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Burnt
If you can’t stand the heat…
When a bullet takes Marine Raider Travis Kowalski temporarily off active duty, he thinks a little R&R with a sexy jam maker is just what the doctor ordered. But he’s about to learn that this woman might just be too hot to handle.
Willow Janna has her daughter, her jam and jelly store, and a schedule she won’t let anyone mess with. Who has time for dating when she has payroll to file and PTA meetings to attend? But she’s never met anyone like this Raider before. He’s tenacious, single-minded and has her believing that chemistry is more than just a reaction on her stovetop.
It’s more than just her heart in danger of going up in flames, however. Someone has decided to put her out of business, by any means necessary. Unless she and Travis can discover who’s put a bullseye on her back, her life just might go up in smoke.
Meet the men of Alpha Squad. Protective, strong-willed, and tough, they go hard after what they want. And when they set their sights on a woman, they’ll use every weapon in their arsenal to make her theirs. Each book in this series is a fast, steamy read, full of pulse-pounding action and sexy times.
When a bullet takes Marine Raider Travis Kowalski temporarily off active duty, he thinks a little R&R with a sexy jam maker is just what the doctor ordered. But he’s about to learn that this woman might just be too hot to handle.
Willow Janna has her daughter, her jam and jelly store, and a schedule she won’t let anyone mess with. Who has time for dating when she has payroll to file and PTA meetings to attend? But she’s never met anyone like this Raider before. He’s tenacious, single-minded and has her believing that chemistry is more than just a reaction on her stovetop.
It’s more than just her heart in danger of going up in flames, however. Someone has decided to put her out of business, by any means necessary. Unless she and Travis can discover who’s put a bullseye on her back, her life just might go up in smoke.
Meet the men of Alpha Squad. Protective, strong-willed, and tough, they go hard after what they want. And when they set their sights on a woman, they’ll use every weapon in their arsenal to make her theirs. Each book in this series is a fast, steamy read, full of pulse-pounding action and sexy times.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2022
About the author
Allyson Charles
20 books340 followersAllyson Charles writes small-town, contemporary romances with heat and humor. A former attorney, she happily ditched those suits and now works in her pajamas writing about men’s briefs instead of legal briefs. When she’s not writing, she’s probably engaged in one of her favorite hobbies: napping, eating, or martial arts (That last one almost makes up for the first two, right?). She also writes steamy historicals as Alyson Chase.
Sign up for Allyson’s newsletter at www.allysoncharles.com/newsletter.
You can find her at www.allysoncharles.com, on Twitter @1allysoncharles, and on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAllysonCharles.
Sign up for Allyson’s newsletter at www.allysoncharles.com/newsletter.
You can find her at www.allysoncharles.com, on Twitter @1allysoncharles, and on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAllysonCharles.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 17, 2022
I have really been loving this series. Each book gets better and better. I don't often like to read the same author month after month but I have to admit that each month I was waiting for them to come out. I made sure to not have anything to read so I could start it right away.
Burnt is the third book in the Marine Raiders Alpha series. You can find my reviews for the first two books on the blog.
I so love Travis. There is just something about him. The way he just takes one look at Willow and he's lost was so sweet. He just fell and fell hard. He just knew and I have to say that the way the author wrote it makes it feel right.
Willow might not have been looking for love but when Travis walks into her life she just can't say no. I like how much she does think of her daughter first and like all mothers already worries about work and all the rest she has going in her life that dating will take too much time away from her daughter. Travis made sure that wasn't a worry at all.
For most of the book I'm with them I love them both and want them to have their HEA then after a fire Willow says and treats Travis in a way that pissed me off. I understood some of the feelings but she went over the top in her actions. I will wait for you to read it for yourselves to see how you guys feel about it.
Even with that one issue I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series.
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November 1, 2022
Travis, a Marine Raider, is having an R & R and meets Willow and her daughter. Willow has a store where she makes jam, but she is having trouble. Someone wants her out of business. Travis is supportive and heavily in love with Willow.
I loved reading this story - the last in this series of 3. Lovely characters. Loved it! 5☆
I loved reading this story - the last in this series of 3. Lovely characters. Loved it! 5☆
March 24, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which is why I decided to keep going. The second one wasn’t as strong, but I still wanted to continue.
The biggest issue in this book is Willow Janna. Even her name feels off — Willow is fine, but together it just doesn’t sound right. Unfortunately, her character is even harder to deal with. She comes across as frustrating, overly stubborn, and exhausting for most of the story. It made it difficult to stay invested.
Travis, on the other hand, is a great character. He falls for her quickly and consistently shows up for both her and her daughter, even though he doesn’t have to. There’s really nothing bad to say about him. What makes it worse is how Willow treats him in return. She spends nearly the entire book fighting the relationship, making excuses, and pushing him away, and it goes on far longer than it should.
*Small spoiler ahead:
*One moment that really stood out was when Travis rescues her daughter from a burning building, and Willow still manages to turn it into a problem. Instead of recognizing that he was trying to protect them, she reacts selfishly and unfairly. That kind of reaction happens more than once, and it gets frustrating quickly.
Another issue is how misleading parts of the summary are. It mentions PTA meetings, but those never actually happen. There’s very little focus on her involvement in her daughter’s life at all. Most of the time, she seems more focused on work, and there isn’t much shown in terms of her actually being present as a parent.
By this point, the series is starting to feel repetitive. The same formula keeps showing up — the guy falls first, the woman resists the relationship the entire time, chaos happens, and the guy steps in to fix everything. Even the romance scenes feel reused, which makes it all start to blur together.
This could have been a much better book if Willow had been written differently, but as it is, her character makes the story frustrating to get through. Willow is probably one of my least favorite characters out of ANY book I've ever read.
The biggest issue in this book is Willow Janna. Even her name feels off — Willow is fine, but together it just doesn’t sound right. Unfortunately, her character is even harder to deal with. She comes across as frustrating, overly stubborn, and exhausting for most of the story. It made it difficult to stay invested.
Travis, on the other hand, is a great character. He falls for her quickly and consistently shows up for both her and her daughter, even though he doesn’t have to. There’s really nothing bad to say about him. What makes it worse is how Willow treats him in return. She spends nearly the entire book fighting the relationship, making excuses, and pushing him away, and it goes on far longer than it should.
*Small spoiler ahead:
*One moment that really stood out was when Travis rescues her daughter from a burning building, and Willow still manages to turn it into a problem. Instead of recognizing that he was trying to protect them, she reacts selfishly and unfairly. That kind of reaction happens more than once, and it gets frustrating quickly.
Another issue is how misleading parts of the summary are. It mentions PTA meetings, but those never actually happen. There’s very little focus on her involvement in her daughter’s life at all. Most of the time, she seems more focused on work, and there isn’t much shown in terms of her actually being present as a parent.
By this point, the series is starting to feel repetitive. The same formula keeps showing up — the guy falls first, the woman resists the relationship the entire time, chaos happens, and the guy steps in to fix everything. Even the romance scenes feel reused, which makes it all start to blur together.
This could have been a much better book if Willow had been written differently, but as it is, her character makes the story frustrating to get through. Willow is probably one of my least favorite characters out of ANY book I've ever read.
November 30, 2022
Travis, a Marine Raider currently on leave due to an injury, spots a beautiful woman while out with his teammate and decides to due a little reconnaissance. He follows her into a shop that sells jams, jellies and pastries made with both. In minutes he has learned her name, Willow, and that she is a widow, a mother, the owner of the shop and, due to a slip and near fall incident, that she fits nicely into his arms. Willow shoots down his attempt to ask her out because she is feeling overwhelmed at the moment, even as she realizes that the handsome and muscular man who deftly rescued her from injury stirs feelings of lust within her.
With his team called out on a mission, Travis has some time on his hands, time he intends to spend wooing a certain jam and jelly maker. He intends to follow his friend’s advice and adapt, improvise and overcome any wall or obstacle she may throw his way. Willow is flattered and deep down wishes she could go out with Travis, but she treading water at the moment trying to deal with her daughter’s acting out and troubles at school as well as the incidents of sabotage at her shop linked to a developer who wants to buy her building. When Travis learns about the incidents, his protective instincts take over. He will protect Willow and her young daughter with his very impressive skills honed by his time in the military. Saboteurs beware, Travis is on the job! Time, proximity and his dogged determination soon lead to hearts becoming involved and hopefully another Marine Raider has finally met his match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With his team called out on a mission, Travis has some time on his hands, time he intends to spend wooing a certain jam and jelly maker. He intends to follow his friend’s advice and adapt, improvise and overcome any wall or obstacle she may throw his way. Willow is flattered and deep down wishes she could go out with Travis, but she treading water at the moment trying to deal with her daughter’s acting out and troubles at school as well as the incidents of sabotage at her shop linked to a developer who wants to buy her building. When Travis learns about the incidents, his protective instincts take over. He will protect Willow and her young daughter with his very impressive skills honed by his time in the military. Saboteurs beware, Travis is on the job! Time, proximity and his dogged determination soon lead to hearts becoming involved and hopefully another Marine Raider has finally met his match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2022
Burnt (Marine Raiders Alpha Book 3) by Allyson Charles is Marine Raider Travis Kowalski’s story. He is on medical leave and slowly going crazy not working with the team. Stll they are able to use the gym at the same time so they rb hm about the new woman he saw wanted and fell with in lust. That is at the beginning so since I don’t care for “instant lust” stories I was sure I would like this one. As the story continues more depth of character and deeper plot increases so that it is an enjoyable story of Travis falling once and for all totally in love with Willow Janna and her young daughter.
Danger in a scary place since it is a normal everyday kind of one that could happen to any of us. I do wish the community especially some like the fire marshal had been more supportive but that makes Travis even more the hero. Of course, Travis can count on the team to have his back and Willow’s too.
So in the end it is a read that is difficult to stop reading until the danger is over with Travis has won the woman that becomes the love of his life. Recommend to all the military reader everywhere.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher/author through BookSprout which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Danger in a scary place since it is a normal everyday kind of one that could happen to any of us. I do wish the community especially some like the fire marshal had been more supportive but that makes Travis even more the hero. Of course, Travis can count on the team to have his back and Willow’s too.
So in the end it is a read that is difficult to stop reading until the danger is over with Travis has won the woman that becomes the love of his life. Recommend to all the military reader everywhere.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher/author through BookSprout which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 19, 2022
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Travis might be my favorite guy from this series, even though I didn’t think anyone would wrestle that title from Chris. He’s taken with Willow from the first moment he sees her and he’s all in right away. She needs some convincing before she’s willing to give him a shot. Willow’s juggling her struggling jam business while raising her daughter alone and life is a lot right now, so dating isn’t a priority. But she quickly realizes Travis plans to hang around, waiting until she’s willing to give him a chance.
It's a good thing he does because Willow has no idea that she’s in danger. She’s been experiencing a series of unfortunate mishaps and bemoaning her bad luck, but it’s not luck at all. Someone’s trying to destroy her life and Travis knows exactly what to do. This is short and sweet but full of action and steam.
November 30, 2022
This is the first book in the series I have read and whilst I wasn't familiar with the other members of the Marine Raider team it was ok and has made me want to go back and read them now.
One look at Willow and Travis needs to know more about her and makes it his mission to do, however he didn't expect Willow to push back and make him really work for it, although she does still shield her heart and Tilda her daughters too at first. Unfortunately for Willow whilst trying to juggle her business, look after her daughter and now work through her feelings for Travis her business appears to be targeted. Travis is very alpha which is great, but I also get how it gets a bit much for Willow after being self sustaining for so long but thankfully he and the team are there fore her and Tilda as things are going to get worse before they get better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One look at Willow and Travis needs to know more about her and makes it his mission to do, however he didn't expect Willow to push back and make him really work for it, although she does still shield her heart and Tilda her daughters too at first. Unfortunately for Willow whilst trying to juggle her business, look after her daughter and now work through her feelings for Travis her business appears to be targeted. Travis is very alpha which is great, but I also get how it gets a bit much for Willow after being self sustaining for so long but thankfully he and the team are there fore her and Tilda as things are going to get worse before they get better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2022
Can Willow withstand the full force of Travis in his pursuit of her?
5 star read. What an absolutely brilliant book. The author has done a fantastic job telling Travis & Willow's story. I love the dynamic between Willow & Travis + when you add his team mates into the mix it makes for a brilliant read that may cause you a few LOL moments. This Marine Raider has his sight locked on Willow & is going to pull out every weapon in his arsenal including using his fellow Marine Raiders to make her his as she is the one for him.
Willow is a single mum trying to run her business whilst looking after her daughter & doesn't have time for dating.
When he learns that someone is trying to put her out of business her attacker better look out as Travis & his team mates won't hesitate to protect Willow & her daughter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 star read. What an absolutely brilliant book. The author has done a fantastic job telling Travis & Willow's story. I love the dynamic between Willow & Travis + when you add his team mates into the mix it makes for a brilliant read that may cause you a few LOL moments. This Marine Raider has his sight locked on Willow & is going to pull out every weapon in his arsenal including using his fellow Marine Raiders to make her his as she is the one for him.
Willow is a single mum trying to run her business whilst looking after her daughter & doesn't have time for dating.
When he learns that someone is trying to put her out of business her attacker better look out as Travis & his team mates won't hesitate to protect Willow & her daughter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2022
Willow Janna’s life is a mess. Someone is sabotaging her Jam and Jelly store, it looks like the same person wants her property, for a new development, her daughter is acting out (and Jenna feels guilty, because she is not spending enough time with her), she is battling to find good help, and to top everything of, with all the trouble at the store the Fire Chief has her number, and not in a good way…
Marine Raider Travis Kowalski is recuperating after a bullet wound. While shopping with one of his teammates he discovers a hidden gem. A Jam and Jelly shop. Thought, the owner is more his kind of sweet. But she is so used to doing everything herself that she finds reasons to push him away.
Will Jenna learn to accept help froM Travis in time to save her shop or will her fears cost her more than just worldly goods.
Marine Raider Travis Kowalski is recuperating after a bullet wound. While shopping with one of his teammates he discovers a hidden gem. A Jam and Jelly shop. Thought, the owner is more his kind of sweet. But she is so used to doing everything herself that she finds reasons to push him away.
Will Jenna learn to accept help froM Travis in time to save her shop or will her fears cost her more than just worldly goods.
October 6, 2022
When Travis sees Willow, he’s a goner before he even talks to her, he knows he will do anything to find out more. Turns out she is a package deal with her daughter Tilda, and both steal his heart from the get go. Willow is gun shy but Travis worms his way in and when it seems someone is out to ruin Willow and her business, his alpha protectiveness comes on full force….can he keep the two safe.
A good read with steam, suspense, and good characters. I liked these two, a bit of drama but not over the top and an adorable Tilda, completes the family. Would have liked an epilogue considering how it ended and the about face.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A good read with steam, suspense, and good characters. I liked these two, a bit of drama but not over the top and an adorable Tilda, completes the family. Would have liked an epilogue considering how it ended and the about face.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
November 26, 2022
Another good one:
This was an interesting read with a good mix of protectiveness, danger, drama and of course romance. Travis felt an instant connection to Willow however it took them some time to work things out. At times I found myself getting annoyed with the choices Willow made but was glad that she eventually stopped trying to push everyone away. Her daughter made a nice addition to this group of characters.
This was a satisfying conclusion to the series and I enjoyed reading all of these stories. However I did feel this book ended rather abruptly and it could have done with an epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an interesting read with a good mix of protectiveness, danger, drama and of course romance. Travis felt an instant connection to Willow however it took them some time to work things out. At times I found myself getting annoyed with the choices Willow made but was glad that she eventually stopped trying to push everyone away. Her daughter made a nice addition to this group of characters.
This was a satisfying conclusion to the series and I enjoyed reading all of these stories. However I did feel this book ended rather abruptly and it could have done with an epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2022
Travis meets Willow when he is on leave and is drawn to her. Willow turns him down when he asks her out because she has too much she is dealing with at the moment. Travis decides to try advice from his buddies to win Willow over. When he learns about the troubles, she is going through he steps in to help her. Will he convince her to give him a chance?
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this series, and this is Willow and Travis’ story. Travis is a Marines Raiders Alpha, who is recovering from an injury. Willow is a single mom to her daughter, and she has a jam and jelly store. When Willow is being targeted by someone who is trying to put her out of business. Travis will do whatever he must to keep Willow and her daughter safe. This is a well written fast paced story, with undeniable chemistry, action, suspense, danger, intrigue, emotions, and leads to an entertaining and riveting page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2022
This is book three in The Marine Raiders Alpha Series and it is Travis and Willow's story. Another brilliant book in this series and the characters and storyline pulled you in and kept your attention and had you turning the pages to see what would happen next. The attraction and chemistry between Travis and Willow was so strong and hot that it sizzles off the pages and I couldn't put this book down as it was such an engaging story and I can't wait to read more book's in this series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
October 8, 2022
Romantic suspense is totally my jam. Yeah, play on words. I loved reading Travis and Willow’s (and Mathilda) story. The men of the Marine Raiders are such fun with joking and caring. There is a little bit of a mystery in this but the main story of the instant attraction and then coming to know one another is so sweet. There are some emotions in here that I am sure everyone can relate to – not everything is black and white. Even through their disagreements, they learn to give and take. I loved it and cannot wait for the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
October 6, 2022
Sweet and sexy story that sees Travis on a mission to win the hearts of Willow and her daughter Tilda. Then when it becomes clear someone is trying to sabotage her business, his alpha male comes out to protect her and help find out who the culprit is. Willow is used to having to shoulder everything when it comes to her daughter and her business, so has a hard time accepting that there are others around for her to rely on - until it's almost too late.
November 26, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Travis falls hard for Willow when he first sees her. He is persistent in his pursuit and gains her attention. Unfortunately, when danger comes knocking for Willow, she is not always on board with his protection. However, when he saves her life, it changes. Willow stops pushing Travis away and accepts him wholeheartedly. Travis is the man she was afraid to want until she lets go of her fears.
September 21, 2022
Travis is one determined Raider! Love his take charge & never give up attitude. Willow seriously needed a smack on the head to get out of her head & fear. Absolutely loved the action, team, ladies & heat coming from the pages. HEA sigh!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
When he sees her for the first time, he knows he has to find out more about her. She just wants to run her Jam business and raise her daughter, after her husband dies. What she gets is an alpha solider that will do everything in his power to keep them both safe when her business and life are in danger.
December 2, 2022
I really enoyed this story, however the reason I gave it four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2022
Like it
Finally.... So.stones we can be so blind and make so many excuses. Glad she finally ally figured that out. Hope to see a few more stories soon!
Finally.... So.stones we can be so blind and make so many excuses. Glad she finally ally figured that out. Hope to see a few more stories soon!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews