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"I really can't recommend this book enough!" -Book Addict, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

Not once did he doubt she was meant for him...

A fresh start. That's all single mother Jenifer Nichols has in mind when she moves into her new home. In the wake of her estranged husband's death, Jenifer has stopped believing in happy endings. Fate, however, has different plans when firefighter Matt Barnes saves her son's life.

Matt is patient, persistent, and no stranger to disillusion. He, too, has a past. Yet Matt knows that while his heart already belongs to her, winning Jenifer's heart will take more time.

Redefining family is complicated, and second chances take courage and commitment. But this time, the happily ever after could just go up in smoke.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2020

49 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Suzanne Winslow

5 books92 followers
Suzanne Winslow writes the kind of stories she loves to read—contemporary romance with relatable characters, unsung heroes and heroines, and true-to-life stories. Nurses, teachers, firefighters, and Marines top her list of champions. Give her a book about strong, brave characters with hidden vulnerabilities and a secret passion, and she’ll binge read to the end!

Suzanne and her husband, along with their rescue dog, Murphy, call Upstate New York home. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s often planning a road trip, or if it’s summertime, hanging out at the lake. Connecting with readers through Instagram, Facebook, and newsletters is a favorite pastime.

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5 stars
63 (54%)
4 stars
31 (26%)
3 stars
19 (16%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Lucinda Race.
Author 67 books655 followers
July 29, 2020
This debut novel hit so many emotions for me. Jenifer is a single mom whose heart was broken. Matt, well he’s a hero that you can fall in love with and Jenifer did.
I loved the twists and turns this book took and each page kept me wanting to keep reading. I just couldn’t put it down. This book has second chance romance, single mom and a fire fighter. What’s not to love?
I’m looking forward to her next release in the Smoke and Fire series.
Profile Image for Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction.
1,129 reviews853 followers
May 18, 2023
2.5/5 Stars

This book definitely had a lot of good qualities but it just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships a lot as well as the ideas used in the story but everything else was a miss for me.

I felt that the romance was rushed and the story's flow was clunky. I also felt that the romance wasn't all that convincing. I certainly didn't feel much of a spark between the two main characters. I really didn't care for the author's writing style. The dialogue was cringy at times and I just didn't connect with it. I liked the plot of the story but I didn't care for the execution at all.

I wanted to like this one so much but in the end, I just didn't. I didn't hate it by any means and I am mildly interested in the second book in the series so I may or may not pick it up.


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264 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2020
4.5 Stars!

I went into this read expecting a romance novel. What I got was so much more. Jenifer is a teacher and mom who is still reeling from losing her husband and the circumstances around his loss. Matt (*fans self*) is a hunky firefighter that likes to keep things simple but an ex is about to unleash a whole world of drama. Despite it all, they find a connection with each other. One that is tested time and again. Because while their romance is unfolding, so are the pieces of their pasts that start showing each of them a very different picture to what they’d thought. And at times you wonder if they’ll be able to overcome the deep, life-changing revelations that keep hitting them. But then, this is a love story. And on that front, or any, really, you won’t be disappointed. In this solid debut novel, Winslow hits all the right notes on what it really takes to make love work and how not to let being burned by your past stop you from finding your future.

Note: I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,253 reviews53 followers
July 15, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is such a good book and I couldn't put down. The characters pulled me right in. This book is packed full of heart and feels. There is so much emotion in this one. The story is beautiful and one that is going to hit you right in the heart. I loved both Matt and Jenifer. They had such great chemistry and their feelings for one another just pour off the pages. I loved watching Matt interact with Jenifer's little boy. Such sweet moments. At one point this book almost gave me a heart attack. It definitely put me on a roller coaster of me emotions that's for sure. It's a great story that has me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jody.
Author 37 books426 followers
July 14, 2020
Burned follows the tribulations of creating a true blended family. Raised by a single mom, Matt is a firefighter, not ready to settle for less than meeting the right woman. Jenifer, a widow, has an impressionable young son who is seeking a role model when Matt becomes his hero. A former flame threatens to ruin Matt and Jenifer’s budding romance with unexpected consequences. Suzanne Winslow's debut read like a Harlequin super romance, so if you’re a fan don’t miss out on Burned.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,131 followers
June 22, 2022
A handsome firefighter rescues Jenifer’s son but will falling for him lead to her heart being burned to ash? Widowed single mom Jenifer has been through more heartache than anyone should yet the guilt of her ex-husband’s death still plagues her. Moving and starting over is just what she and her son need. When the sexy man across the street rescues her son from an accident, Jenifer’s heart stops. Firefighter Matthew is not in her plans, but she can’t deny the heat between them. Her head says no but her heart says oh yeah. As she navigates through their new relationship, past hurts rear their ugly heads, on both sides. Both Jenifer and Matt have been crushed by love in the past and she doesn’t know if she can handle another heartbreak. Family is what she craves but does Matt want the same thing? Can Jenifer be there for him when his life comes crashing down?

Burned is a romance that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Love and family are the cornerstones to romance. Suzanne Winslow takes this theme and weaves an emotional romance you’re sure to love. I connected with both Jenifer and Matt right away. They are complex characters who have been battered by past relationships. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The romance is pretty dramatic but resonated with me. Love, just like life, can get messy and fraught with misunderstandings and unmet expectations. It takes work and commitment to make any relationship successful. The plot moves at an excellent pace with a full cast of characters and a few twists I wasn’t expecting. Burned is a realistic firefighter romance with all the feels. If you love romance, this has to be your next read. If firefighter romance is your reading jam, pick up Burned. Suzanne Winslow has written a gem of a romance and I look forward to reading more from her. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Margo.
8 reviews
July 17, 2020
This was a wonderful first novel by Suzanne Winslow. I expected a more predictable story line, but was very pleasantly surprised with the different relationships and elements surrounding them, and kept waiting for each twist to be addressed and closed. This was an excellent read, and I can't wait for book two! I'm thrilled to see that the next main characters are the ones that I'd hoped would appear as I read Burned.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,078 reviews207 followers
July 13, 2020
This is either a new voice in romance or a new pen name, and I’m so glad I took a chance on this book and found her! The story captured my attention from the very beginning, and I proceeded to fall in love with these characters and their poignant, heartfelt story. Jenifer and Matt owned me!

Jenifer Nichols is a single mom and elementary school teacher. When her young son goes to retrieve his baseball while playing catch with Jenifer, he upsets a bees nest and gets stung. His fleeing from the bees takes him into the street where firefighter neighbor, Matt Barnes, saves him from being hit by a car.

Jenifer and Matt's story has the perfect amount of uncontrived angst and a delicious roller coaster of emotions. Both characters are perfectly flawed and eternally endearing, and it was such a treat to watch them learn and heal as they headed towards their forever.

The writing is seasoned and flawless, and I was fully immersed, devouring every word, and I read through the book in no time at all. With fairly tame language and fade-to-black intimate scenes, lovers of sweet, wholesome romance will enjoy Matt and Jenifer's story.

At its heart, this is a story of healing, trust, and new beginnings, while reminding us that family isn’t always comprised of only the people who share your DNA and live in the same house.

It's touching, heartwarming, inspiring, and phenomenally amazing, and I can’t wait to see what's next from this talented lady. I really can’t recommend this book enough, and if you’re like me and love to find new talent, you won’t want to pass this one up!
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
July 29, 2020
5 Stars
Review by: Alysia
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night with Books


Jenifer just moved into her new home with her young son, not long after burying her late husband, Patrick. She quickly meets her neighbor Matt, a firefighter, who saves her son from being hit by a car, when he runs into the street while being chased by bees. Jenifer quickly finds him attractive but after the way, her late husband treated her and cheated on her she was slow to trust. Could a man be just what she needed to mend her broken heart?

Matt is the type to be married to his job. He has no want for a love interest, but when he sets his eyes on his new neighbor, all that changes. But his ex from high school has started coming around, and won't take no for an answer. She burned him really bad. Can he get over his distrust of women to let one in enough to mend his heart?

Burned is one of those small-town love stories, that you just can't get enough of. I loved every second and every twist and turn. There is no cliffhanger but there are a couple of plot twists, which in my opinion always make a great book. Loved it! I can't wait for the next one!

*ARC given in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,202 reviews221 followers
July 6, 2020
5 star review Burned (Smoke & Fire #1) by Suzanne Winslow
Suzanne Winslow is a new author tome and how I have not come across her writing before is beyond me. From start to finish I was hooked on the story that she wove about single mum Jenifer Nichols and firefighter Matt Barnes. This is a second chance at love story that ticked the boxes for me.
I really loved how all in Matt was with his feelings for Jenifer and her son Matt. As friendship turns to more, will Matt be able to convince Jenifer to take a chance on what they have? Jenifer has been so hurt in the past, that Matt is uncertain whether he can convince her that what they have is real and lasting.
The connection between Jenifer and Matt is deep and real, however when both their pasts come back to haunt them, will they have the strength to overcome? This was a beautifully written, sweet, lovely romance that was entertaining.
When time permits I will be looking at other books by Ms.Winslow.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
June 18, 2020
Emotional and sweet romance, Burned is a book that will give you butterflies and have you deeply invested in Matt and Jenifer’s story. I genuinely loved how sweet these two were together. They had so many things impacting their lives from their pasts but none of that held them back from being the terrific couple they are.
Patient, understanding, loving…I could go on and on about all the wonderful things in Matt and Jenifer’s relationship and only really scratch the surface of all the things they are. While I really, REALLY loved the relationship with Matt and Jenifer I did also feel somethings were just kind of ultimately glossed over in regards to some of the conflicts in their relationship. The issues were resolved, I just felt like they were more of an “ok, this is done” kind of thing instead of really getting to feel and experience it happening. Outside of that small nitpicking though this book is absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Deborah Anita Kurniawan.
536 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2020
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY

My first reading of Suzanne Winslow and I'm not disappointed!

Written in third POV, at first I was uncomfortable with it, but as the story went I became fine with it.

Second-chance romances are one of my favorite tropes.
This book has it in spades 😍

Jennifer is a single mom. She wants to focus only on her child and her career until she meets her neighbor, Matt. He is a firefighter and has been a perfect gentleman for Jennifer and her son from the beginning.
Attraction brew, however, both of them are held back by their past.

The story was plotted very well, showing how both Jennifer and Matt work over their problems and be together. It is beautiful to see how they heal each other.

Everyone truly deserves a second chance in their life...


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 13, 2020
This is a debut novel and this author has done an amazing job in penning this tale. This is also the 1st in a series and is Jenifer and Matt’s story. Jenifer is a teacher and is left heartbroken and a single mom of a 6-year old son after her husband passes away and the circumstances surrounding his death, and she moves away to start a new life. Matt is a sexy firefighter and her new neighbour, and even though they are both haunted by their pasts the attraction between them is intense. When their pasts come knocking can their relationship survive? This is a well written story which is emotional, and filled with drama, twists, heartbreak, and love which all leads to an entertaining read. I cannot wait to read more in this series, and I recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
July 13, 2020
Burned by Suzanne Winslow is the First book in the Smoke and Fire Series. This is the story of Matt Barnes and Jenifer Nichols. Jenifer along with her son Robbie are starting over after the lost of her husband and the questionable issues around it. Jenifer is a school teacher who just wants to now focus on that and of course her son, no romantic relationships. Matt is a Fire Fighter and also Jenifer's neighbor. Matt has been all in since he first saw Jenifer and her son but he understands that Jenifer isn't ready yet so he has settled in to be a friend until he can make her want more. Of course nothing goes easy and Jenifer will have a test of trust in their new relationship. I enjoyed this book.




Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 14, 2020
Burned was a remarkable debut story by Suzanne Winslow, and I'm super excited for the future especially with the Smoke and Fire series.  Jenifer is a single mother who needs a fresh start after the death of her husband and the circumstances around that death.  She ends up in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her 6 year old tiny human which was just what the doctor ordered.  She comes across yummy fireman Matt Barnes, who rescues her son. They have chemistry in spades but as they get closer, life keeps throwing them curve balls, and honestly, it was hard to imagine any relationship could survive everything they went through, much less a new one.  This story had all the feels to it, and I was here for it all.  I CANNOT WAIT for more of this series in the very near (hopefully) future so give it a click to experience it for yourselves!  HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,516 reviews132 followers
July 8, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Suzanne Winslow and it certainly won’t be the last because I’m really struggling to understand why I haven’t come across her prior to picking up Burned.
As soon as I read the blurb for this story I was excited and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint, I was captivated in this single mum and local firefighter’s romance. A second chance romance as well as friends to lovers means this book has a lot going for it.
Jenifer Nichols and Matt Barnes are friends but Matt has feelings for the single mum and her son but so far he has managed to hide those feelings behind the friendship, problem is Matt needs to realise what they have is real before he can convince Jenifer it’s ok to trust again......
This is an emotional read and it touched me on so many levels, it’s a beautifully written, sweet, love story with wonderful characters and I highly recommend it to all romance lovers. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
2 reviews
June 26, 2020
This book was a surprise from a first time author! I loved the characters from the start, second chance romance and slow burn are my favorite, so if you're looking for a true romance, this is the book for you. The plot carries the reader along on a sweet story about love and all the things in life that happen to get in the way. The breakthrough for both of them is the trust and compassion they learn to give and accept from each other. It's one for the "keeper shelf". Can't wait to see more from this author!
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,077 reviews55 followers
July 14, 2020
3.75 Stars

A sweet story with great characters that I found easy to relate to my only issue is that there was so much happening all at once. I'm not going to go into detail as I don't want to spoil it for anyone I just wish the author had concentrated and just a couple of aspects of the story instead.

When Jenifer has to rebuild her life along with her son Robbie she moves to Grand Rapids and when her son has an accident she meets her neighbour and Lieutenant of the local fire dept Matt. Both feel the connection they have but is Jenifer ready to start a new relationship.

As I said before there is a lot that happens in this book but I did enjoy it and am looking forward to reading Nate's story in the future.
1,149 reviews7 followers
July 12, 2020
Jenifer and Matt meet when she moves into his neighborhood and he saves her son. Her husband died leaving her with their son and guilt over his death. Matt is fire rescue and has his own past haunting him. Will their secrets keep them from finding love?

This appears to be Suzanne’s debut novel and what a great start. The characters are raw and real. They could be any ones neighbor. Matt will make everyone swoon with the way he is to 6 year old Robbie. I loved her style of writing and looking forward to book 2.
2 reviews
July 13, 2020
Suzanne Winslow's debut romance novel Burned (Smoke&Fire#1), is an endearing story that illustrates the inevitable complications that occur when two people in their thirties meet and fall in love. Despite firefighter Matt's disturbing ex-girlfriend and teacher, Jennifer's unhappy marriage memories, their love deepens. In addition their love widens. They find ways to include Jennifer's young son, her in-laws and Matt's estranged parents. Winslow's tight writing builds tension on every page. The plot moves smoothly. And the ending leaves you wanting more of the Smoke&Fire series.
Profile Image for Janine Caroline.
Author 1 book37 followers
September 29, 2020
This heartwarming love story hooked me from the very first encounter firefighter Matt had with widow Jennifer and her young son. The attraction was there, but both had trust issues rooted in the past. Without giving too much away, I liked how the disconnected pieces in their lives gradually came together. The emotional twists and turns were engaging and the characters felt real and relatable.

This is a great debut novel by Suzanne Winslow, and a romance I’d highly recommend. I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
9 reviews
June 7, 2020
I loved this book so much. The amount of detail in the story had me hooked. The story flowed perfectly and there were some twists that definitely left me wanting more, I never wanted to put it down. A lot of stories I've read, I've tended to anticipate what was coming next, with Burned, there was a lot that I was not expecting, which kept me into the story the whole time. Never once did I get bored. I'm definitely going to be reading this series as they get released. Such a great book!
Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2020
Matt and Jenifer’s story takes an emotional toll. They are both dealing with wounds from the past that if they don’t move forward from will keep them from having a future.

How do you deal with secrets, lies and deceit? How do you learn to trust again after so much pain? That’s the questions they must answer.

They almost lose their battle but in the end their love wins. It takes a long journey to get there though.
1,056 reviews19 followers
July 14, 2020
Burned is a debut novel for the Smoke and Fire series and a great way to reveal a new series. This is a story about starting over in many ways and giving love a second chance even when obstacles try to prevent this from happening. Jennifer and Matt connect instantly, but he knows he has to play it slowly in order to get her to agree based upon her past. The little boy will melt your heart. You will enjoy this story and I cannot wait until the next book in this series. 
Profile Image for Sheyanne Warren.
Author 11 books11 followers
June 15, 2020
4.5 stars!

I loved this book. The Suzanne did an excellent job steering my feelings for the characters. I laughed, I yelled at the characters. It was a truly amazing story that wasn't predictable at all. Everything I guessed what was going to happened the story went in a different direction.

The only thing I wish was that it was either a stand alone or series about Matt and Jenifer. Seeing there was another book but about Nate was a little disappointing. I'm sure I will love his story too though.
Profile Image for Evelyne Fallows.
Author 18 books9 followers
July 21, 2020
This debut novel by Suzanne Winslow is a page turner. I loved the characters, the dialogues and the unexpected twists and turns. 'Burned' is about romance, but also about loss, resilience, love and family. A modern, reconstituted family. Suzanne's novel has so many layers it will resonate with all of us.
Profile Image for Ashley Cestra.
1,348 reviews31 followers
July 10, 2020
This genre is never really my go to cause I bore easily but this story was great. It was unique and held my attention, AND book 2 was perfectly set up! I have never read this author before but I have really enjoyed reading!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,394 reviews119 followers
July 16, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Awesome Book
This book was absolutely worth the read. I was very excited with the turn of every page. I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,612 reviews19 followers
July 18, 2020
The right amount of everything! Debra @Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog



It has been a while since I read a book like this one. Where things are more implied then actually written out. I enjoyed this story for the slow burn, the way our couple interacts from the beginning and which continues throughout the whole story.

Their story is not easy on them but it is what a real relationship should look like in that they really do communicate very well with each other. It wouldn’t work if they didn’t. One of my favorite things about their story is that ability to be open with themselves and each other.

There are many characters to like in this story and a couple you not so much. But it’s how they deal with the ones who you don’t like that gives it the right amount of realism. Well written and beautifully told.
4 reviews
June 24, 2020
An awesome first book. The characters surprised me by acting true to their characters and it made the story sweet and strong. I loved that it was a story about becoming a family with all the strange life circumstances that really happen. I can't wait for the next story.
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