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Severton Search & Rescue #3
Smoldered
He’s been saving her all her life, but can she save her heart from him?
Rayah Maynard’s loved her brother’s best friend for pretty much as long as she can remember, which unfortunately is the problem. He still sees her as the kid who he constantly needed to rescue whenever she got into trouble.
Jonny Graham has devoted himself to his three children and his career as a firefighter since his wife died when his youngest was just a baby. When his best friend’s sister starts setting him up on dates, he realizes she’s not the fearless kid who hung around with them, but can he trust her to keep herself - and his heart – safe?
Rayah wants to prove to Jonny she doesn’t need to be rescued anymore. When an arsonist puts the safety of the small town in jeopardy, she might have to choose – the man she’s loved for years or her town.
If she can stay safe enough to make that choice.
This steamy small town single dad, friends-to-lovers, firefighter romance is part of the Severton Search & Rescue series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Rayah Maynard’s loved her brother’s best friend for pretty much as long as she can remember, which unfortunately is the problem. He still sees her as the kid who he constantly needed to rescue whenever she got into trouble.
Jonny Graham has devoted himself to his three children and his career as a firefighter since his wife died when his youngest was just a baby. When his best friend’s sister starts setting him up on dates, he realizes she’s not the fearless kid who hung around with them, but can he trust her to keep herself - and his heart – safe?
Rayah wants to prove to Jonny she doesn’t need to be rescued anymore. When an arsonist puts the safety of the small town in jeopardy, she might have to choose – the man she’s loved for years or her town.
If she can stay safe enough to make that choice.
This steamy small town single dad, friends-to-lovers, firefighter romance is part of the Severton Search & Rescue series but can be read as a stand-alone.
304 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 20, 2019
162 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 1, 2021
I have to be completely honest. I waited several days before I wrote this because I need to fully digest what I just read! This book is by far my favorite in the Severton Series, I fell so in love with Jonny for the simple fact that he's raising 3 kids alone, but is smart enough to accept help. Rayah is his biggest helper, she watches the children as often as she can, partly because she loves kids and partly because she's been in love with Jonny since they were kids. But she won't act on it, not until he makes the first move. This is a beautifully written slow burn romance with a more mystery like the other books, and a lot of comedy. Though it's a standalone, you do get to see some of your favorites from the first two books. But one character stands out to me most in this book and it's Charlie, one of Jonny's kids. I know you thought I was going to say Sadie Grace and as much as she steal scenes again, Charlie will steal your heart. This kid had me crying, laughing and loving all throughout the book!
I received an ARC in return for my honest review.
I received an ARC in return for my honest review.
August 28, 2019
Here we have Rayah and Jonny....watching Rayah hold the ember for Jonny since book 1 has generated quite the build up and it didn't disappoint...that slow smolder has burned just right until it flashed alight. Seeing their comfort with and respect of one another and the kids made you feel good. Jonny was cute and shy flirting with Rayah. They had a tenderness and care for one another that existed before there were any romantic feelings and that was great. Add to that all the creepy mystery of the house on the hill and the dangers continue with explosive fires, dead bodies and the mob...
Which brings me to the fantastic easter eggs laid out for us in anticipation of the next chapter in the Severton saga. First there is friendly farmer Jake and who will capture his attention, but the bigger mystery and build up is Alex....quiet, reserved, policeman Alex who is holding onto some secret and is Abbie-the-Bartender involved....that is what I am looking forward to knowing. Fingers crossed that Alex solves the crimes happening in Severton and the good guy gets the bad guys. Maybe that should be the title of Alex's installment....Captured!!
Which brings me to the fantastic easter eggs laid out for us in anticipation of the next chapter in the Severton saga. First there is friendly farmer Jake and who will capture his attention, but the bigger mystery and build up is Alex....quiet, reserved, policeman Alex who is holding onto some secret and is Abbie-the-Bartender involved....that is what I am looking forward to knowing. Fingers crossed that Alex solves the crimes happening in Severton and the good guy gets the bad guys. Maybe that should be the title of Alex's installment....Captured!!
December 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Rayah Maynard has loved her brother best friend for years, but he only sees her as a little sister. When she starts to help find him dates to show his sons and his daughter the proper way to be a man and how a man should be it backfires in a good way. He finally is forced to see what everyone sees. Rayah is amazing.
Without naming what they are doing there is a lot of self-doubt and second guessing on both sides leading to miscommunication and angst moments. While it was fine for a while it just got too much for me. Also, the ending while we get the HEA the trouble doesn't have a conclusion its pushed I guess to the next book which I didn't like at all.
Rayah Maynard has loved her brother best friend for years, but he only sees her as a little sister. When she starts to help find him dates to show his sons and his daughter the proper way to be a man and how a man should be it backfires in a good way. He finally is forced to see what everyone sees. Rayah is amazing.
Without naming what they are doing there is a lot of self-doubt and second guessing on both sides leading to miscommunication and angst moments. While it was fine for a while it just got too much for me. Also, the ending while we get the HEA the trouble doesn't have a conclusion its pushed I guess to the next book which I didn't like at all.
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August 21, 2019Firefighter single dad, a sassy teacher, friends-to-lovers plus the suspense of an arsonist on the loose in Severton make Smoldered my new favorite of the series.
Jonny is a hardworking, loving father who heavily relies on his best friend to make his family work. Rayah has been in love with her best friend forever but is reluctant to make a move that might destroy their friendship. They soon find out that best friends just might make the best lovers.
This is a very emotional (and steamy!) story about friends, taking chances and trusting the ones you love. There are plenty of fun moments provided by Sadie Grace and the rest of the quirky residents of Severton. I can't wait to read more about this fantastic town.
Jonny is a hardworking, loving father who heavily relies on his best friend to make his family work. Rayah has been in love with her best friend forever but is reluctant to make a move that might destroy their friendship. They soon find out that best friends just might make the best lovers.
This is a very emotional (and steamy!) story about friends, taking chances and trusting the ones you love. There are plenty of fun moments provided by Sadie Grace and the rest of the quirky residents of Severton. I can't wait to read more about this fantastic town.
August 24, 2019
When was the last time you were captivated by a book? Well let me tell you I was just held captive by this book. I couldn’t put it down. This is my first book by this author and I can already tell you it won’t be my last. I’ve been informed that this is the third book in this series. Let me assure you this is a standalone. However, I will be going back to read the first two books in this series because I need to find out more about the other characters I fell in love with while reading this story.
I don’t do spoilers. It’s my opinion that it’s not fair to the author. You can read the blurb and then read the book. What I will tell you is that this story has everything you’re looking for in a good book. You will get all the feels and some you probably are not expecting. You’ll get your smiles, laughs, tears, intrigue, mystery, family, drama, romance, and heat. I have to tell you what really melts my butter is not the description of the heat (which is great) but Jonny’s intimate talking during, before and after. The little whispers, the taking charge, the aftercare. So many times in books and real life the deed is done and then it’s bedtime. You don’t read the tenderness. It’s three times of great sex and then sleep. Not in this book. I found out it greatly affected me and how I felt while reading it.
Another important aspect of this book that I really like is how true to life it is. These characters are people you could know on a personal level. Too, you may become frustrated by them. They bring so much to the table in the area of not communicating and hiding their truth. I believe this is how many people in relationships are. They fail to live up to their true self in fear that they will jeopardize what they have. They don’t realize it could be so much more.
One of my favorite parts of this story are the children. They are enchanting and real. They have no filter. They are the definition of truth. There’s an old saying that goes, “If you want the truth ask a child”. Children are definitely smarter than adults. One of the things we do find out is that life could be so much simpler but we make it so much more complicated than it needs to be. Thereby wasting valuable time. Again, it’s fear of upsetting the Applecart. There’s so many times in life we are willing to risk and trust our judgment except when it comes to our heart. We are willing to settle.
Jonny is the man, the father, the boyfriend with whom we would all like to become acquainted.
Rayah, is independent, smart, headstrong, a true friend and has a heart full of love in all ways.
They are the epitome of the saying, “you can’t see the forest for the trees”.
I think you can tell I loved this book. To the author I say, well done. To the readers I say this is a book that deserves to be read and you deserve to read it.
I don’t do spoilers. It’s my opinion that it’s not fair to the author. You can read the blurb and then read the book. What I will tell you is that this story has everything you’re looking for in a good book. You will get all the feels and some you probably are not expecting. You’ll get your smiles, laughs, tears, intrigue, mystery, family, drama, romance, and heat. I have to tell you what really melts my butter is not the description of the heat (which is great) but Jonny’s intimate talking during, before and after. The little whispers, the taking charge, the aftercare. So many times in books and real life the deed is done and then it’s bedtime. You don’t read the tenderness. It’s three times of great sex and then sleep. Not in this book. I found out it greatly affected me and how I felt while reading it.
Another important aspect of this book that I really like is how true to life it is. These characters are people you could know on a personal level. Too, you may become frustrated by them. They bring so much to the table in the area of not communicating and hiding their truth. I believe this is how many people in relationships are. They fail to live up to their true self in fear that they will jeopardize what they have. They don’t realize it could be so much more.
One of my favorite parts of this story are the children. They are enchanting and real. They have no filter. They are the definition of truth. There’s an old saying that goes, “If you want the truth ask a child”. Children are definitely smarter than adults. One of the things we do find out is that life could be so much simpler but we make it so much more complicated than it needs to be. Thereby wasting valuable time. Again, it’s fear of upsetting the Applecart. There’s so many times in life we are willing to risk and trust our judgment except when it comes to our heart. We are willing to settle.
Jonny is the man, the father, the boyfriend with whom we would all like to become acquainted.
Rayah, is independent, smart, headstrong, a true friend and has a heart full of love in all ways.
They are the epitome of the saying, “you can’t see the forest for the trees”.
I think you can tell I loved this book. To the author I say, well done. To the readers I say this is a book that deserves to be read and you deserve to read it.
September 24, 2019
Jonny, Jonny, Jonny, I had no idea you would be such a dirty talker. I’m so glad you are. We’ve seen Rayah in love with Jonny secretly since book 1. It was wonderful for Jonny to finally see her, really see her as something other than his best friend’s sister. (Which happens to be my favorite trope). Rayah has always been there helping out with the kids. This wonderful love hiding in plain sight right under his nose. What’s not to love about Jonny? He’s a sexy, single dad fireman. You’ll want to be Rayah when you grow up. This book couldn’t be more aptly named. In other news, the mystery in town is really heating up. What’s up with Alex?
September 1, 2019
This book had so many good parts. I loved the romance, the friendship, and even the dabs of mystery and suspense that came with with it. Jonny and Rayah's friendship was something special even before any romantic entanglements, but Annie Dyer wrote their transition to romance partners perfectly. I felt like the transition was written so natural it almost felt like the book wasnt fiction. I loved this book and cannot wait till we get to see them in future books!
March 12, 2021
Smoldered is a sexy, mysterious, fast paced, 5 star read all the way through!
Jonny falls for Rayah slowly, and then all at once, but he's holding onto this secret not realizing Rayah has been in love with him forever.
As a single dad he has a responsibility to guard his children's hearts, and what if his love story with Rayah has a short shelf life? Rayah doesn't want for Jonny's children to be hurt when he realizes he's done sleeping with his friend?
A stunningly fun, sexy, mysterious romp through Severton where no one ever has any secrets. Annie Dyer kills it again delivering next level talent mixing suspense with a fun family series!
Jonny falls for Rayah slowly, and then all at once, but he's holding onto this secret not realizing Rayah has been in love with him forever.
As a single dad he has a responsibility to guard his children's hearts, and what if his love story with Rayah has a short shelf life? Rayah doesn't want for Jonny's children to be hurt when he realizes he's done sleeping with his friend?
A stunningly fun, sexy, mysterious romp through Severton where no one ever has any secrets. Annie Dyer kills it again delivering next level talent mixing suspense with a fun family series!
June 11, 2019
I need more than 5 stars for this story. I absolutely loved this book and at the same time I'm disappointed that I have read it and can't read it for the first time again. It had me hooked from page 1 right till the end. Then I was disappointed it ended. I can't wait to read more in this series. The characters are absolutely amazing especially Sadie Grace. I found myself laughing out loud at different times. I don't have adequate words to describe how amazing this book really is.
September 27, 2019
Also enjoyed the bonus epilogue. Can't wait for Alex's story and to see who finally ties down Jake.
August 31, 2019
Smoldered
Severton Search and Rescue Series
Annie Dyer
“Chaos was around five foot six, with silky, shiny fair hair and blue eyes that had caused more than one man to drown.
It also possessed the authoritative tone of an army sergeant and, on a bad day, needed no weapons to command every living thing in the surrounding area.
Chaos had a name; one that Jonny Graham knew well.”
Rayah and Jonny have know each other forever. As the younger sister of Jonny’s best mate he pulled Rayah from scrapes and interesting situations all her life. The thought of fancying each other just doesn’t sit right, what if that ruined their friendship. Despite this they both not so secretly crushed on each other.
When everything Rayah loves is threatened will she fight and find herself in more trouble than she can escape, or will she heed the advice of her family and lover? Can Jonny be there for her when he knows he could loose her for good. Can he do that to his kids?
While this is a stand-alone novel with hea. It leaves me with a couple of questions I know I want answer to in the next Severton novel. I strongly suggest the series is read in order as to not see spoilers from the previous books. The characters are so relatable, Rayah really epitomises a school teacher. I always enjoy everything Annie writes this being no exception!
I received an arc of this book.
5 smouldering stars.
Severton Search and Rescue Series
Annie Dyer
“Chaos was around five foot six, with silky, shiny fair hair and blue eyes that had caused more than one man to drown.
It also possessed the authoritative tone of an army sergeant and, on a bad day, needed no weapons to command every living thing in the surrounding area.
Chaos had a name; one that Jonny Graham knew well.”
Rayah and Jonny have know each other forever. As the younger sister of Jonny’s best mate he pulled Rayah from scrapes and interesting situations all her life. The thought of fancying each other just doesn’t sit right, what if that ruined their friendship. Despite this they both not so secretly crushed on each other.
When everything Rayah loves is threatened will she fight and find herself in more trouble than she can escape, or will she heed the advice of her family and lover? Can Jonny be there for her when he knows he could loose her for good. Can he do that to his kids?
While this is a stand-alone novel with hea. It leaves me with a couple of questions I know I want answer to in the next Severton novel. I strongly suggest the series is read in order as to not see spoilers from the previous books. The characters are so relatable, Rayah really epitomises a school teacher. I always enjoy everything Annie writes this being no exception!
I received an arc of this book.
5 smouldering stars.
September 7, 2019
Wow, Annie Dyer surely knows how to tell a tale! I adore this series with its heat, fun, tragedy and small town love!
Rayah Maynard has known Jonny forever and has had a thing for him for quite a bit of that time. She hasn’t said anything because they are all such good friends, her brother and cousins and Jonny. But one night a thought passes through Jonny’s mind and he doesn’t just consider Rayah a friend only anymore. Rayah is happy to be friends with benefits but as time will have it, sometimes that isn’t enough. Fear is a powerful motivator to not rock the boat and ask or say something to Jonny about how she feels. A situation makes it so love words are exchanged.
So many times the sizzle between them is get a cool cloth worthy but it just adds to their story and doesn’t take it over.
Jonny has 3 kids that adore Rayah but he has a couple issues as a dad about saying something to soon as he doesn’t want anyone hurt if it doesn’t work out.
They have been the best of friends and taking that next step can lead to a truly happy ending, if our characters can just talk to each other!
September 3, 2019
Smoldered is the perfect title for this slow burn romance between Rayah, the spitfire Maynard little sister and cousin, and Johnny, the hot firefighter and single dad of three. We've been watching these two from the sidelines since Sleighed, book 1 in the Serverton Search and Rescue series. Friends for most of their life, Rayah has always been in the mix and usually finds herself in a spot trouble and Jonny comes to her rescue. He's always seen her as his best mates little sister and one of the boys.
Watching these two navigate a relationship was entertaining and also quite hot. I adored how Jonny was as a father. Sadie Grace likes to steal the show; however, Charlie was by far my favorite. He has such a kind soul and is genuinely concerned about his dad's well being. The story is so rich because of the children and also the characters we have followed in the previous two books.
Besides the blossoming love affair, we also get a good dose of intrigue. There's an underlying mystery happening in Serverton and more is revealed during this tale. My interest is peaked! And we also get a much cleared picture of Alex in this book. So curious what his deal is and who might be his love interest. Another great addition to this series.
Watching these two navigate a relationship was entertaining and also quite hot. I adored how Jonny was as a father. Sadie Grace likes to steal the show; however, Charlie was by far my favorite. He has such a kind soul and is genuinely concerned about his dad's well being. The story is so rich because of the children and also the characters we have followed in the previous two books.
Besides the blossoming love affair, we also get a good dose of intrigue. There's an underlying mystery happening in Serverton and more is revealed during this tale. My interest is peaked! And we also get a much cleared picture of Alex in this book. So curious what his deal is and who might be his love interest. Another great addition to this series.
August 23, 2019
Smoldered is book 3 in the severton search and rescue series and looks at the relationship of friends Rayah and Jonny.
Jonny is a firefighter and also a single dad to 3 children who's mum unfortunately died in a car accident, he knows to accept help from those around him especially Rayah who is a teacher at the local primary school.
Jonny's children are his number one priority and with a little persuasion he starts to think showing relationships round them would be positive influence for them.
Jonny's children all grab your heart strings in their own ways but Charlie really stole the show for me and will definitely be a heartbreaker in the future.
A real steamy, heated showstopper of a book definitely falling into line with the rest of the series and the fantastic Annie Dyer's style. I just wish there was a higher rating than 5 stars as it so deserves more.
Jonny is a firefighter and also a single dad to 3 children who's mum unfortunately died in a car accident, he knows to accept help from those around him especially Rayah who is a teacher at the local primary school.
Jonny's children are his number one priority and with a little persuasion he starts to think showing relationships round them would be positive influence for them.
Jonny's children all grab your heart strings in their own ways but Charlie really stole the show for me and will definitely be a heartbreaker in the future.
A real steamy, heated showstopper of a book definitely falling into line with the rest of the series and the fantastic Annie Dyer's style. I just wish there was a higher rating than 5 stars as it so deserves more.
August 26, 2019
A spark starts a flame...Johny finally notices Rayah as more than a friend and it doesn’t take long for that fire to burn hot! Johny is a single dad to 3 great kids and I loved the interactions between he and his kids. Rayan has been like a second mother to the kids and I loved her love for them. Rayah has had feelings for Johny for quite sometime but was willing to push that aside to help Johny get back out into the dating world...luckily Johny realized what he had right in front of him. Isn’t that life though...at times what we are looking for is right in front of us if we’d just take off the blinders. 5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥read!
September 14, 2019
This book was full of action, lust, love and laughter. It’s the story of Rayah , Jonny and his three children. She’s a constant in their lives and he has always been her savior, but he doesn’t see her as a woman until someone pointed it out. She had been lusting after him for years, but he never noticed. However, they somehow get together and after a series of events they realize they love each other and can’t live without the other. She also realizes she loves his kids so much and wants them all in her life. It’s another interesting and intriguing beautiful story by Annie Dyer totally worth 5 stars.
August 26, 2019
I loved being back in Severton and there were so many feels with this story. I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop reading! Jonny & Rayah have known each other since they were children so there were so many things in their pasts that they went through together, especially since Jonny's best friend is Rayah's brother Alex. Jonny has rescued Rayah more than once and even knowing all the scrapes she got into when they were kids he trusted her to take care of his 3 children. This is such a great story & I can't wait to take another trip to Severton.
August 26, 2019
Friends-to-lovers is one of my absolute fave tropes and Annie Dyer did not disappoint with Smoldered. Jonny and Rayah have been friends forever and forever is just about as long as Rayah has been in love with, Jonny, her brother's best friend. Smoldered is book 3 in the Severton Search and Rescue Series and Annie Dyer gave me everything I have grown to love with this series - endearing characters, smart funny writing, heat (The chemistry between Jonny and Rayah is combustible) and real/raw emotions. Add a dash of mystery and you have all the makings of a 5 star read.
September 13, 2019
Jonny and Rayah have been in each other’s lives forever, but moving from friends to lovers affects not only their relationship, but everyone around them as well. Annie Dyer’s characters always have depth and complexity, and this book is no exception - both adults and children are skilfully drawn, and while I was expecting Sadie to be the scene stealer, it was actually Charlie who resonated most. Add in an ongoing mystery and plenty of humour, and this is another winner in the Severton series.
September 20, 2019
I love these characters and this town...I love Jonny and his children. The author really does a great job with the kids, she writes them well. Jonny is a great dad and single father. He isn't afraid of accepting help. He's a great caregiver/protector.
Rayah is a determined free spirit, tough and sassy but also very caring and compassionate. She and Jonny have been friends since they were just small children.
It was excellent watching the relationship realized. But, the story isn't all sunshine. There is danger in the pages as well. And let's not even talk about all the HEAT!
A fast paced, sexy, heartwarming read.
Rayah is a determined free spirit, tough and sassy but also very caring and compassionate. She and Jonny have been friends since they were just small children.
It was excellent watching the relationship realized. But, the story isn't all sunshine. There is danger in the pages as well. And let's not even talk about all the HEAT!
A fast paced, sexy, heartwarming read.
August 28, 2019
Fantastic read. I am getting more invested in the characters from this series as the books go on. Jonny is a great dad to his littles. Rayah is a great strong female lead. I really enjoy how there is a secondary story that is flowing through the books connecting them even more than just the family ties. I am really invested in it now.
September 18, 2019
This book took a hold of me from the beginning, and it never let me go until the end. I devoured this book in one night; this book didn't have anything I didn't love... I had been waiting for this book for a while, and it was worth the wait. I love the characters (Jonny & Rayah). I love the story, I love all the 🔥talking of Jonny... I love everything about this book. Annie Dyer, I really hope this is not the last book from Severton!
September 10, 2019
Rayah has been in love with Jonny for a very long time but he is her friend. He is a widower with three children that she helps him raise and he looks at her like a sister...until he finally doesn't. This was a beautiful story and I loved seeing Ray get her happy ending. The thread of evil that began in Sleighed continues through this story and provides some very tense situations. I look forward to the next in this series.
October 15, 2019
Read one of her books, and you will need to read them all. I did!
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August 27, 2019
I really loved this book. I loved the romance between Rayah and Jonny. I can’t wait for the next book from the town of Severton.
September 16, 2019
Rayah and Jonny's story was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. Jonny has been saving Rayah's life since she was a little girl, but he never looked at her as more than a friend. Rayah has been in love with Jonny for years. She loves his kids and wants to help raise them. When Rayah once again finds herself in trouble will Jonny be able to save her? Will their love burn hotter than the fires Jonny battles?
September 4, 2019
Annie Dyer delivers again! I have been not so patiently waiting for this book and it didn’t disappoint. I loved Jonny and Rayah’s story!!! I really liked the natural way Jonny and Rayah went from being friends to romantic partners. This was my favorite book in the series (so far).
September 17, 2019
Annie Dyer has done it again. Smoldered is book 3 in the Severton Search & Rescue series (all can be read as a stand-alone, but what's the fun in that).
Smoldered has a little bit of everything - friends to lovers, single-dad who puts his children first,
fearless heroine who loves hard, and just the right amount of small-town mystery to keep you hooked.
I loved Jonny and Rayah's story. This was a fun, sexy and fast-paced read.
Smoldered has a little bit of everything - friends to lovers, single-dad who puts his children first,
fearless heroine who loves hard, and just the right amount of small-town mystery to keep you hooked.
I loved Jonny and Rayah's story. This was a fun, sexy and fast-paced read.
September 17, 2019
Smoldered has been one of my favorites from Annie Dyer, so far. I love the main characters Rayah and Jonny, but I also love the parts with the kids and the extended family. Definitely worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews