Fully Ignited (Boston Fire #3), by Shannon Stacey

Format: e-ARC, 384 pages

Publisher: Carina Press

Published: February 23, 2016

ISBN: 9781459290297

Genre: Romance

Back cover blurb: When Jamie Rutherford takes a temporary assignment as lieutenant of Boston Fire’s Engine 59, she doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s been in the fire service for a long time and, even though she’s fairly new to Boston, she knows how to make any firehouse her home. What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to firefighter Scott Kincaid.

Scott is looking for a wife. It’s been a fun ride as a single guy, but he’s tired of being the third wheel, and nearly losing his brother-in-law finally made him realize just how much he wants a family of his own. When the new guy at the firehouse turns out to be a capable, confident and very attractive woman, his plan is completely derailed.

Hooking up with a fellow firefighter has never been part of Jamie’s plan, but she’s tempted by Scott—even though getting involved with him could tarnish the reputation she’s worked so hard for. And Scott can’t stop thinking about Jamie, despite the fact that she’s his superior and not sticking around. Chemistry can crush the best-laid plans, though, and while Jamie and Scott might not be each other’s future…there’s no resisting the right now.

My review: I liked Scott a lot in the previous books and was intrigued by the premise of inserting a female firefighter into their work environment, especially as fill-in lieutenant. Jamie was a great heroine, and I liked the way she fitted right in and didn’t take any crap. The drama was a little overblown at times for me and the resolution came quite quickly, but overall a good addition to the series. I enjoyed it more than book 2 but not as much as the first book.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 4/5

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Controlled Burn (Boston Fire #2), by Shannon Stacey

Format: e-ARC, 384 pages

Publisher: Carina Press

Published: December 1, 2015

ISBN: 9781426899973

Genre: Romance

Back cover blurb: Rick Gullotti lives the good life. He fights fires, dates beautiful women—though none long enough so they cast wistful glances at jewelry stores—and has great friends. And thanks to helping out the elderly couple who own his building, his rent is low. But when concerns about their health lead him to contact their only son, his life starts getting away from him.

Jessica Broussard has no interest in leaving sunny San Diego or her cushy corner office for Boston, but her father—who happens to be her boss—dispatches her to deal with the grandparents she’s never met. She’s unprepared for the frigid winter, loving relatives who aren’t the monsters she’s been led to believe, and the hot, scruffy firefighter who lives upstairs.

At first, Jessica is determined to get back to her comfortable life as quickly as possible. All she has to do is talk her grandparents into selling their monstrosity of a house and moving to a retirement community. But she underestimates Rick’s dedication—and his considerable charm. Nobody’s taking advantage of his friends on his watch, even if that makes the tempting southern California girl with the long legs his adversary. Unfortunately for them both, the only thing more urgent than the matter at hand is their sizzling chemistry, and it’s quickly becoming too strong to resist.

My review: Rick was a great hero but I didn’t have the same love for Jessica, who rubbed me up the wrong way even though she did become more likable in the middle of the story. I was glad to see some potential thawing of the situation with Davey and his parents, who were old sweeties, and it was nice to see the characters from the first book, albeit briefly.

In summary, not as engaging as the first book in the series, but still a great read. Looking forward to Scott’s book next 🙂

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 3.5/5

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Heat Exchange (Boston Fire #1), by Shannon Stacey

Format: e-ARC, 336 pages

Publisher: Carina Press

To be published: August 25, 2015

ISBN: 9781426899867

Genre: Romance

Back cover blurb: Lydia Kincaid left Boston to get away from the firefighting community—but family is number one, and her father needs her help running the pub he bought when he retired. Soon, Lydia finds it hard to resist the familiar comfort and routine, and even harder to resist her brother’s handsome friend Aidan.

Aidan Hunt is a firefighter because of the Kincaid family. He’s had the hots for Lydia for years, but if ever a woman was off-limits to him, it’s her. She’s his mentor’s daughter. His best friend’s sister. The ex-wife of a fellow firefighter. But his plan to play it cool fails, and soon he and Lydia have crossed a line they can’t uncross.

As flirtation turns into something more serious, Lydia knows she should be planning her escape. Being a firefighter’s wife was the hardest thing she’s ever done, and she doesn’t know if she has the strength to do it again. Aidan can’t imagine walking away from Boston Fire—the job and the brotherhood are his life. But if he wants Lydia in it, he’ll have to decide who’s first in his heart.

My review: Hot firefighters who play ice hockey in their downtime… need I say more? Oh, yes, this was hot. Just look at that cover! I’ve read a few of Shannon Stacey’s other works and I have to say this is my favourite so far.

Lydia is a great heroine, no-nonsense and ballsy enough to stand up to her overbearing father and cocky brother. Unfortunately for her, she breaks the firehouse code of brotherhood by giving in to her attraction to her brother’s best friend, the gorgeous Aidan. He is fantastic – a selfless firefighter with a dirty sense of humour and a penchant for answering the door only in his underwear. *sigh*

As well as writing a story that is extremely hot, Stacey has also done her homework regarding the firefighters’ routines, and I particularly enjoyed the way their boss stepped in to sort out the boys’ differences so they continued to have each other’s backs on the job. The secondary storyline involving Lydia’s sister and her firefighter husband was also well done.

This is a quick, easy read and a great start to a promising new series. I can’t wait to read the next book!

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 4/5

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