Ignite
Summary:
After her father’s untimely demise in a mining accident and her mother’s abandonment, Lauren Lindsay is no stranger to loss. She’s used to living life for one person: herself. That is, until another family tragedy thrusts three children into her care and uproots her life in ways she could never imagine.
Lauren's first instinct is to run, until she meets their striking, mysterious neighbor Dean Powell. Their immediate chemistry and his connection with her late father just might be enough to keep her in town long enough to uncover pieces of her past that she never had answers to. Dean’s shady past and her reluctance to trust him could cost her the life she's always been searching for, but will she run back to her old life?
Or will she choose to stay and live the life her father always imagined for her? (Summary and book cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
I enjoyed reading this book, but at some points I did pause and think “Nope, no way that all could happen to one person in that short of time”. That being said, when I suspended reality for a bit this was a cute, fun read. Paradis’ writing was fantastic and very impressive for a debut author. She did a perfect job balancing a sense of mystery that keeps you wanting to read just “one more chapter” and dropping factoids about the different characters.
Dean is smoking hot (of course) and Lauren is likable and realistic. I did find her indecision/fear slightly annoying at times, but probably realistic for being dropped in the scenario she was. I particularly enjoyed Lauren’s dynamic with the three kids. Though sometimes she took an easy way out, Lauren’s relationship with them was realistic and endearing. I was very confused why it was never revealed what happened to her step-mom, it seemed like that was going to be an “Ah-hah!” moment, but perhaps that will be revealed in the sequel.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Double Decker Books.
Rating: 4 stars!
Who should read it? Fiction fans who don’t mind a little flare for the dramatic.