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Fearless, smoking hot, and meet the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel. These firemen might be heroes, but it's their bad luck in love that makes them legendary.

News producer Melissa McGuire and Fire Captain Harry Brody couldn't be more different, though they do have one thing in they're both convinced they're perfectly wrong for each other. But when Melissa's matchmaking grandmother wins her a date with Brody at a Bachelor auction . . .

Sparks fly. Passion flares. Heat rises. (You get the picture.)

Add a curse, a conniving nightly news anchor, a stunningly handsome daredevil fireman, a brave little boy, a couple of exes, and one giant fire to the mix, and Melissa and Brody's love may not be the only thing that burns.

373 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

71 people are currently reading
1654 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Bernard

88 books1,382 followers
Jennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life in Los Angeles for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. No stranger to book success, she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name that she’s happy to share with the curious.

You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
Profile Image for Alp.
763 reviews468 followers
June 19, 2018
4.25/5

“Will you please take that off? I can’t talk to you like this,” she said, gesturing at his turnout.
“Why not?”
“It makes my knees go all weak and funny.”



Hot, sexy, lovely, and sweet!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. It was utterly romantic, heartwarming, hilarious and steamy all rolled into one. Jennifer Bernard has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

A news producer Melissa McGuire found herself pushing into a date with a fire captain Harry Brody by her grandmother. At first, Melissa was reluctant to go out with him, but after the night ended, it turned out that both of them felt irresistibly attracted to each other. As they spent more time together, it became harder and harder for them to keep their hands off each other. Will her grandma’s matchmaking plan work out, or they will end up with a broken heart?

It wasn’t hard for me to fall in love with these endearing characters. Brody and Melissa were well-rounded characters and they were perfect together. The chemistry between them was hot enough to melt the ice and the temperature of their passion reached a fever pitch as well!

However, one thing about this book that could definitely be improved upon is the drama. For me, it didn't feel quite like an actual drama and wasn’t as heartbreaking as I expected. Actually, it should be the highlight of this story, but unfortunately, it was a little bit too bland for my liking.

All in all, this book was very fun to read. It was a touching, romantic story that you will not want to put down. I absolutely enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a nice firefighter romance story full of humor, heat, and heart, then you shouldn’t miss out on this one.


“Do you? Because you know I’m a simple, old-fashioned man. If someone tells me they love me, my next thought is flower girls and reception halls.”
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,760 followers
November 20, 2015

Fearless, smoking hot, and single: meet the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel. These firemen might be heroes, but it's their bad luck in love that makes them legendary.

The Fireman Who Loved Me is the first book in Jennifer Bernard’s The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series, as well as her debut novel. It’s fun, it’s sexy, it’s poignant… it’s a thoroughly entertaining story!

The Curse:

In my review of the prequel, One Fine Fireman, I explained a bit about the curse:
First, a little background to the series title: Due to an event over 150 years ago, the firefighters assigned to this firehouse are cursed to never find love. The curse surrounds the true (supposedly) story of mail order bride Constancia B. Sidwell and says that one of the first volunteer firemen in the area, Virgil Rush, had been corresponding with Constancia B. Sidwell who was eager to start a new life in the West. Like many women of the time were doing, she hopped on a mail coach to travel across the country to meet her future husband, but before she could reach him, a gang of robbers attacked. The story goes on that she fell in love with the leader of the gang and never thought about poor Virgil again, and Virgil, subjected to the unrelenting teasing of his fellow firefighters, vowed that from that day forward, San Gabriel firefighters would suffer the same rocky road to romance that he did.
As I said then, this really has little to do with the actual storyline of this book, but it’s a fun “backdrop” to the entire series, so I wanted to share that with you.

The Story:

News producer Melissa McGuire has been burned - and not by fire. Thanks to the dog-eat-dog environment of television news, she lost her job and got her heart broken in one fell swoop. Leaving the glitz and prestige of Los Angeles behind, Melissa now finds herself living and working in not-so-glitzy San Gabriel, California, and taking care of her ailing grandmother. A grandmother with a secret whose made is her mission to match Melissa with one of the hot, legendary, “Firemen of San Gabriel.”

Melissa and Fire Captain Harry Brody couldn’t be more different but sometimes, as the saying goes, opposites attract. And in the case of this matchmaking endeavor, they match, and match big. But that doesn’t mean everything goes smoothly, though, because…
Sparks fly. Passion flares. Heat rises. (You get the picture.)

Add a curse, a conniving nightly news anchor, a stunningly handsome daredevil fireman, a brave little boy, a couple of exes, and one giant fire to the mix, and Melissa and Brody's love may not be the only thing that burns.
My Thoughts:

All I can say is Wow! What a great story this is. Lots of excitement, action, romance, humor, and sexy goodness, and even some moments that found me fighting back the tears. There was so much packed into this story that I honestly can’t think of a thing it lacked.

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance, and if you love firefighters, then you definitely need to give this series a try. Ms. Bernard is a talented writer, giving us awesome characters, great stories, and happily ever afters we can believe in and cheer for!
Profile Image for Wminbc.
1,152 reviews81 followers
July 25, 2013
Saw it at the book store and soooo very nearly bought it...next time!

Anddd then I bought it...

I read the 0.5 in the series but it was soo short and cute that I had to download this one right away! I loved Brody! What an amazing, quiet, deep and ethical man! Loved him!
The story was good, fast paced, just steamy enough with fully fleshed emotions that gave us a spicy Heroine, a loving granny, a recovering dad and an entire fire hall of hawties! Highly recommend to those who enjoy their contemporary romance with some fun and firemen thrown into the mix!

Profile Image for Jess.
1,075 reviews158 followers
May 15, 2012
Not my thing. I made it to page 262 and just couldn't stand how the hero and heroine were acting and reacting to things around them. I found both the leads hard to like and wanted to shake Melissa for not standing up to Ella sooner and to stop being a push over!
Profile Image for Anita.
2,647 reviews219 followers
July 14, 2017
This book is definitely much better than you would expect from the cover. I've also got to say that no historic buildings in San Gabriel, CA were harmed in the writing of this book. "The Fireman Who Loved Me" has a sweet charm, hot sizzle, and I am looking forward to more stories in this series. It was impossible not to be pulled into Bernard's world of hunky firefighters and television news as her writing is both humorous and the sexy was so hot. The cast of secondary characters were wonderful, especially Ryan, who will be featured in Bernard's next book.

When a Fire Engine passes by I find myself doing a double take with my grandkids, except I'm checking out the hot firemen and not the engine. It takes special men to do what firefighters do every time they answer an alarm. They are true heroes.

Melissa McGuire's grandmother, Nelly, is a woman on a mission. That mission is to find a hunk for her granddaughter, so who could possibly be hunker that policemen and firefighters? A charity auction finds Nelly the winning bidder on one of the hottest firemen there. One problem - Ryan is not keen on a date with an 80 year old firefighter groupie. Ryan's captain, Harry Brody, takes pity on him and does his date. Only it isn't 80 year old Nelly, it is much younger, very hot Melissa who ends up going on the date.

Melissa is appalled at what Nelly has done. She doesn't think she has a dating problem. She is a television news producer and dates writers, musicians, artists, intelligent men. The thought of a date with a Neanderthal firefighter is just not to be endured. She was prepared to be bored out of her mind, but what she was not prepared for was the kind, thoughtful, very sexy Brody.

Brody puts her preconceived notions to the test on their date and afterward when he gets roped into doing a television special on his fire house. He is intrigued and finds that what he feels with Melissa is not what he expected. What I love about these two characters is that they both have preconceived notions about the other, and after spending time together, they realize just how wrong they were.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
Read
February 29, 2012
This review posted at Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars!

The perfect Firefighter romance!

The Fireman Who Loved Me is an intense page turner. Melissa and Brody are thrown together after her grandmother tries her hand at getting Melissa hooked up and married off. These two characters are the perfect example of opposites attract. They argue and fight all through the first date but as it draws to an end and he walks her to the door, sparks and flames ignite. They may not have a lot in common in their lives, but their bodies sure do tell a different story anytime they are close to each other.

The relationship with these two takes off and you can’t help but to admire their love story. But as quickly as things heat up for them, they abruptly come to a halt when both exes come back into the picture.

This book is full of feeling and passion. My emotions were all over the place at times. I laughed and cursed and I even shed some tears a time or two.

There is a great cast of characters. Grandma Nellie is just a nest of trouble and adds great humor. The story of Melissa’s father makes you understand the importance of overcoming addiction and forgiveness. You get to watch Melissa grow and develop into a strong, independent woman. The firefighters in this book were great guys and easy to adore.

This is not just a book about Melissa and Brody. There are lots of characters and they each have their own agenda and story. The way it entangles and weaves through the underlying love story is beautifully done.
My only drawback was a storyline of an abused boy. Melissa was working a news story about him and numerous times commented that she had completely forgotten about him. I’m not sure how one forgets about a child being abused. In no way does this affect the story line of the book; it was just an issue for me.

From start to finish Ms. Bernard wrote a fast paced tale of excitement and heat. There are hints about follow up stories for these sexy fireman…I can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
May 31, 2015
Frustrated beyond belief with some of this story. I'm now going to have to rethink reading more from this author.
I don't like when other people cause drama inside the relationship. I don't like being just slammed into that suddenly. I went from loving this story to cringing in heartbreak. The hero didn't do anything wrong on a physical level but his "good guy" standards ..just went a little too far. I did end up loving how he handled it and also loved the ending but really wanted more and it needed an epilogue badly. Jennifer Bernard writes in a way that sucks me in but gosh I really dont' want to read stories where exes come in and cause angst. I hate that. It's really all in how the hero and heroine handle it. I don't like separations and I don't like misunderstandings. If they clear it up quickly..I can deal. Also I hated the POV of Ella. Absolutely hated that part. I don't want to read about characters that are so selfish and stupid. Yea major major let down.
Profile Image for Mandi.
2,355 reviews733 followers
April 24, 2012
Melissa McGuire is a television news producer who left her big time gig in LA after her now ex-boyfriend screwed her over. With her elderly (yet very feisty) grandmother having some health issues, Melissa moves in with her and takes a job with a smaller television station. Her grandmother wants her to get married, and takes it upon herself to drag her to a firefighter bachelor auction. Grandma, aka Nelly, bids and wins on the very hunky Ryan which entitles her to a date.

Everyone thinks Ryan is cute, and he is really tired of being teased about it, to the point he gets great anxiety. (He entered the auction because proceeds go to a charity). His captain Brody is there to try to calm him, but eventually agrees to go out on the date in his place. Of course Nelly makes Melissa go on the date, so they both end up not expecting to see the other person. Melissa thinks she is more suited to the artsy type and Brody is really not looking for commitment.

Brody’s fire station is well known for the number of hunky bachelors it has in it, attention he doesn’t really like. He is a very serious, well respected fireman, who is rebuilding his life after a divorce. Although the first date for him and Melissa didn’t go super great, there is that spark of chemistry. When Melissa and Nelly find themselves back at the station for a dinner, things heat up.

I can’t resist a fireman book. I just can’t. Fellow Smexy reviewer May, has spent a lot of time in fire houses, and she tells me – now everyone hold on – that firehouses and firemen are really not that sexy. I’ll allow you to all compose yourselves before I continue. Now we all agree that they are heroes, and that right there is sexy in itself. But apparently making fart jokes and potty humor is more their speed. *gasp*

Anyway, getting back to this book – no worries ladies and gents. Because this firehouse, is full of the smexy:

“Our local fire station is famous. Even made the Today Show. The whole crew was in People’s magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue. It’s the only all bachelor fire station in the country. Or almost all. And apparently they’re good-looking too.”

Welcome to the firemen of romance books.

Okay, so we have a firehouse full of hot dudes (except one poor soul with a big belly, and apparently two female firefighters that are never really in the book). So you would think this book might be fun? I wanted to like it so much. But the supporting characters really ruin it for me.

First let me say, the romance between Melissa and Brody is nice. It builds up well, and it is sexy and hot and they have nice chemistry. Unfortunately, they don’t get a lot of page time together….alone. And the supporting cast are like nails on a chalkboard. First we have Ella, who is the hot, news anchor who works with Melissa. She provides a lot of conflict in this book as she is super high-maintenance, always needing attention and thinks she is the best of the best of all newscasters. She drove me insane. I’m not kidding. She is so annoying the entire book, I wanted to beat her down (as I’m sure Melissa did too.)

Nelly the grandmother is over the top with her well wishes for Melissa as well. The guys at the fire station are very clichéd, super hot, well mannered men.

And to make things even worse, two characters are introduced in the second half of the book that are even more over the top and annoying than Ella (don’t want to say who due to spoilers). I seriously could not stand the supporting cast. Which is a shame because this could have been a fun, light-hearted book.

I’ll have to wait to read reviews of the second book in this series before I proceed.

Rating: C-
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews126 followers
June 2, 2012
What a fun book. Melissa's grandmother bought a bachelor for her at a charity auction. Thanks to some fast talking on the part of the bachelor, Melissa ends up with his boss instead. There is an immediate and intense attraction, but they agree they are wrong for each other and decide to move on. Then the news anchor from Melissa's station decides she wants in on the action and finagles a way to film a Thanksgiving special at the station. The firefighters get called out to a fire in the middle of the taping, and Melissa ends up covering part of the fire for the news, before Ella the anchor takes over and screws things up. Melissa and Brody finally get together for some intense firefighting of their own. Ella spends time trying to get her own way in things, while Melissa tries to keep her in line. Melissa is also trying to do an investigation into a foster care scandal, helped by a young boy who told her about it. Then Melissa's ex-boss comes to town trying to get her to come back to LA, Brody's ex-wife comes back to town and creates some havoc of her own. Melissa's grandmother gets the last word in when she tries to help Melissa and Brody see how much they care for each other.


I really liked both Melissa and Brody. He was a fantastic captain for his fire station, able to guide his firefighters without being heavyhanded about it. I loved seeing him interact with them. He wasn't interested in a long term commitment, but wanted to get to know Melissa better. Melissa was very good at her job as a producer. I really liked seeing her do her job, and how she was able to get the best out of her crew. I wish she had been better at dealing with Ella, but by the end of the book I could see why she was that way at the beginning. Her personal growth was pretty awesome. There were a lot of really great characters in the book. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the next one.
Profile Image for Laura V..
734 reviews58 followers
abandonados-para-no-volver
February 3, 2015
DNF 47%

Lo empecé por dos razones:

1. Amo a los hombres en uniforme.
2. Me encantan las portadas con animales en ella.

Pero el libro sacaba lo peor de mí, mejor dicho, Melisa ponía a prueba mi paciencia.
Digamos que:

1. Cada vez que habla con Brody es para criticarlo, o alejarlo, o hacerse la sabelotodo.

2. Cuando no piensa mal de él, solo piensa en lo hot, hot, hot que es.

3. Es irritante leerla, primero le canta las mil y una a Brody (sin razón) pero ante Ella se deja mangonear como si fuera su dueña. Es prácticamente su perrito faldero y ella se deja. Hipócrita.

4. Quiere hacer entrevistas sobre casos serios, y tiene a este chico, Rodrigo, que le cuenta que su familia adoptiva lo golpea. Melissa decide investigar el asunto, pero se toma su tiempo. Llama al chico un par de veces, pero luego lo cancela para satisfacer los caprichos de Ella. Y yo pienso, ES UN CASO SERIO, ¿cómo puedes relegarlo a un segundo plano cuando el chico probablemente esté pasandola muy muy mal? ¿Cómo puede dejar pasar tantas oportunidades para sacarlo de ahí?

5. No tiene ningún respeto por la profesión de Brody. Tiene un prejucios terribles, y no hace más que subestimar la labor que realizan. Si ellos te dicen que no usaran un equipo costoso para hacerlo parte de un estúpido show de televisión, NO PODÉS ENOJARTE. Si el chico te dice, que es sumamente peligroso subir no sé cuántos metros con no sé qué escalera sin tener la preparación adecuada, NO TE SUBAS A ESCONDIDAS DE ÉL SOLAMENTE PARA HACER RENDIR TU SHOWCITO DE MIERDA.

Yo no tengo paciencia para estas pavadas. Brody parece un buen chico, la abuela me hizo reir por la manera en que insultaba a Ella, pero Melissa no vale la pena. No pienso terminar de leerlo solo para terminar calificandolo con un 1 o un 2. Me hastió.
Profile Image for Jill.
826 reviews137 followers
Read
January 3, 2013
DNF, couldn't do it. The way it was written didn't flow for me and the characters made no sense, fighting for what?? I don't get it. If that is supposed to be chemistry I have read it done better.
Anyway I got 100 pages that is enough.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,712 reviews1,125 followers
May 23, 2015
Originally Posted At Addicted To Romance
Summary
Melissa McGuire, is a new producer and came to San Gabriel to be with her grandmother. Her grandmother is always trying to find ways to get her married and hitched, and Melissa is at the end of her rope. When her grandmother asks her to come to an event but doesn’t tell her what it is, Melissa comes. When she arrives she is shocked to discover the amount of women, and that it is an auction of hot and sexy firemen. She is appalled and she can’t believe her grandmother would have her here…its embarrassing…and what woman would do such a thing….apparently all of the city of San Grabriel. But when her grandmother bids on the hottest of the firefighters, Ryan, she can hardly believe her eyes. But at the time of the date, her grandmother fakes being sick and Melissa is forced to go in her stead…but its not Ryan that shows on the door…its the captain, Brody. Brody is the Fire Fighter captain, and has worked hard to get to that position. When his best friend Ryan, begs him to take over the date with the elderly lady, Brody reluctantly agrees. But he is pleased to discover that his date will be the gorgeous granddaughter. Sparks fly, tensions rise….and they share one whopper of a kiss that seals their fate….but certain disasters occur that could keep them apart…will their love be enough to withstand the coming tide?

The Hero
Brody, isn’t trusting of women, he is divorced from a woman who was flighty and not committed to the relationship. But he loved her and care for her and she didn’t. Brody is determined to focus on his job and working on his house. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for a sexy news woman, which is the last thing he needs. But Brody finds her breathtaking, witty, fiery in her standards, and independent. Brody is a hero to adore, I love the way he is with his men, a commander and a leader, sexy as sin, plus he is good with his hands. He played the perfect role for the story.

The Heroine
Melissa hasn’t had time for relationships, and quite frankly after being betrayed by her ex, she decided to focus on her career and her grandmother and forget about men and the problems the come with them. Melissa is driven, independent, protective of her grandmother, but has lost her “zest” At first she seemed to be a bit of a door mat at times…very passive and not a fighter at all, especially when her crazy “friend” (if we could even call what they have true friendship) take over on everything. But we do see her fight back eventually, it just takes longer that you would think, but when you find out how she got burned in her previous job, it makes her seem more human at times, and we see a side of human nature that is true but we might not like to see. But what I loved most was seeing her true form come back and fight for what she really wants. By the end her character seemed to explode for me…and I loved the way the author worked that in.

Plot and Story Line
The Fireman Who Loved Me is the first book that I have read from this author. With her new series coming out next month, I just knew I needed to try this series out…and quite frankly I was long overdue reading this book, because hot and sexy single firemen??? Oh hot mama…count me in. After reading The Fireman Who Loved Me is the first full length novel of the series, and what drew me in was the first few pages…it is rare for me to get so fully involved in a story within the first pages…but Jennifer Bernard succeeded and I was bursting into giggles on my break at work…I tell you, the stares made everyone think I was a nut case…but I don’t care, it was freaking hilarious. This is probably the moment I fell for the heroine, because she seems very self-assured and confident and so embarrassed to be at a event that showcases men’s bodies (no matter how hot they are), and tries to hide under the table with her grandmother sitting proudly next to her. The grandmohter…now she was hilarious and I wouldn’t be surprised if she would have been a “flower child” back in the day, she is vibrant and wild and so funny to watch her interactions. But what was sweet about this grandmother, is that she is dying from cancer, and she wants her granddaughter happy in love and married before she goes, and she will resort to any means to make that dream come true. Now the one person I didn’t like was the friend, Ella. She is one piece of work, selfish in every way. But there is a little sub plot with a man who is her perfect match in every way…literally. What was also fun was the commaderie of the firemen. I loved them all, and I can hardly wait to read their stories…especially Ryan’s. What made this story quite wonderful was the sweet love story that develops, and the crazy mishaps that happen….but overall this is a blazing hot romance to sizzle your toes.

The Cover
I really love the cover..its flirty and playful, and gives off the tone “sweet romance” and I just love those abs on our Fireman….whew he is sexy HOT right?

Overall View
The Fireman Who Loved Me is a sexy read to burn you if you’re not careful. It’s a story of fighting for who you love, of crazy circumstances that bring two people together, how opposites really Do attract…and a poignant love story to make you scream for more. DELICIOUSLY ROMANTIC!!
Profile Image for Writerlibrarian.
1,554 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2013
I gave it two stars right after finishing it but after sleeping on it. Nope, two stars is too much.

I read this on the strength of the novella (which is cute, adorable and fun). This one looks at Fire Chief Brody and his 'courtship' with Melissa, news producer. Right from the start, the use of the dead horse trope of the bachelor auction and buying a 'date' for her grand daughter was borderline but the grand daughter character saved it. Melissa and Brody courtship is okay it's the other things that made me go... WHAT??

Surprise dominatrix sex games between two secondary characters that are the villains of the piece. WHAT? If I wanted to read Fifty Shades of Grey I would, nothing wrong with it but springing it in a cute, adorable series made me go WTF.

The whole grand mother meddling and ultimately criminal action made this book jump the shark.

Add the returning exs and you have the kitchen sink.

I finished it because... well.. I finish books if only to rant about them. *g*

So read the cute novella that starts the series but go no further even if Brody and Melissa are interesting but it's not enough since it's buried in a lot of rubbish.
Profile Image for Anita.
281 reviews22 followers
May 7, 2012
I didn't know what to expect when I got this. Glad I bought it! I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. Story about two people - a Capt with the local fire department and a television news producer - both have been burned by love in the past. Throw in a matchmaking grandma, who buys Melissa a date with a fireman at a bachelor auction - and you have some funny moments. As things start heating up between Melissa and Brody (I just can't call him by his first name - Harry) and they start falling for one another. But a wrench is thrown into their relationship when both of their ex's show up. Can what they have withstand whats about to come their way? I liked Melissa's grandma Nelly and her "talks" that she had with her departed Leon as she tries to get her granddaughter married off. There was a sad moment towards the end but in all - a great read. I already have Ryan's story preordered and can't wait to see whats in store for the rest of the Bachelor Fireman of San Gabriel.
Profile Image for Hbeebti.
2,039 reviews50 followers
September 21, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was sweet and witty. I love Firemen so I had to give this book a try. Brody ( the fire Chief) and Mira were great together. I loved Mira's gran who was playing match maker. There were a lot of snarky comments, several lol moments and some at the end that make me choke up. There were many misunderstandings and usually that irritates me but with this book it didn't although I did want to smack Mira and Brody at different times. There were POV with Ella and man I could NOT stand her. In fact I was tempted just to skip the pages with her. She got on my every last nerve. Overall this was a great book for a new series, and I will be reading the next one . Hopefully it will be about Ryan.
Profile Image for TinaNoir.
1,891 reviews337 followers
March 21, 2012
Melissa McGuire has come back to the town on San Gabriel after a flame out in both her love life and her career in LA. She lives with her grandmother, a hoot of a woman named Nelly. She also has a prickly relationship with her ex-alcoholic of a father. And she works as a producer at the local news station, a news station that is determined to give only 'The Sunny Side of the News.' For a serious journalist who wants to do hard hitting stories, trying to always find the 'sunny side' is a bit frustrating. Added to that, Melissa is often required to deal with the difficult, narcissistic on-air star Ella Joy.

So she isn't the least bit thrilled to learn that her Gran has hoodwinked her into attending a charity fireman bachelor auction. While there, Melissa meets the sexy Harry Brody, the captain of the local fire dept. Although she refuses to bid and he is not up for auction, through a series a comic machinations, they end up on one of the bachelor dates.

While they are on their road to a relationship many things happen to make their path a rocky one including, Ella Joy's ambitions, Melissa ex, Brody's ex and their own stubbornness.

I wasn't sure what to make of this story after I finished it. After some thought, I realized it is because I don't think the book felt sure about what it wanted to be. The overall tone was comic, but there were some serious issues underneath including alcoholism, the issues that the children of alcoholics face, child abuse, and sexual harassment. Normally this would not present a problem, because I think that on the whole an author can include both the comic and the tragic in one book. Unfortunately this book did not seem to meld the two very seamlessly. At various points in the book, a tone shift would sound a discordant note in the overall flow of the story. There is an abuse investigation subplot that felt like it needed more attention or better treatment than it received. For what was supposedly the serious piece of journalism that Melissa was burning to sink her teeth into, she allowed herself to forget about it for long periods of time.

There was also a kitchen sink feel to the story. There were so many elements at play that sometimes it felt overly busy. I thought the inclusion of both the exes felt like over-kill. And their antics often felt like they should have been comedy but the story sold them as drama. There were often times that Ella Joy threatened to over-shadow the story in places. There were points when her character veered awfully close to being main rather than a supporting.

This was not a terrible book, by any means, it was very readable and I do think the writing sparkled and was quite crisp. But there were too many elements battling for my attention to make for a cohesive reading experience.
Profile Image for Lisa Filipe.
Author 5 books250 followers
October 25, 2012
http://atastyread.blogspot.com

What a Fun, sexy and exciting New series by Jennifer Bernard. I had trouble putting this one down and I am excited to start reading the next book in the series.

From the first meeting, I LOVED the heroine, Melissa McGuire and our Hero, Harry "Brody" Brod, um can we say "SMOKIN HOT" Captain Brody....yowza!! Their chemistry was burning HOT from that first moment and I don't think that it cooled down a bit.

There was so much going on, that you never got bored, but it wasn't too much where you became confused over characters, or story lines, you just sat back, put your seat belt on and went for a HEll of a Ride!!

Captain Brody is just the type of Hero I LOVE....Strong, funny, respected and HOT...but not the heartthrob of the Firehouse...Ill get to that later. I completely adored him from the start, especially when those charcoal eyes were staring at Melissa with Lust and Desire...OMG...get me a fan!! The things they did in that Silver Airstream....Warning....You might need a COLD shower after reading this one!!

I thought Melissa was funny, and smart and I LOVED the banter between her and Brody. I loved how comfortable they became around each other, and I loved how he brought out the girl that stood up for herself. "Hollywood" as the men at the firehouse called her, is everything I would have picked out for Brody, you will just have to read the book to find out what happens.

And my Nelly...Loved Nelly. She just wanted the best for her Granddaughter, you can't blame an old lady for trying "ANYTHING" to get Melissa her man!!

All of the Secondary characters were so much fun to read, well...sometimes I wanted to punch Ella Joy in the face...but other than that...I loved them all, especially Ryan "Hoagie", who is the Firehouse Heartthrob and quite the ladies man, but has a wild streak that might get him in trouble one day.

I can't wait to find out who is next on the list....so many to go around!!

So my recommendations is.....READ THIS BOOK!! PREORDER THIS BOOK and READ IT THE SECOND IT COMES TO YOUR HOUSE!! You won't be sorry, and you will be talking about Captain Brody for the next week!!
Profile Image for Alba M. .
1,724 reviews149 followers
February 4, 2020
Nelly está cansada de que su nieta, Melissa, elija a tontos vagos como novios desde que el idiota de su ex jefe la dejó por los suelos. Así que en su cumpleaños lleva a su nieta a una encerrona: la obliga a ir a una subasta de solteros de los bomberos de San Gabriel. Pero Melissa se escapa cuando se da cuenta de lo que su abuela está haciendo, solo que en su camino de huida se tropieza con uno de los atractivos bomberos que está a punto de ser subastado. Pero el destino y su abuela conspiran en su contra y Melissa acaba teniendo una cita con el bombero Brody y quizás lo suyo sea discutir y luego besarse...

Ay, todavía estoy sacando mis lagrimitas... Esta Nelly me ha dado un caso de montaña rusa de emociones. Quiero una abuela entrometida como ella. Bueno vayamos a la historia.
Melissa al principio no me caía demasiado bien. Cuando sucedió su cita con Brody de verdad quise pegarle con todas mis fuerzas. Fue tan prejuiciosa diciéndole cosas horribles a Brody cuando él solo había sido un osito de peluche adorable con ella, y todo un caballero! Así que creí que este libro no iba a ser para mí. Pero después de ese momento puntual las cosas cambiaron. Melissa pareció relajarse un poco (bastante) y por fin vio al mismo Brody que yo. Entre las intromisiones de Nelly y las de la cadena de televisión donde trabajaba Melissa la relación de ellos se fue estrechando hasta que acabaron donde todos sabíamos: en la cama. No se suponía que iba a haber sentimientos pero bueno tampoco se supone que el chocolate engorde y aquí estamos 🤣
Me ha encantado esta historia, ha sido maravillosa, me encantó la camaradería de los bomberos, odié a Ella por supuesto 🙄, y también me dolió el final con Nelly aunque ya sabíamos lo que venía... Fue una mierda total. Pero bueno final feliz por siempre jamás eso no podía faltar así que a pesar de todo y de todos esta historia tuvo su felices para siempre.

Así que sí, sin duda recomiendo muchísimo esta historia!
Profile Image for Chumchum_88.
556 reviews45 followers
November 28, 2016
I think for this one I will leave it in billet point and to try and avoid paragraphs

- My first fireman book, I always wanted to try reading one since I read about a cop, detective, sportsmen..etc

- The heroine was a stuck up at the beginning but her grandmother was great!

- The announcer chick was a bitch and so self centered

- I liked how they went on their first date and they clicked and how even the guy thought of her as his girl even before things have actually happened

- I liked how comfortable she started to feel in the station and how the guys from the station started to treat her as a younger sister

- I hated the ex and how she just flounced herself back and totally took it for granted that he would take her back WITH another mans baby

- I hated the heroine's ex he was such an ass and he and that announcer chick totally deserve each other away from the main couple

- I liked the kid who helped and only went took help from the heroine how even when he was beaten who only asked for her

- I liked the dad and how he tried to bond with the heroine

Overall, *thumbs up*
Profile Image for Lisa.
690 reviews117 followers
June 8, 2012

Unfortunately I just couldn't force myself to finish this.
Yes, this was a DNF for me. I hate to have to put a book
that had such great potential on this shelf.

It's sad that I was actually looking forward to reading this after
reading the summary on goodreads. The concept sounded like something
that I would have been interested in reading.

I got to about 20% in this book and had to put it down.

The main female character was just too annoying and whiny to me,
and came off a little ungrateful, even.

I mean, her grandmother wasn't shaming her by trying to fix her up,
get over yourself already. I couldn't stand to see a grown woman treat
a woman, her grandmother, whom she claimed to love dearly like
she was a child.


I really tried to push through but it just wasn't happening.

The chemistry between the two main characters fell flat and the characters felt way too one-dimensional.
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,137 reviews20 followers
April 12, 2012
HOT, PASSIONATE and FUNNY are three words that all describe an author who is making waves with the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series. This is the first story about their captain, Harry Brody. Here is a man who thought he had everything but like a fire it sizzled. Now with Melissa he is engulfed with a passion he has never felt before in a woman. Jennifer Bernard just outshined in this book and have to say captured my attention from the first paragraph. Here is a new author with an imagination that is clever, naughty and imaginative all in one book. Brody and Melissa are just the first of characters you will fall in love for there is Ryan Blake who is up next and a grandmother you will fall in love with in this book. San Gabriel is definitely a town you will fall in love for they have the hottest firemen in their town and an author like Jennifer Bernard to make their passion and sexual charm come to life. Awesome job.
Profile Image for Natalija.
1,150 reviews
July 17, 2022
You absolutely won’t want to miss this book. "The The Fireman Who Loved Me" is a hearwarming, tender & passionate love story between Harry & Melissa. The romance between them felt real and to watch them fall in love was so touching. The relationship between the firefighters and Melissa & her family was a nice touch to the story. It certainly didn't overshadow the main storyline, but gave it a certain depth. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended!
Profile Image for Paige.
1,906 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2014
THE FIREMAN WHO LOVED ME was the first read for me by Jennifer Bernard and I was greatly impressed. The story held so much and transitioned so smoothly.

I for one was glad that the entire book was not centered around the bachelor auction where Melissa McGuire’s Grandma Nelly buys her a fireman. Both Gran and the fireman, Ryan backed out for obvious reasons, which left fire captain Harry Brody and Melissa going on the date together.

These two are like fire and ice, except only in terminology. Both Melissa and Brody are passionate, fiery and both have misconceptions against the other’s careers.

Melissa’s head anchorwoman Ella Joy causes a lot of stir at work for Melissa, who after a humiliating past at her past job allows herself to be walked on. When they get the chance to do a fire house bachelor special, it puts Melissa and Brody is close contact. Doors seem to be their weakness as Melissa always finds herself with a door to one side of her and Brody on the other.

Brody connects with Melissa’s Gran and her father, who is a recovering alcoholic. Soon they find their place with the other but don’t test it out in the real world.

Their feelings come quick for the other, but when Ella calls in Melissa’s ex-boss and Brody’s ex-wife, now pregnant, shows up on his unfinished house’s doorstep it throws an enormous wrench in their relationship with them both thinking the worst.

Gran is exasperated at these two young people who obviously love each other. Her scheming ways are a hoot to read and with the news of her impending death, sadness too.

As her final act, Gran causes a fire that has Brody rushing to save Melissa that has him realizing the depth to his feelings. In her last moments she believes they will find their way.

Brody feels he needs to give Melissa time to mourn, but watching her kills him. She’s always on his mind. Meanwhile, Melissa’s standing up for herself at work and propositions for her to be an independent producer. Her first project is putting the final touches on the bachelor firemen story.

When Brody and the guys see it, he rushes to her door where he sweeps her in his arms. As a man with old fashion values, a walk down the aisle is in their near future.

*I really enjoyed all the characters. I can’t wait to read more about the bachelor firemen. The sense of community and friendship at the fire station was written perfectly.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
March 13, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...


Think of someone you know that when you're around them, it's like fire to gasoline. Without realizing it or meaning to, somehow every time you're around one another, you bicker, nit pick, argue...you get the picture, right? There's usually someone in everyone's life like that. But could you ever fall in love with them?

Meet Melissa McGuire. She's talented, smart and witty. Some of her not quite flattering characteristics are that she's cynical, sometimes uptight, and she lets people walk all over her. Let's say she's the flame. Are you ready for the gasoline?

Captain Brody. I like to call him the gasoline because in this story, the sparks are flying when these two are in the same room. I'm not sure what's hotter- the sizzling sexual tension between them, or the tension that flares up when the two get into a heated discussion. Either way, it gets very interesting during the book.

In this contemporary romp, Ms. Bernard takes us on a wild ride of fun, laughter, and emotion. The Fireman Who Loved Me has many plot lines going on and introduces a cast of characters that are memorable and realistic. There are mishaps and misunderstandings throughout, as well as a jealous woman who wants to be front and center, and a mischievous matchmaking grandmother started this whole shindig in the first place. This is one of those lighthearted feel good books that can be reread over and over again. Yes, it does have a few somewhat serious subjects, but most of the time, the novel is full of giggles and cheers.

This book is well done. I can't wait to see what comes next with the Firemen of San Gabriel. It looks as if there's a sequel coming, but I'm hoping for a full blown series. I am in love, and lust, with these firemen!

Looking for a fun read, full of hot firemen and a battle of stubborn wits? Look no further. Grab a copy of The Fireman Who Loved Me and a fan- you're going to need it!
Profile Image for Tammy.
874 reviews41 followers
May 2, 2012
I loved The Fireman Who Loved Me by Jennifer Bernard. It was hard to put it down once I started reading it and finally stayed up half of last night to fonosh it. Now I can’t wait for the next book to be released, which will be Ryan's book and he is also - YUMMY!!

Melissa is a news producer who thinks her ideal man is going to be someone who is a poet or possible a singer-songwriter. Brody is a Fire Captain who thinks Melissa is a refreshing change from his ex-wife who chewed him up and spit him out. They meet when Melissa's grandmother buys a bachelor fireman at a charity auction, an auction where Melissa meets Brody and blows him off. With the auction being a set-up on her grandmother’s part, her grandmother ends up not feeling well the night of the date and Brody takes Ryan’s place because the other firemen are giving him such a hard time. Melissa and Brody end up on the date together. There is a strong attraction between the two of them, but Melissa is still convinced that she and Brody are not compatible. Brody, after what happened with his wife, don’t think that he is supposed to be a family man.

I liked the fact that Melissa gives Brody a hard time about going out with him, even though he is hunky, nice, and interested. Brody on the other hand can’t figure out why Melissa affects him the way that she does, saying that he never loses him calm/cool demeanor except around her.

The relationship starts out as a friendship and progresses realistically. Once they get together, wow, it is pretty amazing. There are some complications - snarky ambitious co-workers, misunderstandings with past lovers resurfacing, but they communicate after a near tragedy and the relationship gets worked out. There are two other storylines going through the book, one involving Melissa's father who has a history of alcohol abuse and one about a young foster child in an abusive situation. The foster child storyline is not as integrated into the book as I would have preferred, but the storyline about Melissa's dad is well done and believable.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
February 19, 2013
Posted on Romancing the Books blog
Reveiwed by Ashleigh
Reveiw Copy provided from Personal Collection

This is crazy! Bidding on a man just based on his looks and not on anything important. This train of thought for Melissa McGuire was just the tip of the ice berg when she is tricked by her grandmother to go to a bachelor’s auction to find a new man. These aren’t the type of men that get under Melissa’s skin, even if they all are built and handsome and heroic and…and…and…not her type at all! Running from the auction seemed like a good idea at the time, until she has to be rescued by someone who makes her blood boil and heart skip a beat. Not knowing his name is a good thing, until he shows up at her door the next day. Melissa is about the get a crash course on what makes her melt, and it happens to be a man with gray eyes and a depth that she didn’t expect at all.

Captain Harry Brody didn’t sign up to do the bachelor auction, but knew that it was good for a charity so having his men in there was the next best thing. Being at the auditorium that night was only a fluke. Just being a good captain is what he kept telling himself. But one look at the dark haired beauty with the glasses and Brody is hooked. Knowing who she is only the first step. Knocking her socks off forever is the end goal. Will Brody’s past crashing into his present ruin his chances with Melissa or will he be able to put out this fire before it becomes an inferno?

What a great starter to an awesome series! The story of Brody and Melissa was not only suspenseful but full of humor and great sex as well. Jennifer Bernard has come out of the publishing gate at a sprinting pace and with books like this there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for her. I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with when it comes to these sexy fireman and the women that love them!
Profile Image for Sharon Redfern.
714 reviews25 followers
April 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this cute and spicy romance. Melissa is a news producer who thinks her ideal man is going to be someone in the arts or a cultural profession. Harry is a FD Captain who thinks Melissa is a refreshing change from his ex-wife who chewed him up and spit him out. They meet when Melissa's grandmother buys a bachelor fireman at a charity auction, an auction where Melissa meets Harry and blows him off. Through a mix up in communication Melissa and Harry end up on the date instead of the purchased bachelor. There is a strong attraction between the two of them but Melissa is not sure what she really wants. Harry has to patiently prove that he is the guy for Melissa.
I liked the fact that Melissa gives Harry a hard time about going out with him, even though he is hunky, nice, and interested. The relationship starts out as a friendship and progresses realistically. Once they get together, wow, it is pretty amazing. There are some complications- snarky ambitious co-workers, trust issues, misunderstandings, but they communicate after a near tragedy and the relationship gets worked out. There are two other storylines going through the book, one involving Melissa's father who has a history of alcohol abuse and one about a young foster child in an abusive situation. The foster child storyline is not as integrated into the book as I would have preferred but the line about Melissa's dad is well done and believable.
I had not read this author before and I see that there are additional books planned about the Bachelor Firemen. I will eagerly look for the next books to read in the series.
Profile Image for Anna Kay.
1,457 reviews161 followers
dnf
September 3, 2016
Not going to rate this, as it's a dnf, but I'm really tempted to one-star it. I really didn't love Harry or Melissa, but I was already 38% through so I figured, "why stop now?" Then she finds out he hired her ex-alcoholic father to wire the electricity at his new house. She freaks out. Why is that, you ask? Not because he's overstepped and it's kind of stalkerish (it definitely is), but because he'd found out she's the "alkie's kid, white trash, welfare user" kid from the wrong side of the tracks. She's so ashamed to even be associated with her father, not because she hates him, but because she wants so badly to be thought of as better than him. As a the child of a former alcoholic, who eventually forgave and moved past it, this disgusted me. If you can't own the things that make you who you are, why even bother? Also, I'm not better than my Dad just different. I get that everyone has a different experience but all I can say is, DNF. *curls lip in disgust*
Profile Image for Wendy Keel.
419 reviews47 followers
May 11, 2017
I loved this story. It was a fun read, with engaging characters. There were funny moments, sigh worthy moments and a few teary-eyed moments. Loved all the firemen! A very quick, easy read that had me eager for book two. A wonderful new author I see myself adding to my must read list. The writing was well done, nothing too deep, but not overly easy either. The perfect mix. If you are looking for some hot firemen, a great heroine and some fun, then I'd add The Fireman Who Loved Me to you to buy list!

WendyK
Profile Image for Sheryl C. Nash.
2,019 reviews432 followers
March 27, 2012
Not a bad debut, I think it started out better than it finished, but that said I still throughly enjoyed it. Am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series! I know there have been a few not-so-flattering reviews of this book, but I think if you like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibson and go into this book with an open mind and the fact that this is her debut, you will probably enjoy it. It was very funny and what else can I say except that i am a SUCKER for HOT firemen :)
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