FALLING STAR by Brandy L Rivers
Series: Combustible #2 – Standalone
– SYNOPSIS –
One day of hell changed her forever.
Ella Cross wanted to bury her on-screen persona even before her abduction. Being in the spotlight grew worse after the ordeal. She left Raven Star behind to find herself again.
A fresh start.
No ties to her past.
In a small town where only her oldest friend knows who she was, she believes her secrets are safe. But secrets never stay hidden forever. Sooner or later the past always resurfaces.
Then she meets him.
Trent Ward can’t resist his new neighbor. Ella is familiar, but he can’t place why. He knows she’s running from something. As much as he wants to protect her, he wants to unravel her mystery.
Between his demons and her past, Trent may not have the strength to explore the growing connection to Ella.
Will he save her from her worst nightmare?
– PURCHASE –
– MELINDA’S REVIEW –
I received a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
This is the second book in the combustible series and is a standalone you do not have to read Heart on Fire. However, this series is so good you will want to. Brandy L. Rivers has a way of writing strong women who have been through a lot and is trying to overcome it without being weak and dependent on a man.
Ella is tired of being in the spot light 24/7 she needs to get away she takes off to take up residents in a small town near her friend Mila. Ella has secrets that she wants no one to find out. She has panic attacks and tried to handle things on her own but after meeting her neighbor Trent he was determined NOT to let her do it on her own.
Trent is the fireman next door and is drawn to Ella. She is familiar to him but has no idea why but his 9 year old nephew has it figured out. Trent is determined to help Ella get over her nightmares. However, he has his own issues he is working through. Will Trent be able to hlp Ella get over her past even when old ghosts begin to appear.
I enjoy Brandy L. Rivers writing style but this one was one of the best. There is drama but not over the top, suspense that has you turning the pages, and love of a family and friends. I am loving this series just as much as her paranormal series.
A few of my favorites:
“Ella, I’ve been invested since you ran into me at the store. You’re different than any other woman I’ve ever met. We have a connection. No one has ever made me feel this way.”
“She seemed surprised you were with a girlfriend.” “I dated. I don’t think I called any of them my girlfriend. None of them were you. I’ve had sparks, but never fire.”
– EXCERPT –
Ella noticed the condensed milk behind her and set her phone in the shopping cart before turning back. She ran right into a solid wall of man and stumbled back, pulling her hands up in a defensive stance.
He caught her upper arms before she fell and pulled her upright. She jerked away as her breath came in heavy pants.
“Hey, you all right?” His warm baritone eased the building panic, followed by pale blue eyes holding her gaze, calming the sudden fear.
Once her heartbeat slowed, she quickly took him in. Hair as black as night, icy blue eyes, pale skin, full pink lips. The emblem on his uniform struck a chord and the rest of her tension rolled away.
A nervous laugh escaped. “Sorry. I didn’t see you there.”
He ducked his gaze, a slight smile on his lips. “My fault.”
“Mine. I wasn’t looking.” I’m an idiot.
He chuckled. “I’ll admit, I was staring. You look familiar. Just trying to figure out why.”
No, no, no! He can’t know who I am. Shaking her head, she backed toward her cart and closed her eyes. Her heart tried to pound its way out of her chest.
“Sorry. Too forward?” He shuffled away one step and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I wasn’t trying to come on to you. You really do look familiar, and I can’t figure out why.”
She pushed the black frames up her nose and shrugged. “I’ve been in town all of an hour. Never been here before in my life.”
Recognition lit up his face and her heart sank. Maybe settling down was a really bad idea.
“Mila’s friend? Ella, right?”
Nodding, she took a relieved breath. “Yeah.”
“Must have seen pictures of you over at her house.”
“Oh.” A frown pulled at her lips.
He shook his head. “Damn. Hey, sorry. I’m Trent Ward.” He held out his hand, and she took it cautiously.
“Hi, Trent. Look, I’m doing a little shopping now that I’m finally here. I drove all day long and I’m tired, but I need food. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
Her nervous rambling made him smile. “You will. I live across the street from you.”
“Huh. Have a nice night.” Dipping her head, she grabbed the condensed milk and dropped it into the cart before hurrying out of the aisle.
– ABOUT THE AUTHOR –
Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her two main series are Others of Edenton and Others of Seattle. She has also written a couple contemporary stories. An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. Her secret lair, guarded by a pint-sized pound puppy who imagines himself a hellhound, contains a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and put out with new creations she is constantly dreaming up. Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.
– social media links –
