Zara Brooks needs a fresh start. Consumed with insecurity and damaged by betrayal, Zara leaves her old life and all the heartache it holds behind her. Or so she thinks… in town are set ablaze faster than the police department can investigate, Pierce volunteers to be the lead investigator on the case.
Pierce’s investigation lands him at Zara’s front door and he’s immediately taken with her. While Zara can’t deny that he’s an attractive and well-respected man, she refuses to get involved.
Once tragedy strikes, leaving Zara vulnerable, Pierce learns there’s a lot of hurt hiding beneath her tough exterior and handles her with care. Shocked by the depth of Pierce’s kindness, Zara finds her heart yearns for more.
But Zara treads cautiously.
Because she knows how easy it is to get burned.
more
I read this story as part of a boxed set. I loved it! Definitely worth reading.
Zara Brooks has been burned too many times. First by her family and then by a cheating boyfriend, she’s ready for a fresh start in a new town. She’s ready to follow her dream of opening a floral shop to surround herself with beauty. But, she keeps to herself because she doesn’t trust anyone to truly be there for her.
Pierce Reynolds is helping to investigate a series of fires being set by an arsonist targeting local business owners. When his investigation leads him to Zara’s shop, he’s immediately attracted to her. Zara, however, isn’t ready to give him her heart . . .but just maybe she can give him her friendship.
As Pierce and Zara become closer, he wants more, but Zara just isn’t ready. When tragedy strikes, however, Pierce refuses to let Zara face it alone . . . proving to her he’s in it for the long haul. All he needs is for Zara to be willing to take a chance and believe that he’ll never let her get burned again.
I’ve really enjoyed the Cunningham Security series and love that the author gives us a new and unique couple with each new book. I adored Pierce. He’s gorgeous, patient, protective, romantic and gives Zara the time and space she needs to process. He is amazing at helping to rebuild her shattered self-esteem and truly loves her for who she is.
Zara has some major self esteem issues. She doesn’t believe she is worthy of family, friends and especially love. She’s wary of forming connections with anyone. She has troubles with forgiveness and tends to carry her grudges with her which hampers her from experiencing all life has to offer.
Watching this couple come together was really a slow-burn because of how cautious Zara was. While their romance is taking off, readers are also left pondering who the arsonist is and why they are targeting small businesses. This story arc helps to generate interest and depth in this story, although the main focus is definitely Pierce and Zara’s relationship.
Anyone who has ever been burned or suffered from self-esteem because of how someone has torn them down will fall in love with this book. 4 stars!
We all need a Pierce to come and show our inner Zara their worth
I thought this was an exceptionally well thought out and executed storyline. I was at first unsure how it would play out and when I wanted it to move along faster, Ms. Evans showed me how patience and the slow burn enhances everything more. Zara and Pierce are perfection together and this is a welcome addition to the series.
Burned is a slow burning book that is really a great story. It’s a healing story, and it was very well written. Zara is a little broken, and insecure. She definitely has her reasons. And Pierce is the glue that wants to help put her back together. I love the dialogue between the two of them. And I love how Pierce is so very understanding and has her back no matter what.
There is a lot of hope in this story. And a lot of very different happy endings. There is not a lot of action, but it is not needed. Now… I need to know what happens next…
I loved Pierce and Zara’s story. With each book I read, I start falling in love with each character more and more. I hope this series is endless!
I’m a huge fan of this series. I’ve read each and every book this author has written so this was eagerly anticipated. We’ve briefly met Pierce in previous books but didn’t really know him. Wow, what an amazing guy! When he meets Zara her life has gone thro many changes and she’s finally coming out the other side from heartache and disappointment. What follows is a beautiful man who adores his girl, but more than this is how he shows her just how beautiful she is. Not just on the outside but on the inside too. This is an all to common feeling for many women and men. It takes only a little time to doubt yourself but it’s a long road back to acceptance. So Altho this book is dealing with a serial arsonist it’s not the only plot of this book. Great characters and an awesome love story. I could hardly put this book down to sleep. Awesome book.
I love this book! Once again this author has written a story that has pulled me in. My emotions were everywhere. I love Zara and Pierce! Zara has a troubling past and feels broken. Pierce is strong and wants to help put her together. I have loved all the books in this series! Such amazing stories!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
Yet again, this author has outdone herself. Pierce and Zara’s story is the perfect tale of how the confidence and love someone feels from another can soothe the most painful burn. Zara has definitely been burned more than once in her past, but Pierce knows that he’s the man to help her realize just how much more she is than the faults of those who let her down. They’re both strong (even if Zara doesn’t see her own strength at first) and are perfectly matched. Zara gives Pierce her heart and Pierce more than proves that he’s up to the task of keeping it safe and sound, while Pierce gives Zara his heart and she protects it with all she is. I felt Zara’s pain about her not-so-past hurts with people who should always have her back, which made Pierce’s fierce protection of her that much sweeter to me.
Now to wait somewhat patiently to see what comes next for the men of Cunningham Security!
Every once in a while you get so wrapped in a that you can almost believe you are living in the story. Burned grabbed at me and pulled me in instantly. I really felt like I knew Zara, like she was somehow me. Zara’s insecurities are so relatable and yet her bravery to move across the country and start a new life are so admirable. You cannot help but love Zara right from the start. Your heart will break for her right from the beginning and as she tries to piece back her life together your heart will heal with hers.
Good luck meeting Pierce and not falling in love. He’s a strong, smart, loving, home town boy that you will fall head over heels with. He is kind and compassionate and my god, why can’t real men be like him?!! While Zara may have her insecurities Pierce has his self-confidence and it is that phenomenal attribute that he uses to convince Zara to love herself. They truly are a match!