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The Girl Next Door #2

From Winter's Ashes

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Next Door Series by Breakout Mystery Romance Sensation Amy Leigh Simpson

If you can trust your enemy with your life, what’s to stop him from stealing your heart?

FROM WINTER’S ASHES, book two in The Girl Next Door Series

Synopsis…

Hopelessly unlucky in love and a target for tragedy, Joselyn Whyte hardly leads the charmed life you’d expect of an heiress. When she becomes the mark of an arsonist, the last person she expects to ride to her rescue is her nemesis—the man who sealed her fate as a frigid and lonely “Snow Whyte.”

Firefighter Finn Carson might talk a big game, but behind the swagger and the dimples is a man tormented by a mistake that cost a life. When a force stronger than his stubbornness pulls him off the bench and into a 5-Alarm fire for a miraculous save, Finn decides the key to his redemption lies with the Ice Princess he loathes. But the price to freedom from the guilt and nightmares might be too steep if it means bartering with Joselyn’s father by posing as her boyfriend—her safety and the ruthless billionaire’s Senatorial campaign hanging on the combustible edge of a decade old grudge.

When secrets from the past resurface, the ruse and reality collide and threaten to thaw their heated rivalry—turning hate into something that terrifies them even more than the cunning predator with a bent sense of justice.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2016

38 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Amy Leigh Simpson

3 books38 followers

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5 stars
79 (53%)
4 stars
41 (27%)
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20 (13%)
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8 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Amber Lynn.
Author 8 books161 followers
May 30, 2016
I happen to be one of those readers that typically stays in a single genre--historical romance. Yeah, I get it--it might seem boring to never really branch out, but I'm a creature of habit what can I say. However, when I first read Simpson's WHEN FALL FADES, I decided that for her, I would gladly cross genre lines. Okay, not just *gladly*, more like, fly-over-any-hurdle-like-a-raving-lunatic-so-I-could-get-my-hands-on-her-stuff kind of thing. Her writing is...I mean, how do you describe it when you are perfectly *in* the story? Simpson brings to life the characters and their struggles so masterfully, I can never put it down. I like to think of myself as a hobbyist when it comes to writing, so to speak. I give it a go and I love it. Because of that, I am always searching for someone to look up to and learn from to improve my craft. Simpson is that for me. I love to not only immerse myself in her writing style and her ability to create a gripping story that has me clutching my kindle until the end, but also to study her prose--to read a sentence, and sit back and allow it to smack me a few times with its sheer genius. You think I'm exaggerating? Au contraire.
You will LOVE her characters. So well crafted. The storyline is always perfectly sculpted and the romance is killer. And shoot, can this woman write passion! It's got the perfect amount of real-life sexual tension between the characters, but she keeps it clean. Love, love, love it!!
Bravo on another amazing book--I can't wait to read the next! Like seriously. I can't wait. ;) <3
Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,385 reviews441 followers
December 14, 2016

**From Winter's Ashes generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

4 "Eat your heart out." Stars

This book serves as a stand alone featuring two main characters who appear in book one as secondary's to the mains. Amy Leigh Simpson laces this story of two people who felt an instant connection as teens but fell apart when manipulations cast their shadows on their young, vulnerable hearts. Ten years later, ten years where their lives have intersected with sarcasm and disdain, Finn Carson and Joselyn Whyte find themselves needing each other like never before even if they don't want to admit it. This dynamic created intense chemistry from the two. Full of admiration and dislike they fight, banter, and snark their way into a meaningful and complex situation catapulting their relationship.

The tone of this story borders on reverence and compassion. With the knowledge clear to Finn and Joss that their hearts our more fragile with the walls they've erected because of each other the romance provided is charming, sweet, and full of friendly fire. Each hiding a past full of demons, these two dance around the flames igniting from their attraction. The romantic tension is combustible and palpable from the pages. The reverence comes in the form of deep and lasting care even though admittance to such would never happen. As the story layers itself with on-going mystery and true crime elements, questions of "who dunnit?" arise. The conflict and angst of the story never felt forced or misleading. And while those things are derived from a place of young, tender feelings never fleshed out as teens the way Amy Leigh Simpson unravels those misguided in the characters present lives was marvelous.

The third person point of view writing kept my attention throughout most of the story. There were a few times where the story broke focus for me later on when it goes into inner monologues and continual hiding. I felt some dragging as a result. However, Simpson's vivid prose is descriptive and full of beautifully complex sentences and story telling you cannot deny her clout or her gift as an author. And I especially love that the romance isn't wholly sexually driven. It's clean, pure in it's nature and more fade to black when it comes to sexual intent but the tension electrifies the reader.

I highly recommend this series from Amy Leigh Simpson. I'm grateful to have discovered her series and lovely writing and look forward to discovering more of her stories. From Winter's Ashes is a timeless romantic, suspense love story encompassing forever friendships, complex relationships, deep manipulations, engaging mystery, and sweet charm.
Profile Image for Catherine.
Author 7 books770 followers
June 7, 2016
If you're looking for a sit on the edge of your seat, don't turn out the lights and don't go to sleep until the last page is turned read this summer, From Winter's Ashes is it! Wonderful characters with real hurts to overcome, romantic tension, intrigue, yikes moments and everything in between, Simpson has created another delicious novel that will sweep you away and hold you captive until the very end. Don't miss this one!
Profile Image for Pepper Basham.
Author 41 books2,890 followers
May 27, 2016
Yet again, Amy Leigh Simpson weaves an incredible tale ripe with thrilling suspense, witty dialogue, and dazzling romance. In her newest novel, From Winter’s Ashes, Simpson sparks words to life on the page with the story of two beautifully broken people who are frozen from past mistakes and fears. Like the thawing of winter to spring, Simpson brings Jocelyn and Finn’s romance to bloom with brilliance and a whole lot of sizzle. The suspense propels the romance forward through its own twists and turns, following a killer with a burning sense of vengeance. My two favorite aspects of Amy’s writing, which both shine equally in this story, are her scenes of outrageous banter between her hero and heroine, and her clear, poignant, and unique ability to bring words to life on a page. Her descriptions explode with a clarity and vibrancy which immediately captures attention and leaves the reader almost breathless for more. From Winter’s Ashes is a strong combination of both spicy romance and gripping suspense in a tender journey toward healing.
Profile Image for April.
965 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2016
4.5 Stars!
Wow, I really, really liked it! This has been a stellar series so far! From Winter's Ashes, Book 2 quickly drew me in and had me hooked. In fact, it kept me up way too late finishing it last night. Simpson is talented at crafting a well written story, dialogue, and characters set amidst layers of mystery, suspense and romance. All the while, peppered throughout the novel are some nuggets of truth and faith.

This book is really the complete package! While the mystery and suspense are part of the story, they really take a back ground to the drama and romance of the characters. To me, it was a perfect blend. While there are elements of violence in the novel, it is not too graphic. Also, the romance is clean. There is a little use of mild language. All in all, the story just comes to life and leaves me hungry to read more by Simpson! I hope Book 3 is in the works and not too long off from release!
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish .
932 reviews247 followers
March 31, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://wp.me/p7ngfE-HN

One word persistently leaps to my mind as I read and reflect on this delightful story... HOT! Literally hot fire, figuratively hot attraction, and all while an arsonist is hot on their trail! I am a melty puddle of happy reader, here!

Joselyn Whyte has spent years perfecting her cool and collected façade of indifference. Finn Carson is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fighting fires but he can't catch a break in his own inner turmoil.

When these two rivals are forced together by circumstance and imminent threat, SPARKS most definitely fly. There is nothing dull, cool, or mediocre about this story! It is a blazing FIRE of brilliance!!! I love this book just as much as the first in this series (maybe even a little bit more!) and I can't wait to get my hands on book 3!!!

I purchased this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Colleen Phillips.
4 reviews
June 7, 2016
Usually it takes me 2-3 times the length of time to read a book as amazon lists in the about the book section. It's not that I can't read fast, the cadence of my inner voice as I read can provide as much enjoyment as the plot and content. For the average modern novel this is comparable to finding old ice-crystal-riddled ice cream in the back of your freezer when the AC goes out in the middle of summer-it's enjoyable and a good distraction. Reading Amy Leigh Simpson, is being swept away to my favorite ice cream shop nestled between the base of a mountain and a river, and eating the creamiest, smoothest ice cream on a shady bench with a cool breeze. I urge you to take your time with this novel; let the love, time, effort, passion, and talent that crafted the story of the hot fireman warming the ice princess's heart germinate. 
2 reviews
May 28, 2016
When the hero of a book is a hunky fireman haunted by his past, you know you'll enjoy a good read. When the heroine of the book is a spark plug who refuses to apologize for who she is or yield to pressure from anyone or anything, you should clear your schedule because you're about to get lost in a great read.

With book two of the Girl Next Door Series, Simpson once again made me lose track of reality. Simpson's ability to paint a scene with words and her incredible bantering dialogue created a memorable romance. But once again, it was the mystery that left me in awe of this new writer. Her unique approach to presenting the clues of the story had me guessing... and second guessing...and scratching my head. I can't wait to see what Simpson does with book three.
Profile Image for Kara.
688 reviews75 followers
July 15, 2016
3.5 stars

I vacillated between really enjoying this book and skimming really quickly through other parts. I loved the romance bits! While it moved a bit quick, it helped tremendously that Joss and Finn had a past and had known one another for several years. There was definite undeniable chemistry going on whenever those two were in close proximity! Much to my delight. :) But the rest of the story kind of lagged for me. The mystery is sufficiently mysterious and does have several edge-of-your-seat moments, but somehow it never pulled me in completely. Not really sure why. Still, I did enjoy reading this one overall.
Profile Image for Mikal Dawn.
Author 10 books139 followers
June 5, 2017
With complex characters (that ensure you need a fan to cool off with!) and high drama, Amy Leigh Simpson has another success on her hands! I absolutely LOVED this book!! It was a fantastic follow-up to WHEN FALL FADES. Finn and Joslyn are explosive (umm...no pun intended?) on the pages of this book and bring you right into their story. Simpson does a fab job weaving together suspense, romance, flaws, and redemption. Her heroes are perfectly imperfect.

I'm a HUGE fan and can't wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Jill Lynn.
Author 32 books463 followers
May 31, 2016
Sparks sizzle in Simpson's sophomore novel. With enemies on every side, these two have to figure out who they can trust and whether that includes each other. Ripe with tension, danger and the pain of the past, you'll be ripping through pages to see what happens next. Grab your oven mitts before you pick this one up, you're going to need them!
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
January 11, 2017
Incredible story! There wasn't one thing to not like about it. Thinking about it after I remembered the line where we speak those words, "things done and left undone." They reminded so much of the relationship between Finn and Joss.
The story like a loose thread that once you start pulling unravels, yet there is so much mystery and the twists and turns. The barbs between Finn and Joss. Joss never knowing what family was. Finn's family was close, obviously. His dad spoke some remarkably wise words to him.
Finn is a firefighter who is given leave after saving Joss from her home during a horrendous fire, he however is suffering from PTSD after what he sees as a failed rescue during a recent house fire.
Joss now homeless is staying with her best friend Sadie, who is Finn's sister. Sadie's new boyfriend is an FBI agent and it soon becomes apparent that someone is threatening Joss' life. Her father is cold as a stone, never available and he's too focused on making money to bother with Joss. He enlists Finn to look after her, let the games begin. It was refreshing to read a book where there was no sex. That some affection was displayed and that while the faith and grace aspect wasn't overdone, it was an obvious undertone in the book, which made it even better. The author worked that in seamlessly. While Joss struggled with her's at times, it was good to see her fall back on that at several pivotal points.
I can't say enough good things about this book. The plot was fabulous, the characters were so well done and fully developed, and while Sadie and Archer were there, clearly this book was about Joss and Finn. It was a joy to also see Finn finally wake up. I like books that have well developed characters that have at least some depth to them, this one covered all the bases for me. Nice work Amy !!
I highly recommend this book.

**arc from Net Galley and WildBlue Press in exchange for a fair review**
Profile Image for Jultri.
1,218 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2016
Enjoyable book about the slow thawing of the freeze between heiress, Joselyn Whyte, and her best friend's brother, Finn Carson. Of course it literally took a fire to start the unfreeze and force the 2 warring protagonists to call a transient cease-fire. Joss and Finn were not always spitting out venomous insults at one another. Once they shared some real chemistry back in their youthful high school days. Then betrayal and trauma tore them apart and further present day traumatic and violent events are forcing them to face the past as revealed in flash backs by the author. Although this is a clean romance, the author manages to convey oozes of sexual tension between the leads. I just find the constant assassination attempts on Joss a bit over the top after a while. Enough already! A girl can only withstand so much trauma, though she remains admirably strong. Finn could use a fist or two on occasions to mar his supposedly mighty fine face, but he is charming enough to gain ours and Joss's forgiveness ultimately. A bit of late grovelling didn't hurt either. This has some Christian elements to it, but done in a subtle non-overt way that I think might still appeal to the general reading population.

A Netgalley book provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rachel McDaniel.
Author 13 books628 followers
December 11, 2016
Oh my! This book was explosive! (in a good way of course ;) ) Okay, so I haven't read from this author previously, and I honestly didn't know what to expect, but boy, let me tell you I wasn't expecting to gush all over my screen, being taken up with a wounded heiress and macho fire-fighter.

The plot of the story was engagingly complex with twists and turns that kept me guessing from page one. But what I loved about this story was the transformation of the heroine. She faced tragedy and abandonment in her youth, and disappointment continued to follow her over the stretch of years. But her spiritual growth was genuinely beautiful, like witnessing a flower blossom after a blustery winter. And these lines. "She finally felt worthy of love. Not because she'd earned her stripes, but because of the one who had taken them for her." Oh my heart!

So Contemporary Romantic Suspense isn't my usual genre to read, but I'll be sure pick up the next novel by this author. :)

I was provided a copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for April.
965 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2016
Wow, I really, really liked it! This has been a stellar series so far! From Winter's Ashes, Book 2 quickly drew me in and had me hooked. In fact, it kept me up way too late finishing it last night. Simpson is talented at crafting a well written story, dialogue, and characters set amidst layers of mystery, suspense and romance. All the while, peppered throughout the novel are some nuggets of truth and faith.

This book is really the complete package! While the mystery and suspense are part of the story, they really take a back ground to the drama and romance of the characters. To me, it was a perfect blend. While there are elements of violence in the novel, it is not too graphic. Also, the romance is clean. There is a little use of mild language. All in all, the story just comes to life and leaves me hungry to read more by Simpson! I hope Book 3 is in the works and not too long off from release!
56 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2016
Excellent read!!

I've never been big on romance type stories but author Amy Leigh Simpson is starting to change that! Maybe its because her romance books are "steamy" but not "smutty"! Maybe its because her books are so much more than a romance novel? Just like in her 1st book, " When Fall Fades", Amy has a well written romance, mystery and action all rolled up in one that kept me turning the pages from the time I picked it up until I was at the end of this story!
I don't like giving away the whole story in reviews but will say that in "From Winter's Ashes" we get an extension of some of the characters from her 1st book We still see some characters from the 1st book but also meet new ones!. This one is more about Sadie's brother Finn, who looks more like a California surfer dude than a firefighter from the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood, Missouri! I'm really looking forward to more books by Amy!
Author 1 book23 followers
January 3, 2017
Romantic suspense oozing tension and secrets...

Joselyn Whyte, heiress to the Whyte Empire and daughter of a Senatorial hopeful, is targeted by an arsonist and saved by Finn Carson, her high-school nemesis. When Finn is strong-armed by her father into posing as her boyfriend for the purposes of protection detail, the mystery of the arsonist is not the only mystery that begins unraveling.

This was one of those that had me turning the pages to find out what happened next, so tightly wound was the suspense. The characters, too, felt well-rounded and relatable, while the romance was tangible and dreamy. For me, the ending let the book down, as it felt out-of-character (but then, I've never lived in a small town in the US) and left me feeling flat. But if you don't mind your HEAs with a rushed and somewhat obsessive feel to them, this is a great romantic suspense read.

*Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of the book via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,401 reviews180 followers
June 12, 2016
Romance plus Suspense makes for a Great Read

I really enjoyed this book. It's the second book in the Girl Next Door Crime series. It was fun catching up with Sadie and Archer from book 1. This book however, was about Sadie's best friend Jocelyn and her older brother Finn. I loved the banter and flirty innuendos from both Jocelyn and Finn. They both had quite an adventure in this suspense driven book. The romance was as it was described as "clean with some steam". I will say for sensitive readers there are a few mild curse words. The book was well written and the characters were well developed and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Mary.
Author 10 books48 followers
June 7, 2016
From Winter's Ashes has enveloped the very components reader's look for in a book. Suspense that is truly suspenseful...not predictable. Vivid picture words. Etc. I found myself highlighting vivid phrases on every page. Amy Leigh Simpson truly has a gift for drawing the reader into the story.

As an example, in the first pages Jocelyn's house is on fire. Simpson writes, "Fiery blades licked at her flesh, each wicked lash leaving the bit of a burn."

Another plus, the villain is given chapters, speaking from the shadows where we can't see him, only hear the mounting tension. Makes a reader want to shine a flashlight on this creep and find out who he is.

This is a book to read.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,941 reviews74 followers
August 5, 2018
It was an okay read. I felt like though that it had a bit too graphic of focus on the sexual component in the story. I felt like I could not connect with the characters as every time they saw one another they were kissing, groping or doing something physical. There was not a lot of connection there besides the raw sexual force.

As the book went on, you got the history, and I connected a bit more, but I still struggled with them.
I felt like the rest of the story got lost in the middle there somehow. So, if you are looking for more of a romance, this is the book for you. A story with meaning. Probably choose another read.
Profile Image for Brittaney.
57 reviews
January 19, 2018
Wowza! This book kept me up reading all night. The two mysteries of who the villain was and the shared history between the hero and heroine ensured I couldn't put this book down. The author did a great job in slowly and subtly revealing clues to both until finally the full picture was uncovered. I was completely surprised by the villain and his motives. The backstory and chemistry between the two main leads was very believable. If you like romantic suspense, I highly recommend this author.
909 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2016
If I could, I would give this book more than 5 stars. I loved the characters, the storyline, the suspense and twists and turns. I rarely read romance novels but I am glad I decided to give this book a chance. I was held captive from the first few pages and found myself getting up during the night to "read just a little more." I was so impressed with this book that I ordered Amy Leigh Simpson's book 1 of this series. I hope there will be a #3 book from Ms. Simpson.
Profile Image for Gicela Longo.
51 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2016
Phenomenal

Beautifully written story with memorable characters. I loved catching up with Sandi and Archer from book one. Joselyn's depression was portrayed tactfully and accurately. I especially appreciated reading about how God's grace and power changed and blessed both Finn and Joselyn's life.
This was a wonderful read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Teresa Snyder.
710 reviews30 followers
August 4, 2016
Although I felt this book, as well as book one, contained a little more fluff than necessary it was still a very book book. Good storyline, good chemistry between characters, great ending, and a continuation of book ones story - character involvement.

Looking forward - hopefully - to additional books in this series that will also include characters from books one and two.
Profile Image for Irene Henrikson.
1 review
August 26, 2016
I really liked this book. It kept yo on edge and was written without any foul language. It was suspenseful and the characters faced problems and insecurities that so many face, but we can overcome a lot by putting our trust


in God. I will most likely read more books by Amy. The villain was not who I thought it was
147 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2016
Romance, arson, grace, and redemption

Enjoyed the back and forth banter between couples and siblings. Not totally believable, but I enjoyed the story anyway. Subtle story of grace and redemption with romance and mystery in the mix.
Profile Image for Janice Boekhoff.
Author 13 books55 followers
July 13, 2016
Simpson's writing is lyrical and intense all at the same time! I loved this follow up to When Fall Fades! Joselyn and Finn's story is full of fiery dialogue, steamy chemistry and tension-filled suspense. I highly recommend this book for romantic suspense fans!
263 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2016
Very enjoyable.

Romance novels are not my favorite genre but this book was truly the exception. The characters were delightfully interesting and the mystery aspect of the story was very satisfying. I would definitely recommend this book.
1 review
August 14, 2016
Romance at its best

This was romance at its Best. A well thought out thriller with tintilating, clues with sometimes frustrating romantic twists and turns. This book kept you on yourtoes while warming your heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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