my very first time reading one of Leslie Johnson's novels and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be taken on this journey. This story line was absolutely incredible not only is it intricate and full of suspense, but there are so many twists and turns and wow you are just going to be shocked when you learn some of the things. The connections that Leslie was able to convey between Ken and Stephanie were amazing the romance between the two of them just sky rocketed and really set an amazing tone for the rest of the book. The book was very fast paced and action packed if you haven't had a chance to read this one be sure to add it to your list because its amazing and who doesn't want to read a book about a station full of hot firemen?!
July 14, 2015
This is a crazy book. So stephanie goes to school for nursing but also works at a supermarket. Ken is a fireman training to be a paramedic. Ken has seen her a few times at the supermarket and always thought she was attracted. Stephanie helped at a at crash one day and that's when she noticed ken. Then ken would come in the market from time to time. Stephanie also had a boyfriend Jerome but broke up with him because he was becoming something she was scared of. He didn't accept the break up. He stalked her and kept showing up to places. She kept turning him down. But he wouldn't go away. He knew everything she was doing. Even dating and sleeping with ken. At the end everyone gets an amber alert except it's not an amber alert. It's a link of them having sexual intercourse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2015
This book blew me away. I started reading it during my prep period while my students were in PE. Candid Confession: Not the smartest idea I've ever had. This book had me hot and bothered, biting my nails, and literally chewing my lip more than Stephanie did every time she saw Ken. I was hooked from page one and could not tear myself away from the story line. Ken and Stephanie are a pair of lovers whose desire cannot be extinguished (please don't excuse the pun). This book was an easy read, gripping, suspenseful, and a whole hell of a lot hot! The cliffhanger was not expected but easy to embrace with book two downloading almost immediately. Definitely a must read!
May 9, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Leslie Johnson. This is book 1 of a new series by the author.
Stephanie is in her last year of nursing and between working and studying she does not have much time for a social life. Ken is a fireman and trying to become a paramedic. A horrific accident throws these 2 people together for some smoking hot times.
This is such a great read from the author. The characters seem like they live right next door. The story line has such a smooth flow to it even with the little twists and turns.
This is for any mature romance book reader who likes a little adventure with their romance. I can't wait to read book 2.
Stephanie is in her last year of nursing and between working and studying she does not have much time for a social life. Ken is a fireman and trying to become a paramedic. A horrific accident throws these 2 people together for some smoking hot times.
This is such a great read from the author. The characters seem like they live right next door. The story line has such a smooth flow to it even with the little twists and turns.
This is for any mature romance book reader who likes a little adventure with their romance. I can't wait to read book 2.
April 3, 2015
I found about Leslie Johnson when I read her firefighters series and when I heard the Stoking Embers was coming out, I had to read it. She combines two of my favorite genres romance and suspense. She catches your attention from the beginning where you meet Stephanie, a nurse in training helping out in a car accident. Later on you meet Ken and get to see how their relationship evolves. Everything gets complicated when Stephanie's ex Jerome won't take no for an answer. Book 1 ends in a major cliffhanger which you get to read about in book 2 and what a book 2!
May 2, 2015
Where to start? Sexy, quirky nursing student Stephanie, Psychotic, tech wizard, new millionaire ex boyfriend Jerome, or Hot, hot, kinky minded, sensitive, (did I say Hot?) Fireman Ken!
This story is a giggle/snort, hot/sexy,edge of us seat, grab a glass of wine, and hang on to your seat thrill ride.
Amazing story, Amazing characters, and an Amazing Author, with a talent for making you laugh, making you hot, and terrorizing you with words.. I can't recommend Stoking the Embers fast enough. *closes the book, to hold out to you* and I don't share my favorite books, Enjoy
This story is a giggle/snort, hot/sexy,edge of us seat, grab a glass of wine, and hang on to your seat thrill ride.
Amazing story, Amazing characters, and an Amazing Author, with a talent for making you laugh, making you hot, and terrorizing you with words.. I can't recommend Stoking the Embers fast enough. *closes the book, to hold out to you* and I don't share my favorite books, Enjoy
May 26, 2015
Stephanie is a college student trying to finish school for nursing. She has a boyfriend but realizes he is not the one. He has a dark side and she needs out but will he just let her go? In the meantime she meets a smoking hot firefighter that shows her how a true man treats a woman. Ken is a man that is not interested in dating but there is something about Stephanie that makes him rethink it. While they are trying to expire their feelings a lot of mishaps are occurring? Are they just coincidence or is it something more? I don't know yet but I am going to keep reading to find out!
September 3, 2015
This is the first of a 3 book series. Stoking the Embers is awesome. You meet Steph, an RN student of UNLV as she helps out at a car accident scene. Ken is a fireman who helps Steph at the accident scene. They see each other the next day and realize that they've seen each other before. Steph's boyfriend, Jerome is a... I'll just call him an asshole, he likes to control Steph, and not in a good way. What happens when she has had enough and gets rid of him? Will he be gone for good, or will he not take no for an answer? Find out in book 1 of this awesome series.
May 4, 2015
Received as an ARC for an honest review.
WOW!!! Holy hotness!
A nursing student and a FF/Paramedic embark on a relationship, however it seems someone has other ideas!
The twists in this book are phenomenal! It sucked me in and wouldn't let go! I can't wait until book 2!
The cliffhanger in this book will leave you with a WTF just happened! But you won't be able to get it out of your mind, either!
Great job Leslie Johnson!!!!
WOW!!! Holy hotness!
A nursing student and a FF/Paramedic embark on a relationship, however it seems someone has other ideas!
The twists in this book are phenomenal! It sucked me in and wouldn't let go! I can't wait until book 2!
The cliffhanger in this book will leave you with a WTF just happened! But you won't be able to get it out of your mind, either!
Great job Leslie Johnson!!!!
May 8, 2015
I love me a fireman and Ken is just that first responder to a crash and he meets Stephanie the girl who is in aher final year of nursing helping people out in the crash, you normally cry over spilled milk but they don't, but with Jerome her ex knowing where she is all the time is creeping her out. Will Ken and Stephanie get to be with each other or will Jerome's stalking pull them apart?
April 1, 2015
Stephanie, a nursing student, meets Firefighter, Ken, at a fatal car accident when she is 1st on the scene. Her boyfriend, soon ex-boyfriend, has just sold his software for $3 million. Strange things start happening to Stephanie and her best friend, Bess, after Stephanie breaks up with her ex-boyfriend Jerome.
May 8, 2015
Smoking hot, sexy Ken can put my fire out whenever he'd like. Oh boy, the chemistry, mystery and suspense that's circling Stephanie is distressing but will she figure it out? Will she become a statistic? Will Ken become the man he claims he'd never turn into? Leslie Johnson has me hooked! Stroking the Embers is a winner!
May 13, 2015
Loved it. this is the second book of Leslie Johnson, that I have read, and I think the are brilliant, the storylines are strong and keeps you going all the way through, with no dull bits, absolutely loved the chemistry between Steph and ken, I can't wait to read book 2, and see what happens to their relationship, and what happens to the evil Jerome.
June 10, 2015
Easily the best romantic/erotic/thriller fiction I has read. Ken and Steph are just so compelling, and the story itself is edge of seat gripping. This is so good I bought and finished the next one straight after finishing it. Generally when a book makes me cry within the first 5 minutes of reading, it goes on my favorites shelf. It has all the right elements.
March 30, 2015
I had received this as an advanced copy and loved it! I can't wait for book 2 to come out. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say this is definitely for the over 18 crowd! It is very well written and kept me wanting to read more.
April 12, 2015
I was enjoying the book to a certain degree then it just stopped. It's a trend in books that I am finding very frustrating.
I was also having trouble connecting with the characters and there were several other things that just seemed off to me - mainly Jerome's character.
I was also having trouble connecting with the characters and there were several other things that just seemed off to me - mainly Jerome's character.
April 12, 2015
Ken can light my fire anytime!!!
So in love with romantic suspense books! Ken is added to my bb list. I couldn't stop reading until finshed it. Great cliffhanger! I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!
So in love with romantic suspense books! Ken is added to my bb list. I couldn't stop reading until finshed it. Great cliffhanger! I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews