{ARC Review} Where There's Smoke by Elizabeth Lee

Title: Where There's Smoke

Series: Where There's Smoke #1

Author: Elizabeth Lee

Published: 20th May 2014

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for fair & honest review

Rating: 4.5/5

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BLURB:

There is something to be said for letting go. Ryland Roberts knows that better than anyone. He'd let go of his ambitions, of his family and—most of all—of her. He'd perfected the art of putting his past behind him and accepted the fact that the town he wanted to leave in his rearview was the place where he was going to live out his days. But sometimes the past doesn't just go away. Sometimes it comes back to haunt you.

Piper Jameson convinced herself that she left for all the right reasons. She'd saved people by leaving—made sure that they weren't tainted by her rebellious ways. When her little sister asks her to come home and say goodbye to their ailing mother, she's forced to see that things aren't always as they seem. The people who she'd left behind might not have been saved at all.

In the amount of time it takes a bullet to travel from point A to point B, Piper and Ryland will have to put their feelings for each other aside and make a choice. Forced on the run with Piper's sister, they begin to understand that the future they thought was gone was never really lost.

A Fast Paced, Adrenaline Packed Romance!

REVIEW:

The story:

Wow, this book was so so much more than the blurb suggests. Piper is back in her old hometown to say goodbye to her sick mother and support her sister. But her return sets off a chain reaction of event nobody could have seen coming. 6 years earlier, after being falsely accused of setting fire to the airport hanger, Piper leaves town, not knowing Ryland was handing himself over to the police to protect her. 6 years later and her ex Ryland is not happy to see her return, still bitter over her running away. But as secrets are revealed it becomes clear that neither of them really knew the whole story of what happened all those years ago.

It's actually quite difficult to say much about the story after 42%, as something MAJOR happens that you absolutely must experience yourself!!! I actually gasped out loud I was that shocked! All I will say is that there was so much drama, mystery and passion to keep you on the edge of your seat until very last word!!

The characters:

Piper may not be the perfect girl, and she's made her fair share of mistakes. But her intentions have always been in the best interest of the people she loves. After taking care of herself for the past 6 years, it's difficult for her to trust anyone else to look out for her, but if anyone can break through her tough exterior it's Ryland.

Ryland changed a lot over the 6 years, from the shy nerdy boy in school, to the strong and confident man he is today. After having his future taken away from him, he's also bitter and and angry at the world (and Piper). But after reconnecting with Piper, we see that the sweet & caring guy is still there. He would do anything to protect Piper and her sister Hadley and it's hard not to love him for that.

Hadley, Piper's younger sister, is a fabulous secondary character, and is such an important part of this story. On the outside she's a sweet girl, who never breaks the rules, but she's been through a lot. It soon becomes clear that her bright smile is hiding a lot of painful secrets and she most certainly has a story to tell!

The romance:

Who doesn't enjoy a good lover's reunited romance?! After fall in love in high school and making plans for their future, being torn apart was rough on both of them. But after their initial shock of seeing each other again, they quickly realise that the chemistry is still there and stronger than ever. There was a Romeo & Juliet vibe to their romance, with both of them willing to sacrifice everything for the other.

The writing:

Elizabeth has taken some bold chances by writing a story that pushes the boundaries of what's right and wrong. I was constantly asking myself what I would do in their situation. The intensity of the story was overwhelming and really pushes to plot forward at fast pace. There was certainly not dull moment is this story!

FINAL WORD:

Filled with sweet, sexy and heart stopping moments Where There's Smoke is a fast paced, adrenaline packed romance!!!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium-strong / several sex scenes

Violence: medium-strong / a descriptive, violent scene

Language: medium / some f words

Drugs & alcohol: mild