Last updated on 07/01/2026
CODE NAME: EMBER
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: June 30
A whistleblower is dead. A journalist is hunted. And only one man can keep her alive.
After a career in special forces, then as a smokejumper, Cole Mercer is ready for a new challenge. When he hears that the world-renowned covert operations team at Jameson Force Security is opening a facility in Seattle, Cole knows exactly where he belongs. What he doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face with the woman he never stopped loving—the one who walked away before either of them said goodbye.
Investigative journalist Tessa Ward has uncovered proof that a powerful real estate developer is tied to a string of deadly wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the kind of story that could make her career… or end her life. When her source is murdered in cold blood, Tessa realizes the truth is more dangerous than she ever imagined. With no other options, Tessa knows she has no choice but to turn to the one man she swore she’d never ask for help.
Some fires are set on purpose. Others never stop burning.
Their past ended in heartbreak, but when it’s clear she’s being hunted, Tessa and Cole are forced to set aside their hurt. As they chase a trail of corruption, arson, and murder, every life-or-death decision reignites old passions. But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes—and one wrong move could cost them everything, including each other.
Order here: https://geni.us/SB_Ember
Review:
Code Name: Ember is a second chance romance *and* the start to a new branch of Jameson Force, this time in Seattle! Cole and Tessa are a great couple–though they had valid reasons for breaking up the first time, and those same reasons exist in their current situation as well (and are even exacerbated by what happens during the book), it’s clear they’re going to have to do some work and make some real compromises to make it work this time around.
And you really want them to make it this time around!
Spoiler alert: they do. And I’m looking forward to seeing them live their HEA life in the background of all the other Jameson Force Seattle books!
As the first book in the series, Code Name: Ember really sets the bar for the rest of the series books–lots of suspense, tons of chemistry, and kickbutt heroes and heroines that will fight hard and love even harder. Since this is the first in the series, it’s a great place to start–but if you’ve read any of Ms Bennett’s other Jameson Force books, keep an eye out for some favorite characters while you read!
I listened to the audio version, which was nicely done by the two narrators. It’s not done in the duet style, but they each did such a good job of voicing all the characters I almost didn’t even notice.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
About the author:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
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Connect with Sawyer here: https://geni.us/SawyerBennett
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