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Slow Burn
Firefighter Grayson Reeves barely survived a harrowing California wildfire, and the experience has shaken everything she believes about herself. Returning to her hometown of Sky Valley, NC, to heal and regroup seems like a good idea, but past mistakes and a small town that never forgets are painful reminders of why she left.
Faith Owen didn’t grow up in Sky Valley, but when an opportunity arises to relocate to one of her favorite childhood haunts, she jumps at the chance. A new environment is just what she needs to refocus on her art and regain her confidence after her last ill-fated relationship left her with loads of self-doubt.
When Faith meets Gray, she sees a suffering soul in need of saving. Gray can only see a woman for whom she could never be enough. Despite their misgivings, their mutual attraction ignites passions neither can fight.
Faith Owen didn’t grow up in Sky Valley, but when an opportunity arises to relocate to one of her favorite childhood haunts, she jumps at the chance. A new environment is just what she needs to refocus on her art and regain her confidence after her last ill-fated relationship left her with loads of self-doubt.
When Faith meets Gray, she sees a suffering soul in need of saving. Gray can only see a woman for whom she could never be enough. Despite their misgivings, their mutual attraction ignites passions neither can fight.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
13 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Missouri Vaun
24 books142 followersMissouri Vaun is a two-time Golden Crown Literary Society award-winning lesbian romance writer published by Bold Strokes Books. FOREVER'S PROMISE is Vaun's latest, a historical romance. Wes dresses as a man for property rights. Will she risk it all for love?
Vaun spent a large part of her childhood in southern Mississippi, before attending high school in North Carolina and college in Tennessee. Strong connections to her roots in the rural South have been a grounding force throughout her life. Vaun spent twelve years finding her voice working as a journalist in places as disparate as Chicago, Atlanta and Jackson, Miss., all along filing away characters and their stories. Her novels are heartfelt, earthy; speak of loyalty and our responsibility to others.
She and her wife live in Northern California.
Vaun spent a large part of her childhood in southern Mississippi, before attending high school in North Carolina and college in Tennessee. Strong connections to her roots in the rural South have been a grounding force throughout her life. Vaun spent twelve years finding her voice working as a journalist in places as disparate as Chicago, Atlanta and Jackson, Miss., all along filing away characters and their stories. Her novels are heartfelt, earthy; speak of loyalty and our responsibility to others.
She and her wife live in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 24, 2022
3.25 stars. This is a very relaxed small-town romance. I thought it might be angsty with a firefighter (Grey) that nearly escaped death and returns to her hometown to heal, but it’s pretty low angst. I like Vaun’s writing and enjoyed this book, but I had hoped for a bit more. It was sweet and enjoyable, but not the most memorable read.
I want to mention that the blurb is somewhat misleading and raised the wrong expectations for me. Maybe the blurb will be adjusted later on, but now it states that Faith sees a suffering soul in need of saving, when she actually thinks for a long time that Grey is a player and tries to stay away from her. Only very late in the story does Faith realize that Grey is struggling with life.
What I like about Vaun’s writing is the attention to detail, in this case to the descriptions of fighting wildfires, but also what it entails to be a firefighter in a small-town. Vaun also is very knowledgeable about art, the way the illustrations, materials and different techniques are described is spot on. Clearly, this is a topic Vaun is passionate about, as the previous book “The Mandolin Lunch” also featured an artist and in that book too I enjoyed the colorful descriptions of the illustrations the MC made.
Both characters are likeable, but they were bit flat and I missed some growth and also some chemistry between them. Maybe this book suffered from my reading a five-star book previous to this one.
This was a gentle and sweet romance that is on the slow side, there are no major issues or bumps, but I couldn’t really connect with it making it an average read for me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I want to mention that the blurb is somewhat misleading and raised the wrong expectations for me. Maybe the blurb will be adjusted later on, but now it states that Faith sees a suffering soul in need of saving, when she actually thinks for a long time that Grey is a player and tries to stay away from her. Only very late in the story does Faith realize that Grey is struggling with life.
What I like about Vaun’s writing is the attention to detail, in this case to the descriptions of fighting wildfires, but also what it entails to be a firefighter in a small-town. Vaun also is very knowledgeable about art, the way the illustrations, materials and different techniques are described is spot on. Clearly, this is a topic Vaun is passionate about, as the previous book “The Mandolin Lunch” also featured an artist and in that book too I enjoyed the colorful descriptions of the illustrations the MC made.
Both characters are likeable, but they were bit flat and I missed some growth and also some chemistry between them. Maybe this book suffered from my reading a five-star book previous to this one.
This was a gentle and sweet romance that is on the slow side, there are no major issues or bumps, but I couldn’t really connect with it making it an average read for me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2022
3.5 rounded up
This is a story about firefighter Grey and artist Faith. Grey is suffering from a traumatic event from her last wildfire job in California and come’s home to North Carolina to her childhood home to recover. Faith has had a bad break up from her ex and moves to the same small NC town to have a change of scene. She works as a contract artist but is helping her friend Kayla manage a motel and dinner.
This is slow burn romance with two likable MCs. Vaun did a nice job of setting the scene in the rural small town in NC. And in adding on several interesting side characters. This was my first Vaun book and I would like to read more in the future.
ARC received for an honest and voluntary review.
This is a story about firefighter Grey and artist Faith. Grey is suffering from a traumatic event from her last wildfire job in California and come’s home to North Carolina to her childhood home to recover. Faith has had a bad break up from her ex and moves to the same small NC town to have a change of scene. She works as a contract artist but is helping her friend Kayla manage a motel and dinner.
This is slow burn romance with two likable MCs. Vaun did a nice job of setting the scene in the rural small town in NC. And in adding on several interesting side characters. This was my first Vaun book and I would like to read more in the future.
ARC received for an honest and voluntary review.
August 4, 2022
If there was ever a title fitting for a book it is this one. And this cover is just wonderful as well.
Gray is a wildfire firefighter in California, after she experienced a traumatic loss she returns to her home town Sky Valley. She is basically trying to outrun whatever is troubling her, much like she’d tried to outrun the fire. Faith is also running, or actually “forced” to come to the small town by her best friend. Faith has just broken up with her cheating ex girlfriend (only mentioned, doesn’t happen in the story). When the leading ladies meet at the diner there is an instant attraction, but due to false information based on teenage misgivings Gray is made out to be a player. She’s anything but a player, she’s sweet and a little troubled by her latest fire season.
This is a slow burn romance and the current blurb makes it out to be something slightly different. Faith doesn’t see Gray as a troubled soul when they first meet, she sees her as the player her best friend made her out to be. Overall I did enjoy the story and the slowly blossoming romance. This book is set over the winter period in North Caroline, I’m talking snow, Christmas, NYE, so it could just as easily have been a winter release. Maybe it would have been better suited for the story. Vaun always does such a great job setting the scene, describing environment and certain things in such detail you are easily transported to such a place. It was a bit harder for me now because where I am it is pretty warm and the winter setting just didn’t work for me. Maybe a re-read should happen in winter. For now I say 3.5 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Gray is a wildfire firefighter in California, after she experienced a traumatic loss she returns to her home town Sky Valley. She is basically trying to outrun whatever is troubling her, much like she’d tried to outrun the fire. Faith is also running, or actually “forced” to come to the small town by her best friend. Faith has just broken up with her cheating ex girlfriend (only mentioned, doesn’t happen in the story). When the leading ladies meet at the diner there is an instant attraction, but due to false information based on teenage misgivings Gray is made out to be a player. She’s anything but a player, she’s sweet and a little troubled by her latest fire season.
This is a slow burn romance and the current blurb makes it out to be something slightly different. Faith doesn’t see Gray as a troubled soul when they first meet, she sees her as the player her best friend made her out to be. Overall I did enjoy the story and the slowly blossoming romance. This book is set over the winter period in North Caroline, I’m talking snow, Christmas, NYE, so it could just as easily have been a winter release. Maybe it would have been better suited for the story. Vaun always does such a great job setting the scene, describing environment and certain things in such detail you are easily transported to such a place. It was a bit harder for me now because where I am it is pretty warm and the winter setting just didn’t work for me. Maybe a re-read should happen in winter. For now I say 3.5 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
July 30, 2022
Slow Burn by Missouri Vaun is a very gentle, slow burn romance set in one of the loveliest places in North America. This book is like a breath of fresh air after a hard day. In fact, this is the kind of book I would grab to read after a bad day, or after reading something very intense. For me, this story is a great literary palate cleanser.
The novel tells the love story of two women who meet in the small town of Sky Valley, NC, located where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grayson (Gray) Reeves is returning to her hometown after surviving a devastating California wildfire where she lost her best friend and fellow firefighter. Faith Owens has come to town to help her best friend run the small cafe in town as she tries to recover from an unexpected breakup with her girlfriend. Both are going through the grieving process and are definitely not looking for romance. But sometimes love just sneaks up on you anyway.
This is a tender, easy to read, character driven love story. It does, however, have a thread of angst that runs through the tale. Gray is dealing with major grief and loss, and this affects how she interacts with everyone. Faith is recovering from a relationship gone bad and just wants to help her friend at the cafe and focus on her work as an artist. I connected with both characters, but I really fell for Gray in this tale. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. I also enjoyed how both women interacted with the rest of the community and the little side stories that came from this.
The setting of this book is one of its biggest strengths. The author is an expert at placing the reader into the scene with her descriptions, and she had a gorgeous place to use as a setting in this novel. I felt like I was right there with the characters.
This is a charming and tender romance with great characters, a wonderful setting, moments of excitement and lots of love. I really enjoyed this book, and I think you will too.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The novel tells the love story of two women who meet in the small town of Sky Valley, NC, located where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grayson (Gray) Reeves is returning to her hometown after surviving a devastating California wildfire where she lost her best friend and fellow firefighter. Faith Owens has come to town to help her best friend run the small cafe in town as she tries to recover from an unexpected breakup with her girlfriend. Both are going through the grieving process and are definitely not looking for romance. But sometimes love just sneaks up on you anyway.
This is a tender, easy to read, character driven love story. It does, however, have a thread of angst that runs through the tale. Gray is dealing with major grief and loss, and this affects how she interacts with everyone. Faith is recovering from a relationship gone bad and just wants to help her friend at the cafe and focus on her work as an artist. I connected with both characters, but I really fell for Gray in this tale. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. I also enjoyed how both women interacted with the rest of the community and the little side stories that came from this.
The setting of this book is one of its biggest strengths. The author is an expert at placing the reader into the scene with her descriptions, and she had a gorgeous place to use as a setting in this novel. I felt like I was right there with the characters.
This is a charming and tender romance with great characters, a wonderful setting, moments of excitement and lots of love. I really enjoyed this book, and I think you will too.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
When it comes to small-town romance I'm an absolute ‘goner’.
Slow burn is a very calm, gentle, little angst story. About 2 ladies, learning to trust, love and find happiness. Slow burn is a perfect easy Sunday read. I did think the ending was slightly rushed but still a good story.
I've given Slow burn a 3.7 out of 5.
Slow burn is a very calm, gentle, little angst story. About 2 ladies, learning to trust, love and find happiness. Slow burn is a perfect easy Sunday read. I did think the ending was slightly rushed but still a good story.
I've given Slow burn a 3.7 out of 5.
August 15, 2022
Grayson Reeves is a wildland firefighter reeling from a near death experience and in need of a place to regroup and recharge. She heads to her childhood home in the mountains of North Carolina, far away from the wildfires in California to regroup but struggles to escape her memories. Faith Owen, artist and illustrator is struggling to move past her recent breakup. Disillusioned and miserable, her friend Kayla convinces Faith to come to Sky Valley to forget about her ex and spend some time with Kayla and her husband Dan.
“The faint glow of the horizon line was like a fulcrum as the weight of the night tipped toward day.”
Loved this opening sentence which points to why I enjoy reading books written by Missouri Vaun. Her books are well written and easily transport readers to the fictional worlds she creates. I loved the premise of an emotionally damaged firefighter and an artist who had lost her mojo following a bad breakup. I had high hopes for this romance but found the character development lacking, like too much had been edited out leaving us with only hints at the demons Gray was running from and little about the breakup leading to Faith’s writer’s block and need to escape the city. I did appreciate the mentoring role Gray takes on with a young girl trying to find her place in the world. I wanted more scenes with Haley as well.
Slow Burn is a gentle low angst summer read. The quality is there. I was hoping for more substance.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
“The faint glow of the horizon line was like a fulcrum as the weight of the night tipped toward day.”
Loved this opening sentence which points to why I enjoy reading books written by Missouri Vaun. Her books are well written and easily transport readers to the fictional worlds she creates. I loved the premise of an emotionally damaged firefighter and an artist who had lost her mojo following a bad breakup. I had high hopes for this romance but found the character development lacking, like too much had been edited out leaving us with only hints at the demons Gray was running from and little about the breakup leading to Faith’s writer’s block and need to escape the city. I did appreciate the mentoring role Gray takes on with a young girl trying to find her place in the world. I wanted more scenes with Haley as well.
Slow Burn is a gentle low angst summer read. The quality is there. I was hoping for more substance.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
October 2, 2023
3,5 stars
Good. Not groundbreaking but very solid. I liked both the MCs, I liked the supporting characters and while the story arc wasn't all that interesting it wasn't bad either.
So all in all above average, I'd say
Good. Not groundbreaking but very solid. I liked both the MCs, I liked the supporting characters and while the story arc wasn't all that interesting it wasn't bad either.
So all in all above average, I'd say
July 31, 2022
Gray and Faith both end up in Sky Valley as they run from problems at home. There is a quiet mutual attraction on both their parts from the moment they meet but each are a bit gun shy for very different reasons. I liked their story, it was a very low angst romance that quietly grew into more. I enjoyed the sub plot with Hailey but would have liked to see her a bit more. There is a bit of drama at the end, and while it is resolved, it all felt a bit abrupt. I also wish there were more scenes with the two MCs together, most of the book is about them each overcoming their own personal issues rather than them interacting with each other. Nancy Jo was hilarious and I loved all the scenes with her. Overall it was a good book but not quite as engaging as I would have hoped.
April 2, 2023
2.5 star rating
The delivery of this story was not captivating or memorable for me. We have a Firefighter with a recent scare and a cheated on artist who meet, got chemistry, took their time to be intimate, experienced together a near death situation and thereafter decided happily ever after was for them.
The summary is synonymous with the romantic story lines that make me pick this genre but as i said i am not pleased by the delivery. Number of chessy lines IMO, a courting couple finally get intimate and we are only served that the deed was done not the intricacies (as if this was meant for toddlers to read) and then we have characters with insecurities that to me weren't disclosed with time so as to engineer emotions for those characters.
The delivery of this story was not captivating or memorable for me. We have a Firefighter with a recent scare and a cheated on artist who meet, got chemistry, took their time to be intimate, experienced together a near death situation and thereafter decided happily ever after was for them.
The summary is synonymous with the romantic story lines that make me pick this genre but as i said i am not pleased by the delivery. Number of chessy lines IMO, a courting couple finally get intimate and we are only served that the deed was done not the intricacies (as if this was meant for toddlers to read) and then we have characters with insecurities that to me weren't disclosed with time so as to engineer emotions for those characters.
November 30, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Slow is the operative word for this one.
This features MCs Faith, an artist coming off a breakup who moves to a small town to be near her best friend and help out at her cafe, and Gray, a firefighter recovering from a harrowing experience and loss.
The title says it all, this is a slow burn in many aspects, the two leads barely interact up to the 40% mark and even when the do interact there’s not a lot of substance to what happens with them, so I didn’t feel they knew a great deal about each other by the requisite HEA, even though they did spend time together they didn’t discuss anything of real substance.
Both characters are likable enough, together and separately, but for a book that talks about fire a lot, there weren’t many sparks between the leads.
There’s a few supporting characters, but none with any particular depth and I saw the ‘dramatic’ moment coming from halfway through.
On the plus side, there’s no stupid miscommunications or contrived breakup. Just two lonely adults who find something in the other that they’ve been missing. If you’re in the mood for a gentle romance then this would suit you. 3 stars.
Slow is the operative word for this one.
This features MCs Faith, an artist coming off a breakup who moves to a small town to be near her best friend and help out at her cafe, and Gray, a firefighter recovering from a harrowing experience and loss.
The title says it all, this is a slow burn in many aspects, the two leads barely interact up to the 40% mark and even when the do interact there’s not a lot of substance to what happens with them, so I didn’t feel they knew a great deal about each other by the requisite HEA, even though they did spend time together they didn’t discuss anything of real substance.
Both characters are likable enough, together and separately, but for a book that talks about fire a lot, there weren’t many sparks between the leads.
There’s a few supporting characters, but none with any particular depth and I saw the ‘dramatic’ moment coming from halfway through.
On the plus side, there’s no stupid miscommunications or contrived breakup. Just two lonely adults who find something in the other that they’ve been missing. If you’re in the mood for a gentle romance then this would suit you. 3 stars.
October 29, 2022
Lovely story with great back story of 12 year old. She really is a class act, MV. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2022
Slow Burn features a very sweet romance between Faith and Grey. I liked both characters and their backstory but I found this book, at times, quite slow in pace. Once the romance peaked, the pace picked up and the I-love-yous then felt a little too quick.
The writing style within this didn't work for me. The head-hopping between Faith and Grey within paragraphs made it really hard for me to follow who was thinking/talking. It was a cause of frustration for the whole novel unfortunately.
The premise was interesting but the writing style just didn't work for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style within this didn't work for me. The head-hopping between Faith and Grey within paragraphs made it really hard for me to follow who was thinking/talking. It was a cause of frustration for the whole novel unfortunately.
The premise was interesting but the writing style just didn't work for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
Gentle slow burn, small-town romance
I love Vaun‘s explorations of small-town, rural life (she has a true calling there) and this novel is a gentle slow burn romance. Life, love, everything moves on a slower pace on the mountains of North Carolina. And don‘t we all yearn for a simpler life where people relate to each other and are there for mutual support? Vaun catches this rural oasis with bold strokes and provides a perfect setting for Gray and Faith.
Gray is struggling with a life-changing experience and comes back to the green woods of her hometown Sky Valley. Faith has lost faith in love and life. Her best friend, Kayla, in typical small-town fashion intervenes and has her come visit the peaceful town.
I loved how Vaun leisurely explores the growing attraction and there journey towards each other. Haley, a reflection of young Gray, was a very welcome addition and shows how very valuable role models can be. This is a gentle, slow-paced book for a quiet time.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
I love Vaun‘s explorations of small-town, rural life (she has a true calling there) and this novel is a gentle slow burn romance. Life, love, everything moves on a slower pace on the mountains of North Carolina. And don‘t we all yearn for a simpler life where people relate to each other and are there for mutual support? Vaun catches this rural oasis with bold strokes and provides a perfect setting for Gray and Faith.
Gray is struggling with a life-changing experience and comes back to the green woods of her hometown Sky Valley. Faith has lost faith in love and life. Her best friend, Kayla, in typical small-town fashion intervenes and has her come visit the peaceful town.
I loved how Vaun leisurely explores the growing attraction and there journey towards each other. Haley, a reflection of young Gray, was a very welcome addition and shows how very valuable role models can be. This is a gentle, slow-paced book for a quiet time.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
August 21, 2022
Greyson Reeves, firefighter that experienced a personal loss and returns to her home town to reflect and process. Faith Owens, artist, decides to settle down after a break-up in one of her favorite childhood places at the suggestion of her best friend, Kayla. This slow burn romance has both Grey and Faith taking stock of their life while deciding what to do next. I really enjoyed the setting. It was presented as a character that had to be negotiated. The mutual attraction was sweet with low angst.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
December 19, 2022
The title of the book is quite explicit, both in how the story has developed and in the profession of one of its protagonists. It has been a slow developing romance, sometimes too slow and getting boring.
The two protagonists arrive in a small mountain town escaping from the latest negative events in their lives. Gray is a forest firefighter who has just suffered a strong trauma that she is having a hard time getting over. Faith arrives on the run from her failed relationship, looking for new inspiration for her art as she is a bit stuck.
The two of them, not wanting to get involved, having enough with their personal dramas, avoid what is inevitable as much as possible. And so much avoidance makes the story slow and repetitive and frustrating.
An ordinary romance.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
The two protagonists arrive in a small mountain town escaping from the latest negative events in their lives. Gray is a forest firefighter who has just suffered a strong trauma that she is having a hard time getting over. Faith arrives on the run from her failed relationship, looking for new inspiration for her art as she is a bit stuck.
The two of them, not wanting to get involved, having enough with their personal dramas, avoid what is inevitable as much as possible. And so much avoidance makes the story slow and repetitive and frustrating.
An ordinary romance.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
September 2, 2023
Gray is a wildfire firefighter. She survives a devastating close call and goes home to her hometown in NC to heal. Faith caught her ex cheating and her best friend Kayla talks her into coming to her hometown to recuperate. To stay busy, Faith works at Kayla's diner. There she meets the gorgeous Gray. Both feel an electricity when around one another, but they both have baggage. This is a slow burn romance. Both MCs are so lovable, no angst, just a nice story! 5 stars!
October 10, 2022
fire fighter hotness
This was a slow burn for sure. The two main Characters take their time getting to know each other. But the story has drama and action and a bit of spicy too!
This was a slow burn for sure. The two main Characters take their time getting to know each other. But the story has drama and action and a bit of spicy too!
July 22, 2022
Grayson Reeves, a wildland firefighter, blames herself for the death of her best friend and scaps to her hometown, Sky Valley, NC, a place she swore she’d never come back to when she was 17. She’s back and not much has changed except herself. Faith Owen has also returned in search of her artistic muse and to get over a bad relationship. While Grayson suffers in silence, Faith is too attracted to Grayson to back away.
Vaun has created two characters with such potential, but the reader will be sorely disappointed when the characters remain rather amorphous throughout the book. The author was almost there but, in the end, she didn’t produce. The nding was rushed and readers will be disappointed and/or feel cheated they weren’t present when the characters made the decision that netiher was going to return to her former life.
There are several books published recently with characters suffering from diagnosed PTSD or with PTSD-like symptoms who are suddenly healed by the love of a good woman. While love may have a role in healing, it cannot resolve the issues by itself. Vaun’s book is another book where PTSD plays a strong role in the book, but it is either not mentioned as such or is only hinted at and where the suffering character is miraculously made whole again by falling in love.
Vaun’s fans will undoubtedly love this book. Readers new to Vaun may enjoy this author for having crated the flawed Grayson.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
Vaun has created two characters with such potential, but the reader will be sorely disappointed when the characters remain rather amorphous throughout the book. The author was almost there but, in the end, she didn’t produce. The nding was rushed and readers will be disappointed and/or feel cheated they weren’t present when the characters made the decision that netiher was going to return to her former life.
There are several books published recently with characters suffering from diagnosed PTSD or with PTSD-like symptoms who are suddenly healed by the love of a good woman. While love may have a role in healing, it cannot resolve the issues by itself. Vaun’s book is another book where PTSD plays a strong role in the book, but it is either not mentioned as such or is only hinted at and where the suffering character is miraculously made whole again by falling in love.
Vaun’s fans will undoubtedly love this book. Readers new to Vaun may enjoy this author for having crated the flawed Grayson.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
August 4, 2022
Grayson Reeves is a wildlands firefighter and has survived a traumatic firefighting incident where she lost her best friend and has come home recover and heal. She meets Faith who is coming off a hard breakup, but the attraction is instant, if only they can overcome what is holding them back 👀
There were several things I liked about this book. The characters are really well developed. The storyline around the hardships of wildland firefighters was really compelling and I loved the detail. Faith is an artist and I liked all the descriptions around her approach to art, it felt quite real.
Even though the attraction between the characters is immediate Vaun takes their time in stepping into the romance portion of their story. Even then the storyline was interesting as Gray adjusts to life back in her hometown. The writing is really nice and keeps you hooked into the story.
With all of that I still felt that the MCs spent too much time apart and I didn’t feel like they got to know each other before the “I love you-s”made an appearance.
The end felt a little rushed and I would have liked to have seen them spend more time with each other after they got together.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but would have liked more emphasis on the romance. 3.75⭐️s
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were several things I liked about this book. The characters are really well developed. The storyline around the hardships of wildland firefighters was really compelling and I loved the detail. Faith is an artist and I liked all the descriptions around her approach to art, it felt quite real.
Even though the attraction between the characters is immediate Vaun takes their time in stepping into the romance portion of their story. Even then the storyline was interesting as Gray adjusts to life back in her hometown. The writing is really nice and keeps you hooked into the story.
With all of that I still felt that the MCs spent too much time apart and I didn’t feel like they got to know each other before the “I love you-s”made an appearance.
The end felt a little rushed and I would have liked to have seen them spend more time with each other after they got together.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but would have liked more emphasis on the romance. 3.75⭐️s
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
Grayson Reeves returns home to the mountains of North Carolina after years as a Helitack firefighter battling mountain wild fires in California. Her best friend and mentor dies when a wild fire turns unexpectedly and she needs time to recover and greave. Returning to the mountain cabin home she inherited from her mother she joins the two person fire rescue station in the resort town. Faith Owen's is getting over a bad break up. Her best friend gives her a chance to regroup by inviting her to Sky Valley. Faith is an artist and illustrator and she can work anywhere. To fill in time she can work shifts at her friends diner. Her friend lets her stay in her grandmothers empty house just a mile up the road from Gray. This is small town and of course Gray and Faith’s paths cross. Neither is looking for anything new but the attraction is there. This is a sweet and loving story without drama. It is more about healing and be open to someone new. There is nice side story with a cousins child that reminds Gray of herself years ago. This is a perfect read for someone looking for a gentle and healing romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2022
I cannot think of a better way to describe this one than the title itself, Slow Burn. While I’m usually all in for a good slow burn, this one was a little too slow for me.
After a terrifying incident while fighting a wildfire in California, Gray returns home to the only other place she knows to try and overcome her trauma. There she meets Faith who is looking for a change of pace and some distance from her cheating ex-girlfriend.
Faith and Gray know there’s something between them from the moment they first meet, but it takes a lot of the book for them to really act on it. However, the story only takes over the course of a couple months. This meant that there were actually a lot of things from their pasts that simply weren’t addressed. For example, I would have loved to see more of a storyline with Hailey and details about Gray’s experiences growing up in Sky Valley. These were hinted at throughout but never explicitly addressed. I’ve had similar feeling with other books by this author that they maybe ended just a little bit too early.
Overall, this was a cute story but I felt like the pacing left some things to be desired.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
After a terrifying incident while fighting a wildfire in California, Gray returns home to the only other place she knows to try and overcome her trauma. There she meets Faith who is looking for a change of pace and some distance from her cheating ex-girlfriend.
Faith and Gray know there’s something between them from the moment they first meet, but it takes a lot of the book for them to really act on it. However, the story only takes over the course of a couple months. This meant that there were actually a lot of things from their pasts that simply weren’t addressed. For example, I would have loved to see more of a storyline with Hailey and details about Gray’s experiences growing up in Sky Valley. These were hinted at throughout but never explicitly addressed. I’ve had similar feeling with other books by this author that they maybe ended just a little bit too early.
Overall, this was a cute story but I felt like the pacing left some things to be desired.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 16, 2022
Missouri Vaun
Slow Burn
Faith and Gray meet at the restaurant where Faith works. Faith feels like she knew Gray before. There was an instant connection.
Faith and Gray were both looking for a new beginning, each for different reasons. I feel like Gray and Faith were both kind souls.
Gray had nightmares from an accident and was having a hard time with finding her way. This was a sweet slow burn love story. I really like an old fashion romance from time to time .
I was hoping to have the story be more about Gray working as a firefighter, the story was unique due to that element, I was very intrigued from the blurb. The story was still very well written, I did enjoy the two main characters.
There wasn’t an instant connection between them. Faith was a bit put off, believing that Grey was a player. Gray needed someone to help her get through one of the most difficult seasons of her life.
I did enjoy the story. This was my first book by the author. I will definitely keep an eye out for her next book. I highly recommend it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books For the arc.
Slow Burn
Faith and Gray meet at the restaurant where Faith works. Faith feels like she knew Gray before. There was an instant connection.
Faith and Gray were both looking for a new beginning, each for different reasons. I feel like Gray and Faith were both kind souls.
Gray had nightmares from an accident and was having a hard time with finding her way. This was a sweet slow burn love story. I really like an old fashion romance from time to time .
I was hoping to have the story be more about Gray working as a firefighter, the story was unique due to that element, I was very intrigued from the blurb. The story was still very well written, I did enjoy the two main characters.
There wasn’t an instant connection between them. Faith was a bit put off, believing that Grey was a player. Gray needed someone to help her get through one of the most difficult seasons of her life.
I did enjoy the story. This was my first book by the author. I will definitely keep an eye out for her next book. I highly recommend it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books For the arc.
August 22, 2022
After a bad breakup Faith Owen needed a place to go so when her friend Kayla suggested she come so she could put more space between her and her ex. Besides having a place for her to live already. And we can’t forget Kayla also needed her friend to give her a helping hand worming at Kayla’s diner.
Faith was actually excited about the move because she looks at this move as a chance to get back to her painting.
Grayson Reeves has worked fighting fires. big, out of control wildfires. But when she’s hurt and her best friend Shane was killed she decides to head back to Sky Valley, NC. She still has a few cousins living there. So she moves back into the home her grandmother had left her.. It’s been a few years and the old place needed a lot of work but there was nothing she didn’t think she could handle.
When they meet the attraction is mutual. But Faith is afraid it’s too soon after her break up and Gray’ never had a real relationship. And so the dance begins.
Ms Missouri writes about people we can’t help but like. Great cast, from the leads to the supporting cast. Wonderful, fun read. Very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books.
Faith was actually excited about the move because she looks at this move as a chance to get back to her painting.
Grayson Reeves has worked fighting fires. big, out of control wildfires. But when she’s hurt and her best friend Shane was killed she decides to head back to Sky Valley, NC. She still has a few cousins living there. So she moves back into the home her grandmother had left her.. It’s been a few years and the old place needed a lot of work but there was nothing she didn’t think she could handle.
When they meet the attraction is mutual. But Faith is afraid it’s too soon after her break up and Gray’ never had a real relationship. And so the dance begins.
Ms Missouri writes about people we can’t help but like. Great cast, from the leads to the supporting cast. Wonderful, fun read. Very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books.
September 2, 2022
This is a well written engaging small town romance between two women with a lot of baggage. It isn’t formulaic though and the scenes with Grey working as a firefighter in huge forest fires are genuinely gripping and scary. The thought of hiding while fire rages around you is terrifying and it is totally credible that Grey is damaged by the experience. No spoilers here.
Faith is rebuilding her life and connects with Grey and the relationship is nicely developed with the stop/go and the ending is very satisfying. Grey becomes a whole new person and can move on. The scenes with her little cousin are especially good as it is a way for Grey to give back and feel good about herself.
I enjoy Ms Vaun’s work and I will continue to read her novels. This is strong plotting and rich character development in a gripping narrative.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
Faith is rebuilding her life and connects with Grey and the relationship is nicely developed with the stop/go and the ending is very satisfying. Grey becomes a whole new person and can move on. The scenes with her little cousin are especially good as it is a way for Grey to give back and feel good about herself.
I enjoy Ms Vaun’s work and I will continue to read her novels. This is strong plotting and rich character development in a gripping narrative.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
August 20, 2022
Really sweet small woodland town, Butch/Femme romance, Gray is a firefighter recovering from a major fire, Faith is processing a bad break up, both have run away to the small community to heal. I really liked the characters, all are believable and well rounded, I especially enjoyed Gray forming an important bond with her young niece, the description of Faith's artistic process and Otis the cat. A gentle story about connection, healing and a brief mention of climate change increasing fire season on the west coast of America.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2024
I love stories about mature characters evolving and redefining themselves after life derails them, and this solid read by Missouri Vaun falls squarely in that camp.
After nearly dying in a California wildfire, firefighter Grayson Reeves returns to her hometown in North Carolina to deal with the psychological fallout and figure out what comes next. That's where she meets Faith Owen, an artist who's rising from the ashes of a failed relationship. With each other's help, they find their ways back to their best selves--and into each other's arms.
A strong story about reconnecting with family, friends, and oneself. Recommended!
After nearly dying in a California wildfire, firefighter Grayson Reeves returns to her hometown in North Carolina to deal with the psychological fallout and figure out what comes next. That's where she meets Faith Owen, an artist who's rising from the ashes of a failed relationship. With each other's help, they find their ways back to their best selves--and into each other's arms.
A strong story about reconnecting with family, friends, and oneself. Recommended!
August 27, 2022
3,5 stars
This was a cute small town slow burn romance between 2 people who had their guard up due to some hurt but didn't let it control their life or decisions. I actually kind of loved this as there are books out there in which the MC's make bad decisions or close themselves off completely due to past hurt.
I liked how the MC's gave each other enough space and time but also kept in touch as their interest in each other grows. Fun quick read.
This was a cute small town slow burn romance between 2 people who had their guard up due to some hurt but didn't let it control their life or decisions. I actually kind of loved this as there are books out there in which the MC's make bad decisions or close themselves off completely due to past hurt.
I liked how the MC's gave each other enough space and time but also kept in touch as their interest in each other grows. Fun quick read.
June 25, 2023
Definitely worth the read. The mains are easy to relate to, and easy to root for. The beginning? Wow, what a hit in the gut. The characters came to life so fast they were real from the first.
August 29, 2022
This is a story about two women who meet in a small mountain town called Sky Valley. Both women are trying to take a step back from their lives, but for different reasons.
Faith Owen is an artist who recently found herself single and without purpose. She accepts an offer from her best friend to visit Sky Valley to work for a few weeks in her family restaurant. She finds herself slowly healing and starts to feel at home in this idyllic environment. As a result, she starts to paint again and gets commissions.
Grayson Reeves is a firefighter who recently went through a very traumatic experience while fighting a forest fire in California. As a result, she needs time to heal and decides to travel back to Sky Valley where she grew up as a child.
There is a very slow build up to the attraction between Faith and Grayson. Faith realizes that Grayson is hurting and tries to help her. Readers will find themselves drawn to these two characters and hope there will be a happy ending to their story.
I have read all of Ms. Vaun’s books. She has a very good writing style. Her words flow on the page. Unfortunately, this romance did not draw me in like most of her other books. It is for this reason that I only rate Slow Burn with 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Faith Owen is an artist who recently found herself single and without purpose. She accepts an offer from her best friend to visit Sky Valley to work for a few weeks in her family restaurant. She finds herself slowly healing and starts to feel at home in this idyllic environment. As a result, she starts to paint again and gets commissions.
Grayson Reeves is a firefighter who recently went through a very traumatic experience while fighting a forest fire in California. As a result, she needs time to heal and decides to travel back to Sky Valley where she grew up as a child.
There is a very slow build up to the attraction between Faith and Grayson. Faith realizes that Grayson is hurting and tries to help her. Readers will find themselves drawn to these two characters and hope there will be a happy ending to their story.
I have read all of Ms. Vaun’s books. She has a very good writing style. Her words flow on the page. Unfortunately, this romance did not draw me in like most of her other books. It is for this reason that I only rate Slow Burn with 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2022
Decent, but could be better
The plot summation will tell you pretty much all you need to know about the plot. Grayson is recovering from trauma from a lost friend, Faith is recovering from a messy breakup. Lots of hurt and pain all around.
It seems like the story could have more though. More exploring of the characters, more exposition of the plot, more of the happily ever after.
There seems to be a trend amongst LesFic authors where the two characters get together, and then boom, 800 word epilogue. That’s not enough. I want to read about Faith and Gray’s triumphs, of them helping their friends and family, or them growing closer. I want to taste their lives together.
Overall I’d say this is a 7/10 novel. It’s enjoyable enough. But it could be more.
The plot summation will tell you pretty much all you need to know about the plot. Grayson is recovering from trauma from a lost friend, Faith is recovering from a messy breakup. Lots of hurt and pain all around.
It seems like the story could have more though. More exploring of the characters, more exposition of the plot, more of the happily ever after.
There seems to be a trend amongst LesFic authors where the two characters get together, and then boom, 800 word epilogue. That’s not enough. I want to read about Faith and Gray’s triumphs, of them helping their friends and family, or them growing closer. I want to taste their lives together.
Overall I’d say this is a 7/10 novel. It’s enjoyable enough. But it could be more.
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