“Is something funny?” “You,” he said. “You’ve got balls, lady.” “You bet I do. Rock-solid ones.”
A CIA psychologist on the trail of a deadly weapon falls for her prime suspect and discovers she’s not the only one who has him in her sights…
Way Kingston craves the peaceful solitude of the open road. Just him and the roar of a motorcycle. The kind of alone time that’s hard to find in his tight-knit family. Too tight for his liking. Way’s a grown-ass, former Marine. He doesn’t need their collective noses in his business. Back in Steele Ridge, Way’s building a new career as a gunsmith. Clients pay big bucks for his expertise, ingenuity…and discretion. Especially when national security is at stake. So when a smoking hot stranger with the swagger of a government agent walks into his workshop, Way knows her questions are fully loaded.
Roni Fenwick grew up in the foster system. With no family to watch her back, she can’t afford to lose the few friends she has. Which is why it kills her to lie to Maggie Kingston. But the sheriff’s not-so-little brother designed a game-changing bullet for the CIA. A bullet that’s hit the streets. Now, the agency believes Way double-crossed them and has sent Roni to prove it. Except Way is tougher to crack than she anticipated. And much easier to fall for. His kisses drive her to distraction—something she can’t risk with a killer at large.
As the investigation turns personal, Roni begins to trust in Way’s innocence. But if he’s not behind the top-secret leak, who is? Finding the truth could end her career…or both their lives.
Adrienne Giordano is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty romantic suspense, mystery and women’s fiction novels. She is a certified life coach with a passion for helping people reach their goals. Adrienne is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her ultimate supporter of a husband, sports-obsessed son and Elliot, a snuggle-happy rescue. Having grown up near the ocean, Adrienne enjoys paddleboarding, a nice float in a kayak and lounging on the beach with a good book. For more information on Adrienne’s books, please visit www.AdrienneGiordano.com. Adrienne can also be found on Facebook (AdrienneGiordanoAuthor), Instagram and Goodreads.
Book 13 of the Steele Ridge series by multiple authors. 5th of the Kingston subset. Can be read as a standalone, however many recurring and connected characters are intrinsic to the overall series. I have only read a couple of the previous books but it gave me a basis in the town, family and ultimate heroism of their values. Romantic suspense. Waylon’s story.
Waylon and Roni in third POV mainly from her perspective. The Killer in first person.
Roni works for the CIA and is investigating the frangible bullets that Way designed and built for the CIA. Similar bullets are being used by a killer with an agenda of their own. It’s a race to find clues and now they are in the killers crosshairs.
Way really needs to learn to talk and open up. Fortunately Roni has the training to help him. I liked her strength and determination. And visiting the Steele Ridge mountains, town and family is always a joy in relaxation and deep family connections.
Burning Ache by Adrienne Giordano Steele Ridge – The Kingstons #5
Veronica “Roni” Fenwick is blindsided by a superior at the CIA when tasked with finding out how secret bullets became available to the public. She is sent to Steele Ridge to determine if the maker of the bullets has sold them on the street as well as to the CIA. Roni has mixed feelings about the mission because Waylon “Way” Kingston is the brother of a friend she made on a joint task force. That friend is Sheriff Maggie Kingston.
Off Roni goes knowing that she will be potentially lying to a friend but the bullets are rather scary and should not be out in public and could Way be the culprit? She soon realizes that ex-Marine and custom gunsmith Way Kingston is a whole lot of man and more savvy than most. The fact that there is attraction between them makes everything a bit more difficult. Fairly soon the two realize they should work together to find out what happened and the roller coaster ride they take to find out who is killing people with the bullets and how the bullets ended up out and about makes for VERY interesting reading. I loved the way this couple found their HEA. It was iffy there for a little while but that just made it so much better.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I like to read more in this series? Yes Would I like to read more books by this author? Without a doubt
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
This book is so good! If you like books with excitement, suspense, mystery, romance and so much more then this is your book. Ms. Giordano has such a gift for telling stories. Way and Roni both have issues. Roni grew up in foster care after the age of eight. She is a loner, but would love to have a family and belong. Way is the middle child and former marine. He was used to being alone as a child and still likes it that way as an adult. Way works for himself and Roni works for the CIA. Roni knows Way’s sister Maggie from being on a task force with her. Unfortunately her horrible boss wants her to use her friendship with Maggie to check Way out.
People are getting killed and it is looking like Way has something to do with it because of a product Way developed. I hope the CIA isn’t really like they portrayed in this book, because most of them are not nice people! There is betrayal, secrets, dead bodies and hurt feelings going on in this book. I enjoyed the banter between Way and Roni. This is such a good book that I strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Way and Roni are so used to being alone. Way isn't lonely, he has too much family to get lonely. He just wants them to leave him alone. So, he takes off for weeks at a time so they won't hound him. Then Roni walks into his life. He might have to rethink the alone thing. After the death of Roni's father, she was put in foster homes. She is used to being on her own and never thought she was lonely, until she met Way. But can to people who are used to being on their own be together? After they quit running from a killer, maybe they will find out.
This is the fifth and final book in the Kingstons story arc of Steele Ridge. While this is a good stand alone book, it is helpful to read all in the series to know the other characters and the roles they play in their respected books.
Way is a former Marine. He's now back home and has his own gunsmith business. He likes his freedom to hop on his bike and go where the road takes him, when he chooses.
Roni works for the CIA. She needs to get close to Way to find out if he's double crossed his government and sold his special made bullets out on the street - where people are ending up dead.
I didn't care for the deception of Roni used initially to get to know Way. I did like how she had qualms about it as well. It made that bitterness a bit easier to swallow. I was tossed back and forth as to who the villain was. It had to be her boss...no, her boss' boss' boss.. or no wait... it's .... yeah. One minute you think it someone, then the next it's someone else. I hoped it was the head honcho because he was such a jerk. But the surprise I got at the end.. I did NOT see that one coming! Good job on keeping that under wraps!
I love all the books in the Steele Ridge series - both of the Steeles & Kingstons. I always get a feeling of home when I read them.
I did not see that coming! I should have, but I was way too wrapped up in Way Kingston and his angst over Roni Fenwick, and boy, did it keep me from using any critical thinking skills. That man is the whole package, even if he has stubborn to last for days. He loves his family, his country, and now, Roni, but that last one was an admittance that was a long time in coming and required a compromise he wasn't sure he could make.
This final installment of The Kingstons ties as my favorite next to Craving Heat (Maggie). I loved how in his business Maggie was in this book and it was great to see how her relationship with Jay has evolved since book one.
This was absolutely an amazing ending to the this series. This story has mystery, action, love and heartache. I couldn't stop reading it. I had to finally get some sleep. But got up next morning to finish it. Way and Roni definitely had chemistry, but they both were head strong in their own way. I kept trying to decipher of who was doing the killing. The people I thought were the guilty party, weren't. As I was reading this story I could see and feel the words unfold in front of me. It enjoyed it very much.
Way had an equally adventurous story as everyone in Steeleridge. Toni was also wonderful. Full of love and action and steam. I'm hoping for more Steele Ridge as they were all wonderful! Loved it!
I can’t say enough about this series, other than it keep getting better. Who is killing innocent and not so innocent people? Why are framing the good guy? Throw in a CIA agent to investigate and see where things go! You wont believe it!
Riveting storyline, fast paced, dangerous well created murder mystery filled with high tension, suspense, chills, thrills plus plenty of twists and turns. The story is a gripping, complex, unrelenting, well plotted murder mystery blended with romantic feeling. We are visiting Steele Ridge, North Carolina. This is the home of the Kingston Family. Way is the middle child in this family. He was in the Marine Corp now has moved home starting a gunsmith business. Way developed a special bullet for the CIA. It is called a frangible bullet. It contains acid and basically vaporizes when it comes in contact with flesh. Roni Fenwick is a CIA psychologist who had worked in this area on a task force. She lost her partner on the mission but she is now back in Steele Ridge to see if Way leaked his special bullet design as people are being shot with a similar bullet. She must discover if the bullets came from Way or were somehow copied or leaked from the CIA. Both Way and Roni are loners having secrets in their past they want to keep hidden. They must discover the source of the bullets being used in the current murders. Well defined main characters with undeniable chemistry are supported by a cast of well developed supporting characters. Come along on this adventure as two individual find their lives in jeopardy on their journey to discover the truth plus find freedom, redemption, forgiveness plus love amidst deceit, revenge and murder. A Highly Recommended Read. I volunteered to read Burning Ache. Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own. This is book # 13 in the Steele Ridge Book series. It can be read as a stand alone.
Burning Ache is a delicious romance and a kick-butt romantic suspense. I honestly didn't have a clue who that antagonist was until their identity was revealed--don't get me wrong; it made 100% sense that it was them and all became clear once the big reveal happened, but Ms. Giordano did a fantastic job of hiding that person's identity even though we had many sections of the story from their POV as they went about doing their dastardly deeds.
It was awesome ;)
This book is the 13th in the overal Steele Ridge series and 5th in its spin-off series The KIngstons, but it would do pretty well as a standalone, I believe. Other series characters make appearances (Maggie of Craving Heat plays a pretty big role here), but you really don't have to have read their books to understand (and enjoy!) the events happening here.
Can I just say, though--frangible ammo packed with acid? I'm a bit freaked out by the concept. Thanks, Adrienne Giordano!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Burning Ache by Adrienne Giordano was another fantastic story in the Steele Ridge/Kingston series. There is a great balance of romance, suspense, and action. I couldn't seem to stop from turning the pages!
Way and Ronnie are engaging characters and you feel connected to them from the beginning. They are smart, independent, and have worked hard to get where they are at in life. I enjoy that their relationship is mature and their issues to be together were truly hard to solve. Sometimes in romance it's obvious to us readers but not the characters. Watching their romance unfold to see how it was going to work between the two of them pulled me in even more.
I really enjoyed the unique plot with frangible bullets and how Way, Ronnie, and Maggie worked together. It was really a great mystery to watch unfold. Normally I dislike reading the villain's point of view, but it was necessary to the story of Burning Ache and so glad Giordano gives that to us. I had no idea who did it! Normally I get an inkling but not this time!
As for supporting characters and the fun, light-hearted scenes, I adore Kingston and Steele family. The family dinners that the Kingstons have are so much fun and would love to be invited sometime! And if the author is reading this, I would love to see Ronnie take on Reid with his training center. That would be a hoot!
If you are looking for a romantic suspense with a fantastic mystery plot and awesome characters, give Burning Ache a read! It can be read as a stand alone or as a great addition to the rest of the series!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BURNING ACHE" THE KINGSTONS" WOW!! JUST WOW!!!! If you enjoy reading a thrilling intense drama filled storyline with mystery, intrigue, betrayal, secrets, lies, bodies piling up, and twists you don't see coming this is absolutely the book for you. Way Kingston is the middle child of the Kingston Family and former Marine he's a but of a loner and likes it that way he started his own business as a gunsmith his clients like his descretion and expertise he made a game changing bullet for the CIA and tbey think he's double crossed them. Roni Fenwick shows up at his shop asking questions there's an immediate attraction but she must figure out who gave the information away bodies are piling up and ger boss wanted her to get close to Way by her friendship with his sister Maggie who worked with her on the task force. Roni doesn't like her boss very much she no family since being in the Foster Care System since 8yrs old her father died so she doesn't want to lie to her friends that's all she got and she believes Way is innocent and being used as a scape goat by the government. Roni and Way both have issues but they work well together both emotionally, personally and professionally to find out who the killer is before she loses her job or their lives. This is such a well written storyline you just can't put down Adrienne Giordano is great author and knows how to bring her characters to life and pull her readers into the drama of the story I defintely recommend it won't disappoint.
Where to start? I love the Steeles and the Kingstons so these books are always a treat to read. Way Kingston former Marine currently self employed as a custom gun maker and bullet designer. Way Kingston is an independent man that loves his freedom and does not like to be tied down to one place for a long time. So opening his own business in his hometown was a big step for him and not one he is comfortable with yet. The money he is making is really good so that helps. When Way is off on his own on his motorcycle, free to do what he wants when he wants he is happy. Way is very careful and has strict guidelines that his potential customers must pass before he will sell them a gun. A fact that does not sit well with everyone. Roni Fenwick, current CIA agent and friend of Maggie Kingston and just assigned to investigate Way Kingston because one of his special designs was used in a murder. To say that Roni is not happy about having to investigate her friends brother is an understatement. Roni just can not believe that Way Kingston could be involved in a murder, The man is a strict by the book king of guy and hot on top of that. The chemistry between these two is great and this book is a page turner for sure. It has the twists and turns that I love and the action as well, add to that the love aspect and you have yourself one fantastic read.
Way Kingston finds himself a suspect. The special ammunition he created is being used to kill people and the government thinks he's selling them to the bad guys. I know that Way is too honorable to do that. He's done so much to protect his country. Roni Fenwick has been sent by the CIA to make Way the scapegoat but she won't manufacture evidence. I hated how these powerful men demand she do that. I was thankful that she had morals. Can Way and Roni find out who the killer is and how they got the bullets? This story kept me on the edge of my seat. These two make a dynamite couple both personally and professionally. They work well together. Both are intelligent and focused. I liked their determination. Also, I enjoyed how Maggie Kingston was in the thick of the action. She's a strong character. Adrienne Giordano kept me guessing. The ending was a shock. I didn't see it coming. I always enjoy coming to Steele Ridge. Things are never boring in this small town. I'm looking forward to more adventures. I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
BURNING ACHE is book five in the Steele Ridge: The Kingstons sub-series and centers around former Marine turned gunsmith Waylon Kingston and undercover CIA agent Roni Fenwick.
The Kingstons prove in book after book what an interesting family they are, so we already knew that Way was going to be a bit of a loner trying to stay out from under his over-bearing family's thumb. He would happily live on the back of his motorcycle cruising the open road if he could, but when trouble comes knocking at his door, that's beginning to look less and less likely.
Roni is a complex character that we find difficult to read at first as she reluctantly sets out to pull the wool over her friend Maggie's eyes when she supposedly pops into Steele Ridge for a visit when in reality she's been sent to spy on Way and figure out if he's the reason the hugh-hush bullet he secretly developed for the government is now showing up on the streets.
I recommend this book to anyone loving a suspenseful read with lots of heart and emotion that is backed by a close-knit family. You can't go wrong with any book you pick up in this series and I always heartily look forward to the next book to come.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Roni and Way’s story. Way is a little tired of his thigh knit family being all up in his business he likes being on the open road or building his new career as a gunsmith. He’s good at it and word is getting out. When he meets Roni she is coming to him to ask some questions. Roni was sent in to see if Way is dirty and has double crosses people. But during her investigation she starts falling for him. She also learns he is not the one they should be investigating but when the truth comes out will she lose everything? Or will she solve the case and be able to have Way also?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
The Kingstons are back again as we meet former Marine, Way Kingston a motorcycle rider who craves the solitude of the open road. He has a gunsmith business where he is paid handsomely for his expertise and discretion.
So when a government lady walks into his business and start asking questions, he knows something is up. Roni Fenwick is a product of foster system as she has no family but is friends with the sheriff. She has information that her friend’s younger brother has designed a game changing bullet for the CIA and that Way double crossed them.
Roni must fight the attraction between them, so she can figure out the truth. As her career is at risk and perhaps their lives will be at stake. Another winner in the series.
This is a great series. You can jump in at any point but I do recommend reading them all to get the best feel for the town and the people. They are a big part of the story.
Way prefers some solitude but knows his family is there for him. Roni has no family and is intense about her job and her friends. When they meet, their lives collide. They have a killer to track down and deep feelings for one another.
The author delivers a well written story with developed characters. You really feel like you get under their skin and know them. The relationship is not rushed and grows with their interactions. They have real issues to resolve to be together. I like the mix of action and romance.
What an absolutely amazing book with unforgettable characters and a jaw-dropping intense story that captures your attention from start to finish with mystery, betrayal, secrets, twists and turns, ups and downs, and so much more. I loved the attraction and undeniable chemistry between gunsmith Way Kingston who designed a special bullet for the CIA and CIA Psychologist Roni Fenwick who is on the trail of the deadly weapon and Way is her prime suspect.
Ms. Giordano blew me away with this suspenseful romance and I highly recommend "Burning Ache" for anyone who enjoys well-crafted, can't-put-down suspenseful romance. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I also purchased a copy to read again later.
4.5 Stars I love this series so much. This book was no different. I was instantly drawn into this book and I could hardly put it down. The suspense of who done it had me gobbling up the pages. I wanted to know who it was and I didn't guess it. Way and Roni were so good together. They brought something the other needed. I loved watching Roni with the Kingston family. I enjoy any scenes when that group gets together. They have a great family dynamic. This book is one you will definitely want to read. The characters are engaging and their chemistry is great. The whole book is just plain awesome. Just be prepared to have the urge not being able to stop reading. You'll be sucked in right from the beginning. I had a book hangover with this one.
Burning Ache is the 5th book in the Kingstons series. Although it was part of 2 series, it can be read as a standalone. However, having read the previous books would give you a more enjoyable read as it will help you feel more connected to the series.
Way and Roni are great characters. Absolutely love their chemistry. Also enjoyed how Maggie was involved in the story. I love it when the author brings back familiar characters to the story, and also familiar traditions, for example, their Kingston family cook-off. The story was a mix of mystery and romance and it was captivating throughout. Can't wait for the next story.
** I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own
WOW! Another FANTASTIC story! This story is about Waylon and Roni. Both are loners and alphas. Both are stubborn and both have chemistry together. Roni is tasked to investigate Way after a few people are killed with his specialized bullets. When Roni figures out Way is innocent, they work together to figure out who is doing the killings and trying to stay alive. It was a surprise to find out who the killer was as well as figure out that friends were not so squeaky clean as they wanted to remember them as. This story has a few twists to it as we watch a budding romance between these two. I am happy that they finally got back together so they could get on with their happily ever after! FANTASTIC job Adrienne! I would highly recommend this book!
LOVED this book! This is a quickly moving story that opens with a bang and keeps moving until the very last page. Roni is a CIA officer that is assigned to look into Way, using her friendship with Maggie (his sister) and a way in. He's suspected of inventing a unique bullet that shouldn't exist, but does and is killing people.
I love the Kingston family and particularly like Maggie and Way. Roni is an interesting character who is a bit broken, but still likable and engaging. I found myself invested in their story and wanting them to get their HEA ending.
Fans of the genre will love this book. The author is on my must read authors' list.
Adrienne Giordano’s fifth book, Burning Ache, of the Steele Ridge: The Kingstons series propels the reader into an intriguing thrill ride, with a fluidity that has you rapidly turning the pages from beginning to end. Her characters have multifaceted personalities which grab you early on, creating an emotional bond that is solidified the further you get into the story. Ms Giordano is one of my “go to” authors...her stories are where I know I can get totally lost in my surroundings as I am immersed within the intriguing plots of her stories.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Need to be a puzzle solver when you read this book. Another addition to the Steele Ridge books that is full of pieces that just don’t seem to fit into the big picture. The missing piece of the whole picture ...who stole Way’s special bullets...is what Roni and Way need to discover in order to stop the killings and save themselves. Will their lack of trust in relationships hinder this or will they be able to succeed? Strong independent yet stubborn characters draw you into their lives so much that you can’t put it down. This has to be to be one of my favorite Steele Ridge books.
Steele Ridge has been a favorite series of mine since the first book and Burning Ache does not disappoint. I love the quick moving, suspense of the story. Way Kingston is ex-military who craves solitary time away from his well-meaning intrusive family. Roni Fenwick is a product of the foster care system and the CIA agent sent to find out if Way is selling his specially designed bullet for the CIA on the street. Roni quickly realizes Way is innocent and trying to uncover how the bullet made it to the streets, just may get them killed. I received this ARC and volunteered to write an honest review.