Might well be a great book, just isn't to my taste (modern setting, morally grey characters, etc) ( )

Isla Quinn and Saxon Priest are two underground figures in an alternate present-day England when King John has been assassinated and his daughter, Princess Margaret scurries for cover in these riotous times. Isla & Saxon meet when Isla, in an effort to ally herself with the anti-loyalist cause, walks into Saxon's bar-- a place where anti-monarchists are known to gather. What follows is a tale of action, subterfuge, betrayal and raw sex-- all dark and angsty. There are some creative plot points and original dialogue; but overall the story is ill-paced, with incredulous characters and, a cliff-hanger ending of sorts that likely leads to a continuation of Isla & Saxon's story in the next book in the trilogy even as its focus is on another couple. The author is known to write contemporary romances and, while there is no shame in striking out in new directions, there are are some fatal flaws that would discourage any except the author's most ardent romance readership in persisting on to the next books. ( )

4.4 stars

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I saw the blurb for this book. All I knew was that this author wrote it and I was all in. I was right to jump into the story because it was riveting. It is very different than this author's previous books that I have read. For her first foray into a darker more political world, she did a great job.

The book starts a little slow, however, I think that was due to the fact that she needed to set up the world-building and premise of the story. This book felt very reminiscent of a mixture of James Bond/MI6 and Mission Impossible. Only without the gadgets. There was a lot of action and I mean A LOT. At times that was hard to follow because there are a lot of details here and things at play. In this case, it, both, helped and hindered the story for me. I struggled with who were they protecting and what side they were on. At times, the animosity even toward family was confusing as well.

A little over halfway into the story I was all aboard. I fell in love with these characters. Isla and Saxon were sublime. Truly. They were fire and ice and on two opposing sides. I loved the author pitted them the way that she did. Love shouldn't have a chance when being loyal is the life you are born into. Yet, the heart cannot be controlled in matters of love. Watching these two was painful and it was poignant.

The book sets up the next book very well and I look forward to that. I enjoyed reading how this idea came about and seeing where she intends to take the story next. It definitely made me think, "what if?" in regards to the idea of how things would have been different had a major historical event gone a different direction. These days, in this country, I would almost welcome that. I highly recommend the story to readers that like political intrigue, suspense, and a love that defies the odds. ( )

Gripping, intense reading from beginning to end! Road to Fire has so many twists and turns, you really won't be able to put it down until you're finished. Saxon and Isla's love surpasses all odds - with scorching chemistry and a fierce loyalty that leads to a series of events that changes both their lives forever. Although Road to Fire can be read as a standalone with a HEA, there is an overarching storyline of the British Crown throughout the trilogy...as a result, Road to Fire ends in a shocking cliffhanger that will leave you waiting with bated breath for the next book in the series. ( )