Twice Burned

Jewel Lakes #4

by Claire Wilder

I won’t be burned again..

CASEY

I knew it wouldn’t be easy moving back home to Jewel Lakes County.

I knew, walking the streets of Barkley Falls, that I’d have to confront the most painful memories of my past.

I just didn’t expect I’d have to run into one of them in the flesh.

When we were teenagers, Hank promised he’d never let me go. When he left, he promised he’d come back.

Hank broke all his promises. And broke my heart into smithereens.

I don’t care if he’s a different man now. I don’t care if my heart feels like it’s going to shatter all over again seeing him here.

I’m not going to let him see his effect on me.

I’m not getting burned twice.

HANK

I messed up.

I messed up a lifetime ago when I left the only woman I’ve ever loved to pursue a dream of being a firefighter in NYC.

I messed up when I went into that burning building with my best friend and came out alone.

Moving back home to Jewel Lakes was supposed to be a do-over. I was supposed to be able to live quietly, without messing anything else up.

But how am I supposed to do that when Casey’s back here too?

I never stopped loving Casey Mitchell. But she’s got a life of her own now. A business to run. A sweet little kid.

A hate-on for me.

How could she ever forgive me for what I did? How can I forgive myself, when everything I touch turns to ash?

* * *

All Jewel Lakes books feature high steam, a guaranteed HEA (Happily Ever After), and can be read as standalones. However, for the best reading experience, reading in order is recommended.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance, Amazon, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of spicy small-town romance featuring

- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA

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Where to find me:

Website: clairewilder.com
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Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras

Reviews

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

.....This— what Hank and I had; what we’d always had, was a roaring bonfire. A raging blaze searing white-hot and consuming both of us. It scared me, this intensity.....

Oh my goodness, y'all.

Casey and Hank's story was so heartbreaking in one breath and filled with hope in the next. A second chance romance between childhood sweethearts. The emotions were so deep in this story. My heart ached for Casey and the love she lost and Hank for pushing her away. Their chemistry was so dang amazing and I loved how the story weaved their history with their present. It was so vivid.

I loved how Hank admitted to his fault in their heartbreak. I loved how Casey was true to herself and despite their chemistry, she considered her heart first. And let me tell you, they had some 🥵 scenes. That tub scene? Woooo. Lol

.....This was a part of Hank I knew so well, and it made my whole body ache. He was gentle and caring and quiet until it came to this. His desire for me. The animal in him came out. And I was his prey.....

This one is my FAVORITE in the series so far. Claire, ya killed me with Casey and Hank's romance. 😭😍

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, I was DYING to find out the reason behind the slap heard ‘round the world in His Hot Mess and we finally did!

Hank the Hunk fulfilled his dream to be a NYC firefighter and Casey soon followed. Hank was consumed by his job and they drifted apart, but now they are back in the same town.

Despite the well-deserved slap, Casey needs help from Hank. And she gets help in a variety of ways… nudge, nudge.

Casey and Hank have a truckload of baggage and hurt feelings, but they also have an enduring love and chemistry like no other couple. Only these two can utter “Let’s keep this professional” while ripping off each other’s clothes.

That bathtub scene indelibly seared into my mind as the hottest foreplay in a empty bathtub!! Wowza!

I was so happy that Casey could get past her stubbornness to see how happy her life could be - for both her and Sam. Sam was a great matchmaker! And I was glad that Hank really opened up to Casey and let her see all his pain. Although honestly, as strong as their love was, the “growing apart” in NYC still baffles me.

That epilogue was a tear jerker and I loved how that buffalo nickel and the special locket have served so many purposes. Gah! All the feels for that scene with his dad.

Loved this story and cannot wait to find out more about Hank’s brother Will and a romance with Michelle (named for me, I’m sure! lol) the widow.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author and these are my honest opinions.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 1-4 are FREE on Amazon today (6/17/2021)! 🎁

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the wonderful world of Jewel Lakes, where things turn out well after enough hurt and angst!
Our hero, Hank, and heroine Casey have a history since they were young kids when he comforted her after the death of her parents. They went to NYC together so he could be a firefighter. His difficulty in trying to atone for the death by fire of his father's whole family eats them alive--he can't share his feelings with her, and she ultimately takes up with someone else.
So how the sparks fly when they see each other again in their hometown! She is by now divorced and living in her grandmother's house with her son Sam. Sam's father pays no attention to him. Within days of meeting each other again, Hank and Casey fight and then have very hot sex. Sam and Hank get along famously. But Casey is still hurt and angry over the past and the present.
Finally, with Sam's help, they see how much they still love each other.
This is the fourth in a series, and although characters from earlier books appear, this can be a stand-alone book.
Claire Wilder creates such a sweet and sexy world. It is a relief to read about people who are not millionaires with no money issues. It is a relief to read about people over 30, single parents, and ordinary occupations who still have wonderful romances and wonderful sex!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes mistakes bring you unexpected treasures . That was the case with this book.
I was not planning to read it but when it unexpectedly showed up in my email, I decided to give both the author and the book a try. I am so very glad I did.
The story of Hank Archer and Casey Mitchell is one of heartbreaks and sorrows, as well as new beginnings , and second chances in life and love.
These two met at an early age and when Casey loss he parents at the age of 12, Hank became her best friend and anchor.
When Hank moves to NYC to work as a firefighter, Casey went with him. But the dreams turned to ashes and the love became hurt, not seeing each other for almost 10 years. Years in which their lives gave one a child and the other one physical and emotional injuries.
Now both are back in town and fate brings them together. But can they forgive themselves and the pain of the past? Or will that be just a memory even if the heart never heals?
A wonderful story worth your time, and one that has left me wanting to read the previous books in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

That slap in His Hot Mess left me wanting to know what the deal was between Casey and Hank.

Let’s just say there is some massive history between the two and as we know the past doesn’t stay buried for long.

Did Hank deserve the slap? You’ll have to read the book to be the judge.

But I can say you’ll enjoy this second-chance romance that has all the heat, the angst and an adorable little boy to catch your interest.

* I received this book as an ARC for a honest review.

[Brittany waggingwithwords · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh I have no idea which book in this series was my favorite. I loved them all.

This second chance romance between Casey and Hank came with some built up angst and some hot and heavy steam. I loved getting little tidbits of Lucy and Graydon and Sadie and Chris.

Casey struggled with her old feelings and her current situation and I truly felt for her internal battles. Hank was also dealing with his demons but seemed to always be there for Casey and her son Sam, anytime he was needed or even when he wasn’t. I loved reading about them working their problems and that Sam had a little extra pull in the matter.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Go grab this series about Jewel Lakes County! You won’t be disappointed!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Burning . . .

Casey Mitchell was expecting some painful memories when she returned home to Barkley Falls. But finding Hank there was not on her radar. He had gone to New York to make his firefighter dream happen. She joined him after she graduated. But he couldn’t share his tortured memories with her and she felt isolated. Eventually, she found someone else.

Now Casey is divorced and home with her son, Sam. Casey is hurt and angry at Hank. But the fire inside both of them is still burning hot. Will their love get a second chance? Can Hank build up trust with her finally and find that HEA he walked away from in New York?

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



Disclosure: Do readers need to read the previous books to this series? Although this book mentioned the other characters in the previous book, it is not a requirement, and readers can start any book in the series. BUT I would highly recommend readers catch up with the previous books to understand better and connect the people accordingly and avoid spoilers for the other characters whose stories were already discussed.

Twice Burned is your slow-burn with a historical past between flawed characters. It is written from the first-person's POVs - dual, Hank's, and Casey's. The writing is clear and relatable, especially with Casey's side, a struggling divorcee and a mother to a young boy. Casey and Hank are childhood sweethearts who understood each other from the start or so they thought. They didn't start broken; instead, they were each other's "saviors" until they grew up and started to over-think too many things. It all imploded at the end, mainly due to miscommunication and pride. They were sacrificing for the other's future, ambitions, and endeavors with their stubbornness. They kept thinking that each one is not good enough to stand beside the other. (That is so wrong!) They would question their self-worth to the other that implodes at the end.

Casey is a martyr or a saint for everything she went through - the ups and downs of being with someone to pushed into places that she didn't realize was messing up with her identity until it was too late. She may have had a rocky start regarding a fated relationship, anguishing experiences in the middle as a single mother. Still, her ending was a strong and stellar one that combined all the strength of a mother, and a partner should have. Her pride might cause her many problems, but it also shows readers her inner strength and convictions to fight what mattered most in the end.

I am so frustrated with Hank. I love him but hate what he did and was putting Casey through. I was rooting for him even before the author announced this book. I had an image of him that is very similar to the book. But this version of Hank (in the book) was so broken that it went beyond my realm of imagination. He had confidence issues stemming from his family that translated to his relationship with Casey. Each time when I think Hank was starting to "come out of the dark" and realize that he can have his second chance to live, he retreats and goes into an even darker place (!) and brings his self-worth down ten levels than when he started. It was a big downer! I constantly wanted to "shake him" and tell him that he's overreacting. Of course, the author made sure that Hank gets his act together but not until he does his version of penance. His self-defeatist attitude drove me off the wall until something happened near the end that snapped him back to reality and made him decide what is important after all these years.
**I wonder if therapy would have worked for him since the scars within him need something else than just walking through the fixing inside.

In summary, Twice Burned is one of the angst(est) books I've read with a side of frustration to Hank. I love the female protagonist and what she had to go through in making her stronger for Hank and her son. I recommend this for readers who love their second chances (big huge second chance), angst, and broken main characters who "pull it together" in the end.

[Sugan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the "Jewel Lake" series. Each has been a wondeful romance story with the charaters connected through family, work, or by being a part of the small town they live in. Claire Wilder is a terrific author who finds interesting stories outside the realm of typical romance novels. This is Casey's and Hank's story. They grew up together, were high school sweethearts, and thought they would be together forever. That is where the "typical romance story" ends and Claire Wilder's wonderful originality comes into play.
This story has some sexy scenes, some sweet times, and some heart-warming moments . All of that makes for a truly good story. I wanted to give it 5 stars but I felt the ending was missing something. To me, Hank had three difficult issues that affected his life. The three became entwined with each other and led him to make some difficult choices. * (Spoiler) After having a heart to heart, Casey realizes that Hank has only opened up a part of himself to her and that if he continues to keep things to himself, they could never move forward. Finally, in the next chapter, Hank realizes his mistake! Yea! He says he is going explain it all to Casey. Now they can move on, right? But he never really does explain why he did what he did. The end of the story comes, and Hank never tells Casey . There just seemed to be a disconnect - a section of the story that was left out.
I know it sounds like I didn't like "Twice Burned" but that's not the case. I really did enjoy it. The characters are fun, Casey's son, Sam, is a sweetheart, the alpacas will make you smile, and Wilder does a nice job of including some favorite characters from the other Jewel Lake books. All of those things made for a good story. I just wish that when Hank finally realized what had happened and he said he was going to tell Casey, that he would have done so.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's odd to me that the first and last thoughts I had about this story were how much this book hurts. From the first chapter to the last, that little sting behind my eyes taunted me. Relating to the divorced Casey and her struggle in figuring out where to go after her marriage collapsed and hurting for Hank's various bits of damage ripped into me from start to finish.

It was beautifully done, the pain both relatable and realistic in so many ways. Even feeling choked up felt cathartic and made the characters meaningful for me. That's not to say the book is a tearjerker, I absolutely cackled at several lines far too loudly for reading at midnight (and yes I said "one more chapter" before realizing it had been three).

As far as critique, I would say that the last third of the arc between Casey and Hank's reconciliation felt very fast and could probably have stood a bit more fleshing out, but it didn't create plotholes or seem wrong for the story. The pace was just quicker than the rest of the book and it gave me slight disorientation.

All said, the book was excellent. The realism in areas I have personal experience in had little strings directly to my heart, the steamier scenes were well written and spicier than I expected, and there is a happy ending (as I require for my personal reading, I have enough tragedy in my life I don't need it in my fantasy as well). I really enjoyed this and I would absolutely read it again. I've got a half-dozen more notes I could talk about but I won't spoil it for you.

[Bookstagrambrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 5th in the Jewel Lakes series and it was my favorite by far!

Casey and Hank met in middle school and were high school sweethearts. One year ahead of Casey, Hank leaves Jewel Lakes for NYC to purse his dream of becoming a firefighter. A year later, Casey joins him. A couple years in, their relationship falls apart and Casey finds comfort with their roommate, who she ends up marrying. Six years later she returns to Jewel Lakes divorced with her son Sam. She learns that Hank had also returned home and goes out of her way to avoid him. Not easy to do in such a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. Their first encounter did not go so well for Hank. But the second time they see each other, the sparks are still there despite how angry Casey is at Hank.

Hank is the kind of man who has a hard time expressing his feelings. He has a hard time saying what he wants to say, it always comes out wrong. But reading his pov, you can't help but feel for him. He loves Casey, never stopped loving her. My heart ached for him.

While they both had a lot of emotional baggage, it was clear they still loved each other and were meant to be together. Her son Sam was the sweetest little boy and without even trying, he played matchmaker.

I love a second chance romance, and this one was a great one. Just enough angst without it being too dramatic. While this is the 5th book of a series and can be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting from the beginning just to understand all the other characters and how they are connected.

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointment:
I was looking for more from this small town second chance romance and did not enjoy it as much as the previous books in the series.
Casey was a single mother trying desperately to keep her small farm, and life in general, from falling apart. She never expected to have to deal with her old childhood friend and boyfriend who was back in town. There were many obstacles for them to navigate and it didn't help that Hank was very closed off and still suffering with lingering hurt and guilt from a fatal fire a few years prior. Unfortunately I never formed a real connection to either character which was a pity as I'd been looking forward to Casey's story since meeting her in prior books
Overall there was too much reminiscing and not enough current action or dialogue to move the plot forward, with long inner periods of recall even interrupting conversations. The overall tone was quite sad and melancholic and it was only at 93% when they finally got back together. It literally went from nothing resolved to 3 sentences later they both said they loved the other and then that was it. There was a brief epilogue however even this barely featured them together as a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good second-chance romance, so I knew Hank and Casey's story would sweep me off my feet. Twice Burned was one of my most anticipated reads this May and it did not let me down!

"I could have let it smolder there for the rest of my life, but in that moment, I wanted the flame. It was irrational and foolish and idiotic, but I wanted it to roar."

Right off the bat, I became engrossed in the tension and history between this couple. Casey and Hank were great characters with complicated feelings and complex family dynamics. They each still want the life they dreamed of having so long ago, but how could it be with each other? The pain of their broken relationship is still as raw as ever.

Hank is respectful, protective, and vulnerable, but when he and Casey are together--the fire between them burns HOT! This story is at once sexy and sweet. Angsty and wholesome. It's about hope, unending love, forgiveness, and releasing guilt. I hadn't even finished the book when I knew this would be my favorite Jewel Lakes book yet.

Pick this one up. It's got second-chance love, a broken firefighter, a strong single-mom, family ties, a cute little kid, and alpacas!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unsatisfying read

1.5/5 - a waste of time for an average love story.

The amount of times Casey said that she should not have done something and proceeding to do it anyway was infuriating. The ending was already predicted as it was so explicitly advertised in the title that the story was going to be a second chance romance. However, the execution was very poorly done. Casey‘s wannabe strong facade was so obviously fake. She was a paper tiger through and through. As much as she said she would stay away from Hank or wouldn’t speak to Hank, she reneges on it at the turn of the page. I found her personality very irritating and tedious. The chapters with her POV I skimmed because of how repetitive it was. You can honestly read the whole book, skip her chapters and still know how she was feeling. Honestly, Casey and Hank’s chemistry was practically nonexistent. None of what was written about the passion during their ill-fated romance rang true throughout the story and I just kept wondering to myself why their story was as long as it was. Such a waste of 200-plus pages when it could have all been summed up in about 100 or so.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a heartwrenching story line and intriguing characters I was immediately pulled into this book and carried along for the duration of this incredible reunion novel!

Casey was only twelve when she met Hank and he helped her through the devistating loss of her parents. After high school she followed him to NYC where he was pursuing his dream of becoming a firefighter. But Hank's past issues caused a chasm the two were unable to conquer at their young age.

Years later the two find themselves back in the same small town where they first met, yet the years have done little to heal Casey's hurt and anger, and she isn't sure her shattered heart can survive being burned twice.

Hank knows he messed up badly when he chose his career  over Casey and pushed her into the arms of another man. But has he learned to deal with his own painful past and forgive himself enough to build a new future with the one who owns his heart?

It may take the sweet innocence of an eight year old boy to finally bring these two back together.

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
This is book four of the Jewel Lakes series it appears each book will read as a standalone however, why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Casey and Hank dated through middle school and high school until he graduated leaving her for New York pursing his dream as a firefighter they tried to make it work but they drifted apart. Fast forward Casey and Hank are both back home after a divorce and a child later, but will they try to make it work the chemistry is still just as intense, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored, and second chances do not come often will they find happiness?

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!!! I don’t think there’s enough words in the dictionary to describe how much I loved this book.

I’m generally not a fan of single parent romance books but I loved everything about this book. Casey and Hank have so much history, both good and bad, between them and I loved the flashbacks to their relationship. Casey’s son Sam is just adorable and I adore how much Hank dotes on him and they quickly develop this easy, natural relationship.

You can really feel the emotions and the struggle that both Casey and Hank feel when they try to move on from the events of their past and to maintain a more professional relationship. But there is no denying the attraction that still exists between the two of them.

The question is whether Casey and Hank can move on from what happened or whether the ghosts of their past will be too strong and keep them apart.

I have loved every single book in this series and I can’t wait to see who finds love in the next book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third of the Jewel Lakes books I’ve read, so I’m quite familiar with the setting, and most of this books side characters. It’s nice to see how time progresses, and those characters’ lives has changed.

In this book, we follow back with Casey and Hank, who we’ve previously met individually, and find out how they previously had a relationship, and how it fell apart. This book takes us from moments where both main characters are miserable- heartbroken, and missing the other person, and then there are moments when they are together that they find they feels just right.

Overall, I liked the story. Had moments I really enjoyed. Though, there are parts I didn’t like. I felt parts were awkward, and one or two scenes felt disjointed. But that’s just my own opinion. I think it’s worthy enough for you to try for yourself!

Story 📖: 3.5/5
Heat 🔥: 4/5

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not always one for a second chance romance but Claire Wilder nailed this one out of the park. Starting off with young love built on a friendship that began in childhood just as Casey had lost her parents, Hank had been there as everyone around Casey was trying to deal with their own grief.
Their bond became was like no other and only continued to grow through the years until it turned into love, true and unyielding.
But sometimes not even that is enough when you can't escape your own insecurities, and the only way you think you can protect those you love is to push them away.
But how far is to far and how do you stop doubting yourself to get back everything?
Follow Hank as he gets to know Sam, Casey's adorable son. Casey as she rediscovers her passion. Lastly Hank finally finds himself!

I have voluntarily left this review!

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance with the one they knew they were ment to be with. These two
characters have a long history, knew each other at a young age. Dated, fell in love
and did everything together. This was a heart felt passionate story, such a great read. I could
not put this book down, kept me entertained all throughout.
Hank knew Casey was always ment for him, to be his wife, and have his children but he
always felt he was never good enough for her, could not give her what she deserves. But now
he has a second chance to try and make it the way it was ment to be, them together.
All casey wanted was hanks love and for him to be around, but within time they grew apart.
Now back together in their home town, they might have that second chance.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

**I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review**

I adored this story! Casey and Hank are great, both separately and together. Their attraction is still so strong, even after all the time apart, and I loved how their pull was written. The story mixed up present and past really well, slowly making their complicated history clear, making their choices make sense. It takes a while for Hank to open up, but I felt his struggles with his survivor’s guilt so strongly that it was great to follow his journey of slowly opening his heart again and sharing to bad moments. This is such a great series! And the part where Hank comes over for pizza, omg, deserves all the steam flames!

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey and Hank had been close at one time and then she married someone else and had a son. Hank had gone to NYC to be a firefighter. Life changed when a good friend and co-worker died in a fire and he could not save him. Both ended up coming back to their hometown and reconnected.
The characters are terrific, with great backstories and strength from what they dealt with. Quick bonding between Sam, her son, and Hank. The storyline was done well with plenty of action and situations to keep it entertaining. The feelings and emotions were intense. Secrets and twists were revealed and situations caused truths to be known, like her ex showing up. Loved the ending with his dad. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey and Hank are the definition of beautiful but damaged souls.
Hank introduced himself to Casey at her parent’s funeral when she was 11 years old. They were friends, and then dated through middle school and high school. Hank dreamed of being a New York firefighter, so after high school graduation, he moved to become a firefighter. Casey followed him to New York the following year when she graduated. Unfortunately, things occurred and they split up. Now, it’s years later, they are in their mid 30s, and fate has thrown them back together in their home town. Their road to HEA is anything but smooth, but they get there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey and Hank are forever, or so they thought in high school. They had a falling out before their coming together in this book (no pun intended). How long will it take for them to see their way back to each other? Is the wait be worth it? Is there danger along the way? How much abuse and nonsense should one tolerate from family members?
There is a sweet love story here and some hot fireworks, cute little boy named Sam, furry alpacas,
lots of firefighter stuff, friends, family, grief, grief, and more grief. But there's love, love, love too.
Great book. I recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading His Hot Mess I couldn't wait Casey and Hank's story. Twice Burned is an excellent addition to Claire Wilder's Jewel Lakes series.

Casey and Hank loved each other, but things did not end well. Now they are both back in town and find that the spark between them never really died. There are issues they have to deal with both individually and in their relationship, and I liked seeing them find their way back to each other. There's a nice amount of drama and emotion without being unnecessarily angsty.

I am looking forward to more from this author and series!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Kathryn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and i think it is my favorite in the series Each book has a HEA if the series is new to you
Casey and Hank have known each other since childhood, have always been in love but have had some serious ups and downs in their lives.
Many years later they find themselves back in their hometown, she is now divorced and has Sam, who is a great kid!
Seriously, you’ll love this story of Casey and Sam and Hank. It’s a sexy, sweet story, filled with lots of hope and love for a happy ending for this 2nd chance romance. I hope the next book is about Will and Michelle!
I received this ARC and am leaving this review

[Slick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second chance romances are sometimes problematic for me and that was the case with Twice Burned. I liked both Casey and Hank but they spent so much time living in the past without ever really handling their past. I felt like it was a bit lather, rinse, repeat and then Casey being with him one minute and pushing him away the next. I just didn't feel their connection especially considering how long they'd been together before their break-up and her going on to marry and have a child with someone else. That and her ex showing up which I saw coming for a while and this one was disappointing. I've enjoyed this series, but this is my least favorite by far.

[Booksaddict2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is romantic, steamy, a little emotional with drama. This is a second chance, small town romance novel with amazing chemistry between the characters. It has a gripping plot line with many heart tugging as well as heart warming moments. Both characters have their own set of issues which they overcome with the help of each other. A recommended book for readers who like this genre.

Personal Take:
Sam was my favorite character in this book, his sweetness and innocence won me over. Casey and Hank's past made my heart tug and I was so happy that they finally got past it at the end. It was a great story and I am really looking forward to read Will's story next.

[A Passion4Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice Burned is the first book I’ve read in the Jewel Lake series and from Claire Wilder. It did not disappoint! Original storyline. I really liked Casey and Hank’s story and their journey to reconnect! Swoony but a little lost Hank and strong, determined Casey...I’m so happy with their HEA I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. In the meantime, I’m going to start at the beginning of the series!