Something Sacred

Something Special #2

by S. Massery

In Something Special, Charlotte's childhood best friend reappeared after a traumatic accident and helped her move forward with her own life. In this new standalone novel, see Jared's side of the story.

You can never run far enough to escape your own mind.

On the heels of a miscarriage and the subsequent implosion of his happy life, Jared flees west. He longed to fight wildfires since he was young, and the opportunity comes at the perfect time.

There is a job to do. A distraction to be had. But he doesn’t foresee his crew turning into his family. He doesn’t consider the love he will develop for the people he works with and the job itself.

Charlotte, Jared’s childhood best friend, resurfaces after he suffers a traumatic accident that sidelines his career indefinitely. Their new connection reignites old longing inside of him, and she pushes him to reevaluate the toxic emotions that have been holding him hostage.

Jared has used firefighting as an excuse to escape from his past, but eventually, everything he’s been running from will catch up to him.

Genres: Romance

ebook

First published March 14, 2019

About the author

S. Massery is a dark romance author who infuses all her stories with a dash of suspense. Formerly from Massachusetts, she now resides in Southern California with her dog, Alice.

Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs—including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.

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Reviews

[**Tessa** (semi hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just no.

No. I LOVE this author but this duet? No. Just no. Spoilers; Jared chooses ANYTHING and EVERYTHING and EVERYONE over Charlie over and over and over. He’s no hero. She deserves better. This is not a love story.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Something Special Series and we met Jared in the first book. It can be read as a standalone but it's fun to reconnect with the characters if you've read the first book. Emotional and heartbreaking at times. A great second chance romance that will make you fall in love with Jared and Charlie. I read an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice second chance romance with a hot firefighter who leaves a suburban fire department for a spot with the Hotshots fighting wildfires. Jared has to move forward from his past to be able to make a new life with Charlie. Lots of description of both the characters and the action.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read from this author. Let me say S. Massery did not disappoint. I had no idea the work that Hot Shot crews out into their job. The attention to detail was outstanding.

Jared he is something else. To go from not feeling and hiding behind the fires. To being able to work through all of that and learning his new normal. Absolutely Phenomenal! I honestly can’t wait to read more.

[Felicia Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that Something Sacred is probably my favorite book so far in 2019 is not an understatement at all. S Massery continues Jared and Charlotte's story this time from Jared's POV and to me its better than her first book - Something Special which in full disclosure was my favorite book up until now.

Ms Massery takes us on quite a journey with Jared. Jared has known what he has wanted since he was a child and now it's coming true - a hotshot based out of Washington state. The journey to get there, however, was long and in some cases very painful. The one thing he regrets is leaving Charlotte behind and when he sees her off and on over the years he realizes more each time how much he needs her - and then everything changed.

The emotional journey you go on with Something Sacred is in some cases overwhelming. I laughed and cried a lot sometimes even on the same page and that emotion is not something that every writer can evoke and S Massery does it masterfully. The storyline and dialog were well written and the story kept moving forward with no break in the action. The secondary characters that were introduced a great - centered on Jared's hotshot team we get to see more characters added to the story and hopefully we get to meet them again.

If you are looking for a new author take a chance and pick up Something Sacred - you won't be disappointed.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Massery didn't disappoint with the follow up to her debut novel! While it can be read as a standalone, I enjoyed reconnecting with characters I fell in love with in Something Special & making some new friends along the way.

Jared's journey was simply amazing. I felt as if I was part of his tribe of people, experiencing life's highs and lows right along with him. I sat here shaking my head at some of the decisions he made, laughing out loud at multiple points, and ultimately rooting for his happiness. I couldn't put this book down!

I can't wait to see what else S. Massery has in store for us in the future!

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yes

I’ve had a deep love for both Charlie and Jared since reading Something Special, and that love only solidified in Something Sacred.


I’m somewhat obsessed with S. Massery and her words. She’s got a brilliant mind and a knack for bringing characters to life.

While Something Special is Charlie’s POV in the same time frame as Something Sacred, the stories are different enough to be devoured. (Something Special needs to be read first).

Jared is my dude, and throughout this rough transition, and finding his new normal he gets stronger and even more inspiring.

I think my favorite part of this book is towards the end, when Jared fixes some things he messed up earlier in the book. It was just that satisfying “ahh” feeling. Made my crazy little soul happy.

Obviously you must read both books, because they’re fantastic, and shine a light on a career path many people have never even heard of. (In the most exciting, and safe way)

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly surprised me. I found this “duology” at a thrift shop and they were signed copies and I don’t know why but I was drawn to them. I was hesitant to read it because it’s Jared’s POV and that can sometimes come off repetitive but it didn’t whatsoever! I loved his story. It was about his passion and his life changing over and over in small amounts of time. About losing someone you love. Then something you love. Then trying to love yourself again. His story was a tough one. I feel like I have a small bone to pick that I really don’t think there was ever a true explanation of why he never returned Charlie’s calls at boarding school. Was it because he was upset with his Dad? Is that the explanation? Also what happens with the dad now that Jared knows he chose his mistress over his son?? I feel like we were left with some unanswered questions that i would have liked to understand more. Overall though I did love this book. I felt like I learned so much.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 by this author and I read it straight after finishing book 1. Charlotte and Jared have chemistry but neither of them really understands exactly what their chemistry is and what to do about it. They have known each other for years and there are times when they don’t see each other for a number of years only to reconnect later. They are both broken souls who are searching for a purpose in life and a relationship that works and is real love instead of their usual confused idea of what love is. They have really great dialogue and the secondary characters are also introduced very well. As with the first book this one is emotionally charged and a story that once started, I found impossible to put down until I had finished it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annalise Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared... what can I say? The poor guy has had the WORST year ever. More than that really, he's lost pretty much everything and leaves his entire life and the sins of his past to join a fire crew that fights on the front line of wildfires. They have to be fast and quick witted, and Jared has a rude awakening when he first shows up. Like many first responders and emergency crews, the hotshots quickly become a family and accept Jared as he fights his way to find himself after he's lost everything.

All is well, and then when something terrible happens and he thinks it couldn't get worse, he finds salvation in the last place he expected.

Swoon. This book is full of action, emotion, and best of all the redeeming power of love.

Great job, S. Massery!

[Mrs Kindle Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the second book in the something special series and S. Massery did not disappoint in this follow up. If you haven't read the first one then you should as you get a real feel for both characters Jared and Charlotte, but obviously you don't have too. (But I highly recommend it)

I honestly loved this just as much as I loved the first book! It was great to see Jared's side and his life and how he grew up. His journey was simply amazing to read about.

This book was so detailed and so in depth. Once you start reading you will not want to stop. It was really fascinating reading about the hotshot crews, and the work that gets put into it. I had no idea.

I can't wait to see what is next in store!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Brianna Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because my cousin used to fight wildfires, and it always fascinated me. People who willingly run towards a fire? And a wildfire that's out of control? Crazy!

I literally couldn't stop reading, and found my kindle inexplicably in my hands while I sat at a red light on my way home! It has everything I was hoping for and more. Actions, romance, heartbreak, emotional growth, immature, jealous words that can't be taken back... This book will make you feel. If that's not what you're looking for, we cannot be book friends, and you shouldn't read this touching story. If that is what you're looking for, I highly recommend Something Sacred!

[Katherine S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars!

I liked this one, but I liked the first one better.
I enjoyed getting to know the Hotshots and how it’s like out there, so different from what we see on TV. I specially loved getting to know Cora and Leo and to see there story unfold.
It was also nice to see more of Jared and Charlie besides everything we witnessed in book one.
But, besides this, I just feel like there wasn’t much to Jared’s story.

This is just my opinion and it shouldn’t, in no way, discourage you from reading this book.

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what another gripping story from this new author. This book is about Jared and his need to stop running and battle his past, accept his present and hopefully, look forward to the future. Another well written story on how Jared attempts to work through life's ever challenging stages and find his peace and happiness. This is another story that will make you feel like you are right along side the characters as the story unfolds and pulls you along.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series, we get the story with Jared at the center. And it did not disappoint. This was a lovely second chance romance but it was also nice to revisit the characters guided by a different perspective and from a different angle. Getting to know Jared's back story gives us as readers a new appreciation for the life this couple builds together. An emotional and satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri All Spice Archive · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me just the Something Special and I read it in 1 day, I just couldn't put it down. The writing is amazing. The story between these twoI loved and seeing it from Jared's point of view was needed and captivating. Jared was soo broken as was Charlie. Learning his story and how he was processing what had happened and how he started to come out the other end was so well done. I love thier relationship.

[Carmen Richter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this story. I love second chance romances and this one was sweet and poignant. Jared and Charlie were a great couple and their story was beautiful. But there were times when I got bogged down in all of the descriptions, and I felt as if the book moved too slowly, especially in the beginning.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written S. Massery; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A miscarriage and a break down of his happy life sends him running away. He starts to fight fire and they become like family when she reappears in his life. It makes him question everything. Can she help him? Can he come to terms with everything? See if he can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy Busick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sequel to Something Special. Reading Jared's experience and his and Charlie's story from his side was absolutely amazing. Also, the supporting characters in this book blew me away. I absolutely loved Cora, Leo, and the other Hotshots. I honestly hope that some of them get their own books.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from S.Massery. This is a good story, the story line kept my attention and held my interest. I will definitely be reading more from this author. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for leaving a review.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Sacred by S. Massery can be read as a stand-alone or as the second novel of the series. It's a powerful gripping story from Jared's point of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC EMOTIONAL read!
I loved it. Nice flowing storyline that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with amazing chemistry and page turning suspense. A Beautifully written read that I enjoyed and would gladly recommend.

[Way-Way Pee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told from Jared’s POV, I enjoyed this more than Something Special. I still feel like there was a deeper connection that was just out of reach, but I feel like his journey had more growth and warmth.

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just takes you to a place of wow! It’s not an easy story to read and it’s is realistic a story that you may have to put it down and take a deep breath a few times or get some tissues and just feel what you feel.

[MrsG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This type of read involving the hot shot crews was a first for me. The details of what was involved as a hot shot was outstanding, I loved it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing story. I cried and laughed during this book. The characters are some of the best.

[Laineypops 1990 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whirl wind of emotion this book was. I absolutely loved seeing Jared’s side of the story and living his life. Absolutely loved every minute of it.

[Kara (Rotella Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars!

This story was full of every emotion imaginable! I was on a rollercoaster of highs and lows during Jared’s journey from grieving father to aspiring hotshot to recovering amputee. His experiences of loss and heartbreak were so honest and raw, it was hard not to be completely captured by the emotions radiating from the pages.

I wanted nothing more than to see his character heal, succeed in life and find true love. He deserved a break after everything he’d been through and luckily he finally found it in his childhood best friend.

I appreciated the depth of research the author clearly did for this novel. So much detail and information was provided regarding the hotshot lifestyle and duties. At times the level of detail was overwhelming but it didn’t deter from the overall story.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excerpt:
We get up the mountain, and I think my lungs are going to explode. How is this grey-haired man so fit? Fire captains back home had bellies on them, packed over muscle, but they probably couldn’t run a mile and a half as fast as we just did. Sure, they could ration their breathing and save a tank of air to last five flights of stairs, but that was something everyone knew how to do.

I focus on breathing in and out, even though it feels like I’m sucking on helium, until we get to the top, and I see the rest of the crew. They are raking, making a path of dirt in the mountainside. It’s a fireline. Hotshots clear the vegetation down to the mineral soil as a way to stop the fire in its tracks, and they’re measured in chains. It’s standard operating procedure for a hotshot crew. They chisel through the brush like a well-oiled machine.

I stare at them and try to commit everything to memory. There’s a certain transformation I expect myself to go through: I’ll need to get stronger, I’ll need more courage. For the longest time, I had nightmares of being burned alive—my obsession was also my greatest fear.

In the wake of my childhood home burning down, we moved in with our neighbors: Lydia and Frank Galston, and their nine-year-old daughter, Charlotte. I woke up in the middle of the night, almost every night, expecting to hear the shriek of the smoke detectors.

Somewhere along the way, that fear turned into a desire to vanquish the flames. Slowly, the dreams went away—they stopped altogether when the fear dissipated.