Review: Afterburn by Amy Knupp

Title: Afterburn
Author: Amy Knupp
Release Date: 3/13/18
Source: ARC from author
Links:
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Synopsis:

Scott Pataki became an EMT to save lives, but ten years later, the stress of his job is slowly killing him. He’s counting the days till he can escape San Amaro Island to be a scuba instructor on a cruise ship. With a decade-old estrangement from his family and no ties outside the fire station, there’s nothing holding him back. But when his big move is only a month away, the half sister he never wanted to meet, and her bulldog advocate, Mercedes, crash into his life.

Mercedes Stone is a sucker for underdogs and lost souls. Though she’s drowning in responsibilities as her grandma’s caretaker, a social media expert, and a women’s shelter volunteer, she can’t help being pulled into the plight of a homeless pregnant teenager. She’ll do anything to help her, including lock horns with Scott, the troubled but tempting half brother the girl’s determined to bond with. It doesn’t take Mercedes long to see he’s not the heartless jerk he wants everyone to believe he is.

Scott feels his hardened heart softening bit by bit, but he fights it every step of the way, knowing he’s the dark cloud to Mercedes’ bright sunshine. Will he chase the peace he craves or will he figure out the best way to weather any storm is together?

REVIEW

Afterburn is book 5 in the Island Fire Books series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. This story had that touch of Beauty and the Beast going for it - which really worked with these characters.  

Scott's got one thing on his mind, finishing his time and getting off the island - he's worn down by his daily work as an EMT, he's still hurt over an incident that left him estranged from his family and with no one around to keep him there, he's looking forward to a new life elsewhere.  But as generally happens when we make grand plans, things occur and change it all up. First Scott's half sister, Gemma, shows up at his door needing help - a half sister he doesn't know, nor believe he wants to get to know - as she's a reminder of his past family issues.  But somehow with the help of the second obstacle in his life - Mercedes - he finds himself conceding to her and allowing her into his life - albeit only partially. The more Mercedes is around though, the more Scott is pulled in by her.  

Mercedes has her own struggles, she's trying to do it all and it's affecting her life in many ways.  Taking care of her grandmother is her top priority - she's always been the one to care for her family, always the one who stayed home. She's determined to be there for her Gram, even if it means she has no time for anything or anyone else in her life - but there's something about Gruff Scott she can't keep away from.  Not only does she want to help Gemma, she also sees the hurt in Scott and wishes she could help him through it.  When her own sister arrives in town, Mercedes might just have another connection to Scott, as their sibling relationship has its ups and downs as well.  

There's a lot for these two to work through and somehow, they find comfort in one another, but is it enough to alter their set plans? Is taking a chance on each other worth the risks they think they'd be facing?  Can Scott let go of his anger and move on with his life? Can Mercedes let Scott in and give up the hold she has on being the sole caretaker of her Gram?   

Afterburn will suck you in with the emotional parts, and hold you captive with the drama. The story will have you quickly figuring out that there is more to these characters than first glance tells you and leave you reeling for them and rooting for a happy ending.  You'll want to hug Scott and teach him how forgiveness works, and you'll want to show Mercedes she's allowed to have a life of her own.  You'll find yourself wanting more from these characters, not just Mercedes and Scott and even Gemma - but the rest of the folks on the Island, the crew that feels like family, the friends who welcome you and so much more.   Each story in this series gives you not only an amazing tale of love, but also another glimpse at the connections involved with everyone on the island.