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Night Fires
This is a standalone novel.
I would watch him watch the ocean. He would build fires and sit, all night waiting.
For her. For his dead wife.
She never came. I never expected her to. But he did. And he never let go.
Even when I fell in love with him he never let go.
Until the night of the storm. The night my worst nightmares came to life.
And I lost everything to her when she finally returned.
For us both.
This book contains scenes of sex and substance abuse.
I would watch him watch the ocean. He would build fires and sit, all night waiting.
For her. For his dead wife.
She never came. I never expected her to. But he did. And he never let go.
Even when I fell in love with him he never let go.
Until the night of the storm. The night my worst nightmares came to life.
And I lost everything to her when she finally returned.
For us both.
This book contains scenes of sex and substance abuse.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
23 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
D.H. Sidebottom
61 books1,748 followersMy Facebook link:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 10, 2019
3.5 Stars
Emotional, intense, mysterious and completely unpredictable.
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Writing style: 4 stars
Story: 3 stars
Flow of the story: 4 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Secondary characters: 4 stars
Tone/mood of the book: 4 stars
Emotion evoking: 4 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 3.5 stars
Effect on me: 3 stars
Emotional, intense, mysterious and completely unpredictable.
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Writing style: 4 stars
Story: 3 stars
Flow of the story: 4 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Secondary characters: 4 stars
Tone/mood of the book: 4 stars
Emotion evoking: 4 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 3.5 stars
Effect on me: 3 stars
June 9, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Alice Bird moved to a sleepy small town to make peace with herself. After a horrendous tragedy in her life, she needed to run away and vowed to make true of her promise to those she loved.
Carter Andrews shut himself out upon his wife's death. Weighted down by grief, he became a different person, rubbing people around him the wrong way. But sometimes, rays of light could appear amidst the darkest storm. It's only a question of whether they're willing to weather it or not.
I have seen this book around but never paid much attention to it because it is listed as paranormal on Goodreads - a genre I rarely read. But when I was told it is a potentially emotional read, I willingly took what turned out into a rewarding leap.
Carter was my favorite kind of hero. The broody and emotionally scarred hero, was abrasive. But I like that he still had the capacity to care and willing to accept changes in his life.
Alice was independent and loyal to what she believed in. She was grieving but she mostly didn't let that get in her way.
The story was interesting and engaging. It wasn't as sad as I prefer it to be, but it was still a touching one. I think the story was quite beautiful, but there were a couple of things I wish was elaborated more.
I really like the location atmosphere especially the house that added the aura of mystery to the story. The paranormal element was just a fraction of the book. It served mostly as symbolism and moral of the story. This book is through and through, a romance with some element of suspense.
Night Fires is a wonderful story of two broken individuals bound by grief on a journey to find forgiveness and acceptance.
✾ ♛ ✾ . . . (F)BR with Loyda . . . ✾ ♛ ✾
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Alice Bird moved to a sleepy small town to make peace with herself. After a horrendous tragedy in her life, she needed to run away and vowed to make true of her promise to those she loved.
Carter Andrews shut himself out upon his wife's death. Weighted down by grief, he became a different person, rubbing people around him the wrong way. But sometimes, rays of light could appear amidst the darkest storm. It's only a question of whether they're willing to weather it or not.
I have seen this book around but never paid much attention to it because it is listed as paranormal on Goodreads - a genre I rarely read. But when I was told it is a potentially emotional read, I willingly took what turned out into a rewarding leap.
He was rude and cold yet I sensed something deeper within him, something that connected with the broken parts of me.
Carter was my favorite kind of hero. The broody and emotionally scarred hero, was abrasive. But I like that he still had the capacity to care and willing to accept changes in his life.
To hurt Carter would finish both of us, because he was all I had now. If I lost his love then I lost what gave me reason to live.
Alice was independent and loyal to what she believed in. She was grieving but she mostly didn't let that get in her way.
The story was interesting and engaging. It wasn't as sad as I prefer it to be, but it was still a touching one. I think the story was quite beautiful, but there were a couple of things I wish was elaborated more.
“Dealing with grief doesn’t come with rules. Sometimes the only way to deal with it is to look to the past, to remember."
I really like the location atmosphere especially the house that added the aura of mystery to the story. The paranormal element was just a fraction of the book. It served mostly as symbolism and moral of the story. This book is through and through, a romance with some element of suspense.
Night Fires is a wonderful story of two broken individuals bound by grief on a journey to find forgiveness and acceptance.
✾ ♛ ✾ . . . (F)BR with Loyda . . . ✾ ♛ ✾
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
January 21, 2016
***FIVE PHENOMENALLY HAUNTING STARS!!!***
This story was absolutely amazing. I deeply loved every second of it, and I was sad when I finished it. It had every bit of angst I was craving in a story (Thank you Jan for your excellent recommend of this!!), and turned it into magic. Total brilliance.
Alice, losing everyone close to her in her life, struggles to keep pushing through and keep living life herself. She feels she's broken beyond repair and she's exhausted from trying. She's got plans for her future, and they aren't good.
Carter lost his wife in a very devastating way, and at the same time, creating a guilt he cannot let go of as well as his ability to trust others.
Carter and Alice's first introductions to each other, don't go off very well. Carter is still so angry at the world and guilt ridden, all he shows outwardly is hate, most of which is flung verbally straight at Alice. But the more interactions they have with each other, the more they start to recognize in each other the kindred grief that they share, and trust starts to form in their relationship. Then the two become beautifully intimate. Their love scenes are a work of art!
I'm not going to go into great detail on the secrets revealed and the drama that unfolds. But let me just say that D.H. Sidebottom outdid herself with this amazing story. This story has everything a reader could want. A haunting past, secrets revealed, exciting action, phenomenal sex (Carter is quite the dirty talker, and had me squirming reading his fantastic and filthy words to Alice during every sexual encounter they had!), and a wonderful HEA. Oh and there's a verbal smackdown of a hateful, jealous bitch that was worth its weight in gold. Like I said, I LOVED every second of this story. Night Fires is a definite re-read for me. Perhaps multiple times. I recommend this one to everyone!
January 31, 2016
Thank you Nikki ღ Navareus for recommending this book to me. I am an emotional wreck!!!
This is my first book by D.H. Sidebottom. I went into it blind and WOW was I surprised. It literally chewed me up and spit me out. It is hauntingly beautiful, powerful and amazingly brilliant.
This is Alice and Carter's story.
Alice and Carter are both broken souls after each of them suffered a devastating lose. Alice loses her family after a catastrophic fire but moves on with her life buying and moving into a house on the beach called Kingfisher House. One night she goes down to the beach after smelling smoke and there she meets Carter. Carter is sitting in front of a fire, as he does every night waiting for his deceased wife to appear.
"I now accepted the ache inside me, welcomed it even, because it was the thing that drove me to keep going. It was the only thing my heart could feel, the pain and the grief the very things that made it beat. That was until the hottest night of the summer. The night I first opened my bedroom window. The night I first saw him."
Alice and Carter's journey begins with a tough start. As time goes by and they get to know each other, their past draws them closer together until Carter asks Alice out on a date.
There are many twists and turns along the way as Alice and Carter's relationship deepens.
“I love you.” His whispered words broke something inside me, and the pain, the suffering, the grief all left me in a surge of emotion that took my breath away. I had never expected anyone to say those words again. My ears had never anticipated hearing those three little words again. My heart had never expected to feel the strength of those three little words again. And my soul had never relied on hearing those three little words again. And when they came they fractured the pain that had been locking down the last part of my grief and liberated all the emotion that came with it."
Things are not always as they appear. Alice and Carter's relationship is tested time and time again. The past does not always let us go when we most want it. It may seem like their story is full of aghast but there are so many beautiful moments filled with love and tenderness. There is humor and unexpected joy along with an amazing HEA.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. You won't regret it!!
This is my first book by D.H. Sidebottom. I went into it blind and WOW was I surprised. It literally chewed me up and spit me out. It is hauntingly beautiful, powerful and amazingly brilliant.
This is Alice and Carter's story.
Alice and Carter are both broken souls after each of them suffered a devastating lose. Alice loses her family after a catastrophic fire but moves on with her life buying and moving into a house on the beach called Kingfisher House. One night she goes down to the beach after smelling smoke and there she meets Carter. Carter is sitting in front of a fire, as he does every night waiting for his deceased wife to appear.
"I now accepted the ache inside me, welcomed it even, because it was the thing that drove me to keep going. It was the only thing my heart could feel, the pain and the grief the very things that made it beat. That was until the hottest night of the summer. The night I first opened my bedroom window. The night I first saw him."
Alice and Carter's journey begins with a tough start. As time goes by and they get to know each other, their past draws them closer together until Carter asks Alice out on a date.
There are many twists and turns along the way as Alice and Carter's relationship deepens.
“I love you.” His whispered words broke something inside me, and the pain, the suffering, the grief all left me in a surge of emotion that took my breath away. I had never expected anyone to say those words again. My ears had never anticipated hearing those three little words again. My heart had never expected to feel the strength of those three little words again. And my soul had never relied on hearing those three little words again. And when they came they fractured the pain that had been locking down the last part of my grief and liberated all the emotion that came with it."
Things are not always as they appear. Alice and Carter's relationship is tested time and time again. The past does not always let us go when we most want it. It may seem like their story is full of aghast but there are so many beautiful moments filled with love and tenderness. There is humor and unexpected joy along with an amazing HEA.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. You won't regret it!!
January 18, 2016
Free on KU
This is one of those reads that makes you ache. Full of angst.
Some might say it has too much drama whereas to me, it was perfection.
It’s very different from what I have already read from D H Sidebottom .
Her previous books were a miss and hit with me, however, I have to confess I haven’t read many of them.
My point being: Is she taking a chance and writing something very different from her normal or is it just me missing out on her other books? Dunno :(
The fact is: this one just blew my mind away!
It was beautiful and emotional.
June 11, 2016
FULL REVIEW TO COME
This was a great read, I didn't even shred a tear like I really wanted to damn it LOL haha but it sure was a unique and fascinating story!
F(BR) with my shhlut War, I heard this one HURTS so bring on the pain.
I'm Nina again I like to be cute, War can be the one kissing all over me (slut) LMAO
This was a great read, I didn't even shred a tear like I really wanted to damn it LOL haha but it sure was a unique and fascinating story!
F(BR) with my shhlut War, I heard this one HURTS so bring on the pain.
I'm Nina again I like to be cute, War can be the one kissing all over me (slut) LMAO
September 8, 2021
If I had to describe this, I’d say it’s as a tale of two broken people healing each other. I don’t want to give spoilers, but both have been through loads of heavy shit, so if triggers are a concern…proceed with caution.
Alice and Carter meet on the beach outside her home. The only real obstacle is their own baggage. Carter starts out gruff, but isn’t cruel. From a “feels” standpoint this is packed, but to get to them you have to swallow loads of unrealistic stuff. Some are small, like him being double her 5’3 height and a Labrador acting like a Doberman. Some are bigger like the sheer number of tragic things these two have been through. And some are ginormous like coincidences and paranormal aspects used to tie everything up for a perfectly at the end. Personally, I prefer for my “emotional reads” to be relatable/logical/realistic, so I struggled with this. BUT, my biggest obstacle was the couple’s chemistry, which I didn’t feel. On paper they were beyond incompatible, looking at their histories, I found it unlikely that Carter would even be open to a relationship with Alice.
Bottom Line- It was ok for me, but, my gripes are preference things, and I can totally see why readers loved it. There’re buckets of angst, if you can just go with it, and free to read with KU. There’s a wannabe OW, Beth, that is dispatched quickly- so no OW drama. There’s a mystery going on, that I felt was pretty obvious, but I watch TONS of Discovery ID and have a nose for this stuff. 😂
Alice and Carter meet on the beach outside her home. The only real obstacle is their own baggage. Carter starts out gruff, but isn’t cruel. From a “feels” standpoint this is packed, but to get to them you have to swallow loads of unrealistic stuff. Some are small, like him being double her 5’3 height and a Labrador acting like a Doberman. Some are bigger like the sheer number of tragic things these two have been through. And some are ginormous like coincidences and paranormal aspects used to tie everything up for a perfectly at the end. Personally, I prefer for my “emotional reads” to be relatable/logical/realistic, so I struggled with this. BUT, my biggest obstacle was the couple’s chemistry, which I didn’t feel. On paper they were beyond incompatible, looking at their histories, I found it unlikely that Carter would even be open to a relationship with Alice.
Bottom Line- It was ok for me, but, my gripes are preference things, and I can totally see why readers loved it. There’re buckets of angst, if you can just go with it, and free to read with KU. There’s a wannabe OW, Beth, that is dispatched quickly- so no OW drama. There’s a mystery going on, that I felt was pretty obvious, but I watch TONS of Discovery ID and have a nose for this stuff. 😂
January 12, 2016
Review by Jen Hagen
D.H. Sidebottom has become an author that I have a love/hate relationship with. She more often than not sucker punches me, writes a story filled with emotion and pain, and ends it on a beautiful note. She writes with a guarantee that love is not always hearts and flowers.
Alice lost everything in her life about a year ago. She has struggled to come back from that huge loss. She has used heroin and alcohol to keep the pain at bay and to see the faces of those she has lost.
The room swam before me as I took a long pull on a bottle. Why wasn’t it numbing everything? Why could I still remember?
Carter has also lost something. Every night for the past year he lights a fire for his wife to find her way back to him. Carter is a quiet man with a scowl etched on his handsome face, and everybody stays out of his way. He has struggled with alcohol but is now sober. Initially he and Alice couldn’t even form a friendship, but little by little they have witnessed each other’s hidden pain, understood the shared grief, knows the daily struggles, and have formed an unspoken support system.
“It’s okay, we don’t have to remember. You don’t have to do anything, Alice. Just sink into me and let me take it all for you.”
Can Carter and Alice deal with their grief to lead themselves into a relationship, or is intimacy between them just a way to mask their ever-consuming sadness?
There was something deep in his eyes, and when I saw it, it was like he’d just slapped me – regret, guilt, and sorrow. I didn’t want to look at it, it hurt, and I turned away from him.
If there was a way to measure grief, I have no doubt that these two combined would shoot that meter reading right off the chart. Carter and Alice were a perfect fit for one another. They understood each other and what it meant to take on each other’s immeasurable grief. It wasn’t going to be a smooth ride, but with support they could make it work. Both Carter and Alice will have people from their past showing up to make a mess of their newly-found love. Let’s hope Carter and Alice are strong enough to keep their love afloat and not carried off to sea by the storm.
D.H. Sidebottom has become an author that I have a love/hate relationship with. She more often than not sucker punches me, writes a story filled with emotion and pain, and ends it on a beautiful note. She writes with a guarantee that love is not always hearts and flowers.
Alice lost everything in her life about a year ago. She has struggled to come back from that huge loss. She has used heroin and alcohol to keep the pain at bay and to see the faces of those she has lost.
The room swam before me as I took a long pull on a bottle. Why wasn’t it numbing everything? Why could I still remember?
Carter has also lost something. Every night for the past year he lights a fire for his wife to find her way back to him. Carter is a quiet man with a scowl etched on his handsome face, and everybody stays out of his way. He has struggled with alcohol but is now sober. Initially he and Alice couldn’t even form a friendship, but little by little they have witnessed each other’s hidden pain, understood the shared grief, knows the daily struggles, and have formed an unspoken support system.
“It’s okay, we don’t have to remember. You don’t have to do anything, Alice. Just sink into me and let me take it all for you.”
Can Carter and Alice deal with their grief to lead themselves into a relationship, or is intimacy between them just a way to mask their ever-consuming sadness?
There was something deep in his eyes, and when I saw it, it was like he’d just slapped me – regret, guilt, and sorrow. I didn’t want to look at it, it hurt, and I turned away from him.
If there was a way to measure grief, I have no doubt that these two combined would shoot that meter reading right off the chart. Carter and Alice were a perfect fit for one another. They understood each other and what it meant to take on each other’s immeasurable grief. It wasn’t going to be a smooth ride, but with support they could make it work. Both Carter and Alice will have people from their past showing up to make a mess of their newly-found love. Let’s hope Carter and Alice are strong enough to keep their love afloat and not carried off to sea by the storm.
February 24, 2017
Both our heroes are in a state of grief, mourning for their loses, each of them in a different way. Soon they become close enough, and they heal each other wounds. The emotions while reading it are thick and raw. It's not another love story. It's a story in which people get through the worse of tragedies and finally, with the right person, they find the courage and strength to move on with their lives and even to forgive the one that hurt them.
January 15, 2016
When you finish a book with tears running down your face, your heart in your throat, goosebumps all over your arms... I couldn't breathe until I finished this book.
Full Review Coming!
Full Review Coming!
October 17, 2016
Wow! I'm a total basket case after this journey.
This book is so tragically sad yet crazy beautiful.
For anyone who has lost a loved one this is a story of rebirth- finding a way to live and love again.
It is a painful, hard read but one that I will never forget.
This book is so tragically sad yet crazy beautiful.
For anyone who has lost a loved one this is a story of rebirth- finding a way to live and love again.
It is a painful, hard read but one that I will never forget.
June 18, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: This was such a unique and heart-wrenching book. It covers some very dark topics, but the overall tone of the book was light.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It centers around the h and there was some initial mystery about her backstory. We meet the surly H who also has a mysterious backstory. Details were slowly revealed and the paranormal aspect was well-done imo.
* What did you think about the main characters?: They both had agonizingly-sad back stories, yet they were both dynamic and well-developed characters. You felt for both of them and their relationship developed in a very organic way.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved the character development, the setting, the romance, and the paranormal aspects of the book. It was so well-written, I couldn’t put it down.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: widow and widower second chance romance, ghosts, English romance
* What did you think about the ending?: I felt the climax with the surprise villain (which I had already kind of guessed) was a bit OTT. The outrageous resolution was a bit too far-fetched for me to suspend my disbelief. Hence the subtraction of a star.
* What is your impression of the author?: This was my first read, but I loved her writing and will look for more.
Triggers: (most off-page)murder of a child, death, heroin addiction, alcoholism, domestic abuse
* How did the book make you feel?: This was such a unique and heart-wrenching book. It covers some very dark topics, but the overall tone of the book was light.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It centers around the h and there was some initial mystery about her backstory. We meet the surly H who also has a mysterious backstory. Details were slowly revealed and the paranormal aspect was well-done imo.
* What did you think about the main characters?: They both had agonizingly-sad back stories, yet they were both dynamic and well-developed characters. You felt for both of them and their relationship developed in a very organic way.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved the character development, the setting, the romance, and the paranormal aspects of the book. It was so well-written, I couldn’t put it down.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: widow and widower second chance romance, ghosts, English romance
* What did you think about the ending?: I felt the climax with the surprise villain (which I had already kind of guessed) was a bit OTT. The outrageous resolution was a bit too far-fetched for me to suspend my disbelief. Hence the subtraction of a star.
* What is your impression of the author?: This was my first read, but I loved her writing and will look for more.
Triggers: (most off-page)murder of a child, death, heroin addiction, alcoholism, domestic abuse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2017
This one is a little different than other pnr/romantic suspense books. H lost his pregnant wife and h lost her entire family - son, brother, mother/dad. The story involves the h moving into an old house, meeting the withdrawn H, and the unraveling the mystery of the past for both. After moving into her new home, the h begins to see and speak with dead people. Not many and she does not realize these people are ghosts until later in the book. Each ghost is part of the puzzle in helping both the H and the h resume normal living instead of succumbing to destructive behavior.
This is an entertaining read. 3.5 rounded stars.
This is an entertaining read. 3.5 rounded stars.
April 30, 2016
I can't even tell you all that didn't work for me with this one because I don't want to spoil anyone who does want to read it. If you are interested in this book you really should go in blind for full affect (if at all). As for me this says it all really.
January 17, 2016
How much pain can a person live with? If the pain is so all consuming, is the life left behind even worth living?
Despair and devastation leave two people barely existing. What keeps them going? Vengeance? Self-imposed purgatory? Patience to wait for their own end to come?
I'll freely admit that powerfully written books can reduce me to tears, be they happy or sad tears. This talented author, DH Sidebottom, has time and again brought me to my knees but never - never - have I endured a book with a perpetual lump in my throat, the way I have with this one.
Right from the start, my heart was forced to empathise with the characters and just when you can't take any more, another heap of sorrow is thrown in, leaving you desperate for salvation but fearing it may never come.
DH Sidebottom is a true wordsmith and I'm more astounded with each book she releases, that she's able to outdo herself. I am never disappointed and know that starting one of her books, means embarking on a journey that will undoubtably leave you irrevocably changed.
Another 5 star triumph that is an absolute must read!
Despair and devastation leave two people barely existing. What keeps them going? Vengeance? Self-imposed purgatory? Patience to wait for their own end to come?
I'll freely admit that powerfully written books can reduce me to tears, be they happy or sad tears. This talented author, DH Sidebottom, has time and again brought me to my knees but never - never - have I endured a book with a perpetual lump in my throat, the way I have with this one.
Right from the start, my heart was forced to empathise with the characters and just when you can't take any more, another heap of sorrow is thrown in, leaving you desperate for salvation but fearing it may never come.
DH Sidebottom is a true wordsmith and I'm more astounded with each book she releases, that she's able to outdo herself. I am never disappointed and know that starting one of her books, means embarking on a journey that will undoubtably leave you irrevocably changed.
Another 5 star triumph that is an absolute must read!
January 26, 2016
Night fires is a emotional/suspense with a very loose super natural thread running through it. The plot in a nut shell is about two people struggling and not doing so well with the aftermath. The author touches a note with regards to (so beautifully) the loss and grief for both Alice and Carter. They have suffered tragic events and meet each other with the guilt and baggage they don't know how to reason let alone move on from. Parts of the book has a super natural element which was subtle but worked ok for me until Pandora was let out the box so to speak. Carter was the brooding Alfa to Alice the broken yet still had fight in the midst of all the chaos gal.
My fav part of the book was the storm scene, I could picture the veranda in my head, that was dramatic. I wanted loads more details cuz there were plenty characters within the storyline. Gonna shut up now cuz I'm rattling on.....
My fav part of the book was the storm scene, I could picture the veranda in my head, that was dramatic. I wanted loads more details cuz there were plenty characters within the storyline. Gonna shut up now cuz I'm rattling on.....
August 3, 2025
Heartfelt and Angsty Love Story
I had read another of DH Sidebottoms stories and it was angsty but a little too dark for my taste. This book is more haunting amd heartbreaking though rather then being dark. I liked the paranormal element mixed in with the love story. It reminded me of a reverse Ghost Whisperer where instead of the fmc helping ghosts pass on..the ghosts she sees are there to help her move on.
I though that the fmc was strong and the mmc was perfect for her. Their hearts had both been broken amd they repair eachother to move on 💔 . The sex scenes were on fire and emotional. If you like angst and healing after a tragic event Id recommend this book.
There is cheating involved but not between the main characters.
I had read another of DH Sidebottoms stories and it was angsty but a little too dark for my taste. This book is more haunting amd heartbreaking though rather then being dark. I liked the paranormal element mixed in with the love story. It reminded me of a reverse Ghost Whisperer where instead of the fmc helping ghosts pass on..the ghosts she sees are there to help her move on.
I though that the fmc was strong and the mmc was perfect for her. Their hearts had both been broken amd they repair eachother to move on 💔 . The sex scenes were on fire and emotional. If you like angst and healing after a tragic event Id recommend this book.
There is cheating involved but not between the main characters.
November 30, 2016
I have loved other books by this author and was hoping that this book would get my out of book slump, but it just made me angry.
Major spoilers.
Alice buys a house on the beach in a small town. One night she sees Carter on her beach. She approaches him because he is not suppose to be setting a fire on her beach. They meet. Carter appears like brooding hero (my favorite kind) and I am thinking I am going to love this book, but then we find out things about Alice. Alice was married to a man, Naill, who fell off a roof and ended up in a wheelchair. He blamed her for the accident calling her a spoiled girl and somehow ended up abusing her. Alice could have ran, but I guess she felt guilt or something. I am not sure. However, because of everything going on with her disabled husband and her new born child, she has an affair with a man, Grant, who claims to love her. Grant told Naill that Alice and he were having an affair and Naill sets her parents house on fire killing them and her child. Alice feels guilt and broken over this.
Carter is pining for his dead wife every night by lighting a fire on the beach and I guess "waiting" for her. This is the wife that cheated on him with his brother, Cary, and then ended up pregnant with the brother's child. Carter feels guilt because when the dead wife finally got the nerve to tell Carter the truth about the affair, he wished her and the baby dead. The pining was ridiculous. She cheated on you and you are pining for her?!?!? This is also what got on my nerves. Alice told Carter she cheated on her husband. Carter's dead wife cheated on him so why would he want to start a relationship with a woman who admitted to cheating on her husband??? Once a cheater, always a cheater. "Hey Carter...you may not give her everything emotionally that she may need at one point too and she will also use that as an excuse to cheat!!!!" I don't care of Alice needed comfort when her husband abused her and she found that in another man. Cheating is cheating. Anyway, there are a few twists and this is a paranormal so people come back. At that point, I did not care. Blah, blah, blah.
Another thing, after Carter and Alice had sex, Carter went out on the beach and lit a fire for his dead cheating wife. Huh??? And then later he tells Alice that sex with dead wife Elizabeth was good. Like Alice needed to know that!! (loc 1593) Carter could have said the other things he said to Alice without talking about the "good Sex" with Elizabeth.
You may love it, but it did not work for me. I don't think this couple should have been together. A lot of 4-5 star review so I guess I am in the minority. Reading is subjective.
Major spoilers.
Alice buys a house on the beach in a small town. One night she sees Carter on her beach. She approaches him because he is not suppose to be setting a fire on her beach. They meet. Carter appears like brooding hero (my favorite kind) and I am thinking I am going to love this book, but then we find out things about Alice. Alice was married to a man, Naill, who fell off a roof and ended up in a wheelchair. He blamed her for the accident calling her a spoiled girl and somehow ended up abusing her. Alice could have ran, but I guess she felt guilt or something. I am not sure. However, because of everything going on with her disabled husband and her new born child, she has an affair with a man, Grant, who claims to love her. Grant told Naill that Alice and he were having an affair and Naill sets her parents house on fire killing them and her child. Alice feels guilt and broken over this.
Carter is pining for his dead wife every night by lighting a fire on the beach and I guess "waiting" for her. This is the wife that cheated on him with his brother, Cary, and then ended up pregnant with the brother's child. Carter feels guilt because when the dead wife finally got the nerve to tell Carter the truth about the affair, he wished her and the baby dead. The pining was ridiculous. She cheated on you and you are pining for her?!?!? This is also what got on my nerves. Alice told Carter she cheated on her husband. Carter's dead wife cheated on him so why would he want to start a relationship with a woman who admitted to cheating on her husband??? Once a cheater, always a cheater. "Hey Carter...you may not give her everything emotionally that she may need at one point too and she will also use that as an excuse to cheat!!!!" I don't care of Alice needed comfort when her husband abused her and she found that in another man. Cheating is cheating. Anyway, there are a few twists and this is a paranormal so people come back. At that point, I did not care. Blah, blah, blah.
Another thing, after Carter and Alice had sex, Carter went out on the beach and lit a fire for his dead cheating wife. Huh??? And then later he tells Alice that sex with dead wife Elizabeth was good. Like Alice needed to know that!! (loc 1593) Carter could have said the other things he said to Alice without talking about the "good Sex" with Elizabeth.
You may love it, but it did not work for me. I don't think this couple should have been together. A lot of 4-5 star review so I guess I am in the minority. Reading is subjective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2017
Set in a small British village, D H sets the scene so perfectly i couldn't help but picture it in my head. Alice Bird has survived an horrific tragedy, she's picked herself up and finds herself moving into Kingfisher House. Completely alone, she soon starts to make friends, she gets herself a job and starts renovating her new home. Then one night she meets a man on her beach. He's suffered loss and betrayal but he handles his in a different way. A bit of a loner, he doesn't exactly get off on the right foot with Alice to start with but she starts to wear him down and gets him to open up about his past. The banter between them had me giggling, the randomness of Alice made me fall in love with her character. This book is completely different to D H Sidebottoms other books. It's got a slightly creepy undertone to it, nothing is what it first seems to be, it's full of tragedy, heartbreak, loss. But it's also funny, sweet and completely addictive. Another brilliant book and definitely not what i was expecting.
January 24, 2016
Book Review - Night Fires by D H Sidebottom - 4 Life will ensure you get what you need, not what you want
I love Dawn’s books. Pretty much I can guarantee now that when I read one I won’t be disappointed. What I won’t be guaranteed is the content. Dawn is pretty comfortable flitting from genre to genre and it works.
In this book Night Fires, our leading lady Alice has hit rock bottom. Her entire family were wiped out in one fell swoop, and nothing but despair and the burn of revenge remain within.
Taking the money from her family’s estate, Alice moves to the middle of nowhere, and into a house just as secluded. She soon comes across a mysterious guy who lights a fire every night on her beach. They don’t get off to the best start, but then she discovers that Carter’s wife drowned and his fire is his vigil to his late wife. The bond of despair, loneliness and grief unites them and despite everything they find themselves building the foundations of something new together.
But how can you build something new, where there are still people out there who want nothing for you but themselves…….. and when there are forces around that cannot be explained?
Can love be enough…………….. and is love sometimes the ultimate sacrifice?
Whilst a bit different from what I know and love from Dawn, I really enjoyed the twists within this tale. I really don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say that I loved certain characters and how they tied into Alice’s life and the surprises she discovered when talking to other people.
I love the thought of something more, and this book completely delivered. Night Fires is a perfect little tale that tells when you believe all hope is gone, hold on - something else is waiting around the corner - you just have to hang around long enough for it to come.
I love Dawn’s books. Pretty much I can guarantee now that when I read one I won’t be disappointed. What I won’t be guaranteed is the content. Dawn is pretty comfortable flitting from genre to genre and it works.
In this book Night Fires, our leading lady Alice has hit rock bottom. Her entire family were wiped out in one fell swoop, and nothing but despair and the burn of revenge remain within.
Taking the money from her family’s estate, Alice moves to the middle of nowhere, and into a house just as secluded. She soon comes across a mysterious guy who lights a fire every night on her beach. They don’t get off to the best start, but then she discovers that Carter’s wife drowned and his fire is his vigil to his late wife. The bond of despair, loneliness and grief unites them and despite everything they find themselves building the foundations of something new together.
But how can you build something new, where there are still people out there who want nothing for you but themselves…….. and when there are forces around that cannot be explained?
Can love be enough…………….. and is love sometimes the ultimate sacrifice?
Whilst a bit different from what I know and love from Dawn, I really enjoyed the twists within this tale. I really don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say that I loved certain characters and how they tied into Alice’s life and the surprises she discovered when talking to other people.
I love the thought of something more, and this book completely delivered. Night Fires is a perfect little tale that tells when you believe all hope is gone, hold on - something else is waiting around the corner - you just have to hang around long enough for it to come.
January 17, 2016
Unsure of rating, 4 may be high? The book kept me interested but I didn't connect the interactions of the couple to them suddenly declaring their love. There were elements of story that were not of this world, which is not my thing in a romance. Steamy scenes:)
July 1, 2016
So, I’ve got to say I’m surprised I haven’t seen this book around, on my feed or on my book buddies list. Another thing is I’m surprised that I really don’t have an easy overall opinion now that I’m finished. I have feelings on both sides of the table but with the book finished, I’m not exactly complete. I just want more and part of it is knowing what I know and then loving it so much!
It’s one of those you must experience it type of reads. But there are a few things I do know for sure.
I was instantly intrigued by this twisted little story. A bit on the other side but not allthe way, and not too much. At the same time, not enough. This confuses me, my feelings on this area. I have open questions that are messing with me!!!!
Amongst the pages were an assortment of suspense, a huge mix of raw emotion, a very good blend of hard and soft, romantic and brusque type hero. The writing was on point and with a lovely British lingo I enjoyed ever so much! Alice was a unique character with a devastating past. Carter was literally THE perfect book boyfriend. I loved his bad side, though want more and I loved his good side... and want more!!!!
“The things we love are taken from us so brutally that sometimes our hearts can’t comprehend that they’re gone. Our souls don’t understand loss and that’s when we never mend from it. We hurt for the rest of our lives, Alice. That’s what’s not fair. Death is cruel, but not for the dead. For the living.”
I really kept wishing for one big thing through this read. I didn’t like that we only had Alice’s POV. I think the story would have soared if we had Carter’s POV. From the blurb I truly was expecting extreme grief on his part and it seemed as though the moment he saw how strong willed Alice was he was into her….literally. I really wanted more allure between the two of them before there was romantic progression. The pull. I also felt it didn’t need to be so rushed. There wasn’t ‘months later’ in words but time did move and for me I needed to see more bond, more pain, more growth, more truth. I wanted Alice to talk about what she saw. To Carter. So many more questions……..
For me, after thinking I’ve read everything under the sun and only finding here and there good ones this was perfect. I shut out the real world and only saw Carter and Alice’s story. I never once felt bored or thought about skimming or skipping ahead to find things out. I think my complaints really is greed, maybe? Because this is totally a 5 star read. The revelation moments were another favorite for me. When nothing and everything made a little sense in a matter of moments.
“This is beautiful. It’s your life. Your fight. It shows your courage, and the intense love for your family.”
“It’s the evidence of my failure,”
“No. It’s grief in its most physical form.”
It’s one of those you must experience it type of reads. But there are a few things I do know for sure.
I was instantly intrigued by this twisted little story. A bit on the other side but not allthe way, and not too much. At the same time, not enough. This confuses me, my feelings on this area. I have open questions that are messing with me!!!!
Amongst the pages were an assortment of suspense, a huge mix of raw emotion, a very good blend of hard and soft, romantic and brusque type hero. The writing was on point and with a lovely British lingo I enjoyed ever so much! Alice was a unique character with a devastating past. Carter was literally THE perfect book boyfriend. I loved his bad side, though want more and I loved his good side... and want more!!!!
“The things we love are taken from us so brutally that sometimes our hearts can’t comprehend that they’re gone. Our souls don’t understand loss and that’s when we never mend from it. We hurt for the rest of our lives, Alice. That’s what’s not fair. Death is cruel, but not for the dead. For the living.”
I really kept wishing for one big thing through this read. I didn’t like that we only had Alice’s POV. I think the story would have soared if we had Carter’s POV. From the blurb I truly was expecting extreme grief on his part and it seemed as though the moment he saw how strong willed Alice was he was into her….literally. I really wanted more allure between the two of them before there was romantic progression. The pull. I also felt it didn’t need to be so rushed. There wasn’t ‘months later’ in words but time did move and for me I needed to see more bond, more pain, more growth, more truth. I wanted Alice to talk about what she saw. To Carter. So many more questions……..
For me, after thinking I’ve read everything under the sun and only finding here and there good ones this was perfect. I shut out the real world and only saw Carter and Alice’s story. I never once felt bored or thought about skimming or skipping ahead to find things out. I think my complaints really is greed, maybe? Because this is totally a 5 star read. The revelation moments were another favorite for me. When nothing and everything made a little sense in a matter of moments.
“This is beautiful. It’s your life. Your fight. It shows your courage, and the intense love for your family.”
“It’s the evidence of my failure,”
“No. It’s grief in its most physical form.”
January 29, 2016
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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
POV: Hers / 1st person
Naughty Factor: 3 out of 5
LOSS. That's what I think of when I sum up this amazing and emotional story. I've always been a fan of D.H. Sidebottom. After falling in love with her greatest characters from her Heart of Stone series, I've taken every opportunity to pick up her new books and meet the wonderful characters.
Night Fires is probably one of the most emotional stories she's ever written. I can't tell you how many times I cried from the heartbreak and grief that Carter and Alice experienced. The sense of loss for them both was so great, I couldn't help but physically feel their pain.
Their connection is nowhere near instant. There's no instalove her, like you'll see in most of the romances out there. Carter is jaded from his loss and Alice is withdrawn from hers. However, Alice, still goes through the motions of appearing social and normal on the outside. Her loss isn't known to her new found friends and she and Carter don't get along right away since he has no problem expressing his grief through anger.
But as they reluctantly grow closer, they find that their shared sense of loss actually bonds them in a way that only they can truly understand what the other has been going through. As they fight to move on and deal with their new and budding relationship, we get to witness their strength and love that was nothing short of inspiring.
Night Fires has got to be D.H. Sidebottom's best work yet. Definitely one of my most memorable reads to date.
A Must Read for sure...
January 24, 2016
Night Fires WOW what can I say totally awesome it was a brilliantly written read had me gripped from the first word till the last...
Night Fires is totally different from the normal DH Sidebottom's work but let me tell you it's definitely as good as her normal work...she definitely gets better with each release she releases... Yep for me she's the writer with the golden touch.. She puts pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and she's produces a masterpiece.
Night Fires It grips you.... It sucks you in that you seriously can't stop reading....
It's full heartbreak... Tragedy and lost with with the two main characters Alice and Carter but does everything seems as it is?
Night Fires also has some great banter between the two main characters Alice and Carter as they bug, annoy, frustrate each other but they also laugh and cry with each other......
At times I was sitting there thinking OMG noooooooo at times I sat there fighting back the tears... At times I sat there screaming at DH Sidebottom (obviously in my head) and at times I sat there and laughed out loud..Night Fires has it all.
Night Fires for me had it all suspense, heartbreak, laughter it was like being on a roller coaster ride and thinking yeah I know where this is going and then bang your hit with another twist. Absolutely brilliant totally loved it from start to finish. Well done DH Sidebottom you've out done yourself with Night Fires.
Night Fires is totally different from the normal DH Sidebottom's work but let me tell you it's definitely as good as her normal work...she definitely gets better with each release she releases... Yep for me she's the writer with the golden touch.. She puts pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and she's produces a masterpiece.
Night Fires It grips you.... It sucks you in that you seriously can't stop reading....
It's full heartbreak... Tragedy and lost with with the two main characters Alice and Carter but does everything seems as it is?
Night Fires also has some great banter between the two main characters Alice and Carter as they bug, annoy, frustrate each other but they also laugh and cry with each other......
At times I was sitting there thinking OMG noooooooo at times I sat there fighting back the tears... At times I sat there screaming at DH Sidebottom (obviously in my head) and at times I sat there and laughed out loud..Night Fires has it all.
Night Fires for me had it all suspense, heartbreak, laughter it was like being on a roller coaster ride and thinking yeah I know where this is going and then bang your hit with another twist. Absolutely brilliant totally loved it from start to finish. Well done DH Sidebottom you've out done yourself with Night Fires.
January 11, 2016
(I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book.) There are books that are a slow start and gets better half way through and there are ones that gets your attention from page one. This definitely is one that got me right from the start. This is a story of two main characters Carter and Alice. They both have tragic pasts but dealt with it in different ways. I must admit when reading this book, it has a different "feel" to the author's previous books and I've read all of them. This is a love story with a hint of spookiness with poignant strong characters. There were quite a lot of twists and turns, enough to hold my attention and not want to put the book down at half one in the morning. There was one scene in the final chapter that gave me goosebumps. That's all I can say. Another 5 star read from one of my favourite authors. And yes this is one of those books I wish they'd make into a movie, now that would be really interesting. Thank you DH Sidebottom for sharing this story with us! Highly recommended!
January 12, 2016
WOW, JUST WOW. I finished this book a few hours ago and I still have goosebumps from it. I'm not even to sure what I was reading at times. It was that different to most of DHs other work.
Alice moves to this little town. It's her escape, her place to start over. A place to keep the demons at bay. AND in this very beautiful place she meets Carter. Man, oh man do these people have baggage.
At first he kinda freaks me out. You don't know what's going through his head. But as it goes on you realize him and Alice are so more alike then one would think.
And all the while your following there very weird 'friendship' strange things happen. When you read them your like 'hmmmm ooookay'. But it all makes sense in the end! Hence the carp load of goosebumps I'm left with.
This book just blew me away. I know I keep saying out loud it's so different. But it really is. It truly shows DH can pen any Book she wants.
Alice moves to this little town. It's her escape, her place to start over. A place to keep the demons at bay. AND in this very beautiful place she meets Carter. Man, oh man do these people have baggage.
At first he kinda freaks me out. You don't know what's going through his head. But as it goes on you realize him and Alice are so more alike then one would think.
And all the while your following there very weird 'friendship' strange things happen. When you read them your like 'hmmmm ooookay'. But it all makes sense in the end! Hence the carp load of goosebumps I'm left with.
This book just blew me away. I know I keep saying out loud it's so different. But it really is. It truly shows DH can pen any Book she wants.
May 17, 2016
Absolutely adored this book. Angst, love and a touch of supernatural makes a perfect read.
May 24, 2016
This book had me crying by 32%! That's saying something!
February 24, 2020
3.5⭐️. It is the story of Alice and Carter, 2 people who still suffer from the loss of their loved ones.
Alice has lost her parents,her little brother and her son in a fire. She believes that her ex-husband killed them for revenge after learning that she had had and affair.
Carter kicked out his pregnant wife from home after learning that she had had an affair and the baby she was expecting is his brother’s.
Alice is counting the days for her ex-husband release for jail, to take revenge and kill him and then commit suicide with a heroin overdose.
Carter after losing his wife gave himself to the bottle, but fortunately he quits, although he became more closed to people.
Alice an Carter meets when Alice moves to her new home and sees Carter lit up a fire in her private beach.
They do not start with a very good foot that we say, but slowly and thanks to the fact that they both understand the suffering of the other, they get closer and starts relationship.
What I did not quite understand was the appearance of ghosts that Alice had, first the owner of her house and then Carter´s death wife.????
Alice has lost her parents,her little brother and her son in a fire. She believes that her ex-husband killed them for revenge after learning that she had had and affair.
Carter kicked out his pregnant wife from home after learning that she had had an affair and the baby she was expecting is his brother’s.
Alice is counting the days for her ex-husband release for jail, to take revenge and kill him and then commit suicide with a heroin overdose.
Carter after losing his wife gave himself to the bottle, but fortunately he quits, although he became more closed to people.
Alice an Carter meets when Alice moves to her new home and sees Carter lit up a fire in her private beach.
They do not start with a very good foot that we say, but slowly and thanks to the fact that they both understand the suffering of the other, they get closer and starts relationship.
What I did not quite understand was the appearance of ghosts that Alice had, first the owner of her house and then Carter´s death wife.????
March 29, 2018
I am a fan of romance novels. I couldn't help wondering if this author failed to read Romance 101. First Rule: Nobody farts in Romanceland. When a burgeoning interest between 2 characters consists of the heroine drunkenly falling into her shrubbery only for the hot neighbor guy to come across her & her awakening to ask how he found her and he proceeds to tell her that she passed wind to which she explains that beer always gives her gas. Hmmmm, meet cute - not so much. Then she pukes all over the place and he helps clean her up. Rule #2: Puke breath isn't a turn on. Hot guy gets drunk and pukes all over his shirt, takes a shower - no mention of teeth brushing - and goes on to have hot sex with girl. Rule #3: Wiping each other's asses doesn't constitute foreplay. As we move along, heroine finds herself with a broken hand and leg and explains how hot guy is helping her in the loo. I can get enough farting in my own house with my own husband. Don't need it in my romance books. Even in books, we want a little mystery.
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