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Rabun County #1
Slow Burn
They say that lightning never strikes the same place twice…
After surviving a lightning strike that killed two members of her family and left both her body and mind irrevocably altered, Adeline Walker is well familiar with how quickly things can change. Thanks to her rewired brain, Adeline is gifted – or cursed – with a heightened sense of intuition, including the occasional ability to sense evil in others. Following the death of her father, she struggles to find a way forward by revisiting the past – her mother’s childhood home in Rabun County, Georgia.
But sometimes that place is a person…
Filled with quiet lakes and sparsely inhabited forests, the North Georgia Mountains seem like the perfect place for Adeline to forge a new path. However, within the space of twenty-four hours, things begin to go awry, an early-morning mishap necessitating her rescue by volunteer firefighter Sutton McCloud. Attraction sparked, their relationship begins to heat up even as Adeline’s luck seems to get worse. A string of unsettling accidents and encounters lead her to question whether the apparent black cloud over her head is simply misfortune, or something far more sinister.
After surviving a lightning strike that killed two members of her family and left both her body and mind irrevocably altered, Adeline Walker is well familiar with how quickly things can change. Thanks to her rewired brain, Adeline is gifted – or cursed – with a heightened sense of intuition, including the occasional ability to sense evil in others. Following the death of her father, she struggles to find a way forward by revisiting the past – her mother’s childhood home in Rabun County, Georgia.
But sometimes that place is a person…
Filled with quiet lakes and sparsely inhabited forests, the North Georgia Mountains seem like the perfect place for Adeline to forge a new path. However, within the space of twenty-four hours, things begin to go awry, an early-morning mishap necessitating her rescue by volunteer firefighter Sutton McCloud. Attraction sparked, their relationship begins to heat up even as Adeline’s luck seems to get worse. A string of unsettling accidents and encounters lead her to question whether the apparent black cloud over her head is simply misfortune, or something far more sinister.
462 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2020
124 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books247 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 8, 2020
When graphic artist Adeline Walker was seven years old, she was struck by lightening at the same time as her mother and younger sister. She was the only one to survive but it left her with physical and mental challenges. Her marine biologist father did the best he could in trying to create some normalcy for his daughter and his love for her was never a question. His recent death has left her adrift and she’s left her comfort zone in Florida, returned to the family cabin in Clayton, Georgia to recapture the happiest memories of her childhood and to find new direction for her life. Upon her arrival, Adeline has a serious mishap that has Sutton McLeod, veterinarian and volunteer firefighter, coming to her rescue. It’s life changing for both of them.
I’ve made no secret of how much I love this author’s writing (you MUST read her Southern Comfort series!) and was excited when I saw a new series. This book is aptly named as it is indeed a slow burn, developing slowly as we take in the striking setting and learn everything about Adeline and Sutton. Both of them have rich backstories that are fascinating and delivered slowly, like a seven-course meal. Even when my thirst for knowing about them more rapidly was high pitched, I appreciated the deliberateness and timing of when those nuggets were dished out. Even better was how the romance played out. The dialogue was pithy, clever and downright funny at times. Its effect was to have me adore Sutton, who you’re going to fall for, and strongly admire Adeline, who has to be the quirkiest character I’ve met in a long time.
This story certainly takes its time to develop in every aspect. Even the mystery and suspense elements sneaked up on you, at times making me question whether there was something actually there. That’s great writing! And, a lot of time was taken to create the setting and introduce the secondary relationships, which can make it dense at points. However, it was all worth it because this is a wonderful story with a great romance and lots of atmosphere.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I’ve made no secret of how much I love this author’s writing (you MUST read her Southern Comfort series!) and was excited when I saw a new series. This book is aptly named as it is indeed a slow burn, developing slowly as we take in the striking setting and learn everything about Adeline and Sutton. Both of them have rich backstories that are fascinating and delivered slowly, like a seven-course meal. Even when my thirst for knowing about them more rapidly was high pitched, I appreciated the deliberateness and timing of when those nuggets were dished out. Even better was how the romance played out. The dialogue was pithy, clever and downright funny at times. Its effect was to have me adore Sutton, who you’re going to fall for, and strongly admire Adeline, who has to be the quirkiest character I’ve met in a long time.
This story certainly takes its time to develop in every aspect. Even the mystery and suspense elements sneaked up on you, at times making me question whether there was something actually there. That’s great writing! And, a lot of time was taken to create the setting and introduce the secondary relationships, which can make it dense at points. However, it was all worth it because this is a wonderful story with a great romance and lots of atmosphere.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
April 14, 2020
I liked this first book in a new series. I find Lisa Clark O’Neill’s books reliably entertaining. The book felt a bit stilted in the way that ‘first in series’ often do. I think its because all the world building and introduction of characters and their history is hard to do smoothly. But, still, a good read.
March 23, 2020
The first book book in a new series taking place in the beautiful mountains of Georgia.
I won't say to much about the story because I don't want to spoil anything, but I didn't guess who it was.
Small town novels are a favorite of mine and I really loved the discription of the town and its people and off course all the interaction between the main characters. Both of them carry scars on the inside and outside, but together they heal.
These are very trying, stressful and scary times and this book helped escape for a few hours. I am so grateful for that.
I won't say to much about the story because I don't want to spoil anything, but I didn't guess who it was.
Small town novels are a favorite of mine and I really loved the discription of the town and its people and off course all the interaction between the main characters. Both of them carry scars on the inside and outside, but together they heal.
These are very trying, stressful and scary times and this book helped escape for a few hours. I am so grateful for that.
March 24, 2020
Great read! Wish it was longer! I am rarely surprised by book twists but I was this time. I really loved the complex imperfect characters who manage to connect despite their flaws. I enjoyed Sutton’s personality and Adeline is a unique match for him with his quick wit and their shared quirky humor. Excellent book as always! Lisa Clark O’Neill never disappoints!
March 12, 2020
This is the first book in a new series from Lisa Clark O'Neill. She is one of my favorite authors and I have literally read all of her books. I am super excited about this new series.
We have Adeline and Sutton in this story. There is a slight paranormal-ish thing going on with Adeline, but this is definitely not a PNR book. They meet and sparks ignite ;) We think Adeline might just accident-prone, but then we find out that someone is behind her recent run of bad luck.
One thing that I love about the author's stories is her character development. In her now 17th book, she has characters with distinct and fully developed personalities and behaviors. We really get to know the main characters throughout the story and series (since characters show up throughout her series). I will say that Sutton may be tied with Noah (from Undertow) on my favorite male lead. He's just so freaking adorable.
We have Adeline and Sutton in this story. There is a slight paranormal-ish thing going on with Adeline, but this is definitely not a PNR book. They meet and sparks ignite ;) We think Adeline might just accident-prone, but then we find out that someone is behind her recent run of bad luck.
One thing that I love about the author's stories is her character development. In her now 17th book, she has characters with distinct and fully developed personalities and behaviors. We really get to know the main characters throughout the story and series (since characters show up throughout her series). I will say that Sutton may be tied with Noah (from Undertow) on my favorite male lead. He's just so freaking adorable.
May 2, 2020
Lisa Clark O'Neill is one of my favorite authors. I've read all her books and I'm always in awe of her writing style, interesting characters, setting, and mysterious yet humorous story lines. This is the first in a new series, and it was a very unusual plot. I like the element of surprise in her novels, and the fact that no matter how dark the plot may be, there is still a witty element to her books. I can't recommend her enough.
September 16, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on August 27 , 2021 (currently $5.99 and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.26 with 129 ratings and 23 reviews
One of my favorite bloggers enjoys this series, so with this being a freebie I jumped at reading Slow Burn. I would classify this as romantic suspense, but there are some vaguely paranormal elements. My impression was mystery before reading. The main characters were Adeline who is just moving to town and living in the cabin she visited sometimes as a child. The hero is Sutton McCloud, who grew up here, went away to school and the start of his career but has come back to open up a veterinary practice. Sutton's brother is the sheriff now that their father is retired from the job.
The story and romance is a very slow burn. I wasn't quite sure what the mystery was going to be or if there would be a romance. When people died, it was obvious that was a case which would have to be solved. But I had suspicions of other nefarious things happening. Maybe they will still be part of the overall series. The main and supporting characters are pretty well developed, other than the villains who are less developed and more cliche. The mysterious nature of some characters makes it harder to determine who the real bad guys will be.
Adeline and Sutton both have various issues along with the effort of the changes in their careers happening with their moves. She is quite sassy and that was fun. Sutton is kind and supportive of her problems. He has the advantage of knowing people in town, like where to eat, etc. They really connect and that's wonderful to see. The next book in the Rabun County series, Free Fall released in May and features Sutton's younger sister, Willow. I enjoyed reading and look forward to learning more about the McClouds and this community.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
So I have thought about doing a Thrifty Thursday Challenge someday. For now, what I think would be fun is if you have read and reviewed a freebie, link up to your review (Goodreads, blog, facebook or wherever) below.
Add your review link here:
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on August 27 , 2021 (currently $5.99 and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.26 with 129 ratings and 23 reviews
One of my favorite bloggers enjoys this series, so with this being a freebie I jumped at reading Slow Burn. I would classify this as romantic suspense, but there are some vaguely paranormal elements. My impression was mystery before reading. The main characters were Adeline who is just moving to town and living in the cabin she visited sometimes as a child. The hero is Sutton McCloud, who grew up here, went away to school and the start of his career but has come back to open up a veterinary practice. Sutton's brother is the sheriff now that their father is retired from the job.
The story and romance is a very slow burn. I wasn't quite sure what the mystery was going to be or if there would be a romance. When people died, it was obvious that was a case which would have to be solved. But I had suspicions of other nefarious things happening. Maybe they will still be part of the overall series. The main and supporting characters are pretty well developed, other than the villains who are less developed and more cliche. The mysterious nature of some characters makes it harder to determine who the real bad guys will be.
Adeline and Sutton both have various issues along with the effort of the changes in their careers happening with their moves. She is quite sassy and that was fun. Sutton is kind and supportive of her problems. He has the advantage of knowing people in town, like where to eat, etc. They really connect and that's wonderful to see. The next book in the Rabun County series, Free Fall released in May and features Sutton's younger sister, Willow. I enjoyed reading and look forward to learning more about the McClouds and this community.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
So I have thought about doing a Thrifty Thursday Challenge someday. For now, what I think would be fun is if you have read and reviewed a freebie, link up to your review (Goodreads, blog, facebook or wherever) below.
Add your review link here:
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July 5, 2020
Adeline Walker’s life was defined by a tragic event that occurred when she was a young girl. Being struck by lightning took away her world – her mother, her baby sister and irrevocably changed her father – leaving her with physical and emotional injures that left brutal scars. But unknown to her, her life is about to have another defining moment when she sets foot back in her Mom’s hometown in Rabun County, Georgia.
Like the fog swirling around the old homestead Adeline first stumbles upon, there are so many feels swirling around in this book. Sadness and a sense of loss mix in with touches of humor and sunlight; this author has become a master of creating evocative settings for her stories, and Slow Burn is no exception. With every turn of the page, I became more and more immersed into Adeline’s situation and more and more enamored with her “intuition.”
Sutton McCloud was also a fascinating character, also haunted to an extent by events from his past. I could totally see how Sutton would be fascinated by Adeline, from her Cherry Fizz-colored hair to her Lichtenberg scars. And I could totally see Adeline’s attraction to Sutton, who proves himself a worthy partner for Adeline. Of course, the author always fills her books with interesting, at times complex, secondary characters that tend to pop up later in series and surprise us. I fell in love with Ms. Clark O’Neill’s writing from her very first book, and it has been amazing how that writing continues to evolve with each series. I am anxiously awaiting the next visit to Rabun County, as I know it will be filled with romance, suspense and hopefully a bit more “intuition!”
Like the fog swirling around the old homestead Adeline first stumbles upon, there are so many feels swirling around in this book. Sadness and a sense of loss mix in with touches of humor and sunlight; this author has become a master of creating evocative settings for her stories, and Slow Burn is no exception. With every turn of the page, I became more and more immersed into Adeline’s situation and more and more enamored with her “intuition.”
Sutton McCloud was also a fascinating character, also haunted to an extent by events from his past. I could totally see how Sutton would be fascinated by Adeline, from her Cherry Fizz-colored hair to her Lichtenberg scars. And I could totally see Adeline’s attraction to Sutton, who proves himself a worthy partner for Adeline. Of course, the author always fills her books with interesting, at times complex, secondary characters that tend to pop up later in series and surprise us. I fell in love with Ms. Clark O’Neill’s writing from her very first book, and it has been amazing how that writing continues to evolve with each series. I am anxiously awaiting the next visit to Rabun County, as I know it will be filled with romance, suspense and hopefully a bit more “intuition!”
May 31, 2020
Disappointed
I am usually a big fan of this author's books. I thought Serendipity and Forbidden were fantastic. Although this book had some of the characteristic humor I've begun to expect in Ms. O'neill's works, it was particularly lacking in suspense. I wasn't that much of a fan of the main characters either which made me somewhat uncaring in their hea. I prefer my heroines not to be so slutty by having numerous lovers in her past even to be a virgin at twenty right would have been cool considering her background and having her hair the color of cherry soda with brown roots kind of made me disgusted. I could not see the appeal. Also everyone one was prickly. The heroine was prickly, the hero was prickly, the hero's brother was prickly the hero's nemesis was prickly and so on. And chapter after chapter nothing happened. Incredibly slow. I cannot recommend this book.
I am usually a big fan of this author's books. I thought Serendipity and Forbidden were fantastic. Although this book had some of the characteristic humor I've begun to expect in Ms. O'neill's works, it was particularly lacking in suspense. I wasn't that much of a fan of the main characters either which made me somewhat uncaring in their hea. I prefer my heroines not to be so slutty by having numerous lovers in her past even to be a virgin at twenty right would have been cool considering her background and having her hair the color of cherry soda with brown roots kind of made me disgusted. I could not see the appeal. Also everyone one was prickly. The heroine was prickly, the hero was prickly, the hero's brother was prickly the hero's nemesis was prickly and so on. And chapter after chapter nothing happened. Incredibly slow. I cannot recommend this book.
May 26, 2021
Quirky Leads
An unlikely coupling triggers homicidal impulses and reveals dark family secrets. Sutton is a guilt ridden veterinarian and volunteer fireman. He rescues Adeline who is trapped and injured rescuing an abandoned puppy. She is headed to a fishing camp owned by her family in rural Georgia. She needs to come to terms with the recent death of her father and the lightening strike that devastated her life years earlier. But there are people who will stop at nothing to kill her.
Although Sutton the vet is okay and the identity of the killer was well played, I did not care for this book. Adeline is unlikable and unsympathetic and the reveal on the plot to drive her out was unbelievable and unconvincing. Adeline's journey didn't make much sense in the first place. Lots of unnecessary chatter and too many secondary characters. No especially suspenseful.
An unlikely coupling triggers homicidal impulses and reveals dark family secrets. Sutton is a guilt ridden veterinarian and volunteer fireman. He rescues Adeline who is trapped and injured rescuing an abandoned puppy. She is headed to a fishing camp owned by her family in rural Georgia. She needs to come to terms with the recent death of her father and the lightening strike that devastated her life years earlier. But there are people who will stop at nothing to kill her.
Although Sutton the vet is okay and the identity of the killer was well played, I did not care for this book. Adeline is unlikable and unsympathetic and the reveal on the plot to drive her out was unbelievable and unconvincing. Adeline's journey didn't make much sense in the first place. Lots of unnecessary chatter and too many secondary characters. No especially suspenseful.
September 7, 2021
Ride The Lightening
Love story with lots of bad luck thrown in.
I read. I read alot.
I think the story was strung out with constant feelings of the characters... granted Adelaide was a victim of a lightening strike. She was attributed to having extrasensory ability.
Sadly, there were great opportunities to extrapolate on this theory, but the author missed the opportunity.
The story line would have beefed up with that bit of exaggeration.
I liked the characters.
The author could have fleshed out the story. Honestly, things didn't get interesting until the last 100 pages.
I loved the premise of Adelaide and "Ride the Lightening".
Love story with lots of bad luck thrown in.
I read. I read alot.
I think the story was strung out with constant feelings of the characters... granted Adelaide was a victim of a lightening strike. She was attributed to having extrasensory ability.
Sadly, there were great opportunities to extrapolate on this theory, but the author missed the opportunity.
The story line would have beefed up with that bit of exaggeration.
I liked the characters.
The author could have fleshed out the story. Honestly, things didn't get interesting until the last 100 pages.
I loved the premise of Adelaide and "Ride the Lightening".
May 24, 2020
Too slow
Lisa Clark O'Neill is one of my favorite writers, and I will automatically read anything she writes. This was a good book but extremely slow. Too slow. I know she was setting the scene to explain later events, but I really felt the book could have more dialogue and less self reflection. Would also like to have some first person input from Shannon. Again, I love Ms. O'Neill's writing, so SLOW BURN will not stop me from reading this complete series. Really hoping the next install will put Beckett and Willow together. Also hoping for more on Ethan and Harper.
Lisa Clark O'Neill is one of my favorite writers, and I will automatically read anything she writes. This was a good book but extremely slow. Too slow. I know she was setting the scene to explain later events, but I really felt the book could have more dialogue and less self reflection. Would also like to have some first person input from Shannon. Again, I love Ms. O'Neill's writing, so SLOW BURN will not stop me from reading this complete series. Really hoping the next install will put Beckett and Willow together. Also hoping for more on Ethan and Harper.
March 26, 2020
Another winner by the fabulous Lisa Clark O'Neill.
As I have come to expect from this author, this book is everything I need in an escape. It had great dialogue, fascinating characters, ambiance and just the right amount of heat. The mystery is subtle and the locale is its own character.
As I have come to expect from this author, this book is everything I need in an escape. It had great dialogue, fascinating characters, ambiance and just the right amount of heat. The mystery is subtle and the locale is its own character.
March 12, 2020
Amazing
What a wonderful slow burn this was! Adeline (I‘be been in love with this name for a long long time) and Sutton are such great characters that have been through ringer and I’m so happy with them together.
What a wonderful slow burn this was! Adeline (I‘be been in love with this name for a long long time) and Sutton are such great characters that have been through ringer and I’m so happy with them together.
March 19, 2020
Well worth the wait
Such a gifted writer. Lisa’s books always entertain with intrigue, humor and of course romance. This 1st book of her Rabun County series introduces us to another beautiful area just as her other series have done. Once started you won’t want to put it down.
Such a gifted writer. Lisa’s books always entertain with intrigue, humor and of course romance. This 1st book of her Rabun County series introduces us to another beautiful area just as her other series have done. Once started you won’t want to put it down.
March 22, 2020
This is the first book in a new series by Lisa Clark O'Neill. I've read every one of her books and I have to say she has another winner! I loved the story of Adeline and Sutton, I can hardly wait for the next book!
March 23, 2020
Another fantastic book by my favorite author. I felt so smart thinking I knew who did it and I had it all laid out in my mind but I should know better. I never guess these things right and the ending came as a great surprise. I never saw it coming. I LOVED IT!!! GREAT WORK Lisa!!!
May 5, 2020
Short and sweet
This story had interesting lead characters and the subsidiary ones will probably be in sequels. It seemed like a fast read but it might be that I wanted more of the development of the two main characters.
This story had interesting lead characters and the subsidiary ones will probably be in sequels. It seemed like a fast read but it might be that I wanted more of the development of the two main characters.
August 28, 2020
Always enjoy Lisa's books
This is the second one time I have read Slow Burn. Enjoyed the read this time as my h as I did the first time. I am really looking forward to Book 2 of Rabin County and hope it won't be too long before that will be published
This is the second one time I have read Slow Burn. Enjoyed the read this time as my h as I did the first time. I am really looking forward to Book 2 of Rabin County and hope it won't be too long before that will be published
December 27, 2020
Really enjoyable opener to a new community! I just love the way this author weaves small town drama into stories with hot chemistry and terrific banter. This is a slow unwinding of yarn, befitting the first book of a new series. Looking forward to the next!
May 24, 2021
Sizzling!
Loved this from page 1! The setting, characters, and sizzling romance are all extremely well done! Highly recommend, as long as the “sizzle” doesn’t offend you. I thought it was great!
Loved this from page 1! The setting, characters, and sizzling romance are all extremely well done! Highly recommend, as long as the “sizzle” doesn’t offend you. I thought it was great!
April 13, 2020
I have just finished Slow Burn by Lisa Clark O'Neill. Again, love her dialogue, her characters and her plots are so relatable. Her prose flows and the pages turn! Thanks you!
Read
August 16, 2020Reaaly liked this book. Read it in one sitting. Perfect weekend read!
added-it
May 22, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/22/2021)! 🎁
June 7, 2020
Real rating: 3.5
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews