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Scarred Hearts #1
Controlled Burn: Scarred Hearts Book 1
Petite in stature but not in attitude, Delancey Winston put her fellow firefighters’ doubts to rest when she carried a half-burned man out of an arson fire. But she can’t shake the need to learn more about the haunting power of the man in her dreams—the one she pulled from a dead woman’s side to save.
Even more disturbing is the power of newly awakened memories she’s tried to bury.
Logan Mathis lost more than his accounting firm that day. He lost his beloved sister, his only remaining family. Now, his days filled with painful skin grafts and therapy, he works to avoid people. Until he runs into the woman who saved his life, who seems to see beyond his scars.
Slowly, Delancey’s generosity of spirit begins healing Logan from the inside. But their connection resurrects memories Logan would rather forget. Memories that could make Logan a target of someone who’s still trying to burn away his tracks.
Even more disturbing is the power of newly awakened memories she’s tried to bury.
Logan Mathis lost more than his accounting firm that day. He lost his beloved sister, his only remaining family. Now, his days filled with painful skin grafts and therapy, he works to avoid people. Until he runs into the woman who saved his life, who seems to see beyond his scars.
Slowly, Delancey’s generosity of spirit begins healing Logan from the inside. But their connection resurrects memories Logan would rather forget. Memories that could make Logan a target of someone who’s still trying to burn away his tracks.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Duncan
44 books113 followersMeet Nikki Duncan, Author of Small-Town Romance and Second Chance Love
Looking for emotional healing romance with strong female leads and second chance love stories? Nikki Duncan writes small-town romance novels and romantic women’s fiction about healing that go deeper than the surface. Her books explore the kind of love that repairs what’s broken, fuels self-discovery, and lingers long after the last page.
Nikki’s journey started in secret, writing her first story while devouring Harlequins. That quiet beginning led to a career of more than twenty novels and a fan-favorite debut, Sounds to Die By. The book began as a challenge to create a blind hero without drowning him in angst. It became a contemporary romance series readers still return to.
Over the years, Nikki’s work has appeared alongside romance icons like Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, and Cathryn Fox. Her stories blend emotion, resilience, and unexpected twists. Whether it’s laughter or heartbreak, Nikki’s characters push through life’s messes and find connection on the other side.
Off the page, she’s touched nearly every part of the book world. She’s designed covers, built websites, written for romance magazines, and hosted reader parties. One even featured a surprise cameo by EL James. After years of creative burnout, Nikki took a step back to care for her family and rekindle her spark.
Now, she writes from her restored farmhouse in Texas Horse Country. Her home, once dubbed “Dump to Dream,” inspires the kind of hope she weaves into every book. Whether it’s a reclusive star in Healing His Heart or a grieving sister in Her Twelve Miracles of Christmas, Nikki’s stories are layered with meaning.
When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, reworking her website (again), or dreaming up the next love story that just might change a life.
Looking for emotional healing romance with strong female leads and second chance love stories? Nikki Duncan writes small-town romance novels and romantic women’s fiction about healing that go deeper than the surface. Her books explore the kind of love that repairs what’s broken, fuels self-discovery, and lingers long after the last page.
Nikki’s journey started in secret, writing her first story while devouring Harlequins. That quiet beginning led to a career of more than twenty novels and a fan-favorite debut, Sounds to Die By. The book began as a challenge to create a blind hero without drowning him in angst. It became a contemporary romance series readers still return to.
Over the years, Nikki’s work has appeared alongside romance icons like Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, and Cathryn Fox. Her stories blend emotion, resilience, and unexpected twists. Whether it’s laughter or heartbreak, Nikki’s characters push through life’s messes and find connection on the other side.
Off the page, she’s touched nearly every part of the book world. She’s designed covers, built websites, written for romance magazines, and hosted reader parties. One even featured a surprise cameo by EL James. After years of creative burnout, Nikki took a step back to care for her family and rekindle her spark.
Now, she writes from her restored farmhouse in Texas Horse Country. Her home, once dubbed “Dump to Dream,” inspires the kind of hope she weaves into every book. Whether it’s a reclusive star in Healing His Heart or a grieving sister in Her Twelve Miracles of Christmas, Nikki’s stories are layered with meaning.
When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, reworking her website (again), or dreaming up the next love story that just might change a life.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 7, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Delancey has had a hard life albiet a priveledged one. After a traumatic turn of events, she becomes a firefighter to help others the way she was helped.
Logan's life has been a series of unfortunate events. His parents were killed, he and his sister went sent to live with an abusive uncle and then into the foster system. Now's he's been injured in a fire, he's certain the cloud of doom is permanent.
What worked/what didn't: What didn't work for me was the fact that Logan didn't seem to have any friends or colleagues to help him after the fire. I understand Delancey's relationship with her parents is strained, but I would think that when going through a traumatic event, you would want your family around even if they are for the most part patronizing.
Part of a Series: Scarred Hearts
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
Delancey has had a hard life albiet a priveledged one. After a traumatic turn of events, she becomes a firefighter to help others the way she was helped.
Logan's life has been a series of unfortunate events. His parents were killed, he and his sister went sent to live with an abusive uncle and then into the foster system. Now's he's been injured in a fire, he's certain the cloud of doom is permanent.
What worked/what didn't: What didn't work for me was the fact that Logan didn't seem to have any friends or colleagues to help him after the fire. I understand Delancey's relationship with her parents is strained, but I would think that when going through a traumatic event, you would want your family around even if they are for the most part patronizing.
Part of a Series: Scarred Hearts
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
May 2, 2023
FREE today (April 26, 2023) on Amazon.
February 4, 2016
Controlled Fire is a story about love, loss, heartache, fighting to get back to life, and a lot more. Delancey has never been accepted by her mother. She chose to become a firefighter after being rescued, herself. When she pulls a man, Logan, out of a burning office building, she can’t fight the connection she feels between them. Delancey offers Logan her help in recovery, which leads to them becoming closer.
The fire that injured Logan has been deemed an arson and he is one of the main suspects. I realize that created suspense and intrigue within the story, but really? He was in the hospital recovering and could not have set the later fire that was linked to his. The poor guy has been through so much – the deaths of his parents, living in an abusive home after their deaths, his sister dying in the fire, and being considered a suspect. His scars and injuries just make him feel that much more doomed. But, Delancey is his light, even though he tries to push her away.
I found the writing and storytelling to be a bit slow. Also, the cast of secondary characters was pretty large. I’m not sure if they were all needed. However, the “ghost” of Ashley, Logan’s sister, is my favorite character in the entire story. I love how she advised and guided Logan throughout the story, just as she would have if she were still alive.
Overall, this was a good story that has the potential to be great. It just did not fully hold my attention because of the pace.
*Copy provided for review
The fire that injured Logan has been deemed an arson and he is one of the main suspects. I realize that created suspense and intrigue within the story, but really? He was in the hospital recovering and could not have set the later fire that was linked to his. The poor guy has been through so much – the deaths of his parents, living in an abusive home after their deaths, his sister dying in the fire, and being considered a suspect. His scars and injuries just make him feel that much more doomed. But, Delancey is his light, even though he tries to push her away.
I found the writing and storytelling to be a bit slow. Also, the cast of secondary characters was pretty large. I’m not sure if they were all needed. However, the “ghost” of Ashley, Logan’s sister, is my favorite character in the entire story. I love how she advised and guided Logan throughout the story, just as she would have if she were still alive.
Overall, this was a good story that has the potential to be great. It just did not fully hold my attention because of the pace.
*Copy provided for review
February 16, 2016
Review by Terri of Night Owl Reviews
This story is hot and not only because there are fires in it. It’s unique and different as the heroic firefighter is female who saves the man. She’s also strong and strong willed. She is a complex character that has you liking her easily. He on the other hand, isn’t as likeable and I had a harder time with him. His character is almost a loner and anti-social. Still, the overall story works and I loved getting to know these two characters plus the other men at the firehouse. This story is also much more than a romance. It shows the dangers of fire fighting and the struggles victims of fires go through. It’s realistic and at times heart breaking. And, it’s definitely a great first book for a series. I can’t wait to read more!
Good things come in small packages and Delancey has a lot of surprising talents in her petite body. She is facing her fear or fire by becoming a fire fighter. There she rescues Logan. Logan has not had an easy life and his only relative died in the fire that injured him. But, something about Logan catches Delancey’s interest and she’s willing to push until she discovers what it is. Will Logan go along with her plans or will he shut her down?
This story is hot and not only because there are fires in it. It’s unique and different as the heroic firefighter is female who saves the man. She’s also strong and strong willed. She is a complex character that has you liking her easily. He on the other hand, isn’t as likeable and I had a harder time with him. His character is almost a loner and anti-social. Still, the overall story works and I loved getting to know these two characters plus the other men at the firehouse. This story is also much more than a romance. It shows the dangers of fire fighting and the struggles victims of fires go through. It’s realistic and at times heart breaking. And, it’s definitely a great first book for a series. I can’t wait to read more!
Good things come in small packages and Delancey has a lot of surprising talents in her petite body. She is facing her fear or fire by becoming a fire fighter. There she rescues Logan. Logan has not had an easy life and his only relative died in the fire that injured him. But, something about Logan catches Delancey’s interest and she’s willing to push until she discovers what it is. Will Logan go along with her plans or will he shut her down?
February 27, 2016
Controlled Burn is my first read by Nikki Duncan. I loved this book. Ms Duncan has delivered a well written book with fantastic, lovable characters. The characters made this book a joy to read. Delancey and Logan's story is loaded with drama, action, humor and spice. I'm very impressed with Nikki Duncan's writing and look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future. Controlled Burn is book 1 of the Scarred Hearts Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I was gifted a copy of this book by another author.
I was gifted a copy of this book by another author.
February 16, 2016
Heart wrenching and emotional this is not your average wham bam romance story.
The heroine, Delancey, is strong and brave. Our hero Logan has been through not only a horrifying physical trauma but an emotional one. Their journey together pulls at your heart strings and brings tears to your eyes. No one writes strong emotions like Nikki.
The heroine, Delancey, is strong and brave. Our hero Logan has been through not only a horrifying physical trauma but an emotional one. Their journey together pulls at your heart strings and brings tears to your eyes. No one writes strong emotions like Nikki.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews