Into The Fire (First Responders #3) by Donna Alward

Summary:

The heat is on...

First Responders, Book 3

The last person firefighter Chris Jackson expects to rescue from a burning animal shelter is Ally Gallant—his ex-fiancée. Even though three years have passed since she gave him back his ring, one look at her frightened face in the haze of a smoky building is all it takes for him to realize he’ll still do anything to protect her.

Ally’s put her heart and soul into the shelter, and she’s devastated when it’s destroyed. What's more, Chris is suddenly there for her in ways she doesn’t expect—ways she’s sure she doesn’t deserve—as she makes decisions about her future. Then there’s the not-so-small matter of the blazing passion between them that refuses to be extinguished.

But when Chris is injured while on a call, Ally’s reminded of all the reasons she walked away. Now she must look deep within herself to find the courage to put fear on the back burner and step into the fire—into love.

Warning: Adorable dogs, a hot firefighter and five-alarm passion. Fire extinguisher (or cold shower) highly recommended.
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 118 pages (E-book)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Available Formats: E-book
Publication Date: November 13th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Into The Fire was my favourite story in the first 3 books that I've read that are part of Donna Alward's First Responder series and the one I think where the author really hit her stride.

It sure opened dramatically enough with Chris rescuing his ex-fiancé Ally from her animal shelter which has mysteriously gone up in flames trapping her and several animals under her care inside. I love when a book starts on a high note and this one certainly did. I liked that the fire was the catalyst that got Ally and Chris talking again after a couple years.

I liked that this one was a second chance love story which seems to be a theme in this series so far. Chris was always pushing for perfection when he and Ally were together before but now that he's in a better place he's willing to cool it, and understands why it pushed Ally away. He was a real sweetheart and I can totally see him as the guy with the goody smile that you could curl up with and put roots down with.

Ally was adorable. She has so much love and compassion for everyone around her including her animals that I couldn't help but love her character. I liked that she went from seeing herself as a flake because of her parents wanting her to be perfect to finally doing what she wants for herself.

The fact that this was a second chance love story was probably my favourite because it was nice to see the spark that Ally and Chris had for each before bring them together again. Plus the warm small town feeling to the romance really made it worth it, as did finding out who was behind the fire at the rescue shelter. I'm also a fan of the way the author handles her love scenes, she always manages to squeeze one in and while it isn't graphic it's tastefully done.

I would recommend this one for everyone who loves contemporary romance with a firefighter hero, an animal rescuer for a heroine and a quick fun read for a lazy afternoon. This one can be read as a standalone but the two previous books in the series are so good that why not read them in in order?

Really Liked It!
★★★★

 

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In The Line Of Duty (First Responders #2) by Donna Alward

Summary:

When it comes to love, sometimes a girl has to go above and beyond.

First Responders, Book 2

Jake Symonds has been a thorn in Constable Kendra Givens’s side since the night they first met, when she’d had to arrest him. In his boxer shorts. The drunken comments he made that night are worsened by the truth she’ll never admit. For a fleeting moment, they’d connected.

Two years later, when she’s called to investigate a break-and-enter at his pub, the last thing she expects is for the now-competent businessman to cook her breakfast. But she’s no fool. The former bad boy still lurks beneath the charm. And his business involves the one thing that she’s hated since it ruined her childhood. Alcohol.

As far as he’s concerned, Jake has changed, but Kendra still has a stick up her butt. Yet he can’t help but like her sass and quick wit. One well-aimed baseball at the carnival dunk tank later and he’s got a date.

Their spark of attraction quickly flares out of control, but their emotional baggage is stacked too high to risk anything deeper—until one tragic night strips the barriers from their deepest fears. And Kendra realizes the greatest danger Jake presents is to her heart.

Product Warnings:
Readers should be aware that any sexy comments made to police officers will be used against them in the hottest way possible.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 125 pages (E-book)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date: August 28th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Yesterday I reviewed the first book in the series Off the Clock and I thought it was only appropriate to review the books on consecutive days as well so look out for my review of the third book in the series Into the Fire tomorrow.

In In the Line of Duty we read Kendra and Jake's story, I had a feeling even before I read the summary before it that it would focus on Kendra whom we met briefly in Off the Clock. Going into this one I had reasonably high hopes because I enjoyed the first book so much and it isn't that this one was enjoyable it just wasn't as enjoyable as the last one.

My biggest issue with the book was Kendra. I just didn't like her at all. I didn't like how she looked down her nose at Jake just because he owned a bar and she hauled him off to the drunk tank when he was home on leave from the war two years before. She was just so snobby about the whole thing that I wanted to smack her for about 75% of the story. I understand that her mother was a drunk who left her hanging as a kid but that doesn't give her the right to look down on people who stop by a bar for a quick pint. She just seemed so caught up in her own drama that I just didn't like her.

Jake on the other hand was a sweetheart and I adored him from the beginning. He had his issues when it came to dealing with the things he had to do and see in Afghanistan but he was working through them unlike Kendra. Plus I think Kendra was a bit whiny because war hero trumps mommy had a drinking problem. I know that's harsh but I just wish she'd been a little more understanding of Jake.

As much as  I didn't care for Kendra on her own she was much more likable when she was with Jake, he mellowed her out quite a bit by the end of the book and I did like how in the end the chemistry was really there and they did grow as a couple enough that I ended up liking the story in the end more than I thought I would.

I would recommend this to fans of the first book in the series and while it is a series you could get away with reading it as a standalone because while characters from book one are referenced they only have bit parts but it was nice to see them again for me. If you're looking for a quick romantic read I really recommend not only book one but this one as well.

Liked It!
★★★

 

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Off the Clock (First Responders #1) by Donna Alward

 

 

 

Summary:

 

The last thing she needs is a hero

Paramedic Gabe Brennan s job is saving lives. When he witnesses an accident and rushes in to help, the victim brings back memories of the night that marked him forever. The night he almost couldn t save his best friend, Brandon. Brandon s sister is in the car. She s pregnant. And his longing for her is just as sharp as ever.

Carly's never been so glad to see a friendly face. Gabe s gallant rescue and the gentle kiss he bestows upon her at the hospital resurrect feelings she buried long ago. Having just closed the book on a crumbling marriage, she s not too keen on opening herself up to hurt again. Not even for the one man who s always seemed to be there when she needed him most.

Gabe knows he shouldn t be falling for Carly, especially since she insists she s off the market. But the chemistry still simmering between them after all these years is no accident. Now all he has to do is convince her she belongs in the empty space he s always held open for her. The one next to his heart

Caution: Contents and paramedic hero may be too hot to handle!

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 98 pages (E-book)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date: October 4th 2011 by Samhain Publishing

 

 

Well if you've been following the blog for awhile now you'll know I love romances that offer second chances and first responders, both of which were at the core of this little contemporary romance novella.

 

I've been curious about Donna Alward's books for a good couple years and when I saw that the first three books in her First Responders series were available to download via my library's Overdrive e-book selection I got them all...and proceeded to binge read them the other night.

 

Off the Clock was a good introduction to the author's writing style and not a bad start to a good little series that takes place in a small town and it certainly does start off with a bang. Poor Carly is 8 months pregnant with her first child and comes so close to not only losing her life but that of her unborn son after a stupid drunk kid cuts her off while driving, luckily for her Gabe, her brother's ex-best friend is there to rescue her for the second time in her life.

 

While I sometimes think that books that have characters meeting or in this case getting reacquainted in extreme situations can be cheesy I liked how it was done in Off the Clock. Gabe was sweet but he was battling his guilt over the falling out that led to him not being friends with Carly's brother anymore and Carly was busy dealing with being a single mom since her ass of a husband walked out when she found out she was pregnant so both had their issues that they needed to over come.

 

I liked how the romance built up between Carly and Gabe, even though the e-book was only 98 pages long there was no insta-love. Their love developed over the course of a couple of months and you could tell that they were committed to each other. They felt like a very real couple because they had awkwardness between them at times just like real couples do, and I liked how they were excepting of each others faults.

 

Overall, I thought Off the Clock was a quick cute read. I thought that since it was published by Samhain that it would be steamy when it got to the naughty bits but was pleasantly surprised that the author had it be more sensual and less graphic. The only faults I had with the book were that I think it could have benefited from an extra 10 pages because while the writing was excellent certain parts felt a little light. I can't wait to read more by this talented, Canadian romance author.

 

I would recommend this to all of Donna Alward's fans out there that aren't familiar with this series as well as readers who have yet to give her a try. If you enjoy contemporary romances and what reads like a genuine love story I highly recommend giving this a go. It'll make a perfect afternoon read.

 

 

Liked It!
★★★ 1/2

 

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X Marks the Scot (Bad Boys of the Highlands #2) by Victoria Roberts

Summary:

He was a Highland rogue—
wicked with a bow and just as wicked with the ladies.

Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.

She never asked for a bodyguard…

Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows ever sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust…
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 352 pages (Mass Market Paperback)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Available Formats: Print/E-book
Publication Date: February 5th 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

X Marks the Scot is the second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series by Victoria Roberts and I was so glad to finally knock this one off my mountainous TBR pile, and frankly I really wanted to see how the author's second historical romance would compare with the first book in the series which I absolutely loved.

The events in X Marks the Scot take place perhaps a couple months after Temptation in a Kilt left off and this book centers around the youngest MacGregor brother Declan and the half sister of the bloody Campbell, Liadain whom we met in the first book and their rocky road of romance.

Declan, is pretty much like Charlie Harper from Two and a Half Men. He's a drunken whore monger who has no problem going to bed, the stables or hiding behind some bushes with a different woman every night, and he's convinced that he's perfectly content living this way. The only things standing in his way are his older brothers Ciaran and Aiden as well as Liadain whom the king has just ordered him to wed.

Liadain, is a healer and she wants nothing more than to live on her own independently just as she has for most of her life when she played second fiddle to her brother and father. When we were first introduced to Liadain in Temptation in a Kilt I was instantly curious about her. She displayed a lot of courage in the first book and so I was glad that she was our heroine in this one. Laidain is definitely not a push over and she's a true Scottish woman with the fiery temper and headstrong attitude that I love seeing my heroines have. She also inherited the sharp Scottish tongue and wit and she wasn't shy on letting loose on Declan when he ticked her off which happened more often than not.

I also enjoyed seeing the couple Ciaran and Rosalie from the first book making an appearance in X Marks a Scot. Before I read this one I was hoping that we would see them again because I loved seeing where the two of them were at in terms of the relationship in this one and I hope to see more of them in the final book in the trilogy when it gets published.

The story line in this one was a bit more complicated as Declan seems to manage to cast himself into a plot that he's completely unaware of that implicates him in a political aspect him until the last 15% of the book and while I liked the drama that this added to the story I wish that it had been brought about in a bit of a different way. I did however like that this book didn't center around two characters who immediately fell in love with each other. Oh no, Declan and Liadain fought tooth and nail against their feelings for each other which just made things even more apparent to me as a reader and to the other characters in the book as well.

Overall, I thought that the pairing of Declan and Liadain was great. The chemistry from these two was just great and while there were a couple of love scenes in this one where as the first book in the trilogy had none, I would have liked to see a little more passion on behalf of the two of them but that is of course my preference. The writing was just as good as the first book except for the political part in the book that I felt could have been flushed out a little bit more. However, the book was well paced other than that and I am anxiously awaiting the third and final book in this trilogy and will be sad to see these characters go.

I would recommend X Marks the Scot to all fans of historical romances especially to those who love their historicals with some kilted rogues, lots of action and a whole lot of chemistry between the characters and a heroine who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Plus if you're in a mood for a book that'll offer you some giggles I really think this one should be read. I do suggest reading the first book in the trilogy first since events in that particular book lead us on the beginnings of the love story in this one.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Really Liked It!
★★★★

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Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure (Summersby #1) by Sophie Barnes

Summary:

It's going to be a wild ride…

Lady Alexandra Summersby is not your average society miss. Not only is she more likely to climb a tree than she is to wear a dress, but she has also sworn off marriage. Alex loves taking chances, which is how she finds herself embroiled in a secret mission as she races across the country with the Earl of Trenton. But Alexandra is about to discover that the real danger lies not in duels, but in her completely unexpected reaction to Lord Trenton's company.

Michael Ashford, Earl of Trenton, is a man of duty. Honorable, charming, and a hit with the ladies, he's never had trouble staying focused—until now. Lady Alexandra is like no other woman he's ever met, and suddenly the prospect of marriage seems far more appealing. Now, to convince Alexandra that a life together could be an adventure like no other…
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 368 pages (E-book)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Available Formats: Print/E-book
Publication Date: May 22nd 2012 by Avon Impulse

Last week I happened to come across a review for another book by Sophie Barnes that really made me want to check out her books. I hadn't picked up an Avon historical romance in years before the other day when I borrowed it through my library's e-book selection and from the first page I was hooked. I started it one day and by the next I was done, I enjoyed it that much.

Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure was just that. I thought it was a refreshing historical romance with a tom boy heroine with and adventurous twist. I always love reading historical romances that have an adventure in them and the tom boy theme is definitely one of my favourites to see represented in the genre so I really enjoyed reading Alexandra's story. I can so see myself as her. She's the best swordswoman in the empire and she's no doubt one of the best people to hold a sword period, plus her knife skills are amazing. I really admired Alexandra's character. She was completely closed off to the possibility of love that I couldn't help but be reminded of a younger more cynical me. Her attitude towards men and the world was just brilliant and I loved that she could totally kick some ass.

As for Alexandra's paramour Michael Ashford he certainly had his hands full when it came to his lady love. I mean honestly and can't be easy to woo a woman who can kick your ass and whose brother you're currently trying to ferret out of hiding because you think he's committed treason and joined forces with the French. Plus, Alexandra was completely unaware of herself as a woman that he had a tough time convincing her that she was attractive.

As a couple I really liked Alexandra and Michael. They were both stubborn, strong, opinionated and as a couple their chemistry was bang on. Michael truly adored Alexandra and even though they fought like cats and dogs throughout the novel the passion for each other was clearly there.

As for the political back story of the novel I wish it had been flushed out a little more than it was. I know that this is first, and foremost a historical romance but the author took such care to create the political espionage theme I felt like it needed to be a little more detailed and kept as part of the story a bit longer than it was.

The banter between all the characters be they Alexandra, Michael, her brothers Ryan and William was hilarious and I got a lot of laughs out of this book and I was grateful that the author had a sense of humour because it added a lot of lightness to the story.

Overall, I thought that Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure was a great introduction to the Summersby series and I'm glad that I gave Sophie Barnes a try. She offers a nice unique take on the genre and her writing was damn near perfect except for the ending which I found was a wee bit rushed for my tastes. I like how she made the characters work for each other, there was no insta-love in this historical romance even though the chemistry between the main characters was apparent from the moment they locked eyes on each other. I'm really looking forward to continuing the Summersby series and seeing the romances that feature her older brothers unfold as well as trying her other books out as well.

I would recommend Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure to historical romance fans who are looking for something a little different. If you enjoy historical romance novels that have lots of chemistry between the characters is intense, and if you want a heroine that's a tom boy who doesn't let any man walk all over her.

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Really Liked It!
★★★★

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One Hot Cowboy (Dawson Brothers #1) by Anne Marsh

 

Summary:

 

RIDE ‘EM

Cabe Dawson is a cowboy at heart. He’s devoted a lifetime to running Blackhawk Ranch, carving out a Northern California empire for his family. When the cattle ranch’s wells run dry, he knows what he needs to do. Foreclose on the Jordan place and drill deep for water there. It’s just business. Nothing personal.

But, as summer heats up, keeping his mind on business just might be impossible. Rose Jordan left Lonesome, California, eight years ago and never looked back. Back then, she’d challenged Cabe’s authority—and his control. Though he wanted her fiercely, she was too young. Too rebellious. Now, with Rose back in Lonesome, business is getting very, very personal. She wants to keep her home, but can Cabe convince her to keep him instead?

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 144 pages (E-book)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available formats: E-book

Publication Date: October 4th 2012 by eKensington

 

Just before I went away on vacation a couple of weeks ago I was perusing my library's e-book selection for some short romances to load onto the iPad when I happened to come across One Hot Cowboy. Just a couple of days before a blogger friend mentioned they were reading a book by Anne Marsh and I thought that finding it was perfect timing.

 

Usually I'm not a fan of novellas at all. Sometimes they are just way too rushed for my liking and in some ways the romance between Cabe and Rose was rushed but no where near as rushed as it could have been which really worked in it's favour. I was glad that while the relationship between the two of them built up rather quickly it was okay and not a dreaded case of insta-love because they'd known each other for years and there were already feelings for each other.

 

Cabe, was the epitome of a cowboy. He's all rough and tumble but he's loyal so of course he doesn't want to hurt Rose on purpose by ripping the only home she's ever known away from her but he doesn't have a much choice in the matter either. I wasn't overly fond of Cabe but in the end I did come to like him when he softened up some.

 

Rose was adorkable. She's a mess and she and everyone else knows it but I loved that she was such a free spirit. She did things her way, at her wild and crazy pace and she totally knew that she was driving Cabe crazy and didn't care one way or another. I loved her attitude and in the end I loved how she managed to have Cabe wrapped around her little finger.

 

The two of them together were great. They're complete opposites and I liked that a lot. It added to the sexual chemistry (which was on fire!) For such a short read One Hot Cowboy turned out to be one hot read indeed.

 

Overall, I really liked reading this first book in the Dawson Brothers series by Anne Marsh and I thought it was a good introduction to the author's writing style which I enjoyed and I really am glad that I was able to give her a try when I did. Now that I've read something by Anne Marsh I'm really looking forward to reading other romance novels by her.

 

I would recommend One Hot Cowboy to fans of sexy cowboys and contemporary romance novellas with a kick in the romance department. With likable characters and a red hot romance this is one that you can easily bang out (teehee) in an afternoon.

 

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Really Liked It!
★★★★

 

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