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Smolder
The second chance for a love that still smolders begins when Scarlett is called home to help her estranged mother, a hoarder, clean out her mess or risk losing her house. There, she reconnects with Brody Finch, Greenshade's glorious football legend, the man who deserted her a decade ago when she needed him the most. As Scarlett attempts to handle her combative mother, the cold case murder of her sister comes back into focus, and she finds her own life in danger. Suspense builds when old friends come together for a class reunion, and a serial arsonist brings the small town to its knees. As the past and present merge, can Scarlett and Finch find the love they once shared and lost? And if they do, will she live through the process?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
331 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 2, 2021
Excellent!
Wow, what a ride!
I do not believe you can call this a romantic suspense, it is more a romantic thriller!
I did not expect, the end, and wow what an ending. But, throughout it all, hearts healed, family realizations happened, not necessarily all so great, but healing, healing and of course, Love !
I simply did not know what to expect, and it kept coming, while I was trying to guess exactly, who, what, and where????
Scarlet was an amazingly strong woman, who at 18, left a child, and became stronger and yet still kept the sweetness, and kindness, even when others did not deserve it.
Finch, also left at 18, went on to fulfill his father's dream of a son inn the NFL, yet left after five years because he had done all he was going to with it. Howevér, his father's death and settling of the estate brought him and Scarlet back together. Neither realizing the truth she they left,let alone all that still existed.
I was completely captivated!
I loved this novel! Look forward to others by Ms. Douglas! Well written, kept me thinking and certainly Kindle bound from start to finish!
Great novel!
Karen
Wow, what a ride!
I do not believe you can call this a romantic suspense, it is more a romantic thriller!
I did not expect, the end, and wow what an ending. But, throughout it all, hearts healed, family realizations happened, not necessarily all so great, but healing, healing and of course, Love !
I simply did not know what to expect, and it kept coming, while I was trying to guess exactly, who, what, and where????
Scarlet was an amazingly strong woman, who at 18, left a child, and became stronger and yet still kept the sweetness, and kindness, even when others did not deserve it.
Finch, also left at 18, went on to fulfill his father's dream of a son inn the NFL, yet left after five years because he had done all he was going to with it. Howevér, his father's death and settling of the estate brought him and Scarlet back together. Neither realizing the truth she they left,let alone all that still existed.
I was completely captivated!
I loved this novel! Look forward to others by Ms. Douglas! Well written, kept me thinking and certainly Kindle bound from start to finish!
Great novel!
Karen
August 27, 2017
I received this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Savannah is about to start her dream job at a prestigious law firm in Chicago, when she receives a phone call from her mother begging her to come back home and help her keep her house. Her mother is a hoarder and the town has given her 30 days to clean up or they are taking her home. It has been 10 years since Savannah has been home and she reluctantly goes to see if she can straighten things out with the town. When she arrives at the airport her ex high school boyfriend who she never wanted to lay eyes on is there to pick her up and when she arrives at her mother's house in the morning there is a national television van on hoarding outside her mother's house. It seems all the secrets she worked so hard to conceal are about to blow up on national television for everyone to see.
March 17, 2019
This book got it all! Mystery, Drama,Suspense, and Reality TV realness
! I liked the intensity of the characters personalities whether playful, psychotic, or emotional. Also I live in Montgomery AL, and the way the author describes how the characters are fanatics over Auburn and Alabama is fact. I was born and raised in California and have no loyalties or likes for either team. I don't like college football tbh, but reading about some of the way Greenshade and Montgomery are so close it was enlightening to read others perspective of Alabama and the deep south. The storyline was wonderful and beautifully written.
! I liked the intensity of the characters personalities whether playful, psychotic, or emotional. Also I live in Montgomery AL, and the way the author describes how the characters are fanatics over Auburn and Alabama is fact. I was born and raised in California and have no loyalties or likes for either team. I don't like college football tbh, but reading about some of the way Greenshade and Montgomery are so close it was enlightening to read others perspective of Alabama and the deep south. The storyline was wonderful and beautifully written.
June 17, 2024
Read This Book ONLY If You Want to be Bored, Bored, Bored
I read nearly halfway thru this childish story, and just couldn’t improve my flagging LACK of interest in it.
The entire book centers around childhood friends, some of whom get along with each others, some of whom don’t. And, let’s not forget a misfit with a horrible father, who literally scarred him for life. Or death — you go figure it out. And the main character’s mother, who’s a long-time hoarder.
There’s nothing in this book that grabs The Reader’s attention, and the entire tale is sophmoric. Do NOT put any effort into acquiring this book or peaking at its contents; it’s not worth your time or trouble.
I read nearly halfway thru this childish story, and just couldn’t improve my flagging LACK of interest in it.
The entire book centers around childhood friends, some of whom get along with each others, some of whom don’t. And, let’s not forget a misfit with a horrible father, who literally scarred him for life. Or death — you go figure it out. And the main character’s mother, who’s a long-time hoarder.
There’s nothing in this book that grabs The Reader’s attention, and the entire tale is sophmoric. Do NOT put any effort into acquiring this book or peaking at its contents; it’s not worth your time or trouble.
April 7, 2019
Warning! Don't start reading this if you have lots to do because this book is very compelling and hard to put down. It isn't great literature but it has high entertainment value that led me to a 5 star rating. There is some conflicted romance but it doesn't overtake the underlying story of mystery and suspense. The characters are well developed but you are left to figure out who is doing what crime. It was a great read, especially when dealing with insomnia in the middle of the night. It has a satisfying ending which helped me to go back to sleep in the wee hours of morning.
May 28, 2017
I couldn't put it down after the first chapter. I woke up this morning at 5:46am. I could have gone back to sleep or continue reading this book. I chose option two. I had no idea who the bad guy was until it was obvious. This author had me feeling sorry for the bad guy. I loved it. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because, for me, there wasn't enough physical contact with the protagonists.
July 25, 2017
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the prospective of characters changing frequently and often from one paragraph to the other. At times I had to reread because I didn't know who's thinking I was reading. Other than that I would definitely recommend this book!!! It had the perfect amount of suspense and 'I didn't see that coming' moments. Great book!!!! I loved the story line, it was an amazing read!!!
February 24, 2018
Wow.. Just wow! This book was great! I couldn't finish it fast enough. There were so many twists I wasn't expecting. She definitely kept me on edge with who was behind this and then throwing in that last little bit of crazy, holy psychopath! I will never tell so go read it! My only complaint was the constant POV change between paragraphs. But that was the least of my worries when the "on the edge of wonder" moment would take over!
July 13, 2022
Loved this book.
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I’m hooked. Scarlett had returned to her hometown. I felt for her and thought she was too patient with her Mom. But there’s a reason she’s the way she is. Finch still has feelings for Scarlett and I felt for them. The story is pretty twisted, and I loved not knowing what would happen. Loved getting multiple points of view. Happy to say there’s a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I’m hooked. Scarlett had returned to her hometown. I felt for her and thought she was too patient with her Mom. But there’s a reason she’s the way she is. Finch still has feelings for Scarlett and I felt for them. The story is pretty twisted, and I loved not knowing what would happen. Loved getting multiple points of view. Happy to say there’s a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
May 12, 2017
Enthrallingly
I had no clue the content I was drawn in by a pretty cover. The insides more than swamped that cover with excellence. Real issues, real lives, and intrigue. Be prepared to fall in love. You might figure put the who dun it, but be prepared for surprise. Five stars, which I don't give easy
I had no clue the content I was drawn in by a pretty cover. The insides more than swamped that cover with excellence. Real issues, real lives, and intrigue. Be prepared to fall in love. You might figure put the who dun it, but be prepared for surprise. Five stars, which I don't give easy
September 28, 2017
Home for an emergency.
Wow! Start with trying to keep your mother from being homeless because of hoarding. Then a cold case murder rises up again, several fires happen, everyone comes home for a high school reunion, and then several new murders and assaults. Who is behind this. Read this really well written story and find out.
Wow! Start with trying to keep your mother from being homeless because of hoarding. Then a cold case murder rises up again, several fires happen, everyone comes home for a high school reunion, and then several new murders and assaults. Who is behind this. Read this really well written story and find out.
February 25, 2018
Excellent Read
A pain filled past correlates into a present with a charged atmosphere. Two hearts parted by machinations; out love/ their own sense of what's right, pushed together by someone else's need. A post mystery, guilt filled actions, and a complex mix of secrets. Awesome, well thought out plot, twists, and reconciliation.
A pain filled past correlates into a present with a charged atmosphere. Two hearts parted by machinations; out love/ their own sense of what's right, pushed together by someone else's need. A post mystery, guilt filled actions, and a complex mix of secrets. Awesome, well thought out plot, twists, and reconciliation.
November 13, 2018
I really appreciate a clean romantic suspense. I love the romance and suspense of the genre, but many of the books are too spicy for my tastes. This one had plenty of romance and suspense without explicit sex scenes. It was a little far-fetched to have two psychopaths in the same small high school class without anyone recognizing they had problems, but the story kept me guessing.
January 7, 2019
High school friends.
Scarlett is called home to deal with her hoarder mother, and her high school reunion. Not everyone I is happy to see her back. Someone is attacking people and starting fires. Can the mysteries be solved before more people die. Read this captivating book to find out.
Scarlett is called home to deal with her hoarder mother, and her high school reunion. Not everyone I is happy to see her back. Someone is attacking people and starting fires. Can the mysteries be solved before more people die. Read this captivating book to find out.
March 20, 2019
A little frightening but...
Very well written book. I'd never heard of a dysfunctional town until this book, but that's what it seems like. The characters are realistic, the story is faced paced and, at times,very frightening. Not going to spoil it by divulging even one thing, but I definitely recommend it
Very well written book. I'd never heard of a dysfunctional town until this book, but that's what it seems like. The characters are realistic, the story is faced paced and, at times,very frightening. Not going to spoil it by divulging even one thing, but I definitely recommend it
July 13, 2017
Wow!
A very thrilling read for a mystery mixed with romance. Clean, laughable, and suspenseful. The characters were well thought out and kept me riveted throughout until the end. Nothing boring!
A very thrilling read for a mystery mixed with romance. Clean, laughable, and suspenseful. The characters were well thought out and kept me riveted throughout until the end. Nothing boring!
September 14, 2017
Great read!
The plot twists and turns made this a nice page turner. I really enjoyed the read. My only complaint is that it controlled my time and I couldn't put it down until I finished!
The plot twists and turns made this a nice page turner. I really enjoyed the read. My only complaint is that it controlled my time and I couldn't put it down until I finished!
September 29, 2017
Wonderful
Wow, This story was so good. It's full of suspense, intrigue, second chance love. Very emotional storyline.
A very enjoyable story. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend reading this story
Wow, This story was so good. It's full of suspense, intrigue, second chance love. Very emotional storyline.
A very enjoyable story. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend reading this story
October 30, 2017
I finished this one the same day, this was amazingly suspenseful, I was ready to go into the next story, then I remembered I had to work in the morning. A great and shocking read that keeps you guessing until the climatic end!
December 2, 2017
You never forget your hometown
This story has a captivating, well thought out plot with a fabulous depiction of "small town" politics. The steamy romance between Scarlett and Finch, sizzles off the pages. An excellent romantic mystery.
This story has a captivating, well thought out plot with a fabulous depiction of "small town" politics. The steamy romance between Scarlett and Finch, sizzles off the pages. An excellent romantic mystery.
December 10, 2017
Nice romantic ending
Very cool story about a hoarder, her daughter who lived through a tragedy and moved away to return home to help her mom clear out the house. Along the way old friends surfaced some were good others were evil. In the end the girl gets the boy. :)
Very cool story about a hoarder, her daughter who lived through a tragedy and moved away to return home to help her mom clear out the house. Along the way old friends surfaced some were good others were evil. In the end the girl gets the boy. :)
January 15, 2018
Murder, mystery, and love
The storyline had some unique characteristics that you usually don't find in mysteries. Scarlett has to come home and doesn't want to stay more than a day - but things heat up in more ways than one.
A few typos but not distracting to the reader.
The storyline had some unique characteristics that you usually don't find in mysteries. Scarlett has to come home and doesn't want to stay more than a day - but things heat up in more ways than one.
A few typos but not distracting to the reader.
September 7, 2018
This is my first read from this author. There are a lot of twists and turns and great use of character development to help the reader feel connected with the cast. I'll probably pick up a few more of her books.
October 10, 2018
Good story. Murder and love in equal measure.
I enjoyed this book. Full of sorry pschcopathic actions by a crazy female that gave a false impression of friendships with the main characters while plotting against them. Read it, I think you will like it too.
I enjoyed this book. Full of sorry pschcopathic actions by a crazy female that gave a false impression of friendships with the main characters while plotting against them. Read it, I think you will like it too.
March 10, 2019
2 star
The events just kept getting more and more ridiculous and I struggled to maintain disbelief. Add to it that the POV kept making sudden midscene shifts and it just ends up annoying.
The events just kept getting more and more ridiculous and I struggled to maintain disbelief. Add to it that the POV kept making sudden midscene shifts and it just ends up annoying.
July 11, 2017
Good book
Good book. Easy read. Believable characters. Kind of got a little crazy there at the end with the best friend turning all psycho and nobody noticing it along the way
Good book. Easy read. Believable characters. Kind of got a little crazy there at the end with the best friend turning all psycho and nobody noticing it along the way
July 11, 2017
More exciting than expected - I picked this book up just to fill some time and ended up with a smoking kindle - great story!
September 17, 2017
Good story
October 14, 2017
It was ok
I didn't really like the flow or the lack there of. I did like the story line but wish it would have been developed more.
I didn't really like the flow or the lack there of. I did like the story line but wish it would have been developed more.
November 30, 2017
Very good read
I totally enjoyed this book. It could have had more depth but overall an enjoyable story. Would definitely recommend this book to others.
I totally enjoyed this book. It could have had more depth but overall an enjoyable story. Would definitely recommend this book to others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews