One night changed an entire town.Ten years ago, I left Hawk Valley. I never planned to return. Not to the regrets. The bitter memories. The guilt.My baseball career gave me both the excuse and the money I needed to start over. Then my mom called, and I found myself headed back to the one place I swore I wouldn’t step foot again.Meeting Delilah wasn’t part of the plan. Falling in love with her … plan. Falling in love with her adorable son was even less so. And yet, what’s brewing between us is too intense to be denied. The unexpected passion is almost enough to distract us from the crumbling of both our worlds.
But even as the sparks fly, someone is waiting in the shadows to burn it all down.
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Every now and then i read a book that leaves me wanting in my own life what the characters i the book have. Such is the connection between Delilah and Gunner. These are two people wary of getting close to anyone, having been previously hurt – not by relationships, but by life. I was not anticipating the way the mystery ended, and the end of the story was perfect. There’s certainly an ongoing story between these two that could be told, but why not leave it as is – for the reader’s imagination. This is my first book by Renshaw, but it will not be my last.
This book did not disappoint!!
After reading book one (Ember) I was wanting to know more about the Fire and this book brought so much to light.
Ridge and Zoe’s lives changed that night as did many. However, the pull between them was not something either of them was expecting.
Zoe’s life was turned upside down that night when everything went horrible wrong. With the help of someone very close to her she runs from it all. After 11 years she finally comes back to Hawk Valley. However, she was expecting to be in and out. This really doesn’t go as planned. Will she be able to leave after being back and getting back relationships she thought she lost.
Ridge’s life also changed that fateful night. It was his first day on the job and he wasn’t expecting what he saw. He had his first save that night and wanted to know more about this girl. Now a decade later he still wonders what happened to her. When she come back to town he knows he wants to find out. However, will he be able to survive her after she moves on or can he convince her that what she needs is in Hawk Valley.
The emotions that Emma Renshaw pulled out of this book are beyond me being able to explain. Oh, the twists through in had me trying to wrap my head around what happened.
I can’t wait for more of this series.
I’m not sure I can put into words just how much I loved this book! Emma Renshaw has such a gift for storytelling that you can picture yourself in the book. Ember hooked me in on the first page and I could not get enough. Gunner and Delilah had such incredible chemistry and I loved how much Gunner not only showed his love for Delilah but for Tucker too. There were so many twists and several moments when I literally said “I did not see that coming”. I highly recommend Ember but just be prepared to have it glued to your hands because you will not want to put it down!
Ember was a great, fast-paced, emotional, sweet, small town romance w/drama and suspense. The chemistry between Gunner and Delilah was undeniable. Enjoyed their story.
Ember is my first read from Emma Renshaw and let me tell you the author did not disappoint me with this book. From her prologue to the novel and the epilogue, everything was just perfect. The suspense, the thrill the ugly cry, the sobbing and the steamy parts.
A beautiful story about coming home again after a tragedy. Some twists and turns, great chemistry and banter and a bit of suspense thrown in there to top it off. Looking forward to more of this series.
Finally a new series from Emma and I am in love! After the loss of his father in childhood, Gunner is full-steam ahead to make it to the MLB after graduation with his best friend Declan. But the night before, tragedy strikes, and Gunner spends the next ten years running from his past – until now. Returning home, he starts to deal with what happened all those years ago, and in the process meets Delilah and her son Tucker, and falls in love. Delilah has taken on the role of motherhood after her cousin leaves after childbirth, and it becomes the family secret. Raising Tucker as a single mother with the help of her family, when she meets Gunner, she’s unsure of how a relationship would work with him. But when Tucker’s mother comes back in the picture, Gunner becomes Delilah’s rock. The twist and turns throughout this book have me reeling! I went through all the emotions, between both Gunner and Delilah’s families, and even Gunner’s past! At first I was certain who was behind the trouble for Delilah, and then a switch flipped and I instantly knew who was behind it all, and the ending was much how I predicted it. What a wild ride of a storyline – and I’m so excited to see it continue! I love the unique aspect that the series will revolve around those affected by that night ten years ago, and I can’t wait to see who all gets their HEA!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
When Gunner comes home to be there for his mother during her medical fight, the last thing he expects is to meet a single mom and her son and fall in love them. He’s a professional baseball player that knows better than to start a relationship, especially one that has a definite expiration date. Plus there’s someone out there that doesn’t want them together, and they’ll have to fight like hell to figure out who and to stop them if they want a chance at happiness.
I like this somewhat suspenseful romance. Both Gunner and Delilah are wonderful characters and have amazing chemistry. I appreciated that Gunner wasn’t portrayed as the typical manwhore athlete, and Delilah wasn’t over the top or meek, she was just a mom who loved her son with all her heart. I know Ridge and Zoe’s story is next, Ignite, and I can’t wait!
My first ever review! . I was given this ARC. Loved the characters which developed quickly and didn’t take many chapters of blahblahblah to figure out. Emma Renshaw has a style of writing that sucks you in from the start and keeps you there to 1am! Lol. The H was super likable and the h held her own with a little pushback towards the end. Very realistic issues. HEA which is nice it’s not a trilogy!!! My new favorite author. If you like her style of writing don’t miss her Vow series!
Wow!!! This story was so good. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. The characters in the story are just so wonderful and genuine. I think I fell in love with them all!
The story had a lot of different things going on in it. It was definitely super heartbreaking at times and other time it had me laughing and/or smiling so much. I would recommend it.
“Ember by Emma Renshaw was an incredible story!!! Emotional, lovely, beautiful and so sexy!!! I’m a romantic girl and this book gave me all the feels. Both Delilah and Gunner were a match made in heaven. I adored both of them so much and their relationship was lovely and their chemistry made everything most perfect. A small town romance that gave me all the feels. I’m looking forward for more Emma books.”
This story has a tragic beginning that will break your heart as it is a realistic possibility. It has been ten years since Gunner has returned to his home town and he is not comfortable being back. Gunner has achieved his dream of playing pro baseball but not with out hard work and his personal demons to drive me forward. His Mom has told him to come home now that his baseball season has ended. He is back and he thought his life was unsettled before hand…..now it is about to be upended. It all starts with Delilah’s cookies at the cabin resort he is staying. This story has a few twists for both of these characters along with an instant attraction that pulls at their hearts and yours. A great story, enjoy!
I enjoyed Delilah and Gunner’s story. This was a nice book to begin a new series. As you read, you keep changing your mind as to how this entire thing is going to play out. So, there is an air of mystery about this book. I liked the secondary characters as well, and you know at the end that at least some of them are going to get a book as well. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.
Oh my, I devoured this book I one go. (Thanks Lockdown, lol)
Gunner Gentry had his whole life in front of him. Him and his best friend, Declan was going pro baseball and life was good. But then an accident happened. Now years later Gunner is a famous baseball player living it up. But now he has to go home. He hasn’t been home since he left for baseball, but his mother needs him.
Then he meets Delilah and her son Tucker. He never thought anything would come before baseball but now it seems he has found something else he wants to live for.
Delilah is a chef at her parents Inn. Her life is good. Her son and coming keeps her busy. But now someone is threatening to take her son and on top of that she thinks she has met the man of her dreams ans But does she have the time for Gunner or will this threat take away her happily ever after
This was a good story. It had love, romance, angst, suspense and so much more. Gunner was just too cute, especially how he wanted to take care of his mother of Delilah and her son. Always protecting them. Delilah was a mama bear taking care of her young ad she wasn’t going to let anything or anyone stand in her way. I hope we get more stories in this line. Especially Mackenna’s story
The title is a hint, the story will blow you away!…
Flawlessly written & so well crafted this story will keep you on the edge of your seat but when you sit back to enjoy all the feel good moments another sucker punch derails you. Edgy, sexy, dark but also caring & healing but is it enough, can true love win through in the end? Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
My first new read 5 star book of the year!!!! OMG this was a breath of fresh air. I have been struggling with books with year so far and this makes up for that. Emma Renshaw has a beautiful ability to weave together a story with wonderful, full characters who are vulnerable and show many parts of themsevles. All while the story has enough going on and a dash of suspense to keep you more enthralled. I really love the main characters, and the way that Gunner and Delilah connect to one another. Highly suggest reading this (and all other books of hers).
Beautiful, emotional, heartwarming, sexy. I could go on and on with so many different ways to try to describe what Emma Renshaw delivers in Ember and it would never be enough to do this book justice. You simply have to pick it up and read it to feel first hand the magnificence of this book. I’ve loved each and every book from this author but Ember puts her on a whole new level. What’s a step uo from autobuy? Obsessed stalker who tries to read over her shoulder just to get some of those high quality hits of words?
Delilah and Gunner are one seriously swoony couple. Aside from some seriously powerful instant chemistry they have an emotional connection I can’t even begin to explain that really, REALLY made me fall in love with them together.
I Love Emma Renshaw so much! I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read.
Right out of the gate in the Prologue I was hooked on this story and my heart was ripped out! Which sounds horrible but it is So So good!
Gunner is my type of Hero! He’s a Hot athlete but he can be vulnerable!
Delilah is independent and she can be feisty! I really loved seeing her relationships with every character in the book. She’s fiercely loyal and I loved her and Tuck so Much!!
This story has a bit of Everything I love in a book! It has heartache, love, a hot athlete, a protective brother, a little suspense, and a smart mouthed little kid you want to hug so tight! Definitely a touching story!
This is absolutely a Must read!
– received an arc for an honest review.
My first Emma Renshaw read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was amazing from cover to end. It’s a sports romance read but it also has that small town appeal. It’s heartwarming and had touches of emotin. I really love both characters.
Gunner is returning to his hometown after many years, the one place which holds many memories, some good, some very sad, including the death of his best friend Declan. But he really needs to go back to look after his mom who really needs him.
Delilah is a young single mom who is the chef at the cabin where Gunner is staying. The chemistry between Gunner and Delilah was instant. It wasn’t forced or rushed and it was natural. Along with other characters like Tucker, Colt and Gunners mom, I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the little bit of mystery it contained as well and I’m glad it was able to be summed up with a HEA in the end. I really look forward to read more from this author!!!
Overall Grade: 1/2
“And I knew that these two had the power to move baseball to the side and become the center of my world.”
You know when you read a romance, and it surprises you. Not in an evaluative way; in a way that you didn’t expect the story set before you. A blurb can only tell a reader so much. It’s really a teaser of the story, and in my experience, it rarely provides enough detail to fully illustrate a story. Emma Renshaw’s Ember is that such story. There were a few reasons I wanted to read this ARC: (1) sports romance (that is one of my fav genres), (2) bachelor baseball player + single mother (one of my fav tropes), (3) small-town romance (another fav genre) and (4) I’ve read Renshaw previously, and I wanted more time with her stories. This genre felt outside her “wheelhouse,” and my curiosity wanted to be indulged. What I can tell you is that Emma Renshaw’s Ember is a delightful surprise. I think the word “delightful” might be a stretch because this book is heavy with an emotional gravitas that holds you captive throughout its story.
It’s hard to say exactly if there is a main message. I’ve teased a message of redemption in my social media build-up, but that isn’t the correct word as there are few characters, if any, who require redemption. Given the hero’s backstory, that word doesn’t fit the feel of this story. If anything, through the journeys of the hero and heroine\, there is a message about forgiving one’s self.
The book begins with a trauma in the life of Gunner, the hero. He leaves his hometown to pursue his baseball dreams, and he doesn’t look back. There is pain there. Ten years later, he returns to care for his mother. Returning to town brings back the ghosts of his past, and he struggles with forgiving himself for his life. He meets Delilah, the daughter of the owners of the bed and breakfast where he stays. Delilah is the chef for the inn, and she has an eight-year-old son who sees Gunner as his baseball hero. As Delilah and Gunner grow closer, Gunner begins to envision a different future for himself. Like Gunner, Delilah’s life is complicated by her own past. With their lives entwining deeper, will Gunner and Delilah find their future together, or will they struggle with their pasts, keeping them apart?
There are three collective elements of Ember that make it a must-read. For one, Renshaw’s characterizations of Gunner and Delilah are complicated. It’s easy to say that Delilah is a single mother, but, without ruining the story, there is more to that story. She isn’t “simply” a single mother; the topic of addiction underpins her story. Renshaw writes Delilah’s somewhat co-dependent nature so well that you realize she is multi-layered beyond a “single mother.” Additionally, Gunner’s life is complex. Through his character, Renshaw illustrates the difficulty of moving past trauma. There are guilt and regret that is woven in trauma. Renshaw elaborates this perspective beautifully into Gunner’s character. He becomes the emotional centerpiece of Ember. With that, he eventually (at least in my opinion) becomes the most emotionally available. Renshaw allows him to more easily fall for Delilah as he forgives himself and seeks to live his best life.
The second element of this book that makes it a must-read is its story. For me, this was the biggest surprise because this story is not really a sports romance. There is an element of romantic suspense that surprises the reader. Given that the story already centers on trauma and addiction, the romantic suspense felt a bit unnecessary. That would be my only criticism of this story. Yes, it was a surprise, and it obviously offers a genre for readers who like that. Yet, it felt like one more “thing” to wrap your mind around. However, the depth of the story related to Gunner’s trauma and subsequent journey, Delilah’s story about addiction, and Gunner’s mother’s illness are enough to pull you through Ember to the last page.
The third element of this book that sets it above many other stories is its writing. I know this seems a bit “on the nose;” however, Renshaw uses her “fire” metaphor and carefully intertwines it in her story. It isn’t simply the title; instead, feelings and thoughts are described in fiery elements. It’s a reminder to the reader that new lives will be built after the fire has burned down the past. Believe it or not, writers can often struggle with carrying a metaphor through their writing to completion. Renshaw’s craftsmanship shines in this way throughout Ember.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from Emma Renshaw’s story of a bachelor baseball player and a single mother. What Ember does is offer a story of two people drawn to each other so distinctly that their lives will never be the same again. There is definitely strife and tension between these two, but once their hearts recognize each other, life changes, and the struggles of their past pale in comparison to their future. It’s this truth that keeps this story exciting and the reader turning the page.