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Sawyer:

The Rainiers are one big happy family. That is, except for me. I keep to myself mostly. When I learned that you can't always trust the people who are supposed to take care of you, I did my best never to rely on anyone.
Except for my stable full of horses. They always understand. That's why I started a therapy program for kids who have issues, like me -- I know the horses can help them too.
When Jason walks in to the paddock, all the parts of me I thought were dead suddenly come alive with a vengeance. I've never been with a man before -- never risked it -- but I want him more than I've ever wanted anyone. Whenever he's around I feel as wild and free as a young stallion, but just as easy to spook. Can I let someone in? Will he break me?

Jason:

I'm taking care of my sister's kid, so I'm pretty much a single dad. And that's wonderful, but it also means I have baggage. I'm just learning what it is to be the main support for someone as alone as Emily. So when moody, brooding Sawyer begins to teach us about horses, we're also learning to love. He's more man than I've ever laid eyes on, and I'm a firefighter. Over six feet of the kind of muscle you can only get by doing hard work, perfectly faded jeans and boots, and the kind of stormy eyes that make me want to never let him go. But I'm part of a package deal these days. My needs come second. Can I trust him to be the man we need?


Burning Up is the third book in the Rainier Family series and can be happily read on its own. 67k words of hot loving, leaving worries behind, Rainiers saving the day, and as always, a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2018

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113 people want to read

About the author

Ashton Cade

23 books102 followers

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5 stars
159 (36%)
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180 (41%)
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80 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
384 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2018
So yeah, I might be hooked on this series and this family. The small town of Umberland and the Rainier family have pulled me in since the first book, and Burning Up is no exception. Sawyer has always been mysterious and I have wondered about his story for a while, but man, when I found out it broke my heart into tiny pieces. Jason and Sawyer's connection is instant, though a relationship is not. It takes work from both of them, and a lot of heartache along the way, but they are each exactly what the other needs.. and when they do figure it out, it is wonderful. Emily is a fantastic addition, and as always, the Rainier family is just plain fun to read about. This one is heartbreaking yet hopeful, sweet and at times really hot, and I definitely recommend it. Can't wait to see what is next from this world and Ashton Cade.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews198 followers
July 14, 2019
This is my favorite in the series so far. But why the violonce in the end? Why?
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
December 22, 2018
Sawyer is the recluse of the Rainier family, and for good reason; there's something in his past that keeps him from letting anyone past his steel-forged defenses. Until Jason moves to town. When Sawyer's equine therapy program brings them closer together he finds something that he yearns to hold onto. Jason has been trying his best to make a good life for his autistic niece and with Sawyer's horses he sees a chance to heal and to love. But neither of them will get the chance to find out about that future if they can't catch the arsonist plaguing their town.

Jason was fairly straightforward throughout the story, though I did find him quick to react poorly many times. His ability to think through his initial response and know when he needed to apologize, however, went a long way to signifying just how mature he can be and how willing he was to make a go of things with Sawyer despite the quiet man's seeming reluctance.

Sawyer was really shy, quiet, and damaged. His horses were his friends and I did feel a connection between them. Those were some of my favorite parts. The way he was with Emily was fantastic as well. Trauma was featured pretty heavily once it came to light and I felt that it wasn't dealt with properly. Surely some therapy outside of his horses would be beneficial. Counseling doesn't work for everyone but one "session" of getting it on with Jason isn't a cure and not a long-lasting one either.

There was adequate chemistry between the men but nothing to captivate me. The story itself plodded along and was a nice read with an adequate resolution to all the trouble-making, but I never felt gripped by a driving need to find out what happened next. Overall, it was Emily, the horses, and the rest of the Rainier clan that stole the show and made this a good addition to the series.
1,034 reviews20 followers
December 13, 2018
This was a wonderful romance, with a bit of suspense and fighting fires thrown in to up the emotional stakes. I really enjoyed it.

Sawyer is a recluse, more comfortable with his horses than with other people. For reasons that at first remain a mystery, he’s withdrawn from his big, warm-hearted family and keeps himself apart from everyone, even from those he loves the most. I hurt for what he went through. I think the author showed great insight in the way she described how those past hurts continued to affect him even years later. I’d have liked some justice or retribution, but there’s none to be had (perhaps realistically), though there is healing and that is the most important thing.

One of the things I loved most about Sawyer was that this physically imposing guy was shown to be so emotionally vulnerable and kind, yearning for someone to feel safe with and cared for.
Jason has been raising his niece, Emily, ever since her parents passed away. Emily is autistic and she joins an equine therapy program set up by Sawyer. Sawyer is great with Emily from the very first, and is also quite taken with her tall, dark and handsome uncle. Jason is very patient with Sawyer, careful and respectful of the other man’s boundaries. I loved watching them date and get to know each other better. They were so sweet together!

Sawyer’s mom is one of my favorite secondary characters in this series. She’s such a mom! And I mean that in the best way. Family is very important in this story, same as in the previous books in this series, both the Rainier family as a whole and the new family Sawyer finds with Jason and Emily. Love that!
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
December 14, 2018
Burning Up, the third book in Ashton Cade's Rainier Family series, is wonderful and riveting.

First, I need to praise Sawyer for the beautiful way he wants to use his horses to help people. Since the horses have helped him, he wants to help others by offering equine therapy. I appreciate this aspect of the story for it's realistic importance of bringing so much tranquility to those to need it.

When Jason brings his niece to Sawyer's place, the attraction and sizzle between the men is smoking. Both men have their share of baggage, however.

Jason's an impressive, selfless and loving man, raising his autistic niece, and altering his life completely to meet her needs.

I can't give enough praise for the way Emily is written. She's autistic and mostly non-verbal. This is written with knowledge, compassion and care. It's beautiful the way she is depicted. Her emotional connection with the horses is remarkable and inspirational.

As we learn more about Sawyer, my heart aches for him. He's had a tragic past and continues to struggle to move forward with his life. He's guarded and pretty reclusive for a good reason. The way that he allows Jason to bring him out of his shell is captivating and irresistible.

Essentially, Burning Up is a tender story of two men who help one another to move forward with their lives, to take chances, and to accept another into their world.
6 reviews
September 23, 2019
It takes a family; not a village...

There are a lot of people who need therapy because of life experiences... things that happen to them through no fault of theirs. And what’s even more true, as a shown in this book, is that patience and love will be the ‘therapy’ most of these individuals need.

In this volume we’re introduced to Sawyer Rainier. He’s quiet and has self-excluded himself from family activities because of an attack on him at age 12. He’s grown up to become the horse-whisperer because of the attack on him and now, after raising his awareness, he begins to understand how his horses may be able to help his community.

We are re-introduced to a family from an earlier volume: the Giddons. Hal is already in jail awaiting trial when his nephew Steven (held back a couple of years in high school — so age approx 20 but still a junior, playing football to the home team’s advantage!) is caught setting fires around the county and kidnapping a girl from her home. Because the town only has one jail cell, Sheriff Ryan Rainier will have both Giddons’ as somewhat long-term visitors to his jail cell!
Of course there’s more to the story as Ashton Cade continues the development of the town Umberland and its residents... in addition to the ongoing development of individual Rainier family characters and their connectedness with each other and their involvement in Umberland! Grab your Dr Pepper, a Snickers bar, and relax getting to know the Rainiers!
Profile Image for Kirk.
357 reviews
December 4, 2018
Just as the previous two books in the series did, this story just pulled me in. There’s nothing instant here (apart from the attraction when they meet); it’s a long and arduous journey for both Jason and Sawyer and one that’s told really beautifully. It’s an honest and real telling that was quite emotional, but also warm and comforting as it tells of family and the realisation that past hurts can be healed and there are chances for wonderful things to happen if you let them. I adored both these men, along with Jason’s daughter, Emily. I loved Sawyer’s patience and kindness and his beautiful soul; it’s no wonder that the horses trusted him and felt a kinship with him. Jason was just as worthy; for being everything that Emily needed whilst doing a hard job with a shed load of responsibility. Both these men deserved every happiness, but to get them there requires putting their trust in one another and just being able to let go. But they both have heavy stuff to work through, especially Sawyer, and this is where the book shined for me; the way time was taken to really get into each man’s head. It was like watching a film as I felt as I could see and feel every emotion play out; nothing was rushed, and you were given the whole picture here of family and time and place. This is one book I thoroughly enjoyed, and I’ll be looking forward to more from the author.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,296 reviews28 followers
December 14, 2018
4.25 Stars!

Burning Up is my first book by Ashton Cade, but it won't be the last! It's also the third in the Rainier Family series, so I have a bit of catching up to do when I have some free time. It can be perfectly read as a standalone, though.

I loved Sawyer, his desire to help the kids through his equine therapy program was commendable. At the same time, I felt he needed some therapy himself after what he went through when he was a kid, considering how he'd kept himself apart from his family and that was my sole gripe with this book. I loved Jason, too. He was perfect for Sawyer, so dependable, supportive and patient. Their romance was a bit of a slow burn, but there was that obvious layer of mutual attraction that just drew me in. Plus seeing them both interact with Em, Jason's niece, was just beautiful.

I really liked that Sawyer's family were such a tight-knit unit, willing to help each other in any way they could.

Overall, this was a great read! I really enjoyed Ms. Cade's writing style and the characters were so lovable that it was impossible not to care for them. Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided by LesCourt Author Services for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
503 reviews
December 6, 2018
Right, I liked the characters, the plot was good, and the writing was good. Nothing spectacular, but it was good.

I enjoyed the fact that this was not insta-love. There was a reason why these men liked each other, and at first it was base attraction. But that base attraction very quickly advanced to something deeper. For Sawyer, seeing how Jason was strapped with responsibility of his developmentally disabled niece was the spark for something more. For Jason, it was the fact that Sawyer was running this therapy program at all. It was right off the bat, but it was so much better than "insta love" bullshit and made me believe in the connection between these two men.

That being said, Sawyer needed therapy. Like, badly. He should have gotten it. This wasn't really a case of "magic dick" curing his ailments, but it felt awful close. Once they start sleeping together, Sawyer's hang-ups disappear. They basically don't exist. There is no regression (which means no angst, which was fine) but it also makes this highly unrealistic.

Otherwise, the plot was good. This was as simple, straightforward love story full of a lot of fluffy cuteness between Sawyer, Jason and even Emily.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2018
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is well-written, emotional, sweet, compelling, has a great storyline, deals well with some difficult issues and the characters are amazing. Jason is doing a wonderful job raising his autistic niece and I love how protective, caring and sweet he is with Emily. Sawyer has been struggling for years to get past a traumatic event from his childhood and he is determined to move forward after meeting Jason again. They have smoking hot chemistry together and both of them are willing to do whatever it takes to make a relationship work. I love that Jason lets Sawyer move at his own pace and how compassionate and caring he is toward him. I wish that the arson part of this story was more developed and not so easily wrapped up but the rest of the book is excellent and I love how well the therapy program is portrayed. The secondary characters are amazing as well and I look forward to reading more of the books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
1,385 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2018
Overcoming barricades

I liked this story and the characters.

Sawyer has walls up every since he went through a horrible experience as a child. He wants someone to connect with, but isn't sure if he can ever get over his protective walls.

Jason has custody of his niece and he puts her needs and safety first. They meet at the new horse therapy class that Sawyer decided to start. The guys connect and want to try dating. They both have other obligations and concerns that could halt any form of relationship, but they want it to work.

I loved that they were mature adults and didn't go off the rails about anything. There was a time or two when space was needed, but they didn't spend half the book freaking out. I love it when characters are mature in their behavior and are rational.

I received an ARC of this book from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Reilley.
1,143 reviews29 followers
December 6, 2018
This series keeps getting better. I knew Sawyer was going to be special.

Sawyer as we know is quiet and keeps to himself and his horses. He lives alone and is not social.


Jason is newer to town and he brings the girl he is raising to the horse therapy program that Sawyer has set up.

They have instant chemistry and Sawyer finds himself letting down his walls and letting Jason in on why he has distanced himself from everyone. Jason has his own challenges with now having custody of a non verbal Autistic niece. Who ever loves him has to realize they are a package deal. Sawyer finds himself and Emily having a lot in common.


This book was awesome watching all the characters fall for each other again because Emily is half the package with Jason. Sawyer is the real deal. I loved these guys how they looked out for each other and more so Emily.
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2018
Ok so I missed Book 2 but I will go back and read it eventually lol but I loved Sawyers story!

He’s mysterious, withdraws himself away from everyone but he has his reasons.
And it isn’t until he gets to know Jason better that the walls finally start to break.

Jason is intrigued by Sawyer. Has been since the fall festival, but hasn’t really seen him since.
So when they reconnect after Jason taking his niece to a new therapy program that he can finally find out more about this mystery man.

The story line was great. Like book 1 I was hooked! It has a little drama, mushy times, patience and love that will fill your heart with love and understanding ❤️
I really loved Emily too! Even though she doesn’t talk much, she was a beautiful little girl with a big heart full of love for both Jason and Sawyer ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. Could Sawyer have had a more complicated past that he kept from his family. They say the one you are meant to be with will be the person who can draw out your secrets. This is so how this story goes.

Emily, I think is the real hero/most amazing character in this book and I seriously can't wait to follow her in upcoming stories. The ending was pretty sweet and kinda just Sawyer and Jason. These two don't really "date" but more just follow their heart and what feels right...which is just so easy going and fluid.

As per usual Ashton has taken some serious topics and focused on how someone can move forward. Maybe not always as easy as these characters however everyone is different. The way she has Emily and Sawyer deal with things just match the type of people they are.
316 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2018
Sawyer is a bit of a recluse but has always found comfort around horses, with that in mind, he decides to set up a therapy program for kids. Jason is a firefighter and uncle and guardian of a 15 year old non verbal girl. The pair feel an instant attraction but life seems to be conspiring to get in their way. Jason has so many responsibilities and Sawyer is fighting his own demons. When an arsonist targets their small town things get even more complicated.
I really enjoyed this book, it is well paced and the characters are both very endearing. I really liked the way that Emily, Jason's niece, is written. I feel that the writer focuses as much on her abilities as her disabilities and I found that very refreshing.
I love this series and would definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Amanda at WickedGoodReads.
810 reviews17 followers
December 9, 2018
The Rainier family keeps it up with Sawyer's story. Sawyer...the loner, a recluse even. Man of few words and few friends outside of family. Jason, the hot new fire fighter in town, who is also the legal guardian to his niece who is special needs. This is how Sawyer and Jason get to know each other, through the equine therapy program Sawyer wants to start.
The relationship isn't easy, each man has their own ghosts and things that prevent them from being completely available, but, the two know there is something special there and with the work needed to make the relationship work, these two men are definatelty worth the read.
Profile Image for Tonya.
79 reviews
December 13, 2018
I loved Sawyer and Jason they are just the cutest. They have great chemistry and a real connection that is so fun to watch. I really like that Jason is patient and kind and willing to wait for Sawyer to be ready for this to happen, and after everything that happened to him and the trauma that he stills deals with that is so amazing to see. I am really excited for the way that Sawyer is able to get along with Emily and how they both share their love of horses to connect with. I am glad that they share everything and that there is a very large support system for them and anything that they need.
I read an arc and voluntarily left an honest review.
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews18 followers
December 13, 2018
This was the most heart wrenching story in this series so far. I can’t believe what Sawyer went through and how no one in his family had no idea. Jason’s life was thrown in a tail spin the previous year and he has been mostly coping on his own taking care of his niece.

Both of these men having healing they need to do and it works to earn their trust but after a few stumbling blocks they find they are better together than alone. At times I felt they would talk in circles and hold onto worries but it seemed justified with their pasts.

I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,642 reviews
June 23, 2021
Sawyer Rainier is a grumpy loner who prefers horses to people. When local fire fighter, Jason, enrols his niece/ward, Emily, in Sawyer’s equine therapy program, he sees beyond Sawyer’s defences. Ashton Cade always shades her stories with shadow and light, and this substantial plot has more shadow than most. It made for a really engaging and compelling romance as she deftly explored Sawyer’s moving backstory and Jason’s concerns for Emily without being too depressing or trite. Audio narrator, Michael Dean / Pauley captured Sawyer’s gruff tones and Jason’s gentler voice perfectly with just the right balance of testosterone and vulnerability in each character. One of Ashton’s best!
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
746 reviews
December 3, 2018
Burning up is a good addition to the Rainer family. I enjoyed reading Sawyer and Jason’s story. I love that the author tackled a main character that has a past history of sexual assault and a strong support character with autism. Pet therapy as well as animal therapy is an evolving field and plays such an important role in the care and well being of mental health which is grossly under diagnosed and still comes with an attached stigma. Kudos to Ashton Cade for bringing two important topics out by using them as a main theme in her writing.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2018
Burning Up is the third book in The Rainier Family series by Ashton Cade. Sawyer and Jason are great characters. The small town family charm of the Rainiers captivates you and makes you crave more. I love the interactions between the chsracters.. they make mistakes but communicate and work it out. They are protective or those they love and I love how Jason is willing to go slow with Sawyer due to the past.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
December 6, 2018

Awesome chemistry between Sawyer and Jason. i so enjoyed watching the characters grow and learn about each other. Both MC's are great guys and both are having struggles so their difference create was fantastic and I enjoyed seeing their relationship build

Burning Up is the third in the Rainier Family Series and this one could be read as a stand-alone story. This is a nice addition to this series.

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Blueleo.
505 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2019
Sexy cowboy and fireman!💙

It was a good story. Jason is a fire fighter and the guardian of Emily his Autistic niece. Sawyer is a lonely cowboy that lives alone but close to his big family. He started a horse therapy program for special education kids. Sawyer suffers from a traumatic event that happen to him as a child and has trouble with people and relationship and trust. But, soon enough he takes a chance with Jason and a begins a relationship with him. It endearing and loving. The pace was quite fast and flowing.
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
551 reviews
December 5, 2018
I'm so in love with this series. This family, this town is like home. I knew there was a jewel in Sawyer. He's been through a tragedy and has cut himself from the world. But he also knows he has a purpose. And him meeting Jason makes him want more. He fits in with Jason and Emily so well. I loved this book because even though this relationship isn't going to be easy both Men are willing to try. Cant wait to see who's next.
Profile Image for Celine.
803 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2018
Perfect read

I had read the previous book in the series and was intrigued by this one.

Sawyer and Jason were perfect. I really enjoyed it. Sawyer's past is not delved on too much but is enough to understand him and his reactions.
I love how they take a chance on each other, they both have scars and I was so happy to see them move forward together. And the chemistry was off the charts.

I really recommend this book
758 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2018
Oh, Sawyer and Jason, I really like their Burning Up story. Very sweet build up with a little mystery and action. I liked both characters and I liked how Sawyer related to Jason’s niece. It was a short story and dealt with each characters’ issues quickly, which had it been longer, we might have seen more, but it didn’t affect enjoyment of the story. Horses and kids in the story made it interesting and I liked how characters from previous stories were included. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Heather.
874 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2018
Sweet

I really enjoyed reading Sawyer and Jason’s story and I thought their chemistry was amazing. It really drew me into their story. Sawyer’s sweetness really touched me right at the start. His devotion to his horses and his program was very heartwarming. Jason’s devotion to Emily was so heartfelt. Sawyer and Jason each had their own struggles they needed to face and I thought they were handled beautifully. This was an excellent next book in the Rainier Family series.
Profile Image for Jennie.
851 reviews27 followers
December 10, 2018
Sawyer is a quite, anti social man who feels more comfortable with his horses than with humans.
Jason is a fire fighter and is also the full time carer for his 15 year old non verbal autistic niece.
Their relationship has a slow build because of Sawyer's issues from the past.
A great story with a little angst about family and growth.
2,321 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this story and it is a great addition to the series. Sawyer and Jason have an instant attraction and great chemistry as soon as they meet. It's a beautiful journey as Sawyer lets his walls down and Jason lets him into not only his life, but Emily's as well. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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