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Nothing Left to Burn
"Every piece inside was forged, stolen, or remade to fit whatever version of me the world demanded."
SaraBeth looks like your average neighborhood mother of three—except she isn’t. When her family’s safety is threatened, she makes a deal she never thought she aligning herself with her husband’s dealer, in ways that blur every moral boundary she’s tried to keep intact. As she sinks deeper into his world, SaraBeth is forced to confront how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice to survive—and whether protecting her children means becoming someone they’ll never recognize.
Daniel has been in the game long enough to know how to survive without getting caught. Rules exist for a reason—and he’s followed them long enough to stay ahead. But when his enigmatic partner becomes the one variable he can’t control, Daniel finds himself entangled in a crime he didn’t commit and a fallout he never anticipated. The harder he fights to regain control, the further he descends.
Until there's nothing left to burn...
SaraBeth looks like your average neighborhood mother of three—except she isn’t. When her family’s safety is threatened, she makes a deal she never thought she aligning herself with her husband’s dealer, in ways that blur every moral boundary she’s tried to keep intact. As she sinks deeper into his world, SaraBeth is forced to confront how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice to survive—and whether protecting her children means becoming someone they’ll never recognize.
Daniel has been in the game long enough to know how to survive without getting caught. Rules exist for a reason—and he’s followed them long enough to stay ahead. But when his enigmatic partner becomes the one variable he can’t control, Daniel finds himself entangled in a crime he didn’t commit and a fallout he never anticipated. The harder he fights to regain control, the further he descends.
Until there's nothing left to burn...
516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Hauser
1 book2 followersT.L. Hauser is an emerging author, crafting edge-of-your-seat thrillers,
heart-wrenching romances, and adventure-filled fantasies.
She is a wife, mom of two, baker, musician and avid reader. When she's not writing, she enjoys aggravating her husband, who begs to stay off-page, and smothering her children with love in her North Carolina home.
heart-wrenching romances, and adventure-filled fantasies.
She is a wife, mom of two, baker, musician and avid reader. When she's not writing, she enjoys aggravating her husband, who begs to stay off-page, and smothering her children with love in her North Carolina home.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 14, 2026
I think the marketing on this book failed a little bit. It was marketed as a dark romance but for me, the romance is barely there. It was more of a suspense/thriller plotline than romance. As a suspense novel, it was everything I would want. Had me on the edge of my seat and a bit confused as to what was going on. Then came the cliffhanger? It made me so mad yet anxious for book 2. Now the characters felt a bit off to me. I didnt connect with any of them but they are intresting. How Sara Beth ended up in the situation she did baffles me. Like she irritated me big time throughout the story. Still, I'm anxious to see what book 2 brings
February 22, 2026
Nothing Left To Burn is T. L. Hauser’s debut novel and the first installment in a planned two-book series. I was thrilled to receive this as an ARC, and it did not disappoint. This story has a little bit of everything — suspense, twists, spice, and humor — and it hooked me from the very first chapter.
The ending left me hanging with a major cliffhanger, and I’m already counting down the days until book two. Releasing March 13th, this is definitely one to preorder if you’re looking to support an up-and-coming indie author. I’m excited to see what she writes next!
The ending left me hanging with a major cliffhanger, and I’m already counting down the days until book two. Releasing March 13th, this is definitely one to preorder if you’re looking to support an up-and-coming indie author. I’m excited to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I was so not ready for that ending! Can't wait for the next one!
March 9, 2026
Congrats on the Debut Novel! Part of a two book series.
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️.25: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
The story of Daniel (drug dealer) and SaraBeth (housewife turned runner) POV with Mari (business partner), a prominent character. There are two main storylines that merge into one. Hauser hits you hard right away and I was instantly shocked 😳 . Newspaper clippings and tv interviews broke up the book and provided fun teasers and had me guessing what was happening next!
Daniel…… Daniel Daniel… can you be more is single minded about sex?! As a character he was so easily exploited. If it was Mari or SaraBeth involved.. he was pathetic. Yes he was a dealer and quasi boss but his self confidence dragged him down. The amount of times he got duped because of a woman’s touch 🙄😒, he never learns.
I couldn’t imagine being SaraBeth, being so backed into a corner, you feel your body or drugs are okay forms of payment. As a suburban mom navigating the lifestyles of drugs 💉💊 and crime. She certainly did not know what she was getting into. Hauser really dug deep incorporating lifestyle issues.
Mari drove me insane in a good way! There is so much to her character and I just couldn’t wait to read her parts of the story! She is such a tease 😏 and boy does she know it. Mari could do literally whatever she wanted and exploited Daniel for game. BOSS A** B****! She is allll about control.
The ending 😱🤯 definitely left it on a cliff hanger and I WILL be reading book two! Whennnn will that be out???
You should read this if you enjoy: thriller/psychological, suspense, dark triangle romance, 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ Triggers: active cheating (one main character), drugs (yeah.. dont read this if you don’t want to hear about drugs), on page violence, on page sexual assault.
Thanks T. L. Hauser and whale of a tale publishing for the advanced copy! My mind was all over the place in a good way!
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️.25: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
The story of Daniel (drug dealer) and SaraBeth (housewife turned runner) POV with Mari (business partner), a prominent character. There are two main storylines that merge into one. Hauser hits you hard right away and I was instantly shocked 😳 . Newspaper clippings and tv interviews broke up the book and provided fun teasers and had me guessing what was happening next!
Daniel…… Daniel Daniel… can you be more is single minded about sex?! As a character he was so easily exploited. If it was Mari or SaraBeth involved.. he was pathetic. Yes he was a dealer and quasi boss but his self confidence dragged him down. The amount of times he got duped because of a woman’s touch 🙄😒, he never learns.
I couldn’t imagine being SaraBeth, being so backed into a corner, you feel your body or drugs are okay forms of payment. As a suburban mom navigating the lifestyles of drugs 💉💊 and crime. She certainly did not know what she was getting into. Hauser really dug deep incorporating lifestyle issues.
Mari drove me insane in a good way! There is so much to her character and I just couldn’t wait to read her parts of the story! She is such a tease 😏 and boy does she know it. Mari could do literally whatever she wanted and exploited Daniel for game. BOSS A** B****! She is allll about control.
The ending 😱🤯 definitely left it on a cliff hanger and I WILL be reading book two! Whennnn will that be out???
You should read this if you enjoy: thriller/psychological, suspense, dark triangle romance, 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ Triggers: active cheating (one main character), drugs (yeah.. dont read this if you don’t want to hear about drugs), on page violence, on page sexual assault.
Thanks T. L. Hauser and whale of a tale publishing for the advanced copy! My mind was all over the place in a good way!
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
March 13, 2026
intense read
This book is complex and absolutely raw. It is fast paced and the characters are deeply troubled. There is some timeline upheaval which adds to the emotional roller coaster of this story. There is a lot going on and nothing goes entirely as I expected in this adventure.
I found it hard to connect to Daniel, Mari or SaraBeth. They were very self contained but toxic characters with intense emotional responses. Everything was written with a sense of being on the edge of violence, danger or disaster.
The book is darker than I expected. Not the actions as I read darker stories, but in the heavy emotions displayed by the FMCs and MMC as manifest by the author. The intensity of the emotions was hard for me.
The book ends on a huge cliff hanger. I mean gigantic. Can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens.
This book is complex and absolutely raw. It is fast paced and the characters are deeply troubled. There is some timeline upheaval which adds to the emotional roller coaster of this story. There is a lot going on and nothing goes entirely as I expected in this adventure.
I found it hard to connect to Daniel, Mari or SaraBeth. They were very self contained but toxic characters with intense emotional responses. Everything was written with a sense of being on the edge of violence, danger or disaster.
The book is darker than I expected. Not the actions as I read darker stories, but in the heavy emotions displayed by the FMCs and MMC as manifest by the author. The intensity of the emotions was hard for me.
The book ends on a huge cliff hanger. I mean gigantic. Can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens.
February 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book.
This story leans much more into thriller/suspense than dark romance. While it was marketed as dark romance, I found the romance element to be minimal, with the primary focus centered around tension, mystery, and psychological twists.
The pacing keeps you on edge, and readers who enjoy suspense-driven plots with layered secrets will likely find a lot to appreciate here. While it wasn’t quite my personal preference in terms of romance content, I can absolutely see this appealing to readers who prefer their stories darker and more suspense-heavy.
If you’re looking for intensity, intrigue, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this may be one for you.
This story leans much more into thriller/suspense than dark romance. While it was marketed as dark romance, I found the romance element to be minimal, with the primary focus centered around tension, mystery, and psychological twists.
The pacing keeps you on edge, and readers who enjoy suspense-driven plots with layered secrets will likely find a lot to appreciate here. While it wasn’t quite my personal preference in terms of romance content, I can absolutely see this appealing to readers who prefer their stories darker and more suspense-heavy.
If you’re looking for intensity, intrigue, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this may be one for you.
March 13, 2026
This story pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. SaraBeth is such a complicated character at first she seems like a normal mother, but the choices she’s forced to make reveal layers of strength, fear, and desperation. I really appreciated how the author explored moral gray areas instead of simple good versus evil situations. Daniel’s storyline added tension and made the plot even more unpredictable. When reviewing a book like this, I think readers should mention the emotional impact, character depth, pacing, and writing style. For me, the suspense and psychological pressure were the strongest parts of the novel.
March 17, 2026
The Author of this book is a genius. She has placed bread crumbs all through out this book. I love that news cast and news articles and can’t wait until the second book comes out to see what all happens and if my theory’s are correct. I have read this book 3 times already and get something new each time. This is a MUST READ book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
For a debut novel this was pretty spectacular. The different POVs, timeline, hints, and multiple secrets all connected together made this quite the page turner.
I truly love the use of newspaper articles, news interviews and text messages to add to and break up the usual text of the novel. It was fascinating to think you knew where the story was going only to be surprised again and again. What a cliffhanger at the end, when is the next book coming?!
I was only able to give 4 ⭐️ because of Daniel. he was the bane of this novel and of my reading. He is just an insufferable character who doesn't learn and we only see him not sleep, drink, use women, and lust after someone he can't have. Every other character had depth, personality, flair, but even being a main character, Daniel had none of that. I found his chapters boring and I was skimming them by the end. Give me Mari, give me Luke!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I truly love the use of newspaper articles, news interviews and text messages to add to and break up the usual text of the novel. It was fascinating to think you knew where the story was going only to be surprised again and again. What a cliffhanger at the end, when is the next book coming?!
I was only able to give 4 ⭐️ because of Daniel. he was the bane of this novel and of my reading. He is just an insufferable character who doesn't learn and we only see him not sleep, drink, use women, and lust after someone he can't have. Every other character had depth, personality, flair, but even being a main character, Daniel had none of that. I found his chapters boring and I was skimming them by the end. Give me Mari, give me Luke!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2026
4/5
Nothing Left to Burn has many different elements in it that keep the reader intrigued - action, suspense, and even some romance.
It follows SaraBeth, a suburban housewife and mother of three who has gotten caught up in the world of drug dealing in an effort to curb her husband's debts. She struggles to keep her head afloat among an affair with a drug dealer and a very scary boss lady who doesn't believe she's cut out for the life.
The book mainly follows the perspectives of SaraBeth and Daniel, the dealer she's cheating on her husband with and answers to. However, there's also the inclusion of Mari, the head honcho who is extremely threatening and suspicious.
SaraBeth got on my nerves quite a bit, especially at the beginning. She prides herself in being this wonderful mother who will do anything for her children, yet barely mentions her children or spends any time with them throughout the book, much to her daughter Olivia's dismay. I think she is somewhat relatable though because she's in way over her head and realizing that she's not nearly as strong and tough and she thought she was. By the end of the book, I felt like maybe she was kind of realizing that she wasn't this amazing supermom, but then she would say the most horrible things to her husband, blaming him for everything. She was a frustrating character.
I have mixed feelings about Daniel. Part of you sees how deeply he can feel for someone, when it comes to Mari and even SaraBeth at times, but then again he can be so heartless, as you see with Maggie's family. I was definitely interested in his perspective because the writer did a fantastic job of showing you he's pretty blatantly not a good person, but having enough humanity for you to kind of empathize with his unrequited feelings.
Mari is a fascinating character. I really, really hated her at times, yet couldn't help admire how much she had everyone else under her thumb and how unapologetic she was. Anytime she was on the page, I was on the edge of my seat.
I think T.L. Hauser did a great job of putting you in the characters' mindsets and making you feel how high stakes this all is. Every little move you make and word you say could come back to haunt you, as we see with Daniel several times lol. It was difficult to read at times, especially during SaraBeth's portion because some truly awful things happen to her, but that just makes it an even more realistic story.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes high stakes drama and can tolerate reading about some genuinely awful events.
Nothing Left to Burn has many different elements in it that keep the reader intrigued - action, suspense, and even some romance.
It follows SaraBeth, a suburban housewife and mother of three who has gotten caught up in the world of drug dealing in an effort to curb her husband's debts. She struggles to keep her head afloat among an affair with a drug dealer and a very scary boss lady who doesn't believe she's cut out for the life.
The book mainly follows the perspectives of SaraBeth and Daniel, the dealer she's cheating on her husband with and answers to. However, there's also the inclusion of Mari, the head honcho who is extremely threatening and suspicious.
SaraBeth got on my nerves quite a bit, especially at the beginning. She prides herself in being this wonderful mother who will do anything for her children, yet barely mentions her children or spends any time with them throughout the book, much to her daughter Olivia's dismay. I think she is somewhat relatable though because she's in way over her head and realizing that she's not nearly as strong and tough and she thought she was. By the end of the book, I felt like maybe she was kind of realizing that she wasn't this amazing supermom, but then she would say the most horrible things to her husband, blaming him for everything. She was a frustrating character.
I have mixed feelings about Daniel. Part of you sees how deeply he can feel for someone, when it comes to Mari and even SaraBeth at times, but then again he can be so heartless, as you see with Maggie's family. I was definitely interested in his perspective because the writer did a fantastic job of showing you he's pretty blatantly not a good person, but having enough humanity for you to kind of empathize with his unrequited feelings.
Mari is a fascinating character. I really, really hated her at times, yet couldn't help admire how much she had everyone else under her thumb and how unapologetic she was. Anytime she was on the page, I was on the edge of my seat.
I think T.L. Hauser did a great job of putting you in the characters' mindsets and making you feel how high stakes this all is. Every little move you make and word you say could come back to haunt you, as we see with Daniel several times lol. It was difficult to read at times, especially during SaraBeth's portion because some truly awful things happen to her, but that just makes it an even more realistic story.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes high stakes drama and can tolerate reading about some genuinely awful events.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will admit that I had a tough time getting into this book. It took me until about halfway through to stop wanting to fight SaraBeth myself. The entire time, I was intrigued about finding out what was going on so I kept going. By the end, I was wanting to find the author’s phone number and be like “hey soooooo Book 2 now please….thanks” lol. I loved Mari until she brought kiddos into the adult business. Now, I just wanna know what she REALLY is up to. Guess I have to wait for Book 2, huh?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Soooo good! I’m already ready for the next book! Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m trying to keep track of all the clues, but it’s hard with a digital version. I kept wanting to flip back to double check information. Love how the author just keeps leaving breadcrumbs for the reader to follow. Each time you think you’ve got it figured out there would be a new twist. If you like morally gray characters and suspense, you’ll eat this book up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was a twist. I thought it was captivating and different. The news interview and newspaper articles were a nice touch and added to the mystery. I can't wait for the next book!
March 3, 2026
I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of this book. Honestly, I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first just because I wasn't quite sure where it was going and if I might end up disappointed in some aspects. I'd describe this as a very horny thriller! Sarabeth and Daniel are the two main characters as far as the POVs that we get, but Daniel feels like the main character while Sarabeth doesn't. We do still need her story to move the plot along. I found myself wondering just what Daniel's boss was really up to and what her motivations are and the tension between them was VERY well done! I can't wait to find out what is in store for them in the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
How far would you go for your family?
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The crime, high stakes, family, love, relationships, suspense, twists and turns...it had it all.
The pacing was excellent, it kept you thinking and wondering where things would go. Also kept you rooting for the main characters, even though they were involved in some shady things and some of their choices were questionable.
Sarabeth had me wanting to fight her but also sympathize. Her journey in this book was so raw. The protectiveness towards her family, and the lengths she went through, but that also including selling herself out..
This book will definitely take you on a wild ride, so buckle up, can't wait for book 2.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The crime, high stakes, family, love, relationships, suspense, twists and turns...it had it all.
The pacing was excellent, it kept you thinking and wondering where things would go. Also kept you rooting for the main characters, even though they were involved in some shady things and some of their choices were questionable.
Sarabeth had me wanting to fight her but also sympathize. Her journey in this book was so raw. The protectiveness towards her family, and the lengths she went through, but that also including selling herself out..
This book will definitely take you on a wild ride, so buckle up, can't wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Based on the plot summary I was convinced this book would not be for me. I decided to read it to support an indie author, so I was determined to stick it out. I could not have been more wrong. Nothing Left to Burn had me hooked from the very beginning.
I love the way T.L. Hauser incorporates newspaper clipping and TV news interviews to give you a glimpse of both the past and the future of the story. I enjoyed the switching between the POVs of the two main characters: SaraBeth and Daniel. It allows you to understand their thought process and motivations for the decisions they make.
In the beginning SaraBeth was a little infuriating to follow. She is portrayed as a damsel wrapped up in a seedy life of drugs and crime. Her motivations are easy to understand, as all she wants at the end of the day is to provide for and protect her family at the detriment of her moral compass. While I can understand the initial motivation for beginning her 'working relationship' with Daniel: working to clear her husband's drug debt and to put him through rehab. SaraBeth needs to take accountability and have some ownership for continuing down the path she has gone.
Daniel to me is an almost perfect depiction of morally grey. You can follow along with the way he leads his life, but his motivations are not always for the right reasons. And he ends up using people along the way. He has a dysfunctional relationship with both his business partner, Mari and with SaraBeth. when it comes to both ladies, the lines are completely blurred between their professional and personal lives.
Once I got to the last 25% of the book, I was unable to put it down. I had to know what happened next. Nothing Left to Burn is part 1 of a planned duology, and I will be eagerly waiting to devour part 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Based on the plot summary I was convinced this book would not be for me. I decided to read it to support an indie author, so I was determined to stick it out. I could not have been more wrong. Nothing Left to Burn had me hooked from the very beginning.
I love the way T.L. Hauser incorporates newspaper clipping and TV news interviews to give you a glimpse of both the past and the future of the story. I enjoyed the switching between the POVs of the two main characters: SaraBeth and Daniel. It allows you to understand their thought process and motivations for the decisions they make.
In the beginning SaraBeth was a little infuriating to follow. She is portrayed as a damsel wrapped up in a seedy life of drugs and crime. Her motivations are easy to understand, as all she wants at the end of the day is to provide for and protect her family at the detriment of her moral compass. While I can understand the initial motivation for beginning her 'working relationship' with Daniel: working to clear her husband's drug debt and to put him through rehab. SaraBeth needs to take accountability and have some ownership for continuing down the path she has gone.
Daniel to me is an almost perfect depiction of morally grey. You can follow along with the way he leads his life, but his motivations are not always for the right reasons. And he ends up using people along the way. He has a dysfunctional relationship with both his business partner, Mari and with SaraBeth. when it comes to both ladies, the lines are completely blurred between their professional and personal lives.
Once I got to the last 25% of the book, I was unable to put it down. I had to know what happened next. Nothing Left to Burn is part 1 of a planned duology, and I will be eagerly waiting to devour part 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews