What do you think?
Rate this book
Burn
Cinder's appearance at Gian's dojo sparks a protective and romantic instinct in him that catches the trainer by surprise. After finally escaping her abusive husband, Cinder has relocated from New England to Missouri and is taking steps to ensure that she will never be a victim again. As she learns martial arts from a master, Cinder is also learning to trust a man who is so different from the monster she married.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
15 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 10, 2013
Crystal Hubbard has delivered a great story of a woman trying to start a new life, and break free from the prison of fear that her abusive, controlling ex-husband held her captive to. For readers who enjoyed movies like "Sleeping with the Enemy" and "Enough", this book will strongly invoke memories of those stories, but Ms. Hubbard has put her own spin on that storyline of an abused ex-wife on the run from her crazy, stalker ex-husband.
Ms. Hubbard teaches me as an aspiring writer how to use language to tell a story. She always stimulates all the five senses when she writes. She beautifully describes colors and imagery, that give this novel a three-dimensional feel. I liked how she uses the language of color to describe how different Cinder's relationship is with Gian to her painful marriage to Sumchai Wyatt. Whereas everything was grays, blacks, and whites with Sumchai, there is a dazzling array of colors, each vibrant with Gian. Her descriptions of food were so scrumptious, I wanted to jump into this story and start eating. And the love scenes are very descriptive and evocative, making me think about sex and how it can express the feelings that a couple has for each other to a degree that I usually don't when I read a romance. Also, I appreciated how she wrote Gian as a hero in an inspiring, appealing way, but also showed that he was just a man, not a superman. In this case, Cinder didn't need a champion in the traditional sense. She needed to find her inner champion, and Gian helped her to do that.
The characters in this story came to life, fully realized. Cinder was a deep person, not perfect. A real woman. It's really easy to cast judgment on abused women, and say, I'd never let a man do that to me. However, it happens more than not that a woman ends up in a relationship that starts out good, and then finds that her life is completely controlled by a man who doesn't know what the meaning of love is. In this book, I could see how Cinder went from point A to point B, and woke up one day realizing exactly the extent of the control and games her husband had over her. Some of his cruel tactics made me so angry, and I couldn't imagine being in that situation. Yet, I didn't feel the need to judge Cinder, because being in love with someone does give them a control over you that allows you to put yourself in situations that can be just as unhealthy as Cinder's, and there is a large component of psychological damage, steadily inflicted that allows a person's will to be weakened to the extent that they feel that this is the norm. There is also that fear and shame of speaking out and telling others what is going on. Fear for oneself, and fear that this person might hurt them as well. As with the slow procession from lover to victim that unfolds with Cinder, we see her slow healing and the psychological breakthroughs that allow Cinder to come back from that edge and reclaim her sense of self, her identity, and control of her life. I think this was written brilliantly, and unlike film media, I could see deeper into the abused wife scenario. I admit that this was a harrowing journey at times, too. You think in your mind, how could someone associate this with love. How could you deliberately hurt your wife that way. It was clear that Cinder's ex-husband was a deeply mentally ill person, but not one that I ever felt sorry for. Not when he truly didn't want to get better. At the end of this story, I was cheering loudly for Cinder, having gone along the way every step with her and seeing how hard she worked for her emotional/mental/physical victory.
Gian was a hero that I just adored. He was a very good man--a lovely mix of oh-so delicious masculinity, stability, honor, sweetness, and gentleness. Not to mention sexiness. I liked how he was a man with a military past that had colored him, but he had some conflicted feelings about the violence he had to commit as a soldier. When he told Cinder why he ran a martial arts dojo, it was a very profound thing. I know I've heard it before that martial arts helps a person to empower oneself on a level that makes it easier for them not to kill someone, but it made even more sense from the vantage point of a man who had to kill people for a living, and was subjected to the violent acts of others. There wasn't anything I didn't love about Gian. He was a fully-realized kind of hero. The one that you can drool over and respect, and think how much you'd admired and be drawn to him in real life. It wasn't that he was perfect, and no man or woman is. He was just perfectly lovable.
I loved the integration of martial arts styles and philosophy in this story. It was clear that Ms. Hubbard did her research, and she built a beautiful story around it. I never felt subjected to 'info-dumping'. Instead I found the facts and descriptions very intriguing. Of course, being a long-time fan of Asian martial arts, in the real world, and in the cinema, that gave me just one more thing to like about this story.
As one of my friends on GRs touched on, I loved the diversity in this story. You have such a beautiful mix of ethnicities, which is how I see the world being. Not one palette, but so many colors, coming together to make an intriguing society, each contributing to the world in which they live. I loved the scenes of Gian's employees at the dojo, Cinder and his mutual friends, and their trash-talking and playing around. Also how they helped each other and stood up for each other. I even liked how things worked out with one employee who really acts like an idiot over the course of this book.
This is my third book by Crystal Hubbard, and my praise for her is well-earned. She is such a good writer, and she delivers a beautiful love story, one that is more than just romance. It's fiction that hits on many cylinders, and gives the reader even more than they expected. Burn is a book I'd highly recommend.
Ms. Hubbard teaches me as an aspiring writer how to use language to tell a story. She always stimulates all the five senses when she writes. She beautifully describes colors and imagery, that give this novel a three-dimensional feel. I liked how she uses the language of color to describe how different Cinder's relationship is with Gian to her painful marriage to Sumchai Wyatt. Whereas everything was grays, blacks, and whites with Sumchai, there is a dazzling array of colors, each vibrant with Gian. Her descriptions of food were so scrumptious, I wanted to jump into this story and start eating. And the love scenes are very descriptive and evocative, making me think about sex and how it can express the feelings that a couple has for each other to a degree that I usually don't when I read a romance. Also, I appreciated how she wrote Gian as a hero in an inspiring, appealing way, but also showed that he was just a man, not a superman. In this case, Cinder didn't need a champion in the traditional sense. She needed to find her inner champion, and Gian helped her to do that.
The characters in this story came to life, fully realized. Cinder was a deep person, not perfect. A real woman. It's really easy to cast judgment on abused women, and say, I'd never let a man do that to me. However, it happens more than not that a woman ends up in a relationship that starts out good, and then finds that her life is completely controlled by a man who doesn't know what the meaning of love is. In this book, I could see how Cinder went from point A to point B, and woke up one day realizing exactly the extent of the control and games her husband had over her. Some of his cruel tactics made me so angry, and I couldn't imagine being in that situation. Yet, I didn't feel the need to judge Cinder, because being in love with someone does give them a control over you that allows you to put yourself in situations that can be just as unhealthy as Cinder's, and there is a large component of psychological damage, steadily inflicted that allows a person's will to be weakened to the extent that they feel that this is the norm. There is also that fear and shame of speaking out and telling others what is going on. Fear for oneself, and fear that this person might hurt them as well. As with the slow procession from lover to victim that unfolds with Cinder, we see her slow healing and the psychological breakthroughs that allow Cinder to come back from that edge and reclaim her sense of self, her identity, and control of her life. I think this was written brilliantly, and unlike film media, I could see deeper into the abused wife scenario. I admit that this was a harrowing journey at times, too. You think in your mind, how could someone associate this with love. How could you deliberately hurt your wife that way. It was clear that Cinder's ex-husband was a deeply mentally ill person, but not one that I ever felt sorry for. Not when he truly didn't want to get better. At the end of this story, I was cheering loudly for Cinder, having gone along the way every step with her and seeing how hard she worked for her emotional/mental/physical victory.
Gian was a hero that I just adored. He was a very good man--a lovely mix of oh-so delicious masculinity, stability, honor, sweetness, and gentleness. Not to mention sexiness. I liked how he was a man with a military past that had colored him, but he had some conflicted feelings about the violence he had to commit as a soldier. When he told Cinder why he ran a martial arts dojo, it was a very profound thing. I know I've heard it before that martial arts helps a person to empower oneself on a level that makes it easier for them not to kill someone, but it made even more sense from the vantage point of a man who had to kill people for a living, and was subjected to the violent acts of others. There wasn't anything I didn't love about Gian. He was a fully-realized kind of hero. The one that you can drool over and respect, and think how much you'd admired and be drawn to him in real life. It wasn't that he was perfect, and no man or woman is. He was just perfectly lovable.
I loved the integration of martial arts styles and philosophy in this story. It was clear that Ms. Hubbard did her research, and she built a beautiful story around it. I never felt subjected to 'info-dumping'. Instead I found the facts and descriptions very intriguing. Of course, being a long-time fan of Asian martial arts, in the real world, and in the cinema, that gave me just one more thing to like about this story.
As one of my friends on GRs touched on, I loved the diversity in this story. You have such a beautiful mix of ethnicities, which is how I see the world being. Not one palette, but so many colors, coming together to make an intriguing society, each contributing to the world in which they live. I loved the scenes of Gian's employees at the dojo, Cinder and his mutual friends, and their trash-talking and playing around. Also how they helped each other and stood up for each other. I even liked how things worked out with one employee who really acts like an idiot over the course of this book.
This is my third book by Crystal Hubbard, and my praise for her is well-earned. She is such a good writer, and she delivers a beautiful love story, one that is more than just romance. It's fiction that hits on many cylinders, and gives the reader even more than they expected. Burn is a book I'd highly recommend.
January 14, 2011
This book has easily surpassed Crushas my favorite Crystal Hubbard book.
The very first chapter of this book immediately hooks you. It is a prologue introduction to the the penultimate chapter in the heroine, Cinder's, life with her abusive husband. It is effective because the events unfold as told by a bystander who happens upon a horrific scene of domestic violence. It sets up the rest of the story very well because you are as sure as Cinder is that her psycho husband isn't quite done with her yet.
So when Cinder moves away to a small town and starts to rebuild her life, a life that includes making new friends, creating new family and meeting a new guy, you are always aware...waiting for the shoe to drop.
Hubbard does a great job of letting Cinder open up by inches, letting us watch her blossom, and letting herself breathe a little easier. In the meantime her relationship with Gian is wonderful. He is strong, disciplined and super sexy. The romance isn't drawn out. Once Cinder realizes she is ready to actually try being with a man again she is really ready. For his part, Gian is gone on her and makes no bones about it. He knows she is it for him and he is matter-of-fact about his pursuit and feelings.
Since Gian is an Alpha hero, both he and reader assume that he is the most protection Cinder will need when her ex shows up (as know he eventually must). But Hubbard does a very gratifying thing, I won't spoil the ending, but I will say that she doesn't allow him to come riding to the rescue. As a matter of fact, the ending of the book is just as fraught, surprising and tense as the beginning.
Outside of the well executed plot and the romance between Cinder and Gian, I have to say my most favorite part of this book are the supporting characters. Oh my, each of them is memorable and add so much to the texture of the story. Gian runs a traditional Japanese dojo where he teaches the various types of martial arts. His teaching staff consists of a great cast of characters who interact with each other wonderfully. At one point Cinder looks around and thinks of them as family and it makes sense. Hubbard has crafted them as a cohesive group that work with, laugh with and squabble with each other like a family.
Hands down, though, the absolute best secondary character is Cinder's friend Zae. She needs her own book stat! She is a great construct who has the best lines and a fully formed personality that is fun to read. She steals every single scene she is in.
And finally, if you are looking for a true multicultural romance it is here. Cinder is Black and Gian is Italian. But the book is populated with characters from the entire spectrum. Chip, one of the instructors is a sunny blonde from the deep south, Sionne is Samoan, Aja the weapons master is Japanese, there is a Russian/Ethiopian/Japanese character and Cinder's ex husband is Thai/Irish. The novel has a very Eastern feel as much of it is infused with Gian's philosophy of martial arts. And there is even a great scene where they participate in a Brazilian capoeira session.
The books loses a star because while I loved Cinder's empowerment, I found a scene or two where I felt the level of her martial arts skills were a bit advanced given the amount of time she had been learning. And I needed an epilogue in the worst way!
Great book. Highly recommended!
The very first chapter of this book immediately hooks you. It is a prologue introduction to the the penultimate chapter in the heroine, Cinder's, life with her abusive husband. It is effective because the events unfold as told by a bystander who happens upon a horrific scene of domestic violence. It sets up the rest of the story very well because you are as sure as Cinder is that her psycho husband isn't quite done with her yet.
So when Cinder moves away to a small town and starts to rebuild her life, a life that includes making new friends, creating new family and meeting a new guy, you are always aware...waiting for the shoe to drop.
Hubbard does a great job of letting Cinder open up by inches, letting us watch her blossom, and letting herself breathe a little easier. In the meantime her relationship with Gian is wonderful. He is strong, disciplined and super sexy. The romance isn't drawn out. Once Cinder realizes she is ready to actually try being with a man again she is really ready. For his part, Gian is gone on her and makes no bones about it. He knows she is it for him and he is matter-of-fact about his pursuit and feelings.
Since Gian is an Alpha hero, both he and reader assume that he is the most protection Cinder will need when her ex shows up (as know he eventually must). But Hubbard does a very gratifying thing, I won't spoil the ending, but I will say that she doesn't allow him to come riding to the rescue. As a matter of fact, the ending of the book is just as fraught, surprising and tense as the beginning.
Outside of the well executed plot and the romance between Cinder and Gian, I have to say my most favorite part of this book are the supporting characters. Oh my, each of them is memorable and add so much to the texture of the story. Gian runs a traditional Japanese dojo where he teaches the various types of martial arts. His teaching staff consists of a great cast of characters who interact with each other wonderfully. At one point Cinder looks around and thinks of them as family and it makes sense. Hubbard has crafted them as a cohesive group that work with, laugh with and squabble with each other like a family.
Hands down, though, the absolute best secondary character is Cinder's friend Zae. She needs her own book stat! She is a great construct who has the best lines and a fully formed personality that is fun to read. She steals every single scene she is in.
And finally, if you are looking for a true multicultural romance it is here. Cinder is Black and Gian is Italian. But the book is populated with characters from the entire spectrum. Chip, one of the instructors is a sunny blonde from the deep south, Sionne is Samoan, Aja the weapons master is Japanese, there is a Russian/Ethiopian/Japanese character and Cinder's ex husband is Thai/Irish. The novel has a very Eastern feel as much of it is infused with Gian's philosophy of martial arts. And there is even a great scene where they participate in a Brazilian capoeira session.
The books loses a star because while I loved Cinder's empowerment, I found a scene or two where I felt the level of her martial arts skills were a bit advanced given the amount of time she had been learning. And I needed an epilogue in the worst way!
Great book. Highly recommended!
July 12, 2017
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Burn is an electric and sweet IR romance set in a small town, Webster Groves, between two individuals who have been in their own war zone. For Cinder White, it was the war zone of domestic abuse. And for Gian Pisanti, it was the military and his role in the Marine Corp and special forces. The supporting characters are all unique and colorful. A few cliches cropped up--such as the bitchy successful and oversexed OW--but I could appreciate that there were new turns here and there.
The ex-husband turned dangerous stalker comes across as OTT but it gives the novel the overall feel of a thriller. I applauded when Cinder was able to further heal herself thanks to Gian's tutelage in martial arts. It gave her confidence and fortitude. Gian's love and support did the rest. This relationship healed the effects of living in danger for long periods of time. Gian and Cinder are grateful to be released from their past through their bond.
This is a warm, well written story that was entertaining and would transition well into a film or television.
Warnings: Triggers for graphic scenes and descriptions of domestic violence and abuse, OW, strong, sexist and abusive language
Burn is an electric and sweet IR romance set in a small town, Webster Groves, between two individuals who have been in their own war zone. For Cinder White, it was the war zone of domestic abuse. And for Gian Pisanti, it was the military and his role in the Marine Corp and special forces. The supporting characters are all unique and colorful. A few cliches cropped up--such as the bitchy successful and oversexed OW--but I could appreciate that there were new turns here and there.
The ex-husband turned dangerous stalker comes across as OTT but it gives the novel the overall feel of a thriller. I applauded when Cinder was able to further heal herself thanks to Gian's tutelage in martial arts. It gave her confidence and fortitude. Gian's love and support did the rest. This relationship healed the effects of living in danger for long periods of time. Gian and Cinder are grateful to be released from their past through their bond.
This is a warm, well written story that was entertaining and would transition well into a film or television.
Warnings: Triggers for graphic scenes and descriptions of domestic violence and abuse, OW, strong, sexist and abusive language
October 17, 2015
And this is the part where I tap out. I CAN'T TAKE THE BAD FASHION. Bermuda shorts?! Khaki Bermuda shorts?! Her bad fashion is as exciting as her ideas of good sex. Seriously, I really wanted to like this book but her fashion choices, hot/cold nature, and just the cheesiness of this story is just too much. As for the writing itself, it's not bad but is just comes off uninspired for me. I wasn't a fan of the layout either. I really wanted to stick around to find out what happens with her ex- that whole storyline is super interesting and I wish the book was about that, not I couldn't wait around. I do give kudos to the author for doing a fantastic job on exploring the complexities of domestic violence and the cycle of abuse, but the story went FUBAR with the unrealistic news footage and seriously, her name is Cinder Bloch. Devil is a lie. I tried y'all. I truly did, but one pun and another God awful fashion choice did me in. I give.
July 10, 2011
An excellent story of a woman running from her past. While healing in a small town, she learns the past is never far behind. Loved Cinder and her strength and Gian is a hero I'd want to know. Ms. Hubbard scores a winner with this tale.
January 1, 2011
Once again, Crystal Hubbard's writing talents are in FULL bloom...she crafts an intelligent, emotional, HOT & spicy romance...with an INTRIGUING mixture of martial arts, sexy intimate encounters, a variety of YUMMY foods, and a BIT of suspense throughout...with Gian's private training lessons and his UNEXPECTED love, Cinder grows from a frightened, scarred, and helpless woman into an independent defender for others and herself...I also ENJOY watching Cinder's mental & physical growth throughout this novel...she's DEFINITELY a fighter...and I'd love a follow-up story with some of the secondary cast of characters...another well-written novel.
January 6, 2011
Cinder Wyatt has gone through a lot. She was nearly killed by her ex-husband. She decides to on a new start in Webster Groves to hide away from her ex-husband before he is released from prison. Gian helps her found herself again at the same time awaken feelings she thought she would never feel again. I love the book. It was very heart felt. A wonderful read.
December 5, 2010
Another well-written book from Ms. Hubbard. The narrative of the emotional tones of this novel do not move me as much as those in "Suddenly You," "Crush," or "Tempting Faith." However, it's still an enjoyable read.
September 27, 2014
Contains Spoilers
Now, I'll admit I'm a total newbie to the romance genre, I don't know much about it, all the ins and outs and the standard conventions, but I know enough to see that this book is wrong. On multiple levels.
Characters
Cinder can pass with a B-. She starts off as the victim and ends as the heroic woman who turns the tables on her abuser. Yay for her. She did something good for herself and I wanted her to not die. There's no real development to her outside of her "I'm a survivor" routine, but it was done well enough so she gets a pass.
Gian gets an C-. I just couldn't buy anything about him. He's totally ridiculous. He falls in love with Cinder at first sight more or less and halfway through the book he's proposing and being all overly gushy and generally unmanly about it. He's a supposed hot shot karate sensei, but he gets taken down pretty easily in the end. Not a knight-in-shining-armour in any sense at all. He has no control over his mouth and what he reveals to other people, and he's pretty much the domineering overbearing sensei-sama type - just injects his will into everything. *hate him*
Karl. Capital F for Fail. WTF was Karl about? He's basically an evil Karate sensei. He goes evil early on in the book, and somehow I think the evil caused him to start to suck at karate because he got beat up a couple of times (once by his Sensei and the other by Mrs. Sensei). Very rapey, racist, sexist,... and snails and puppy dog's tails... He's your basic Karate Kid movie villain who has no purpose other than to be a jerkass in any and every situation possible.
The husband, Sumchai Wyatt, gets a U (ungraded). Again, evil. 10% less evil than Karl but at least 200% more insane and inefficient. He's supposedly a math genius, but he's like the opposite of the typical math genius character you'd expect. The fact that he's Asian doesn't stereotypically make him smart or cunning. Strategist he is not.
He runs around naked cutting people's hair off and stabbing them in non-vital places. He has a gun, gets the jump on Sensei-sama and manages to shoot him three times at point blank range and not kill him. I don't know how. He fails to rob/beat up a child. He's incapable of doing anything right. Utterly incompetent.
Everybody else is just peripheral shadows that you don't really care about.
Plot
Now this is probably my fault - I watch a huge amount of TV and movies, and I read a huge amount of novels. I've taken in a couple suspense thrillers in my day, so I've sort of trained myself to be plot-aware. I like to see the groundwork being set up and anticipate the possibilities.
I get the feeling that this book was trying to be suspenseful or mysterious in some way...
FAIL.
After the first two chapters you basically have the entire plot... and now that I'm writing this I'm kinda pissed at myself for reading this through to the end. Total waste of time. Everything goes EXACTLY as you'd predict. EXACTLY
It's not realistic in any way under the sun. In less than five months, Cinder is sparring with black belts and winning. Karl was a third degree black belt I think? He gets his ass handed to him. (Although I think it's implied that it was his evilness that made him lose...Evilness has been known to do that.)
Of course, Sumchai gets released from prison, and of course no one called to inform Cinder of that fact...because why would they? Even though it's stated that everyone knows that the only person Sumchai wants to kill is Cinder.
I would think that any good Police force would at least give her a courtesy but *shrug*.
Anyway, Sumchai gets his stalk on, but everyone assumes it's the other evil guy Karl cause why not? It's not like Cinder had anyone else out to get her with an ax to grind that she lived in constant fear of. No, no, no... Of course the shady guy stalking you is Karl and not your evil husband WHO YOU KNOW IS DUE TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON AND IS OUT TO GET YOU. Of course it's Karl, because Karl is evil and therefore can be expected to do anything and everything including stalking and hiding in bushes and attacking children in mall parking lots.
Sumchai returns while everyone is making a Boo Radley out of Karl, (though Karl really was evil so it's kinda justified?), intent to get his kill on. As was to be expected.
And because he has zero brain cells, he fails to kill Gian even though he had ample time to put the gun to the guy's head and blows his brain out... (It's like he's one of The Tomorrow People who genetically CAN'T kill). Sumchai is the worst.
After failing to kill Sensei-sama, he opts to go back to finish off his wife, and surprise surprise, she kicks his ass, because she's a total BAMF now, remember? (She remembers when she's halfway through the window. She's like, "hold up, 5 months of Karate makes me a BAMF). She kicks his ass around, but then she doesn't thoroughly kick it because that would have made her less relatable I guess(?), so she leaves Sumchai to come out and commit crazy suicide by cop.
Sumchai is clearly no genius. He might have been good at calculus at some point, but he totally has no functional brain cells. There's no synapses going on up top, he's just on some kind of crazy autopilot. What has me a little puzzled is how this guy was able to be released for good behaviour. I can totally see him eating his own faeces, or rather, forcing his cellmate to eat it. I see him chanting and howling to the moon. Talking to himself. There's no way he kept all that crazy bottled up. Whichever psychiatrist was in charge of his rehabilitation ought to be subjected to a firing squad.
He is the worst planner. The worst!!! The most incompetent villain I have ever come across in any genre of fantasy. I mean, wtf Sumchai? If you want to murder people, learn to do it properly. You have to get it right at least once to get street cred. No one told him that?
This guy fails at everything!!! Have I said that before? IDK, it's just the only thing that's stuck in my head now.
And lastly the cover.
No. Fail.
I feel bad giving this book 1 star, because I see how many people are loving it and I feel maybe I'm being a meanie grouch... except I know in my heart that I have to be honest here. My conscience demanded honesty.
If Gian had died, or anyone at any point, I feel I'd have taken the whole "living under threat" situation a little better. As it was, factoring the high predictability issue and the cliche fest, this book was garish.
Now, I'll admit I'm a total newbie to the romance genre, I don't know much about it, all the ins and outs and the standard conventions, but I know enough to see that this book is wrong. On multiple levels.
Characters
Cinder can pass with a B-. She starts off as the victim and ends as the heroic woman who turns the tables on her abuser. Yay for her. She did something good for herself and I wanted her to not die. There's no real development to her outside of her "I'm a survivor" routine, but it was done well enough so she gets a pass.
Gian gets an C-. I just couldn't buy anything about him. He's totally ridiculous. He falls in love with Cinder at first sight more or less and halfway through the book he's proposing and being all overly gushy and generally unmanly about it. He's a supposed hot shot karate sensei, but he gets taken down pretty easily in the end. Not a knight-in-shining-armour in any sense at all. He has no control over his mouth and what he reveals to other people, and he's pretty much the domineering overbearing sensei-sama type - just injects his will into everything. *hate him*
Karl. Capital F for Fail. WTF was Karl about? He's basically an evil Karate sensei. He goes evil early on in the book, and somehow I think the evil caused him to start to suck at karate because he got beat up a couple of times (once by his Sensei and the other by Mrs. Sensei). Very rapey, racist, sexist,... and snails and puppy dog's tails... He's your basic Karate Kid movie villain who has no purpose other than to be a jerkass in any and every situation possible.
The husband, Sumchai Wyatt, gets a U (ungraded). Again, evil. 10% less evil than Karl but at least 200% more insane and inefficient. He's supposedly a math genius, but he's like the opposite of the typical math genius character you'd expect. The fact that he's Asian doesn't stereotypically make him smart or cunning. Strategist he is not.
He runs around naked cutting people's hair off and stabbing them in non-vital places. He has a gun, gets the jump on Sensei-sama and manages to shoot him three times at point blank range and not kill him. I don't know how. He fails to rob/beat up a child. He's incapable of doing anything right. Utterly incompetent.
Everybody else is just peripheral shadows that you don't really care about.
Plot
Now this is probably my fault - I watch a huge amount of TV and movies, and I read a huge amount of novels. I've taken in a couple suspense thrillers in my day, so I've sort of trained myself to be plot-aware. I like to see the groundwork being set up and anticipate the possibilities.
I get the feeling that this book was trying to be suspenseful or mysterious in some way...
FAIL.
After the first two chapters you basically have the entire plot... and now that I'm writing this I'm kinda pissed at myself for reading this through to the end. Total waste of time. Everything goes EXACTLY as you'd predict. EXACTLY
It's not realistic in any way under the sun. In less than five months, Cinder is sparring with black belts and winning. Karl was a third degree black belt I think? He gets his ass handed to him. (Although I think it's implied that it was his evilness that made him lose...Evilness has been known to do that.)
Of course, Sumchai gets released from prison, and of course no one called to inform Cinder of that fact...because why would they? Even though it's stated that everyone knows that the only person Sumchai wants to kill is Cinder.
I would think that any good Police force would at least give her a courtesy but *shrug*.
Anyway, Sumchai gets his stalk on, but everyone assumes it's the other evil guy Karl cause why not? It's not like Cinder had anyone else out to get her with an ax to grind that she lived in constant fear of. No, no, no... Of course the shady guy stalking you is Karl and not your evil husband WHO YOU KNOW IS DUE TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON AND IS OUT TO GET YOU. Of course it's Karl, because Karl is evil and therefore can be expected to do anything and everything including stalking and hiding in bushes and attacking children in mall parking lots.
Sumchai returns while everyone is making a Boo Radley out of Karl, (though Karl really was evil so it's kinda justified?), intent to get his kill on. As was to be expected.
And because he has zero brain cells, he fails to kill Gian even though he had ample time to put the gun to the guy's head and blows his brain out... (It's like he's one of The Tomorrow People who genetically CAN'T kill). Sumchai is the worst.
After failing to kill Sensei-sama, he opts to go back to finish off his wife, and surprise surprise, she kicks his ass, because she's a total BAMF now, remember? (She remembers when she's halfway through the window. She's like, "hold up, 5 months of Karate makes me a BAMF). She kicks his ass around, but then she doesn't thoroughly kick it because that would have made her less relatable I guess(?), so she leaves Sumchai to come out and commit crazy suicide by cop.
Sumchai is clearly no genius. He might have been good at calculus at some point, but he totally has no functional brain cells. There's no synapses going on up top, he's just on some kind of crazy autopilot. What has me a little puzzled is how this guy was able to be released for good behaviour. I can totally see him eating his own faeces, or rather, forcing his cellmate to eat it. I see him chanting and howling to the moon. Talking to himself. There's no way he kept all that crazy bottled up. Whichever psychiatrist was in charge of his rehabilitation ought to be subjected to a firing squad.
He is the worst planner. The worst!!! The most incompetent villain I have ever come across in any genre of fantasy. I mean, wtf Sumchai? If you want to murder people, learn to do it properly. You have to get it right at least once to get street cred. No one told him that?
This guy fails at everything!!! Have I said that before? IDK, it's just the only thing that's stuck in my head now.
And lastly the cover.
No. Fail.
I feel bad giving this book 1 star, because I see how many people are loving it and I feel maybe I'm being a meanie grouch... except I know in my heart that I have to be honest here. My conscience demanded honesty.
If Gian had died, or anyone at any point, I feel I'd have taken the whole "living under threat" situation a little better. As it was, factoring the high predictability issue and the cliche fest, this book was garish.
July 19, 2014
This book is near perfection.
A rock solid 4.5, if not a bit higher, which is why it rightfully earns a 5 star from me as the star system won’t account for my ambiguities in this matter.
This is a true story of love, comfort and healing, written in an expert, elegant hand. I was "there" the whole time whereas the language is rich and vibrant, engaging the mind and all five senses to the point where you want to take your time with the story to relish in the words. The delicate detail given to setting and feeling really just pulls you into the experience and adds to the realism of it all.
Like these people truly exist and you could fly out and actually come across them.
It’s just got that credible depth to it.
Burn is so romantic and really sweet, though I felt deceived by the cover. I’m not one for the body shot, “smutty” covers in the first place, as it carts these sort of books into the “cheap read” category for me, by this is by no means cheap. This book is quality and it knows it, so I wish the cover showed that off a little.
I love when a romance pleasantly surprises me with how well done it is. And an interracial romance! I think I’m in love with this author. I’m reading another from her, Mr. Fix it, and it’s got me laughing and smiling and blushing so I’m amazed at the contrast it has from the posh airy breeze of Burn, that takes itself a bit more sternly, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Speaking of burnnnnn, the sex and romance slipped easily into the action and thoroughly moved the plot along as well as the character growth, firmly supporting the characters' arcs and their progression as people. I craved Cinder and Gian’s every interaction and whenever they spoke to one another. Just loved their dialogue and chats.
In general, the story has such a natural authenticity to it that makes you go "what? This has an author? It didn't just spruce into magical existence?
Now for my criticisms. They’re relatively small, but quite pointed and did affect this story’s rating enough where it does hold that 4.5 in my book.
For one, time progressions and placement of information. While it didn’t happen too often, there were moments when there was a pretty sizable time gap that left me hungry to know what has happened in between that space.
My biggest time jump “irk” was between her arriving to take fighting classes and suddenly having been there for 2 months. I needed more.
The in-between. How things progressed. That woulda fixed my other curiously, that being how she got so good and watching the progress unfold. It was just 2 months…and she’s one of the best pupils now. While I could easily believe it, I wanted to see it.
Plus there were some questions and curiosities I had during the reading that were not meant to be mysteries and were just late-coming.
By that I mean details that came late at times, causing confusion, such as the heroine’s name (meant to be cloaked as a mystery for a moment, I know) but also who Zae was, her position in Cinder’s life, if Cinder had met Gian’s parents and where are they(since they’re mentioned like close-by but the subject not risen much)…just questions I had about people that should’ve been told earlier. Details that you could just get out and should not leave us scratching our head about.
Another thing I desired was a deeper introspective from Cinder. We get plenty of Gian but I wish the balance to Cinder was allowed to flourish and deepen sooner than later. That way, I’d have felt closer to her and not looked at her from Gian’s -male gaze- for the majority of the time. I don’t mind it in romance, but I do like to at least feel more into the heroine’s skin, being “with” her thorough enough that our connection is stronger. If the real push of the tale began with her, this probably would've been somewhat cured.
Now on the subject of Gian; while he was a strong, interesting and passionate character, he did have some questionable actions that made me raise a brow. For one, he forced Cinder out of her comfort zone quite a bit, whether training her or in social situations. It was actually good for her, but I did feel self-conscious with Cinder at those times. I can’t really bag of him that much for these things, since he did help her find her inner and outer strength in his pushiness here.
Some things I don’t excuse from him are when he tells the others (SLIGHT SPOILER) about Cinder’s past after the events that went down that day. Knowing she wanted her information private, I don’t see why he would do that, even if the people were trusted. She wouldn’t have appreciated it; I know that.
Plus, a small detail, (another slight, slight spoiler) him using her dragon design without her permission. That's just unethical. How did he get his hands on that anyways?
These things don’t by any means ruin the story or the character, but are things that twitched by brow while reading, though all the other goodness of the story softened it as I progressed.
But all and all, this tale was great. It needed an epilogue though. A breath of the aftermath just to tie the tiny loose ends. It makes me as the reader fill in my own details for there's a need to finish the story for oneself with a bit of a bow.
Another bit on the end; it was pretty high-tension and definitely climatic, but I wanted just a tinyyy bit more. A tiny bit.
As for the story's aftermath; yes you can infer the rest but still some final hoops to tie. For example, two of the main side characters who were secretly courting a little. That needed to deflate or manifest publicly. Even if he just held her hand in the end it woulda been enough indication. But I hear there’s another book following those two so it wasn’t totally left off!
All and all, definitely a well-crafted, strong and beautifully written book. Recommended to those who love a good romance and lovely language.
A rock solid 4.5, if not a bit higher, which is why it rightfully earns a 5 star from me as the star system won’t account for my ambiguities in this matter.
This is a true story of love, comfort and healing, written in an expert, elegant hand. I was "there" the whole time whereas the language is rich and vibrant, engaging the mind and all five senses to the point where you want to take your time with the story to relish in the words. The delicate detail given to setting and feeling really just pulls you into the experience and adds to the realism of it all.
Like these people truly exist and you could fly out and actually come across them.
It’s just got that credible depth to it.
Burn is so romantic and really sweet, though I felt deceived by the cover. I’m not one for the body shot, “smutty” covers in the first place, as it carts these sort of books into the “cheap read” category for me, by this is by no means cheap. This book is quality and it knows it, so I wish the cover showed that off a little.
I love when a romance pleasantly surprises me with how well done it is. And an interracial romance! I think I’m in love with this author. I’m reading another from her, Mr. Fix it, and it’s got me laughing and smiling and blushing so I’m amazed at the contrast it has from the posh airy breeze of Burn, that takes itself a bit more sternly, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Speaking of burnnnnn, the sex and romance slipped easily into the action and thoroughly moved the plot along as well as the character growth, firmly supporting the characters' arcs and their progression as people. I craved Cinder and Gian’s every interaction and whenever they spoke to one another. Just loved their dialogue and chats.
In general, the story has such a natural authenticity to it that makes you go "what? This has an author? It didn't just spruce into magical existence?
Now for my criticisms. They’re relatively small, but quite pointed and did affect this story’s rating enough where it does hold that 4.5 in my book.
For one, time progressions and placement of information. While it didn’t happen too often, there were moments when there was a pretty sizable time gap that left me hungry to know what has happened in between that space.
My biggest time jump “irk” was between her arriving to take fighting classes and suddenly having been there for 2 months. I needed more.
The in-between. How things progressed. That woulda fixed my other curiously, that being how she got so good and watching the progress unfold. It was just 2 months…and she’s one of the best pupils now. While I could easily believe it, I wanted to see it.
Plus there were some questions and curiosities I had during the reading that were not meant to be mysteries and were just late-coming.
By that I mean details that came late at times, causing confusion, such as the heroine’s name (meant to be cloaked as a mystery for a moment, I know) but also who Zae was, her position in Cinder’s life, if Cinder had met Gian’s parents and where are they(since they’re mentioned like close-by but the subject not risen much)…just questions I had about people that should’ve been told earlier. Details that you could just get out and should not leave us scratching our head about.
Another thing I desired was a deeper introspective from Cinder. We get plenty of Gian but I wish the balance to Cinder was allowed to flourish and deepen sooner than later. That way, I’d have felt closer to her and not looked at her from Gian’s -male gaze- for the majority of the time. I don’t mind it in romance, but I do like to at least feel more into the heroine’s skin, being “with” her thorough enough that our connection is stronger. If the real push of the tale began with her, this probably would've been somewhat cured.
Now on the subject of Gian; while he was a strong, interesting and passionate character, he did have some questionable actions that made me raise a brow. For one, he forced Cinder out of her comfort zone quite a bit, whether training her or in social situations. It was actually good for her, but I did feel self-conscious with Cinder at those times. I can’t really bag of him that much for these things, since he did help her find her inner and outer strength in his pushiness here.
Some things I don’t excuse from him are when he tells the others (SLIGHT SPOILER) about Cinder’s past after the events that went down that day. Knowing she wanted her information private, I don’t see why he would do that, even if the people were trusted. She wouldn’t have appreciated it; I know that.
Plus, a small detail, (another slight, slight spoiler) him using her dragon design without her permission. That's just unethical. How did he get his hands on that anyways?
These things don’t by any means ruin the story or the character, but are things that twitched by brow while reading, though all the other goodness of the story softened it as I progressed.
But all and all, this tale was great. It needed an epilogue though. A breath of the aftermath just to tie the tiny loose ends. It makes me as the reader fill in my own details for there's a need to finish the story for oneself with a bit of a bow.
Another bit on the end; it was pretty high-tension and definitely climatic, but I wanted just a tinyyy bit more. A tiny bit.
As for the story's aftermath; yes you can infer the rest but still some final hoops to tie. For example, two of the main side characters who were secretly courting a little. That needed to deflate or manifest publicly. Even if he just held her hand in the end it woulda been enough indication. But I hear there’s another book following those two so it wasn’t totally left off!
All and all, definitely a well-crafted, strong and beautifully written book. Recommended to those who love a good romance and lovely language.
September 8, 2011
Despite the fact that her ex-husband is in jail for attacking her, Cinder Wyatt knows his only thought upon release will be to kill her. So, she does what any woman with an ounce of sense does, she moves away, creates her own personal Fort Knox and takes lessons in self-defense. She does everything possible to protect herself when the unexpected happens…she falls for her sensei, former Marine Gian Piasanti. Too bad, he’s not the only one wanting to stake his claim on her.
From the moment Cinder walks into his dojo, Gian Piasanti’s intrigued. There’s something about this quiet beauty that speaks to him on a physical and emotional level. It’s obvious that she’s been emotionally scarred and every protective instinct he has is screaming to protect her at all costs whether by teaching her to fight back or taking on her battles himself.
Burn takes the reader into the world of a recovering victim of abuse. It explores it from the subtle clues at the beginning of the disastrous relationship to the moment the sirens scream and beyond. Readers are given the opportunity to watch Cinder not simply rebuild her life, but make the journey back to being who she was meant to be and discovering that true love nurtures and protects.
As a whole, it’s a good book and quite enjoyable. But it does have some slow moments that I could’ve done without and subplots involving secondary characters that as a reader I wish the author had hinted at less (I’m of the mind that the author was setting up the premise for her next book) or allowed to reach it’s obvious conclusion before Burn reached its happily ever after.
Like: The author’s attention to detail and her focusing on the subject of spousal abuse.
Dislike: Too many secondary characters. After a while, it became a bit difficult to keep track of them.
Favorite Scene: *Spoiler Alert*
When Cinder finally puts her new found skills to use, in the final scenes of the story, she was beautifully cold and calculating and I loved it.
From the moment Cinder walks into his dojo, Gian Piasanti’s intrigued. There’s something about this quiet beauty that speaks to him on a physical and emotional level. It’s obvious that she’s been emotionally scarred and every protective instinct he has is screaming to protect her at all costs whether by teaching her to fight back or taking on her battles himself.
Burn takes the reader into the world of a recovering victim of abuse. It explores it from the subtle clues at the beginning of the disastrous relationship to the moment the sirens scream and beyond. Readers are given the opportunity to watch Cinder not simply rebuild her life, but make the journey back to being who she was meant to be and discovering that true love nurtures and protects.
As a whole, it’s a good book and quite enjoyable. But it does have some slow moments that I could’ve done without and subplots involving secondary characters that as a reader I wish the author had hinted at less (I’m of the mind that the author was setting up the premise for her next book) or allowed to reach it’s obvious conclusion before Burn reached its happily ever after.
Like: The author’s attention to detail and her focusing on the subject of spousal abuse.
Dislike: Too many secondary characters. After a while, it became a bit difficult to keep track of them.
Favorite Scene: *Spoiler Alert*
When Cinder finally puts her new found skills to use, in the final scenes of the story, she was beautifully cold and calculating and I loved it.
January 7, 2016
I loved this book, I loved that Cinder wasn't a typical victim and that Gian wasn't a typical hero... they were both realistic in all ways.
Cinder was trying to start a new life away from her abusive husband who tried to kill her by stabbing her to death, and then practically got away with it by pleading temporary insanity... but like most victim's of abuse instead of running and hiding Cinder did everything she could to learn to defend herself... everything even going as far as learning martial arts... which is were she meet her hero Gian... he's the owner of the dojo she goes to learn her skill in private lessons with him. Gian is first attracted to Cinder because of her looks but as they work together he begins to admire her for her strength, courage and amazing heart.
What I loved most about this book is that Cinder and Gian didn't just jump into a relationship together, it took two months for them to even have their first date... and with amazing patients from Gian and Cinder's desire to really start her life over their love bloomed.
I also loved how, even though Gian gave Cinder all the skills she needed to protect herself, he still had a huge desire to want to shield her, but was man enough not too, he knew when to back off and let Cinder take care of herself... I also loved how in the end he didn't save her but actually peed his pants... sad but true... OMG I LOVED this man.
Cinder was trying to start a new life away from her abusive husband who tried to kill her by stabbing her to death, and then practically got away with it by pleading temporary insanity... but like most victim's of abuse instead of running and hiding Cinder did everything she could to learn to defend herself... everything even going as far as learning martial arts... which is were she meet her hero Gian... he's the owner of the dojo she goes to learn her skill in private lessons with him. Gian is first attracted to Cinder because of her looks but as they work together he begins to admire her for her strength, courage and amazing heart.
What I loved most about this book is that Cinder and Gian didn't just jump into a relationship together, it took two months for them to even have their first date... and with amazing patients from Gian and Cinder's desire to really start her life over their love bloomed.
I also loved how, even though Gian gave Cinder all the skills she needed to protect herself, he still had a huge desire to want to shield her, but was man enough not too, he knew when to back off and let Cinder take care of herself... I also loved how in the end he didn't save her but actually peed his pants... sad but true... OMG I LOVED this man.
September 3, 2015
I am not really sure what I think of this book to be honest. I felt zero connection to the characters or the story line.
I wasn't going to continue to read the book because it just wasn't my cup of tea during the first 50 pages but I figured maybe it will produce something great the further I read into it.... hmmm well I can say the storyline was interesting but something was off with how Gian and Cinder connected. Quite honestly I didn't see the connection and then it hit the "I love you" and I was like HUH... when the hell did this happen?.
So why did I give it three stars? welp because the storyline was indeed different and I did like the fact that she was a fighter in the end.. I was actually giddy when no running took place.
I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea in the end.
I wasn't going to continue to read the book because it just wasn't my cup of tea during the first 50 pages but I figured maybe it will produce something great the further I read into it.... hmmm well I can say the storyline was interesting but something was off with how Gian and Cinder connected. Quite honestly I didn't see the connection and then it hit the "I love you" and I was like HUH... when the hell did this happen?.
So why did I give it three stars? welp because the storyline was indeed different and I did like the fact that she was a fighter in the end.. I was actually giddy when no running took place.
I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea in the end.
February 14, 2011
It has been a while since I read an IR romance because many of them are so stereotypical. I was glad to see that Crystal Hubbard has a new one out. Well written, moving and funny Burn has all the trademarks of a Crystal Hubbard masterpiece. Surviving spousal abuse is the heart of this book, a more serious topic than in other books by Ms Hubbard. She handles it with sensitivity and care. The romance and banter between Cinder and Gian is exceptional and real.I love the scene where Gian tries to share a sushi fish egg with her. I am a real Crystal Hubbard fan and highly recommend Burn as one of her best.Crystal Hubbard
March 28, 2011
I enjoyed this book, it toook me longer to read it then normal, but I received my copy of She's the one by J.J. Murray and had to keep fighting with myself not to put this down and start reading it. but like I said I enjoyed the book..
I want to read about Zae and Chip now.. Everyone needs a friend like Zae. and Karl turn out not to be so bad, so I would really like to hear more on him also. Cinder and Gian were good characters, you wanted to see this couple succeeds, the scene with his aunts had me laughing, and also made me wanted to punch one, so not to give anything away.. I'lol just say that I enjoyed the book
I want to read about Zae and Chip now.. Everyone needs a friend like Zae. and Karl turn out not to be so bad, so I would really like to hear more on him also. Cinder and Gian were good characters, you wanted to see this couple succeeds, the scene with his aunts had me laughing, and also made me wanted to punch one, so not to give anything away.. I'lol just say that I enjoyed the book
July 4, 2013
4 stars. I truly enjoy this book. The drama from the beginning practically through the end. Cinder I fell so sad the way she was treated but dayum, she was My Shero, She stand up to the asshole without no turning back. Truly enjoy the love, the confessions and Capoiera (Squeek) Who wouldn't. Actually I really wanted more in ending. But still a very great book. It is true We as woman are strong, brave even though sometimes we are soft but we protect us and ours when we have to. Zea and Chip needs a book please. Bravo to Ms. Hubbard a truly good book.
July 24, 2016
This novel is full of great characters in realistic situations. Though Ms. Hubbard brought attention to domestic abuse, random violence against women, and sexual harassment she did a great job of showing how women overcome the violence even when it takes a while (years). Serious topics for a romance novel and yet Ms. Hubbard did a great job of balancing the negatives with positives. A great read!
September 29, 2012
What a beautiful crafted story... the fact that the two characters actually talk and establish a relationship is amazing and so very rare in IR romance. I liked that a lot about this book... I am fan for a well put together love story... and that is what Cinder and Gian's story was ...a captivating tale .. Miss Hubbard i officially a Fan of you writing... Thank you for this beautiful love story...
July 9, 2014
Incredible!
Burn was an incredible look at domestic violence and the healing process. Cinder overcame so much to start over. Gian was the blessing she needed. He empowered her mentally, emotionally and physically. His love and the love of her new friends helped teach her what love is all about. The story was well written and so sensitively done. Truly touched my heart, brought me to tears several times. Well done Miss Hubbard! I look forward to reading more of your work!
Burn was an incredible look at domestic violence and the healing process. Cinder overcame so much to start over. Gian was the blessing she needed. He empowered her mentally, emotionally and physically. His love and the love of her new friends helped teach her what love is all about. The story was well written and so sensitively done. Truly touched my heart, brought me to tears several times. Well done Miss Hubbard! I look forward to reading more of your work!
April 23, 2012
I liked the characters a lot, but the plot just didn't work for me. The romance went from hesitant to "Let's get married!" way too quickly (and Hubbard missed a prime opportunity to build sexual tension by not writing a few private lesson scenes), and this book already had an evil ex-husband; why did we need an evil karate instructor, too?
January 29, 2011
It was a really good book. Not only did I love the romance between Gian and Cinder. I also loved the small town they lived in, their friends, and Gian's martial arts studio, Sheng Li.
I learned a lot about martial arts and that world.
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it.
I learned a lot about martial arts and that world.
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it.
May 23, 2014
I loved everything except the sex scenes. they were horrible. the wording the author used were just too much. it screwed up every scene and it got to the point where I just skipped through all of the sexy times.
Read
June 3, 2013I'm ditching this one at 43% (Chapter 7). It's just not holding my interest. I can't picture Cinder (what she looks like) and I'm having a hard time believing pretty much every man at the karate studio is hitting on her. The relationship between her and Gian isn't working for me either.
January 2, 2011
I rated it a 2, not because I didn't like it, but because it's a typical Indigo Love Spectrum story. It's rather stereotypical.
January 24, 2013
This was much better then expected. I knew where this was going to end but don't let that stop you from reading it. Sexy fun with a big bang at the end. Keep reading B-)
January 9, 2014
I cannot think what to say about this book other than I absolutely liked every expect of it. Loving, strong characters that were determined to beat the odds.
August 19, 2022
5 .0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The second time around.
November 29, 2023
Burn is an interracial romance novel with an intriguing beginning, but a flat structure otherwise.
Cinder White has relocated to the Midwest after being almost murdered by her ex-husband. She decides to take self defense classes with her soon to be love interest, Gian Piasanti. Everyone in his martial arts dojo is instantly attracted to Cinder's skittish personality and loveliness, but only Gian will be the one who gains Cinder's trust and heart.
Cinder's storyline was the most developed, and her progression from a wallflower due to almost getting killed, to a more empowered woman, was well done. Supporting characters and the romantic storylines between Cinder and Gian and, potentially, between Zae and Chip, were somewhat clumsy.
Cinder White has relocated to the Midwest after being almost murdered by her ex-husband. She decides to take self defense classes with her soon to be love interest, Gian Piasanti. Everyone in his martial arts dojo is instantly attracted to Cinder's skittish personality and loveliness, but only Gian will be the one who gains Cinder's trust and heart.
Cinder's storyline was the most developed, and her progression from a wallflower due to almost getting killed, to a more empowered woman, was well done. Supporting characters and the romantic storylines between Cinder and Gian and, potentially, between Zae and Chip, were somewhat clumsy.
March 7, 2018
That...was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I just wanted something simple and quick to get out of the UF bender I've been on, and I got so much more with this. Romance, friendship, social issues...wow.
July 22, 2021
this book is too fuckin long
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews