All the swearing seems to be putting some people off. I get that, I really do. There were a few times when even I (who actually do talk like that) was like, "Wow, dial it down a little guys." But I couldn't seem to get them to stop.
Thing is, I've known a lot of firefighters in my day and that's really how they talk. At least those in the big cities where I've lived. I wanted to be real with that, especially with Freya. The women have so damn much they have to prove on a fire department and they cannot show the slightest sign of weakness. Between that and growing up with Deck and Adam and their firefighter dad, it just made sense for her.
As for Naim, well, his history really bleeds through when he's drawn back to being that person. I wanted to show that contrast.
I understand that some people think it's just a little over the top--I totally see where you're coming from even if I don't agree. But I hope you'll keep reading anyway, because there are some moments in which that sort of thing is addressed in an offhand way. And I do think it gets a little milder as you read on. I think...
Either way, I'm so grateful for all the fantastic and useful feedback. I'll have bars of soap at the ready as I continue to edit the sequel!