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Beacon Hill #1

The Way We Burn

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Kennedy:

Uprooting my big city life and moving to small-town New York to start over seemed like the best idea. The plan was to pave my own way as I always have; escaping my tumultuous past I so desperately want to forget. This summer was supposed to be a do-over until he walked in and set my world ablaze. A new job, an obsessive ex, new friends, new…lover? This summer is about to get interesting.

Palmer:

I’m no stranger to odd stares around town; I got used to that long ago. Going through the motions and drifting through a mundane life was normal until she strolled into town, igniting something long forgotten within me. When secrets unravel and the truth threatens to tear us apart, she must decide whether to stay and endure the flames or let our light flicker out.

321 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2019

59 people are currently reading
522 people want to read

About the author

J.D. Fondry

10 books182 followers
J.D. Fondry is an Amazon Bestselling Author, completely and utterly flying by the seat of her pants when it comes to this whole writing thing. She currently resides in New England, the home of saying "wicked" every other word, with her three-legged rescue pocket-pittie, Harley. If she is not working on a new novel, she can probably be found reading, binge-watching horror movies on Netflix, or stuffing her face. (Carbs are not a food group--they're a way of life). She has a strange affinity for bleach blonde men, justifies her sassy attitude by simply stating that she is a Scorpio and hates the smell of flowers.

Stay in the loop!:

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5 stars
103 (39%)
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74 (28%)
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58 (22%)
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10 (3%)
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14 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers).
1,148 reviews92 followers
November 19, 2020
Why??
It started out so good. And then it all went to hell!
Goddamn it. Wtf. All I want is to curse everyone out.

Heroines finds out that hero is a married man so like any other woman in her right mind she leaves him and 6 days later he goes looking for her and finds her with her ex. Not doing anything but she was out and about with her ex and her ex says some things to him so like any pansy ass bitch he leaves and goes to get drunk at a strip club and heroine goes looking for him and finds him with a stripper on his lap, grinding on his groin. But hey no worries. Nothing happened because he couldn’t get hard.

And this is a cliffhanger. All it took 4 seconds. 4 FUCKING seconds for him to throw it all away by kissing his wife and for the heroine to be in the front seat watching it all.
4 seconds that he spent kissing the ex wife before pushing her away. It may not seen that much time but for a woman that is watching the love of her life kiss another woman this is a lifetime.

Hero is 15 years her senior and acts like a horny teenager.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,933 reviews395 followers
January 11, 2020
”It’s been over an hour since I met tall, dark, and daddy over there, and I can’t stop myself from staring every so often.”

A woman who is trying to live her life even though she’s been through some stuff and not always had the best people in her life. A man who has a past that he can’t really get away from. These two amazing yet broken people coming together and having such a strong pull and spark between them that they can’t resist even though they try. Because there’s an age gap, and they both have appearances and roles to keep in the small town they live in.

The Way We Burn is this author’s debut and it was a great debut story. There’s angst, steam, small town drama, emotional pasts, two characters falling in love while dealing with all that other business. I enjoyed this one and how the author writes Kennedy and Palmer’s personalities. While you can tell Kennedy is sort of this tough girl, she also has this sweetness and sense of humor that’s irresistible. And Palmer is just trying to keep his head down because of his past, but his attraction to Kennedy won’t let him stay in his safe little bubble. The only real reason I rated this a 3 and not a 4 is because the flow is a bit choppy in places and it did take me out of the story a few times. That being said this is a debut, and I can tell this author has talent and I can’t wait to see how her writing improves through her future publishing.

Anyway. I don’t want to say too much to spoil this one, but if you like age-gap, small town with the good guys vs. the corrupt bad guys dynamic, and broken people getting their chances at love and happiness, then I definitely recommend The Way We Burn.


***It does end on a cliffhanger, and it’s a tough one, but I think the next book is coming soon, so check out The Way We Burn ASAP!
Profile Image for Sanne.
187 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2020
Im gonna have a hangover from that end for sure! This was such a full on, all hands on deck hot and steamy romance. I loved their whole story! They had an instant conection so its really takes off. If you want a slow burn this is not it.
The main character both have a past they want to forget and move on from. But its not always so easy. Together they try to find a way forward. But its hard sometimes. This book had everything what i need in a good book, it was hot and heavy, it had some drama, it had a lot emotions, it had lots of love. I really liked it!
Profile Image for Sammy.
562 reviews151 followers
May 16, 2020
This was exactly what I needed to break up all the dark romance I’ve been reading. This is a small town, age gap romance involving the tatted up mechanic Cole Palmer and the sassy new girl in town, Kennedy Darling.

If you’re looking for a slow burn this is not it. Palmer and Kennedy have an instant attractive and things head up quickly. Some people might think this is a little insta lovey but I didn’t think so.

There were some twists that literally had me screaming and wanting to throw my kindle and that cliffhanger??? Ahhh what you doing to me JD Fondry!!!! I hope to pick up the second book sometime this month.

Song:
Us - Carlie Hanson

CW: physical violence/assault, loss of a loved one, mentions of impaired driving, alcoholic family members.
Profile Image for Bookscigscoffee.
12 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2020
I’m not much of a reviewer and I only leave rating s if the book is worth it and TWWB is absolutely worthy of a review! This was my first Fondry book and it blew me away. It flow so smoothly and seamlessly. From first page it had me itching for more! Kennedy and Palmer are my kind of people. My tribe. They’re outsiders in a world full of insiders. There’s an age gap too and it’s sweet af. Their relationship is exactly what I look for in contemporary romance books.
Beautiful and well written book!
-Domino
Profile Image for cait.
234 reviews63 followers
April 16, 2020
3.5 stars

This book was the author’s first one and it really wasn’t bad! I loved Palmer and Kennedy’s relationship. They were adorable yet they also packed a lot of heat and chemistry. Their relationship was really nice and watching it grow was something. Though, I felt the pacing was a little fast at some parts.
Profile Image for Kandace Denys (bookish_kayy).
1,256 reviews
May 25, 2020
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒅𝒚. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕… 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.“

Ok, real talk. A review led me to this book. So see, it does work, and it is important...
Now, onto the good stuff.
PALMER! Would you please get it together man?! You are making me SO mad, and I can’t stand it.
Ugh!
Anyways. Kennedy sounds like my kind of chick. While I wish she was a little less impulsive, she’s young, there’s lots of time to grow out of that. (Maybe. We don’t all grow out of it.)
That ending left me shook, and I’m off to binge some more, because I already can’t get enough.
Profile Image for Chelsi Dawn.
404 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2021
Palmer and Kennedy. What a story!! I can’t wait to read more. I have so many questions some answered and then some were added!! For the record I hate Kennedy’s mom and her ex but her best friend Sterling reminds me so much of my best friend. I love it. It’s got steam it’s got drama it’s got a whole lot of what the heck!!! It’s brilliant!! I devoured it way faster than I intended because I just couldn’t put it down! Thanks book club for picking this series I have a new favorite author!!
Profile Image for Taylor Lane.
6 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2021
I finished this book in 2 days and I couldn’t put it down! Being able to hear from both sides throughout the book made it an even greater story and I’m starting book 2 as soon as this is posted! The chemistry between these characters is unmatched and I cannot wait to see where they go from here. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Profile Image for Lauren *.
498 reviews25 followers
November 24, 2019
Good Read

I purchased this book after seeing it on Instagram. I love the storyline of a small town and the drama. I will say, the beginning was a little confusing because some things weren't talked about and it jumped around a lot. Its was definitely worth the read and they story got better and more in depth further in the book. I can't wait for the second book. It leaves on a cliffhanger so of course I will be waiting!!! Great job to the author on her first book.
Profile Image for Brittney.
236 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2020
This was my first JD Fondry read. I also don't usually read contemporary romances as I like really dark books.

That being said, I loved this book! I enjoyed reading a lighter book that still had some angst, tragic back stories, and secrets. Also, who doesn't love a book with lots of steamy scenes between the main characters.

Colson Palmer and Kennedy Darling made me fall in love with their story. Colson is 36 with a bad boy persona all tatted up, owns a mechanic shop, and pretty much freshly out of jail. Kennedy is a sweet and sassy 22 year old with an edge and a past she's trying to leave behind and start over.

They both immediately feel an attraction and they both try to fight it. That fight doesn't last long though. Once their romance begins, it's a whirlwind and moves pretty quickly. Palmer is the sexy, strong, stable man Kennedy needs to ground her and stick up for her when no one else will. Kennedy is the sweet but sassy brat Palmer needs to keep him on his toes and bring laughter into his life.

However, as with any romance, difficulties arise. Things are only made more complicated by people from Palmer's past coming back and trying to destroy the happy couple. Kennedy's "family" also makes a small appearance to stir up trouble and hurt Kennedy. Can they survive their past? Or will they lose their trust in each other and call it quits.

I loved the main characters and the side characters. Kennedy's uncle Jim and best friend Sterling are real supports for her. Sterling is that one best friend everyone has that never wants the party to stop and complete opposite of Kennedy.

This is book one in a series. It does end on a cliffhanger that made me scream. I immediately got book 2-From The Ashes because I could not leave Kennedy and Palmer especially in such a trying time. I NEED to know what happens. I will be reading through this series and am now a fan of JD Fondry. I will read future books by her as well!
Profile Image for Romance.Booktalk.
602 reviews
March 31, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Age Gap, Small Town Romance, Second Chance Love


(This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review)

The Way we Burn is Jess Fondry’s debut novel and I absolutely loved it. I loved her style of writing and I thought the book was really well paced and had a great flow to it.

The book revolves around Kennedy and Colson Palmer. She is a college student, who recently moved to the small town of Beacon Hill to start over again after a rough time in the City, and works in her uncle’s bar for cash. Palmer owns and runs the town’s only motor mechanic shop and is trying to keep a low profile and his hot temper under control. She’s a bit new age goth meets valley girl and he’s a tougher version of that gorgeous tattooed model Mike Chabot.

The chemistry between Kennedy and Palmer is so hot and thick, you can literally cut it with a knife. Both are instantly attracted to each other, but the age gap between them is an issue for Palmer, and he does his best to stay away from her, but that’s easier to said than done .

There’s lots of drama in the storyline, with a few interesting twists and turns and if that’s not enough to deal with, they both have crazy narcissistic ex’s to deal with. His is devious and spiteful, while hers is violent and psychotic.

Book one ends on a dramatic cliffhanger with an unexpected surprise. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Don’t forget to listen to the playlist on Spotify, it’s awesome!

Profile Image for Hazel Grace.
Author 27 books534 followers
May 29, 2020
Where to start...where to start...where to start...
The first thing I fell in love with was the cover.
The second thing I fell in love with was Kennedy and Palmer's banter, which quickly led into adoring the both of them.
Then I fell in love with J.D.'s words.
This is my first read and definitely not the last by J.D. She painted a small-town with issues, character development, and things that are going to knock you upside the head. She is my karma author, leading me one way and then jerking me into another. And let's just say...I'm dying to read book two.
Kennedy is amazing, hilarious, I want her to be my best friend in real life. She's relatable AF and I enjoyed reading a female character that didn't deny that she thought Daddy Palmer was, in fact, Daddy.
Palmer—holy hell—I don't think I was even in chapter three before I was like, yep...I'm gonna like him. That doesn't hold true anymore, I LOVE him but he and I have some things to talk about which I won't get into this review because I'll have to hit the spoiler button.
My thoughts aside, if you haven't read this book for whatever reason, you need to.
If you like small-towns, you'll love this book.
If you like men who aren't complete assholes but WILL kick your ass when needed, do yourself a favor, pick this baby up.
It's been a hot minute since I've picked up a book and devoured it. If you want to immerse into something, The Way We Burn is going to have everything you need <3
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
November 9, 2020
Kennedy is excited to leave the fast paced and drama filled life she had in Boston to work at her uncle's bar in Beacon Hill, NY. She is going to keep her head down, work at the bar and go to school. But she wasn't prepared to meet Palmer and feel an instant attraction that neither one of them could deny. Palmer is just trying to keep his head down and make an honest living running his mechanic shop. He never expected Kennedy to come in and flip his whole world upside down.

So I was confused by this book at first with Palmer going on and on about how they shouldn't be together - there was no explanation for it at all so I didn't understand these inner monologues of his. It just rubbed me the wrong way, maybe I missed the part where he said that it was because of their age and his secret but I honestly don't recall it so I was confused and then annoyed by his whiplash. There and into Kennedy one second and then he would ghost her for days. But once they hit their groove they were cute and I really enjoyed them but holy heck does they have a lot going on with their journey. All the twists and turns and drama was never ending so I shouldn't have been surprised by the cliffy on this one. Despite my issues at the beginning of the story I liked this book a lot, immediately picked up the next one and would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Angela D.
221 reviews19 followers
August 9, 2020
Ok, I'm starting off by saying I am going to have a book hangover from this book and it's follow up, From the Ashes that I am reading next. 😅 So much emotion & angst!!

The Way We Burn put me through the ringer, in a good way. It was a hot and steamy romance, that was definitely not a slow burn! 🥵
Kennedy and Cole both feel the immediate heat between them. It’s a small town, age gap romance.
They are both escaping things from their past but truly love each other. The relationship they start is not a way to deal with the past but a way to heal from it.

There were moments I gasped and times I felt like smacking them both in the head. Lol

But the book leaves you with a cliffhanger that you kinda see coming but in the way it was presented it totally surprises you!

Thankfully I have the next book to start ☺

I'd like to thank the author and tlknrdy2me for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2020
A cliffhanger?? Really?? The only thing that aggravates me more than an unannounced cliffhanger is a crappy story. And it's a shame that this book has that unannounced cliffhanger, because otherwise, the story is absolutely incredible. Palmer is worried about their age difference - Kennedy doesn't care. These two have an immediate connection, and I just love them together. He doesn't always volunteer information, but he does answer honestly, not hiding from his past when it catches up with him. I hate that early on in the book, Kennedy feels like she can't stand up to Spencer. But I love that she merely tolerates her mother on the phone, but doesn't take her crap when she shows up and starts stirring the pot. There's not much good to say about her mother. Uncle Jim is just the best, giving Kennedy a chance to start over. I just wish that this book had the completed story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for My Little Booktopia.
204 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2020
‘His cocky little smirk is my kryptonite.’

The Way We Burn by J.D. Fondry is a New Adult, small town, age gap romance, is the first book in the Beacon Hill series and is told from duel POVs.

This is an adorable, sweet read with a bit of humour and the perfect amount of small town drama.

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed such as Palmer and Kennedy’s character development, their relationship development as well as their chemistry. However there were times I found myself not completely engrossed throughout and skimming in certain areas.

All in all I found this an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of J.D. Fondry’s work.

Thank you to TalkNerdy2me and J.D. Fondry for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Please note: This book ends on a cliffhanger.

3.5 stars.
1 review
May 20, 2021
Started reading this book by suggestion of a friend for a FB book club. It's right up my alley of what I would normally read.

We were supposed to read about 7 chapters a day.

But of course JD is an amazing author and the book sucked me right in and I read in less than 24 hours! The characters and story line is so relatable! And get we get a heck yes for a 6'3 sex on a stick of a man palmer is for just a normal guy! Kennedy is my type of girl, funny and laid back and drink and hang with the guys. And as all good romance novels have... there is the perfect amount of drama leading to suspense that keep you reading!

Cannot wait to move on to book 2!
Profile Image for My Best Book Life.
121 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2020
“So, your uncle here never introduced us.” I hold my hand out for Travis to shake, but he only stares. “I’m Kennedy.”⠀
“You—you know my uncle?” He gapes.⠀
“Oh, sure! We go way, way back.” I drop my hand to my hip. “Yeah, like an hour ago. He didn’t tell you?” Turning to Palmer with my hand on my chest, I feign offense. “I’m hurt. I thought I meant something to you?”⠀
Lobbing his head back, Palmer releases the deepest rumble of a laugh I’ve ever heard and my thighs clench together at the sound. The other men at the table must not hear him laugh often, since each of their heads turn in unison to take notice of the rough sound tumbling from their friend’s lips.”⠀

A sassy girl who’s new to town, an older guy who’s just met his match and their steamy story that threatens to either build them up or burn them down⠀

Kennedy and Palmer are perfection! She’s feisty , funny and has no problems putting her foot down and going for what she wants! Which brings me to Palmer...Colson Palmer is everything! He’s got the closed off, broody thing going for him, but he’s putty in Kennedy’s hands no matter how hard he tries to fight it. Like he’s described in the book “Tall, Dark and Daddy”...uh, yes, please!!! 🤤🔥⠀

Not only are the main characters perfect, but seriously all of the supporting characters are SO good! I’m glad they’ve gotten/are getting their own books too! I need SOOOO much more! If you haven’t already fallen in love with this series, now’s your chance! Don’t let me down!⠀

JD Fondry is my new fave author/person! Not only is this book hot af, you HAVE to check out her edits cuz they are pure fire! I was hooked from the jump and I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t read this sooner! I absolutely love her writing style...hot and witty with just enough angst thrown in to the mix⠀
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2020
I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing life and likability to every person.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.

I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vinessa.
1,951 reviews23 followers
January 29, 2020
These two were hot and heavy, both have crazy ex's.
Hers is violent his is devious.
When things are looking uo she lets her guard down only for a misunderstanding sending her into hiding again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for TINA WILLIAMS.
2,094 reviews23 followers
August 3, 2020
This was such a fantastic and realistic story. It was hard to put down this book after I started reading. This couple are just everything with witty banter and explosive chemistry. That ending was like a knife to the heart. I need to read book two now. I can’t recommend this book enough!!
Profile Image for Lilith  *EUPHORIA_READS_*.
565 reviews197 followers
August 4, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK THE WAY WE BURN BY J.D.FONDRY



*ARC PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR A HONEST OPINION*

GENRE:CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:J.D.FONDRY.
TYPE:BOOK #1 OF THE SERIES BEACON HILL.
POV:FIRST PERSON...DUAL POV..
MY RATING: 4 STARS.



KENNEDY DARLING, desperately in need of a new start in life, moves to a small town to work as a barmaid in her uncle's bar. there she meets the handsome, broody, town pariah who has the ability to broke her already broken heart.
COLESON PALMER is a town pariah who has a past haunting him. Both of them got in a relationship but are unaware of their pasts..but life happens and they both have a revelation that will shake the basis of their relationship...

“We stick together and everything will be just fine.” It’s a promise after the last few weeks full of twists and turns. I believe it too. Turns out… we were fools.


This book was a good slow pace steamy romance... the chemistry between the characters was off the chart..Kennedy was the sassy stubborn girl who just loves to have witty banters with palmer.
both of them have been through a lot and yet they hope for a future together...
I just love the unexpected cliffhanger ...it was out of the blue forme...like everything's okay and the next minute you are falling down.

“You are so good and you don’t even know it, but I’ll remind you every chance I get.”




Profile Image for Becca Mclean.
3 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2019
Love this book! I think the ending was a bit rushed but I can’t wait to read the next one in this series! Kennedy is my girl ;)
Profile Image for Krystal.
231 reviews
December 5, 2019
Fabulous first book by this author. More real than most romance novels and definitely relevant with a kick of rock and roll to it.
Profile Image for Samantha Rogers.
13 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2020
This book was really good for something that isn’t the type of book I normally like! Kept me on my feet, which is great! Love a good cliff hanger!!
Profile Image for bruna.
236 reviews134 followers
January 14, 2020
"I realize fully that I would do just about anything to shield her from pain. To make her happy. To stand before her and take every bit of bad in the world for myself just to spare her even an ounce of hurt. She is everything to me. Everything I never knew I needed."

I didn't know anything about this book when I started it, so I'm happy that this was such a nice and quick read. Small town romances always makes me kind of nostalgic and this one wasn't different. My problem with The Way We Burn is that I didn't really connect with the characters and the plot wasn't really original. I also hate misunderstandings and endless secrets, so I was very annoyed with a few scenes. However, I still wanna read the second book because that cliffhanger was great lol I love drama.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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