Crash

Crash & Burn Duet #1

by Grahame Claire

USA Today bestselling author Grahame Claire introduces a firefighter who doesn’t play by the rules in a story of secrets and suspense.

Teague Hollingsworth crashed into my perfectly predictable life like a rocket, turning everything upside down and setting it ablaze.
It was the world’s worst first impression and one I’m not likely to forget . . .
Until he shows up just when I need him.
It turns out he’s not at all the man I thought he was.
He’s kind to my dogs.
He’s protective of me.
And he doesn't seem to mind the chaos.
Slowly, he's winning my trust . . . and maybe my heart.
But there's more to this man than I could’ve imagined.
Shadows and secrets that threaten what I love the most.
I've lost everything once.
I won't do it again.
Not even for him.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters, Slow Burn, Amazon

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Grahame Claire is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance.

A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result...Grahame Claire.

Soulmates.

Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.

Website: https://www.grahameclaire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grahamewrites
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Graha...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grahamewrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grahameclaire/


Series:

Shaken
Crash & Burn Duet

Rise & Fall Duet

Bend & Break Duet


Shattered Trilogy

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars



Crash is the first part of the Crash and Burn duet by Grahame Claire and I was addicted to this one from the first page. It was emotional, fun, and the end has you craving more.

Teague is a firefighter and Pepper runs a greyhound rescue. The first meeting of these two had me laughing out loud. They didn't quite get a long at first, but the more time they spent together, the more enamored with each other they became. Pepper has a bit of a mysterious past and Teague has a lot of family issues... and he knows he should stay away from Pepper to protect her from that, but he can't seem to stay away.

I loved both Pepper and Teague. I can't wait to learn more about Pepper and I'm sure we will in the next book. What we do know about her is that she's strong and brave. Teague isn't afraid to take his own path, even when it's not easy. There are also so many wonderful side characters, some that were familiar to me (and will be to you if you've read Grahame Claire's previous books) and some that are new.

One of the best parts about this, aside from the romance of course, are the dogs. These babies will melt your heart. I love books with animals and they played such a large part in Crash. The first part of this duet was captivating and I'm so excited to see what happens next!

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Puppy love stars



Grahame Claire is a favorite contemporary romance author duo that I go to when I'm in a book funk. I know I'm going to get endearing characters, a plot that keeps me engaged, and a great romance. So I was excited to find they had a new series coming out and it was starring a sexy fireman. I dived in as soon as I got a free minute and didn't stop till the end. I really enjoyed this book. Teague and Pepper were so cute. I loved them both. The dogs omg the dogs were cuteness overload, but my favorite was Ash. Teague was sexy, protective, and had a great heart. Pepper had a hard life, but she was brave, loving and strong. This book was a super slow burn which is why it got 4 stars instead of five. I needed that kiss sooner lol. Still it had great character development that made you feel like you really knew Teague, Pepper, and Miss Adeline. I really loved seeing favorite couples from other books and catching up with them. I think maybe it's time for a Christmas novella or some kind of reunion novella for the past couples....Hint......Hint! The plot had me guessing and re-guessing what was going to happen next. I have so many question!!!!!! The book ended in a cliffhanger that had me scream "omg ......nooooooooo!!!!! omg why????? I need to know what will happen next! You can't end that way you can't do this to me." My husband use to my crazy book outburst was like savage cliffhanger? and I was all like Yessssss omg. I truly can't wait for the next book. I need to know what happens. I need to know what is up with Teague father. I need to see if Ash lives with Teague and Pepper forever. I just need the next book!!!!!!!!!!!








https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Miss Claire and I have to say, I am impressed. She creates a lot of drama with a dog shelter and a burned park.

The pace is good. The character chemistry can be improved/ focused more. The banter is cute.

Overall a very enjoyable read.

4 stars

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

I love everything Grahame Claire writes and I have complete faith in them so even with my aversion to cliffhangers I was so ready to jump into this book. And I'm so glad I did because I adored Teague and Pepper and they had me on the edge of my seat just waiting for them to be together. Theirs is definitely a slow burn type of romance and there's still so much that I'm dying to see happen but I loved how they were together in this book. The sexual tension in between all of the swoony moments was brilliant and had me so intrigued.

Pepper has a lot holding her back from getting close to someone and Teague has his own issues that he's trying to deal with that keep him from Pepper. On top of all of that there's an arsonist and family drama that had me captivated at ever page turn. I don't even know what's going to happen next but I am insanely excited for it.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Athena D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

I loved the suspense. Teague and Pepper didn't entirely hit it off at the beginning of their story, but they eventually find their way. I'm eager for the continuation of their story so I can have my questions answered. Crash by Grahame Claire is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Argh. This ends on a cliffhanger. It’s a duology I think so not unexpected. But the drama is ramping up.

There are so many dogs. I know I’m allergic, but I do like dogs. But that’s a lot of dogs! I don’t even understand how there can be that many dogs. The dude seemed awesome but there’s obviously some drama with his mama. And dad! I love his siblings, and I love the old lady. I will definitely be reading the next book to find out what happens.

Both of them have been celibate for a long time! And they just get to kissing and hugging in this book.

[Fredrica Jaye Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this a spoiler? THERE IS NO SEX!! They didn't even kiss until Chapter 34. I definitely would have passed on this duet if I had known just how much of a SLOOOOOOW burn this duet was. It was a cute book, and I loveed the aspect of a gray hound rescue being the center of the book, oh and firefighters. I got the audiobook, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are always amazing together, if it wasn't a Joe and Maxine book I definitely would have passed. No Spice at all.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

Pepper and Teague's meet cute wasn't so much cute as it was a bit awkward. Sufficed to say, it wasn't insta anything for these two. But as Teague and Pepper are around each other more, they start to open up to each other, and with that comes the realization that neither is what the other originally thought. Tension is there of course, attraction, and affection that has the potential to become much, much more, if they can get beyond what the cliffhanger brings, and if they can continually communicate and be vulnerable and open with each other.



Both Pepper and Teague have a lot of damage from their individual pasts, lots of demons, and lots of scars. But it's obvious already to me that they have that certain something, and I'm dying to know how everything will play out in Burn. The cliffhanger, though expected, as this is just the first part of a duet, was not pretty, and has me even more on edge as I wait for them to find the love and happiness they both deserve. I loved reading this slow burn story. Both individually and as a couple, Pepper and Teague are excellent characters, with depth, heart, and compassion, and their chemistry simmered with untapped heat. I'm so excited to find out what happens next for them.

ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[thesebooksiread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This book surprised the heck out of me. The story intrigued me but from the very first chapter I was sucked in. This is a romance but honestly the dogs stole the show. I cried so many times in this book some happy, some sad but emotional none the less. The mystery of Teague’s Dad and what’s going on was so interesting and perfectly weaved into getting to know the characters. I love this idea of finding your true family and that blood does not always equal family. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Crash ( Crash & Burn Duet #1) by Grahame Claire
Although Grahame Claire is a relatively new author to me, what I have read has been well written, with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
I was intrigued with and fell for Teague Hollingsworth from the start, a firefighter who is caring, compassionate and determined? What’s not to like? Not only that, but he has a heartbreaking past that haunts him. When he meets Pepper under interesting circumstances I just knew that she was the woman for him. The chemistry between them sizzles, even if she thinks initially that he is arrogant and a bit of a jerk; however there is so much more to him than first appears.
They certainly got off to a bumpy start but as the story progressed it was heart warming to watch the relationship develop between Teague and Pepper. The addition of rescue dogs and the feisty, sassy old woman who runs the centre added an extra layer of charm to this story.
There was humour, steam, witty banter, some angst as well as suspense; Crash was at times an emotional read and I for one cannot wait to see how there story continues in Burn.

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any story that incorporates an animal/animals is a winner in my book. So the fact that this story revolves around, not only two incredible MCs but also a greyhound rescue shelter, was the icing on the cake. I loved that the shelter wasn’t just mentioned and then forgotten but it was integral to the entire plot.

Now to the MCs. Teague didn’t make the best first impression when he met Pepper but after spending some time together, he proved to be genuinely nice and incredibly charming. He was protective of Pepper and I loved how he was so sweet with the dogs, it just melted my heart 🥰 I loved the progression of his relationship with Pepper. It was cute and realistic and I was cheering them on 💯. Also, they had some really great chemistry.

Pepper was sarcastic and reserved but she was a darling and I admired how hard she worked. She had her own past issues to deal with but it was nice to see her and Teague slowly open up to one another.

Mrs. Adeline was spunky and I loved her sense of humor. She had such a great relationship with Pepper that made the story even more real. She had me laughing out loud way too many times.

When Trague’s father was first mentioned I thought it would take a while to get used to him but then he comes in and literally...kicks a dog!!! Who does that? After committing that unforgivable sin I can only hope that he has a very slow and very painful death.

I never expected this story to have suspense/intrigue but it was perfectly incorporated in the entire plot. I didn’t think I would enjoy this book as much as I did but I loved everything about it. That cliffhanger at the end had me sweating so I’m heading straight to the next one.

CONTENT
Romance: Clean, Kissing, Innuendo throughout
Violence: Mild
Language: Moderate (A**, S**t & variations, D**n)

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m at chapter 8 of 47 and I’m moving on. I’m super bored. DNF


Romance- I don’t feel any chemistry whatsoever between the two main characters.


Characters-
Dual POV. Neither of the MMCs are engaging.

The FMC is too prickly and the MMC is too eager.

The old woman who owns the dog shelter is your standard rom-com sexually inappropriate outspoken old lady. I guess when sexual harassment is coming from an old lady directed to a young, attractive man it’s supposed to be funny, but I find it kinda gross.

Btw, I also think the fireman calendar is silly. Would real career firemen who work in a big fire dpt in New York actually lower themselves to oil their naked chests and pose for a calendar, and even be willing to hold their hoses in ways that aren’t accurate for fighting fires? I find that so hard to believe!


Setting- The dogs and the dog shelter is a huge part of this book. I like dogs but this book is more heavily focused on that aspect than what I’m interested in reading.


(I’ll give it an extra star since I didn’t finish the whole thing.)

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've read books Grahame Claire solely written before this one. So this duet is pretty welcomed. Teague and Pepper's story is so much more than I expected. It's definitely a slow burn filled with so many emotions. This is a great read and I can't wait for the continuation of their story because that cliffhanger just left me anxious.

[Elle Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many secrets.

This book was addicting. Every single aspect of this book captivated me.
First of all, I need to say this is a part of a duet and it ends in a cliffhanger (which is not a problem for me, for I'm crazy about them).

So let's see what we've got: hot fireman? check.
sassy, old lady? check.
a lot of crazy, adorable dogs? check.
resilient heroine? check.
secrets and suspense? check.
a jerk of a powerful father that pulls all the strings? check and check.
What's not to love?

Diego's totally stolen my heart. He's solid, steady, loyal and selfless. He gives freely, he's always willing to help and he loves with easy. Coming from his father, it's miracle he's so wonderful. In a way, he reminded me of Stone (from Three Dates, one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER).

Pepper is closed, wary, yet caring in her own way. She's devoted to her chosen family and will do anything for them. She is loving despite having been burnt so deeply in the past.

It's interesting how much in common they had. They were hurt, abadoned in so many ways, they were forced to grow up early, yet their love ran deep and their loyalty was unwavering.

It was so beautiful to watch the pull they had over each other. It was like they couldn't be apart, no matter how hard they tried. There was this stronger string pulling them together and that connection was undeniable. There was no fighting against it.

And the secondary characters only added to the beauty that was this book. Teague and his siblings were so tight, they literally left everything behind just to be there for one another.
Miss Adeline was a force to be reckoned with. She was sassy, funny, nosy as all get out, nurturing in her colorful and bickering way and her friendship with was Pepper was so funny.
But the dogs, they really ran the show. They were characters all on their own, they weren't there in passing, they were fundamental for the plot.
Not only because they were cared for Pepper and Miss Adeline. But because they had their own personalities, they brought life and color to the stories, and in a way, they were the one caring for everyone, and not the other way around.

I can't wait to see where this is all going.

[Jessica Alcazar]

I'm not rating or reviewing at this time because ... I mean ... I need to process.

[Pitoufa's Bookish Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

"This woman was brave. Had the kindest soul. And I wanted to hurt, BADLY, the person responsible for breaking her heart." Teague 😭❤

Finished reading this MASTERPIECE then went close to yelling my lungs out of frustration, as the book ended on a MASSIVE cliffhanger! 😭😭😭💔💔💔 but I was lucky enough to find that the library had the whole series, so I'll be jumping right in 😍❤

Teague was such a cinnamon roll 😫😭❤ he emanated so much warmth that you couldn't NOT like him! I LOVED the way he showered those dogs with affection, it was swoon worthy 😭❤❤ He was a firefighter who'd experienced more agony and trauma than anyone should be allowed to 💔 he unknowingly craved love and a sense of belonging, and he'd just started clinging at it by the strings when dark and unknown forces came and snatched his light source, Pepper 😭

Pepper was such a reserved and very secretive person. Her character was left shrouded in mystery, which I am sure will be unveiled in the second installment of this superb duology ❤ Pepper, although not sharing much about herself, was such a sweet and giving soul. The amount of love and care she provided the dogs at the rescue where she worked was nothing short of heartwarming ❤ I can't wait to get to know more about her character in Burn.

Shaken is a 6 books series formed of 3 duologies, with each duet revolving around one of the Hollingsworth siblings and their significant other. Truly excited to get to Lincoln's and Beau's books 😍❤

Trigger Warnings:

- Mentions of animal cruelty.
- Grief over the loss of a parent.
- Mentions of un☠living.

[Sandi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crash the first book in the Crash and Burn Duet is a must read! I love Grahame Claire’s books because her books are full of humor as well as pathos. Pepper first met Teague as her greyhound, Muffy was relieving himself on the tire of his truck! He was not happy, and insisted that she needed to make sure his tire is cleaned. First off, Muffy was a male dog, as Teague points out sarcastically. Pepper thinks he’s a bit of a jerk. She then explains why he is named Muffy, and that shuts him up. But still insists she clean his tires!
Teague is a firefighter, who loves his job and loves knowing he’s helping people. Pepper and her elderly friend, Miss Adaline run a dog rescue called Grey Paws. They rescue mistreated and in many cases injured Greyhounds from kennels that still race the dogs like horses, and don’t take proper care of them. Pepper and Teague keep running into each other. They kind of bond over the dogs when Teague saves a Greyhound from a deadly fire, and when the dog ends up at Pepper's rescue!
Both Teague and Pepper are dealing with major damage they have experienced. We slowly start to get Teague’s story, but Pepper’s background remains murky. I loved this storyline and the people we get to meet. Beware, this has a major cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the second book!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first part in the duet and boy is this book going to grab you. I literally couldn't out this book down. It had me hooked right from the beginning. Teague and Pepper are going to make you fall in love with them and be so invested in their journey. Pepper hasn't had the easiest life which we get hints of, but if someone deserves something good to come her way it's her. Teague's past isn't all sunshine and roses either. Teague never expected to be drawn to Pepper, but there is an undeniable pull between them. He can't stay away even if he should. There is danger lurking that keeps getting closer. There are few characters in this book that need a visit from karma asap. Some nasty characters that are the scum of the earth. The cliffhanger that this book left on made me gasp. I need the second part now! I have so many questions that need to be answered. I need to know what happens to Pepper, Teague, and the dogs. The secondary characters in this one are great as well. I love Miss Adeline. She reminds me of my grandma a bit especially when it comes to good looking men. Please pick this one up you won't disappointed. Just know that Pepper and Teague's story continues in Burn.

[Lisa Eugene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crash is the first book in the Crash and Burn duet. What a great story! These characters pull you in from the beginning, and there's lots of mystery and suspense to keep you turning the pages. Teague is a sexy fireman who has to deal with an overbearing father who wants him to join the family business. Pepper is a compassionate character who runs a shelter for dogs. Throughout the story we get clues about her past, but the suspense and mystery keeps building until the very last page. I highly recommend this well-written, engaging read. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, Burn.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 0🌶️

Hmmmm I’m not sure yet. With it being a duet I feel like I can’t fully review it. Buttt it took me a while to get into it, I didn’t until it got closer to the end and then the cliffhanger is what had me moving on to #2.
I don’t really even feel a romantic connection with them. There was a hot kiss but other than that nothing…ughhh I’m a hoe for spice I mean come on not even one at least?? 🙃

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more! This is beyond what I expected. It had all the makings of a Grahame Claire contemporary romance but the added suspense was lit af. I couldn’t get enough of Teague and Pepper. It’s always nice to see past characters. I adored everything about this book. Now, I am anticipating book 2!

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Falling for the Protector Collection which FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (8/4/2022)! 🎁

[Brooklyn Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook… and it was amazing! Love Joe Arden!

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teague & Pepper are both the kindest of humans and have the best of intentions. Teague is drawn to help save people & Pepper has a need to help rescue dogs. What started off on the wrong foot ended up being something good for both of them. They are comfortable enough with each other to let their guard down and share pieces of themselves with each other. But someone has other plans for Teague & Pepper.

I am loving this duet:) I especially love how it shows the grittier side of both dog rescues & being a fireman. We romanticize people so often we forget that they’re not just hot guys on a calendar but they have struggles too.

Eeep that ending!!! I can’t wait to see how Teague makes his stand🤯

[CLEO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to see the old gang peek into this story!

The story of pepper and Teague is full of suspense and keeps you wondering what’s going on!

Teague has issues with his dad who is a powerful man in the city and can pretty much destroy anyone’s life.
Pepper is trying to get her life together after meeting with the sassy Adeline and given a second chance at a new chapter in her life. She’s content with rescuing the dogs and caring for them. Until Teague comes into her life and everything starts changing.

The banter, the humor in this story is good. Looking forward to the continuation!

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems to be a simple romance, but evolves with more mystery
It's a really good story between Pepper, an animal lover who works in a shelter, and Teague, who is a firefighter. Their story is complicated from their first meeting, complex by their personality, their family, especially Teague's one. There is also a darker and more mysterious side to the story with manipulations and other twists.
The only point that I liked less is that the blurb did not contain any background information with the animals, the work of Pepper, however, this is not one of my points of interest and I found ( to my taste) that this part was very important.
However, I'm sure others will like it.

[Christie Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s have a book with the whole story in it not leaving you to have to buy another book to get the story

I do not like books that are not complete. Because of this I could not give it the 5 stars it probably deserved. I would never had read it if I had realized how it was written.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m only giving 3 stars because it ended on a cliffhanger which I really dislike! While I love Teague, he really needs to step up for Pepper, she is such a strong woman with a massive heart and as a dog person I absolutely adore them all. Just hope Burn (2nd book) doesn’t disappoint.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was fantastic. But I don’t like reading a book that has no ending. You need to purchase another to see what happens to the characters “featured”. Then book 2 with other “featured” characters.. I don’t know if I will continued to purchase the other books. The story may just d r a g out.

[Keewatin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of books being split in half, just because authors can, it's annoying.