Slow Burn is the first in Jamie Denton’s new trilogy featuring the Perry brothers. This first story places youngest brother Cale on center stage.

Cale Perry always brings home strays, usually pets. This time he’s branched out into bringing home stray people. An EMT, one of Cale’s calls brought him into contact with amnesiac Maggie. At least she thinks her name is Maggie. Trapped in a burning paint warehouse after she is rescued, memories of her life are elusive. Cale offers Maggie a place to stay to keep her from being sent to an institution while she recovers. Of course, his offer has nothing to do with his major attraction to her.

I’ll admit that when I found out the heroine had amnesia, I groaned. I’m not a fan of amnesia stories. They are a staple of the series romances, and in my opinion, very few authors can use this device well. Often, it’s a too-convenient excuse to throw the hero and heroine together or make the heroine weak and vulnerable, in need of protecting. Though Cale is protective, it’s not a new trait for him and the situation with Maggie just accentuates it. Fortunately, Denton doesn’t leave things vague for a long time – Maggie starts remembering flashes of information fairly soon.

Maggie could easily have been a helpless damsel in distress. While she has her moments, most of the time she’s more of a girl next door. Her memory flashes lead her to believe that her past is suspect, however, totally conflicting with the sweet, good-girl persona that seems to be normal for her.

Cale’s long history of collecting strays is legend in his family as is his night-in-shining-armor complex with women. In fact, several women from Cole’s past took advantage of his kind nature. He’s immediately attracted to Maggie, even as she’s lying injured in bed. Despite the immediate mental lusting and somewhat inappropriate attraction to an injured woman, Cale’s a pretty good guy. He makes every effort to help Maggie recover her memories and life.

Maggie and Cale fit nicely. The reader will close the book feeling the couple has a real shot at a HEA once they really get to know each other, now that Maggie has her memory intact.

Cale’s brothers’ stories are up next. Denton introduces them both here. They both possess definite hero potential and should prove enjoyable.

Slow Burn is a nice, light read and works as such. If you’re in the mood for something that doesn’t take a lot of time to read and isn’t too intense, this is the book for you.