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When the Smoke Clears
A FULL LENGTH, STANDALONE novel with a HEA.
He was a fire starter.
I didn’t care that he wore a firefighter uniform.
He was a fire starter.
And as soon as our gazes met, he set a blaze through my body.
BLURB:
Just released from the mental hospital for shooting her ex-husband, Kassie is in no mood to date men. Now a newly single mother, she’s focused on raising her son. She also has to get her career as an author back on track and rediscover her passion for romance writing.
Kassie has things to do.
But Lorenzo comes into her life. A gorgeous fire fighter who isn’t accustomed to hearing the word no. He’s more than a heated distraction. He’s an erotic inferno of lust and everything sizzling.
The chase begins.
Neither are ready. There’s too much at stake for both of them. They’ve both been broken and betrayed. Both misused and abused.
Yet sensual flames surround them. Desire burns and twists with wet kisses on a moonlit beach. And they’re both caught up in a passionate chaos. And they’re both intoxicated with the other. Hot sex ignites into something more. And both are wondering, who will be standing when the smoke clears?
He was a fire starter.
I didn’t care that he wore a firefighter uniform.
He was a fire starter.
And as soon as our gazes met, he set a blaze through my body.
BLURB:
Just released from the mental hospital for shooting her ex-husband, Kassie is in no mood to date men. Now a newly single mother, she’s focused on raising her son. She also has to get her career as an author back on track and rediscover her passion for romance writing.
Kassie has things to do.
But Lorenzo comes into her life. A gorgeous fire fighter who isn’t accustomed to hearing the word no. He’s more than a heated distraction. He’s an erotic inferno of lust and everything sizzling.
The chase begins.
Neither are ready. There’s too much at stake for both of them. They’ve both been broken and betrayed. Both misused and abused.
Yet sensual flames surround them. Desire burns and twists with wet kisses on a moonlit beach. And they’re both caught up in a passionate chaos. And they’re both intoxicated with the other. Hot sex ignites into something more. And both are wondering, who will be standing when the smoke clears?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2016
399 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Kenya Wright
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Kenya Wright wrote her first novel during her third year at UM Law school. She dropped out a month after the release and never looked back.
Words are power,
and Kenya wants to be the greatest wizard that ever lived.
It's an audacity to inspire
and teach the healing of love through arousal.
It's this crazy idea that love
can not only help a reader escape,
but the story can also teach the person
about being human,
while making them laugh,
cry,
and hot for more sex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
March 25, 2016
Now this is a firefighter romance!
Okay, this is amazeballs not only is it hot and erotic *fans face* but there is a core of emotion and depth of feeling in this. Ms. Wright wrote the heck out of this book! I'd definitely recommend it! This is most certainly going down as one of my favorites for the year!!!
Lorenzo was a hero in every sense of the word and Kassie was great, I really felt that she was very real and it's always nice to love a female character and want to be besties!
Okay, this is amazeballs not only is it hot and erotic *fans face* but there is a core of emotion and depth of feeling in this. Ms. Wright wrote the heck out of this book! I'd definitely recommend it! This is most certainly going down as one of my favorites for the year!!!
Lorenzo was a hero in every sense of the word and Kassie was great, I really felt that she was very real and it's always nice to love a female character and want to be besties!
April 7, 2016
This was a really good read. Kassie was a woman scorned, and she was understandably cautious of letting Lorenzo into her heart, but he loved her immediately and wore her down. Both had exes with problems. This was pretty predictable at times, but I enjoyed it. Mama Ganga was a different kind of character.I'd like to know some background on her.
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January 16, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/5/2020)! 🎁
April 1, 2016
Simply put, I absolutely love the way that Kenya Wright spins a tale of love, lust, human failure, and redemption. Like I've said before, this Chica definitely has the gift.
Not only was this book captivating, but it was full of snark, sass, and delicious drama. I especially loved the way that Ms. Keyna allowed the "chase" to develop between Lorenzo and Kassie. I love it when readers, such as myself, are presented with a scenario where there's a lot of sexual tension, but no sex until a certain part of the book. What this shows is restraint, because so often writers zoom in on the "no-holds barred gynecological exam graphic-like sex" and don't have enough sense to allow the characters to develop singularly, and later, together as a unit. For that, I commend Ms. Kenya, because she managed to display her passion for the craft of writing captivating fiction.
But that's not to say that this book was pitch perfect.
IMO, there were a few areas where the writing did not flow as well as it should have. Another point of contention (for me), was the dialogue for the primary male character, Lorenzo. There were quite a few times, where I had to to ask myself, "Would this man really say this?" And last but not least, I really do wish that the writing surrounding Kassie's Ex-Husband could have been handled better. It might seem somewhat picky of me, but whenever I read a book by a spectacular author, I demand excellence, regardless if I paid for it directly, or even borrowed it via a paid Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Other than that, this book was awesome!
Giving this one 3.5 stars.
Not only was this book captivating, but it was full of snark, sass, and delicious drama. I especially loved the way that Ms. Keyna allowed the "chase" to develop between Lorenzo and Kassie. I love it when readers, such as myself, are presented with a scenario where there's a lot of sexual tension, but no sex until a certain part of the book. What this shows is restraint, because so often writers zoom in on the "no-holds barred gynecological exam graphic-like sex" and don't have enough sense to allow the characters to develop singularly, and later, together as a unit. For that, I commend Ms. Kenya, because she managed to display her passion for the craft of writing captivating fiction.
But that's not to say that this book was pitch perfect.
IMO, there were a few areas where the writing did not flow as well as it should have. Another point of contention (for me), was the dialogue for the primary male character, Lorenzo. There were quite a few times, where I had to to ask myself, "Would this man really say this?" And last but not least, I really do wish that the writing surrounding Kassie's Ex-Husband could have been handled better. It might seem somewhat picky of me, but whenever I read a book by a spectacular author, I demand excellence, regardless if I paid for it directly, or even borrowed it via a paid Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Other than that, this book was awesome!
Giving this one 3.5 stars.
October 8, 2022
*****spoiler alert***** what a great read who knew an author could successfully write funny intense passionate and tragic characters in one book. I laughed so much when Lorenzo's daughter Hope was putting make up on him I could just picture him in my head he was such a good sport and a great father and Kassie her shooting her ex and quips when she first met Lorenzo I knew I was going to enjoy this story from the get go. Lets not forget mother Ganja and would that name tell you that the bearer of it is totally crazy, which she was. I loved it!
March 23, 2016
Linda Christiani
I'm so happy to say I've found a new author this story was fun and compelling at the same time the anticipation of love and sex gold the Cray Cray I could relate with a smile will gladly read more I must say nice to meet your imagination!
I'm so happy to say I've found a new author this story was fun and compelling at the same time the anticipation of love and sex gold the Cray Cray I could relate with a smile will gladly read more I must say nice to meet your imagination!
March 30, 2016
Let me simply say this about the review first and foremost. This is hands down the best book that Ms. K. Wright has every written and that saying a lot within itself because she has written some amazing romance books.
This book was so much more than a simple romance book. This book could go into several combined genres. The main storyline was is a contemporary romance but it also had elements in the genres of inspirational and a bit of paranormal. What amazed me is that she combine all three elements into one grand story and did it so effortlessly that I doubt even Ms. Wright knew that she has done. This book was like reading three books in one but it was one grand story. This story deals with the family after affects of drug use, mental abuse, and of how to pick up the pieces of your life with the smoke clears. Which is the perfect title of this book. I laughed, and I cried but most of all I was fascinated and inspired.
The story is about a romance writer name Kassandra (Kassie Jones) who discovered that her husband had cheated on her numerous times. Cassie because so deeply hurt that her actions led to divorce and being separated from her family for a year. Now she picking up the pieces of her shattered life by relocating to Sarasota, FL. with a huge chip on her shoulders about love and men. Thus she is experiencing major writer's block.
The hero of the story, a firefighter name Lt. Lorenzo (Lou) Hornsby (that name was so appropriate by the way) is a true hero in many ways. In addition to being a firefighter, he is a single parent caring for his two twin girls. Dealing with the after affects of his ex wife Cicely, first kidnapping her daughters so that he was unable to contact them for 2 years and then suddenly her dropping off their twin daughter on his doorstep due to her habitual drug use that Cicely could not overcome.
An incident involving Cassie son Richard led both Lou and Cassie to meet and the sparks fly. Cassie is doing everything in her power to rebuff Lou romantic advances. The main essence of this story is how do this couple find love when both are picking up pieces of their lives and both have baggage to overcome. Cassie and her issues involve men and Lou and his issues with anger, raising twin girls, a stressful job, and his determined focus to win Cassie's love.
One of my favorite part of the book dealt with Kassie overcoming her writing block and writing about these paranormal characters about a girl name Luna, a witch with magical powers, who is deeply lonely and is looking for her one true soul mate who happens to be a demon. She can't deny her attraction for him but can't get over the fact that he is a demon. The characters that Kassie write were similar to herself and Lou and their problems. Reading this story within the main story was just as fascinating and it help you to get to know Cassie more and also moved the plot of the overall story.
To me this story was very powerful and I love how Cassie made it a challenge for Lou to get to know and how Lou had to earn her trust. I love the reality of this couple falling in love even though they have issues of their own. It took great strength for both to overcome, adapt and to accept their issues and flaws and to learn how they needed it other to help them become stronger.
There is a point in this story that will make you cry and i won't give that away just to say I was deeply inspired by what happen. I hope that I gave enough information in this review to inspire those interested in this book to give it a read. You won't be disappointed. You don't have to be a fan of the author to love this book but if you are a fan then reading this book is a bonus.
This book was so much more than a simple romance book. This book could go into several combined genres. The main storyline was is a contemporary romance but it also had elements in the genres of inspirational and a bit of paranormal. What amazed me is that she combine all three elements into one grand story and did it so effortlessly that I doubt even Ms. Wright knew that she has done. This book was like reading three books in one but it was one grand story. This story deals with the family after affects of drug use, mental abuse, and of how to pick up the pieces of your life with the smoke clears. Which is the perfect title of this book. I laughed, and I cried but most of all I was fascinated and inspired.
The story is about a romance writer name Kassandra (Kassie Jones) who discovered that her husband had cheated on her numerous times. Cassie because so deeply hurt that her actions led to divorce and being separated from her family for a year. Now she picking up the pieces of her shattered life by relocating to Sarasota, FL. with a huge chip on her shoulders about love and men. Thus she is experiencing major writer's block.
The hero of the story, a firefighter name Lt. Lorenzo (Lou) Hornsby (that name was so appropriate by the way) is a true hero in many ways. In addition to being a firefighter, he is a single parent caring for his two twin girls. Dealing with the after affects of his ex wife Cicely, first kidnapping her daughters so that he was unable to contact them for 2 years and then suddenly her dropping off their twin daughter on his doorstep due to her habitual drug use that Cicely could not overcome.
An incident involving Cassie son Richard led both Lou and Cassie to meet and the sparks fly. Cassie is doing everything in her power to rebuff Lou romantic advances. The main essence of this story is how do this couple find love when both are picking up pieces of their lives and both have baggage to overcome. Cassie and her issues involve men and Lou and his issues with anger, raising twin girls, a stressful job, and his determined focus to win Cassie's love.
One of my favorite part of the book dealt with Kassie overcoming her writing block and writing about these paranormal characters about a girl name Luna, a witch with magical powers, who is deeply lonely and is looking for her one true soul mate who happens to be a demon. She can't deny her attraction for him but can't get over the fact that he is a demon. The characters that Kassie write were similar to herself and Lou and their problems. Reading this story within the main story was just as fascinating and it help you to get to know Cassie more and also moved the plot of the overall story.
To me this story was very powerful and I love how Cassie made it a challenge for Lou to get to know and how Lou had to earn her trust. I love the reality of this couple falling in love even though they have issues of their own. It took great strength for both to overcome, adapt and to accept their issues and flaws and to learn how they needed it other to help them become stronger.
There is a point in this story that will make you cry and i won't give that away just to say I was deeply inspired by what happen. I hope that I gave enough information in this review to inspire those interested in this book to give it a read. You won't be disappointed. You don't have to be a fan of the author to love this book but if you are a fan then reading this book is a bonus.
May 4, 2021
So it's now May 3 and I've also read 3 OTHER firefighter romances in the interim so :X I :X might've mixed some things up.
BUT. LOL
I do remember thinking "omg this is the most batshit book I've read" - and then I read another Kenya Wright book. :X So.
... There's a LOT of suspending of disbelief needed here.
First of all, the book starts with Kassie LITERALLY shooting her husband because she found out he cheated on her. A LOT. Like a LOT a lot. LOT LOT LOT. In just.... really excessive, gross, disrespectful ways. Orgies and just... weirdness - and his main sidepiece (men, women, O_o I think the author threw a midget in there?) - but the main one is his secretary who he also lets wear Kassie's clothes...)
Anyway - there's some issues IIRC with them saying supposedly she was locked up for a year IN THE MENTAL HOSPITAL - but then other things it was less than a year - I think she says she hasn't had sex in 10 months? Or something? ANYWAY there were some weird continuity issues.
WHICH ALSO. Supposedly the ex and Kassie are/were both lawyers -and like - this isn't how shit works.
First of all, mental hospitals ... if you're "insane" they rehabilitate you [if possible] and then try you. And if you can't be rehabilitated you can't just ... be free.
Then also SHE LITERALLY SHOT HIM. Like - a bunch of times? (In the leg?) ... I think they were in Florida? And look - even in Florida I can't imagine- EVEN IF all the other stuff is how it is (WHICH IT ISN'T) - that you only get 1 year...)
So you start out having to ignore ALL OF THAT.
And then there's the stupid ex part all threatening to take their son I think. [Which - hello you're lawyers. Sure the mom had :X an unhinged moment - but for him not being present AT ALL for a year - no family law or juvenile court - whoever has jurisdiction over it - would be impressed by that.]
BUT ANYWAY.
Lorenzo and Kassie.
... Kassie is an erotica/romance author => I ... don't ... know that she/the author ... I don't want to say DOESN'T KNOW the difference but ... 😒
🙄😒
And so I listened to the audiobook so I don't know how it was spelled but the "Mama Ganga" character? O_o That was ... a lot.
And then the whole demon stuff. I think the audiobook narrator didn't help because she read it SO GOOFY.
Another actually minor thing but it bothered me A LOT- when Lorenzo and Kassie are at the beach on their "first date" and the kids are all there... :X I've forgotten Kassie's kid's name now - but Lorenzo like... ignores his own twins basically ALL DAY. Like .... dude -WHAT?!
I get there are other adults there etc but ... man. WtF.
There was a lot of surprising depth though. Lorenzo's ex.
[The ... book stuff was 🙄 - like Kassie basically... ok I don't want to conflate this with the next book I read cuz the heroines were low key super similar] -> but for THIS one - how she just wins all these awards and gets national recognition and the movie and shit and just how it's "for" the ex or whatever.
Like....
I know it's supposed to be heartwarming and all but I was more in the eyeroll camp :X
I did like it overall - enough to read another Kenya Wright book - but the whole demon part and the goofiness.
[OH. MY. GOD.]
I will say there are some hilarious parts - her trying to watch porn.
[Lorenzo and her son at the fire station was super cute]
but anyway - the porn part; how he catches her at it - then the O_o of him in his car. I just... what?
WHAT?!
...
WHAT?!
Also - the depiction of what his ex is doing. I mean I only know like... very peripheral parts of it but the description etc. O_O I .... O_O
Anyway I'd say ... D+? Maaybe D++? ... D+++?
IDEK anymore
BUT. LOL
I do remember thinking "omg this is the most batshit book I've read" - and then I read another Kenya Wright book. :X So.
... There's a LOT of suspending of disbelief needed here.
First of all, the book starts with Kassie LITERALLY shooting her husband because she found out he cheated on her. A LOT. Like a LOT a lot. LOT LOT LOT. In just.... really excessive, gross, disrespectful ways. Orgies and just... weirdness - and his main sidepiece (men, women, O_o I think the author threw a midget in there?) - but the main one is his secretary who he also lets wear Kassie's clothes...)
Anyway - there's some issues IIRC with them saying supposedly she was locked up for a year IN THE MENTAL HOSPITAL - but then other things it was less than a year - I think she says she hasn't had sex in 10 months? Or something? ANYWAY there were some weird continuity issues.
WHICH ALSO. Supposedly the ex and Kassie are/were both lawyers -and like - this isn't how shit works.
First of all, mental hospitals ... if you're "insane" they rehabilitate you [if possible] and then try you. And if you can't be rehabilitated you can't just ... be free.
Then also SHE LITERALLY SHOT HIM. Like - a bunch of times? (In the leg?) ... I think they were in Florida? And look - even in Florida I can't imagine- EVEN IF all the other stuff is how it is (WHICH IT ISN'T) - that you only get 1 year...)
So you start out having to ignore ALL OF THAT.
And then there's the stupid ex part all threatening to take their son I think. [Which - hello you're lawyers. Sure the mom had :X an unhinged moment - but for him not being present AT ALL for a year - no family law or juvenile court - whoever has jurisdiction over it - would be impressed by that.]
BUT ANYWAY.
Lorenzo and Kassie.
... Kassie is an erotica/romance author => I ... don't ... know that she/the author ... I don't want to say DOESN'T KNOW the difference but ... 😒
🙄😒
And so I listened to the audiobook so I don't know how it was spelled but the "Mama Ganga" character? O_o That was ... a lot.
And then the whole demon stuff. I think the audiobook narrator didn't help because she read it SO GOOFY.
Another actually minor thing but it bothered me A LOT- when Lorenzo and Kassie are at the beach on their "first date" and the kids are all there... :X I've forgotten Kassie's kid's name now - but Lorenzo like... ignores his own twins basically ALL DAY. Like .... dude -WHAT?!
I get there are other adults there etc but ... man. WtF.
There was a lot of surprising depth though. Lorenzo's ex.
[The ... book stuff was 🙄 - like Kassie basically... ok I don't want to conflate this with the next book I read cuz the heroines were low key super similar] -> but for THIS one - how she just wins all these awards and gets national recognition and the movie and shit and just how it's "for" the ex or whatever.
Like....
I know it's supposed to be heartwarming and all but I was more in the eyeroll camp :X
I did like it overall - enough to read another Kenya Wright book - but the whole demon part and the goofiness.
[OH. MY. GOD.]
I will say there are some hilarious parts - her trying to watch porn.
[Lorenzo and her son at the fire station was super cute]
but anyway - the porn part; how he catches her at it - then the O_o of him in his car. I just... what?
WHAT?!
...
WHAT?!
Also - the depiction of what his ex is doing. I mean I only know like... very peripheral parts of it but the description etc. O_O I .... O_O
Anyway I'd say ... D+? Maaybe D++? ... D+++?
IDEK anymore
October 10, 2016
Good read, very funny. I mean Laugh Out Loud for real funny. Lorenzo and Kassie's romance was really sweet and had enough heat to start a fire! Kassie was truly crazy, but was mostly driven by fear like a lot of woman but found her way and was able to let love in again. Lorenzo was so sweet and Hot! whew!He was man who ears his heart on his sleeve but was not weak buy any means, loved him. The only reason I didn't give this book more stars is because of the lack of character development, the secondary characters in particular. Now, I am not a fan of the minor characters taking over but I am a fan of getting to know the people around the main characters a little just to get a better insight on stars and open up the option for more books in the future,, still a good read none the less.
April 4, 2016
I really like this story, and I'm a person who doesn't usually care for single mother romances (I don't know why... it's just never been my thing *shrugs*) but this one REALLY worked.
The dialogue between Kassie & Lorenzo is on point and the story is really enjoyable. I wasn't sure what to make of the book when I started since the heroine had a gun trained on her punk husband - though I understand why she did. Both protagonists have drama but are essentially good people but neither are saints. They've done things they regret but they also don't sugarcoat their actions; they're definitely fleshed out and layered characters.
Totally recommend this book.
The dialogue between Kassie & Lorenzo is on point and the story is really enjoyable. I wasn't sure what to make of the book when I started since the heroine had a gun trained on her punk husband - though I understand why she did. Both protagonists have drama but are essentially good people but neither are saints. They've done things they regret but they also don't sugarcoat their actions; they're definitely fleshed out and layered characters.
Totally recommend this book.
March 29, 2016
Just On Fire!
Every woman should have a fire starter and a fire man to put it out.This is romance and sexy done so well.The chemistry is so hot that it just burns and you want it to burn long and hot.There are moments where you are just going to laugh out loud and love every moment.This was sexy grown-up love done right,it has such a sexy alpha male who doesn't mind showing his vulnerable side.I think that is what makes Lorenzo so sexy and so appealing.A well written romance with a whole lot of sexy thrown in for good measure.This is book club worthy and bookshelf must have.
Every woman should have a fire starter and a fire man to put it out.This is romance and sexy done so well.The chemistry is so hot that it just burns and you want it to burn long and hot.There are moments where you are just going to laugh out loud and love every moment.This was sexy grown-up love done right,it has such a sexy alpha male who doesn't mind showing his vulnerable side.I think that is what makes Lorenzo so sexy and so appealing.A well written romance with a whole lot of sexy thrown in for good measure.This is book club worthy and bookshelf must have.
May 4, 2016
A really moving, emotional, creative story
This is the first time that I have read this author and I'm very impressed. The story made me laugh out loud, she'd a tear, get all hot and bothered by the steamy hot sex scenes (even the phone sex scenes!).
It was a really fantastic read, I just wish that something bad could have happened to Ellis. On the whole I loved Lorenzo and I was vested in the love that was blooming in their relationship. Well worth reading.
This is the first time that I have read this author and I'm very impressed. The story made me laugh out loud, she'd a tear, get all hot and bothered by the steamy hot sex scenes (even the phone sex scenes!).
It was a really fantastic read, I just wish that something bad could have happened to Ellis. On the whole I loved Lorenzo and I was vested in the love that was blooming in their relationship. Well worth reading.
July 10, 2016
Wonderful read
This book was different from Me Wright's books she usually writes. Everyone in my book groups recommended it. They said it was a great read and they weren't lying! Two damaged souls that come together healing each other. Lorenzo's story broke my heart, what he went through with his ex-wife. The sex scenes were hawt but more importantly, the storyline between the MC's and the supporting characters was fantastic!
This book was different from Me Wright's books she usually writes. Everyone in my book groups recommended it. They said it was a great read and they weren't lying! Two damaged souls that come together healing each other. Lorenzo's story broke my heart, what he went through with his ex-wife. The sex scenes were hawt but more importantly, the storyline between the MC's and the supporting characters was fantastic!
June 10, 2016
Amazing
This book was much better than I expected! The writing is great and the storyline is realistic and captivating! There's a good balance of humor, sex, and darkness throughout the book. And it's also easy to see the deeper messages of self-discovery and overcoming one's past mistakes. Oh yeah.. And the sex scenes are HOT!!
This book was much better than I expected! The writing is great and the storyline is realistic and captivating! There's a good balance of humor, sex, and darkness throughout the book. And it's also easy to see the deeper messages of self-discovery and overcoming one's past mistakes. Oh yeah.. And the sex scenes are HOT!!
March 16, 2021
5+ Stars! If only I could give this book more stars!
This book was superbly written. The characters had depth and passion. The story was beautiful, insightful, and inspiring.
It is a captivating romance novel about overcoming the fears and mistakes of your past to create a successful and fulfilling future. I highly recommend this book!!!
There is even a book within this book. An erotica about a witch searching for her soul mate who happens to be a demon. That story got 5 stars as well!
This book was superbly written. The characters had depth and passion. The story was beautiful, insightful, and inspiring.
It is a captivating romance novel about overcoming the fears and mistakes of your past to create a successful and fulfilling future. I highly recommend this book!!!
There is even a book within this book. An erotica about a witch searching for her soul mate who happens to be a demon. That story got 5 stars as well!
May 23, 2024
2.8 stars
April 10, 2017
I liked it
The beginning was ok and the words flowed off the page although dealing with the ex wife and husband was kind of slow it was a good read.
The beginning was ok and the words flowed off the page although dealing with the ex wife and husband was kind of slow it was a good read.
November 7, 2021
Really good story! Two flawed people come together after trauma and find love. I really enjoy stories like these. Lots of passion and self-reflection with both the hero and heroine. Kenya Wright does not disappoint!
November 13, 2023
Single mother of a son, single father with twin girls, both broken from their past relationships, and very very very hot seggs with a firefighter??? Yes, sign me up!
March 21, 2016
Amazing!!!!
I would give this book five more stars if I could. I write this review while wiping the tears from my eyes, not because I'm sad. I'm just overwhelmed, so many emotions. This is the first book that I could identify with the heroine. She was angry, hurt , funny, determined, and crazy. This book is about loving somebody, being hurt by them , and moving on. I've read everything this author has put in a public forum and it seems like she put a lot of herself in this book. I loved every word. I look forward to seeing what's next. Get this book if you like hot sex, crazy people, and a good story.
I would give this book five more stars if I could. I write this review while wiping the tears from my eyes, not because I'm sad. I'm just overwhelmed, so many emotions. This is the first book that I could identify with the heroine. She was angry, hurt , funny, determined, and crazy. This book is about loving somebody, being hurt by them , and moving on. I've read everything this author has put in a public forum and it seems like she put a lot of herself in this book. I loved every word. I look forward to seeing what's next. Get this book if you like hot sex, crazy people, and a good story.
June 3, 2020
Outstanding story ❤ Lorenzo & Kassie!
I read this book years ago. When the Smoke Clears is one of the books that got me sprung on Kenya Wright. This book was so real! From Kassie's rebirth, to her meeting Lorenzo through her son, Rich. The storyline was supernatural in a way because of Cicely. WTSC had me laughing, angry, excited and tearful. I loved these characters. Kenya Wright is a hell of a storyteller. I was truly into the story about Luna and the Demon. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰
I read this book years ago. When the Smoke Clears is one of the books that got me sprung on Kenya Wright. This book was so real! From Kassie's rebirth, to her meeting Lorenzo through her son, Rich. The storyline was supernatural in a way because of Cicely. WTSC had me laughing, angry, excited and tearful. I loved these characters. Kenya Wright is a hell of a storyteller. I was truly into the story about Luna and the Demon. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰
April 2, 2016
Could Give More Stars
In the case of this book I wish there were more stars to give. This book brought tears to my eyes and I was truly moved by the subject matter. Please keep up the good works with great ideas
In the case of this book I wish there were more stars to give. This book brought tears to my eyes and I was truly moved by the subject matter. Please keep up the good works with great ideas
March 23, 2016
Very enlightening
April 19, 2025
Messy drama grabs the reader by the throat in the prologue and the mayhem, humor and heat never let up.
Considering the circumstances, Kassie exercises remarkable restraint with her husband Ellis; he’s a verbal abuser, putting her down at every turn, not to mention the lying and cheating. Oh, the cheating! But none of it stops Kassie from being sentenced to a mental institution after taking out her revenge and shooting Ellis in the leg.
Years later, Kassie’s son Rich pulls the fire alarm at school on a dare and things heat up for Kassie when she meets Lt. Lorenzo Hornsby. Mr. Hotty McFirefighter Firestarter wastes no time showing his interest and makes a play.
Kassie has no time for distractions, especially not of the man-in-heat variety, especially not a hot-ass firefighter. She has too much going on with her writer’s block and her career already slumping. She needs to focus.
Divorced, with twin girls, Lorenzo recognizes a wounded soul when he sees it and wants only to get passed Ms. Tough Cookie’s emotional walls.
I loved the innuendos and witty repartee, especially in the first chapter. Kassie is a sassy firecracker and Lorenzo is time enough for her independent big butt. Can you say the lady doth protest too much?
This story has a colorful cast of characters including Samantha, Kassie’s agent and Ellis’s sister, Mama Ganga the spiritual creative coach, and especially the firefighters at Lorenzo’s house. Rodney the Rockstar, Zorro the surfer boy, and Merc the cowboy.
Kassie’s methods to get out of her writer’s block had me cracking up…and taking notes. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard listening to an audiobook.
And the love scenes? Woo-wee, before they even get together together Lorenzo and Kassie were burning up my ears.
So many things I loved about this story. The characters are multi-dimensional with relatable problems and baggage but are still resilient with great senses of humor. As in Kenya Wright’s novella, Adrian, I loved the story within a story, a cool side-effect of the FMC being a romance author trying to get back her mojo.
This is a fast-paced, well-written, hot and spicy interracial romance with lots of heart, pathos quirkiness and wit. The memorable climax and a bittersweet, delightful ending left me with a big cheesy smile on my face as my eyes filled. If all of that is your jam, I highly recommend this read.
Considering the circumstances, Kassie exercises remarkable restraint with her husband Ellis; he’s a verbal abuser, putting her down at every turn, not to mention the lying and cheating. Oh, the cheating! But none of it stops Kassie from being sentenced to a mental institution after taking out her revenge and shooting Ellis in the leg.
Years later, Kassie’s son Rich pulls the fire alarm at school on a dare and things heat up for Kassie when she meets Lt. Lorenzo Hornsby. Mr. Hotty McFirefighter Firestarter wastes no time showing his interest and makes a play.
Kassie has no time for distractions, especially not of the man-in-heat variety, especially not a hot-ass firefighter. She has too much going on with her writer’s block and her career already slumping. She needs to focus.
Divorced, with twin girls, Lorenzo recognizes a wounded soul when he sees it and wants only to get passed Ms. Tough Cookie’s emotional walls.
I loved the innuendos and witty repartee, especially in the first chapter. Kassie is a sassy firecracker and Lorenzo is time enough for her independent big butt. Can you say the lady doth protest too much?
This story has a colorful cast of characters including Samantha, Kassie’s agent and Ellis’s sister, Mama Ganga the spiritual creative coach, and especially the firefighters at Lorenzo’s house. Rodney the Rockstar, Zorro the surfer boy, and Merc the cowboy.
Kassie’s methods to get out of her writer’s block had me cracking up…and taking notes. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard listening to an audiobook.
And the love scenes? Woo-wee, before they even get together together Lorenzo and Kassie were burning up my ears.
So many things I loved about this story. The characters are multi-dimensional with relatable problems and baggage but are still resilient with great senses of humor. As in Kenya Wright’s novella, Adrian, I loved the story within a story, a cool side-effect of the FMC being a romance author trying to get back her mojo.
This is a fast-paced, well-written, hot and spicy interracial romance with lots of heart, pathos quirkiness and wit. The memorable climax and a bittersweet, delightful ending left me with a big cheesy smile on my face as my eyes filled. If all of that is your jam, I highly recommend this read.
November 4, 2022
Awesome read!!
I completely enjoyed reading this book. The first page had me dying in laughter, and that was just the prologue. Kassie showed Ellis that she isn't to be messed with and he deserved everything he got . Now... moving on to Kassie and Lorenzo, they are a match made in heaven. I love how she had him shook to his core from the very beginning and how he had her trying to keep him far away from her. I also love how well Lorenzo could read Kassie's body language. Even though they both struggled internally, I really liked how they supported each other and communicated their thoughts to each other.
The steamy scenes for these 2 characters are pretty awesome. I'll admit I have an aversion to that c-word but other than that, Kenya Wright has some magic fingers when it comes to writing those sexy scenes.
I only wish that certain scenes in the book were written in a different font so it could be differentiated from others. It was fixed later, but at one part early on in the book I was a little confused as to what was going on because it wasn't expected.
I completely enjoyed reading this book. The first page had me dying in laughter, and that was just the prologue. Kassie showed Ellis that she isn't to be messed with and he deserved everything he got . Now... moving on to Kassie and Lorenzo, they are a match made in heaven. I love how she had him shook to his core from the very beginning and how he had her trying to keep him far away from her. I also love how well Lorenzo could read Kassie's body language. Even though they both struggled internally, I really liked how they supported each other and communicated their thoughts to each other.
The steamy scenes for these 2 characters are pretty awesome. I'll admit I have an aversion to that c-word but other than that, Kenya Wright has some magic fingers when it comes to writing those sexy scenes.
I only wish that certain scenes in the book were written in a different font so it could be differentiated from others. It was fixed later, but at one part early on in the book I was a little confused as to what was going on because it wasn't expected.
May 22, 2018
When the Smoke Clears
Bravo! I loved this story. First off I loved Kassie and Lorenzo. He was sexy, funny, hot as hell, and so full of love for her I melted. The story was powerful, with issues of abuse, drug addiction, and mental health, all real issues that impact our society today. The author dealt with these issues with humor and compassion.
I knew he was head over heels in love with her, and was happy he took the time to get to know her, and he exercised extreme self control. It made their coming together beautiful. Their banter back and forth had me howling with laughter at times. Mama Ganja was a riot too. She was one feisty lady. She had some great lines too.
I was sad about his ex, and I loved how the author made that situation positive for his daughters. I didn't want to give it away. Overall, I loved it, and look forward to reading more of her stories.
Bravo! I loved this story. First off I loved Kassie and Lorenzo. He was sexy, funny, hot as hell, and so full of love for her I melted. The story was powerful, with issues of abuse, drug addiction, and mental health, all real issues that impact our society today. The author dealt with these issues with humor and compassion.
I knew he was head over heels in love with her, and was happy he took the time to get to know her, and he exercised extreme self control. It made their coming together beautiful. Their banter back and forth had me howling with laughter at times. Mama Ganja was a riot too. She was one feisty lady. She had some great lines too.
I was sad about his ex, and I loved how the author made that situation positive for his daughters. I didn't want to give it away. Overall, I loved it, and look forward to reading more of her stories.
February 23, 2021
Fire starter 🔥🔥🔥☄️💥
Yes, I love this book. I wish I could get a hard copy of this book. I love how Mrs. Wright, not only develop her characters but also the environments. How she touched on real issues that is still going in our world today and yet she found the balance between sorrow, sadness, mental health, fear, doubt, rage, infidelity, verbal abuse, love, peace, joy, happiness, self care, healing, passion, steamy romance, respect and honor to create this great read. This book had me laughing in some parts and crying in others and I could not put it down it deserves a re-read and permanent placement on my bookshelf. It touched of subject some dare not cross especially in a erotic romance novel she did it made it work without going in to deep something most well appreciate. Thanks
Yes, I love this book. I wish I could get a hard copy of this book. I love how Mrs. Wright, not only develop her characters but also the environments. How she touched on real issues that is still going in our world today and yet she found the balance between sorrow, sadness, mental health, fear, doubt, rage, infidelity, verbal abuse, love, peace, joy, happiness, self care, healing, passion, steamy romance, respect and honor to create this great read. This book had me laughing in some parts and crying in others and I could not put it down it deserves a re-read and permanent placement on my bookshelf. It touched of subject some dare not cross especially in a erotic romance novel she did it made it work without going in to deep something most well appreciate. Thanks
June 11, 2020
Amazing
This story about Lorenzo and Kassie was one about people overcoming a trying time in their lives in where one is scare to even try to live and love again. While the other is confident enough to go full steam ahead but is keeping secrets ( well lying to his family).
Kassie's issues stems from her ex-husband Ellis who destroyed her self-worth. Ellis a person in which everytime his name is mentioned you want to knock him out. Lorenzo's issues stems from his ex-wife who makes you want to shake her up and drag her kick and screaming. But all things happens for a reason. You learn and get strong for it.
Just wish there was just a little more to the ending, unless there is going to be a book 2?????
This story about Lorenzo and Kassie was one about people overcoming a trying time in their lives in where one is scare to even try to live and love again. While the other is confident enough to go full steam ahead but is keeping secrets ( well lying to his family).
Kassie's issues stems from her ex-husband Ellis who destroyed her self-worth. Ellis a person in which everytime his name is mentioned you want to knock him out. Lorenzo's issues stems from his ex-wife who makes you want to shake her up and drag her kick and screaming. But all things happens for a reason. You learn and get strong for it.
Just wish there was just a little more to the ending, unless there is going to be a book 2?????
August 16, 2022
Heat with a lot of heart
The heat coming off of this one has me ready to combust (bad pun intended). Kassie and Lorenzo's story was one of bruised and broken hearts healing and finding peace and love again. I loved watching as Kassie found herself and courage again after an abusive ten year relationship. Lorenzo's a man that is doing his best to raise his girls alone while their mother struggles with substance use. When they come together they find strength and love in one another. This book had me laughing, misty eyed, and hot and bothered. I'm an avid reader and I think this is the first time I started clapping at the end of a book. Can't wait to read more by this writer.
The heat coming off of this one has me ready to combust (bad pun intended). Kassie and Lorenzo's story was one of bruised and broken hearts healing and finding peace and love again. I loved watching as Kassie found herself and courage again after an abusive ten year relationship. Lorenzo's a man that is doing his best to raise his girls alone while their mother struggles with substance use. When they come together they find strength and love in one another. This book had me laughing, misty eyed, and hot and bothered. I'm an avid reader and I think this is the first time I started clapping at the end of a book. Can't wait to read more by this writer.
May 11, 2024
Heart wrenchingly beautiful!
I’ve had this book in my queue for a few years now, I kept putting it off and I don’t know why. K.W is one of my favorite authors of all times, so I would like to take this time once again to say THANK YOU. Thank you for jumping off that cliff, going into that dark cave, for crying so hard that you couldn’t get up but loving even harder. Thank you for being inspired because it caused you to live!!!! This was so much more than just another book for me to read, it was deep and hit home to a lot of young girls and women in our society. This is more than just a love story, it has truth and passion, second chances and forgiveness. I truly enjoyed their love story… THANK YOU 😊
I’ve had this book in my queue for a few years now, I kept putting it off and I don’t know why. K.W is one of my favorite authors of all times, so I would like to take this time once again to say THANK YOU. Thank you for jumping off that cliff, going into that dark cave, for crying so hard that you couldn’t get up but loving even harder. Thank you for being inspired because it caused you to live!!!! This was so much more than just another book for me to read, it was deep and hit home to a lot of young girls and women in our society. This is more than just a love story, it has truth and passion, second chances and forgiveness. I truly enjoyed their love story… THANK YOU 😊
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