Juliet Baker is not looking forward to coming home after six months. Yes, the fiery brunette wants to make a go of turning her parents' farmhouse into a B&B. She’s just not looking forward to seeing the place where they died. To make things worse, she knows she'll finally have to face her cheating, firefighter ex-boyfriend.
Luckily, her sister has found Jules a boarder. Easy money, right? Not when she realizes the boarder is Captain Shane Gaskill. Not only is Shane a firefighter, he’s the town's hot new fire captain.
Jules is determined to hate all firefighters. After all, the men of that precious brotherhood protected her cheating ex. Shane, however, proves he’s different from the start. He's protective and kind, and she can't stop looking at his smoking, Viking-hot body. She learns, though, that Shane isn't so willing to love again either. He's been hurt, too. They both fight the sexual chemistry, and resulting tenderness, between them. But when a stalker begins to target Jules, they realize they can't fight their desire forever.
As the threats escalate, Shane and Jules are thrown together. The resulting passion overwhelms them. But are they willing to trust each other and surrender to the flames of love?
Rosanna Leo writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Her novel A Reluctant Attraction, Handymen 3, is one of Oprah Daily's 50 of 2021's Most Anticipated Romance Novels. Follow her on Bookbub here: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rosan... From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her husband. A mother to two grown sons, she spends much of her time wondering where all her time went. A great lover of felines, she enjoys being chased around the house by her cat, Lucy. When not writing, Rosanna works for her local library, where she is busy laying the groundwork to become a library ghost one day. Connect with her at www.rosannaleoauthor.wordpress.com.
Up in Flames by Rosanna Leo is a wonderfully erotic tale of small town girl Juliet Baker and hunky firefighter Shane Gaskill. Juliet has decided to return to her home town after a 6-month hiatus and open a B & B in the family farm. Enter Shane Gaskill, the new fire station captain, sent to her B & B by Juliet’s well-meaning nosy sister, for room and board.
Both Juliet and Shane are dealing with past relationships that tend to haunt them and not allow them to act upon their growing attraction. At times Juliet frustrated me as I felt that she could not see what was standing in front of her. Her past relationship stunted her ability to move forward, but luckily that is soon rectified.
Eventually they relinquish their desires and the pages of Kindle began to smolder, no fire pun intended. Ms. Leo weaves a delightful sexy story as the two soon to- be lovers discover themselves both professionally and personally. The romance is sweet and steamy all rolled into one and the sex is sizzling and hot, with capital letters. Everyone should have their own personal fire fighter to steam the sheets. Shane's take charge attitude left me breathless and aching for more. Loved it.
This is my first introduction to Ms. Leo and I can assure that I will be reading more of her works. Her style of writing was easy to read and I did not want to put the book down until I finished it. The story also held some wonderful secondary characters and a few twist and turn surprises. A must read for all who want hot sex and a definite HEA.
I loved the main characters in this book Jules and Shane! Who doesn't love a sexy firefighter though! I felt for both of them with their pasts and the trauma's they suffered and I loved the plot involving the arsonist stalker as well. The dynamics between the characters were amazing and I was 100% routing for Jules and Shane throughout the book. I alternated between wanting to hug Jules and shout at her for being stupid and blind! Of course I was doing the same with Shane when he was letting himself be consumed by guilt over what happened with his wife. I felt like shaking him and telling him he had no cause to feel guilty and he shouldn't be punishing himself! Great story and characters. So easy to love and relate to!
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review
I absolutely LOVED this book. Gives you a real feel good factor. An makes you wanna believe in Happy Endings after all Jule's and Shane are perfect for one another but what trials and tribulations will it take for them to figure it out!!! A definite MUST READ FOR ANYONE :) Romance, action, hot sex what more could you want???
When offered the opportunity to read a story involving a yummy sweet-natured, yet tortured soul of a firefighter, how could I refuse? Actually, there's a nice, but 'bruised of heart' heroine to match him too, but in the interest of full disclosure I am forced to admit that she didn't catch my attention until I read the story. The story did indeed grab my attention in the beginning and kept it until the final page was turned.
Juliet Baker is returning to her small home town after a six-month absence to begin anew by turning the old family farmhouse into a B&B venture. She has renovations to do first and her sister has even secured her a lodger to help defray costs. Juliet is glad for the busyness of the tasks she has set before her because it will keep her mind off the reason she left town in the first place. Six months before, she learned that her two year relationship with boyfriend Kevin was a farce when she discovered that he was sleeping with nearly every woman in town it seemed like and his brotherhood of firefighters had watched his back and kept his secrets. Now all firefighters and men in general are anathema to her.
This is too bad since her new boarder is the hunky new Fire Dept Capt. Shane Gaskell. Shane is starting over and wants nothing to do with a long term relationship so he knows he's in trouble when he catches sight of his new landlady who is not the darling old doilie-producing lady he thought he was getting. But truthfully, the first impression he gets is a woman who needs his protection when an unwanted ex just won't take 'no' for an answer. It is not long before anonymous threatening notes and mysterious fires show that Juliet has a stalker and needs him more than ever.
After some hemming and hahing, the two of them chuck it all and give in to their attraction, but instead of alleviating the unwanted connection they find that things just get even more complicated. And the stalker is still out there waiting and watching, but he's getting impatient.
This story turned out to be an enjoyable reading experience even though there were moments when the two main characters drove me nuts the way they were acting. I wanted to smack one or the other (mostly Juliet because she was the biggest offender) or just both upside the head more than once for freaking out over their feelings and saying stuff they didn't mean and wanted to take back. Then it was compounded by all the withdrawal behaviors. I cut them some slack because of their pasts and besides the tendencies to snarl there were also many sweet moments too, but it was a near thing.
The focus of the story is predominantly on the main characters' romance with the action stuff mainly off scene and just mentioned in passing. The stalker plot line was there, but it wasn't as intense as it could have been because as the reader I was allowed to know who it was instead of not knowing and looking on every one with suspicion. The passion between Shane and Juliet scorched up the pages once they came to an understanding. They were definitely combustible together.
This was a really good read that I can recommend to those who enjoy Contemporary Romance.
Thanks go to the author for gifting me this book for which I have given my honest review.
Can I just say this; I enjoyed reading this book. Absolutely. Here’s how the book started:
“Good Lord, give me strength. Please keep the local fire-fighters away from me. Keep me out of the path of hardened abs and tall men in uniform, for they are bastards, one and all. Amen.”
Tell me this little prayer didn’t put a smile on your face and make you curious. Of course you can’t tell me that because it did, just like it had me grinning silly when I started reading. Once you read that opening paragraph, you know a) that the author has a sense of humor which is always a bonus and b) that you’ve got a cracker of a story.
And what a cracker this was. It had humor, suspense, action and of course romance.
Juliet Baker, the heroine, was extremely likeable—strong with a sense of humor—what’s not to like. The last thing she wanted to do was fall in love with another fire-fighter after her ex broke her heart. And she did fight the attraction.
But who can resist a hunky Viking-esque fire-fighter, especially a tortured one at that. Shane Gaskill is just a dream come true. I certainly couldn’t resist his charms. Apparently he is a Tom Hardy lookalike. But I was picturing Chris Hemsworth frankly. Sorry, Rosanna. Chris is the only ‘Norseman’ I’m interested in at the moment. LOL.
Right, back to the review. I got a bit distracted there with Norsemen/gods.
So tortured hero plus touchy heroine make for an angsty read which is absolutely fine by me. The sexual tension between those two sizzled whenever they were on the page together. So much so that I skimmed the bits when they were not together just to get to when they were. I admit I’m an impatient reader. *big grin*
When they did eventually get it together, the love scenes were hot. Definitely needed a cooling drink afterwards. Of course once those two got in bed together, the real suspense began with an arsonist on the prowl.
I have to say I enjoyed watching Juliet and Shane fall in love. This was a real emotional read. I loved that Jules had family support and the way her family ‘adopted’ Shane. My only niggle was with Jules conversations with her sister. I know some sisters talk about everything. But it seemed their conversations were about the same things. But hey, that’s just me.
That said, this is a feel-good heart-warming sizzling story which I enjoyed.
My Recommendation Yummy in a hot way. Buy it. Read it.
Juliet Baker is returning to her home town of Riverbend after six months in Europe. She has very mixed feelings about this return. She left after her parents passed away, and she caught her firefighter boyfriend Kevin cheating on her. Apparently with multiple women, and worse, his firefighter buddies kept his secret . Juliet is definitely OFF firefighters. Juliet hopes to turn her parents rambling farm into a B & B, and her sister Claire has already arranged for a boarder to help pay for the renovations needed. Her boarder is Shane Gaskill. "He's just a man. A strapping hunky, splendid piece of man, that's all . Nothing to get my knickers in a twist about." But then, she finds out he's the new Fire Captain!
Shane is a man trying to forget his past. He states he is a confirmed bachelor, but is immediately intrigued by Juliet. He expected his landlady to be a little old lady who crochets doilies . NOT! He is angered to find out the man who betrayed Juliet is one of his own firefighters. Juliet and Shane settle in to an easy relationship, he is a former contractor, and happy to help with the work that needs to be done, and Juliet is keeping him fed. If it wasn't the annoyance of Kevin insisting they should renew their relationship, life would be fine.
A series of petty pranks starts annoying Juliet, but alarming Shane. It starts out as anonymous notes left on her car and mailbox. Shane insists on involving the police. The letters become more threatening, and Shane also stars receiving them. Juliet's fear, and Shame's protectiveness escalate their relationship. It all comes to a shocking climax.
This was a very enjoyable read. There is a lot of humor, and a great scene where Juliet finally faces Kevin, and rips him to shreds. The underlying danger adds a great slant to the story. The love scenes? HOT!! A slow build up, but sizzling descriptions.
I would highly recommend this novel, readers who love to read about firefighters will be very satisfied. If you like a little danger with your sizzle, this books for you.
Juliet "Jules" Baker has sworn off firefighters as liars and cheaters thanks to her ex Kevin. Jules believes the precious brotherhood is alive and well among firefighters. She's spent the last six months on an extended vacation to Europe to escape the pain and heartache of losing her parents as well as her boyfriend. Jules is now returning home to open B&B on her family farm. Jules didn't plan on her sister Clare meddling in her life especially a firefighter. Captain Shane Gaskill is the new fire captain in Riverbend didn't think he'd meet a vision of loveliness that sparks his passion hotter than any he's previously experienced. Shane just didn't expect to be confronted with woman who hates firefighters with a passion. Despite this Shane wants Jules Baker for himself. Shane is Jules boarder and doesn't want to take advantage of the situation either. Jules isn't over Kevin inspite of her claims otherwise. Will Jules give Kevin his walking papers? Can Jules admit she's attracted to Shane? Is Shane able to love again? Your answers await you in Up in Flames.
Who doesn't like a book with firefighters in it. Captain Shane Gaskill is a smokin' hot alpha male that just wants to wrap Jules into protective bubble wrap and not let go. Jules Baker is gunshy of trusting any man again after being cheated on and lied too. Personally I can't blame Jules for her actions and prejudices towards firefighters. I loved how Ms. Leo wove a tale of such emotion and physical want which made this book a page turner. I will definitely continue reading Ms. Leo's work in the future.
Someone call 9-1-1 now as I'm on fire. Sexy firefighters...I definitely want one. Forgive me ladies as I close my eyes and envision hard-bodied firefighters...
Looking to indulge in some guilty pleasures that will get your engines up and running? “Up in Flames” is the book to read that will definitely deliver what you’re looking for in an erotic tale. I really enjoyed this story. Shane and Jules are two very likeable and strong characters. The heat and passion between the two is so palpable you almost don’t want the story to end. Why would you when the story involves one sexy, hard-bodied firefighter that’s constantly sizzling with desire.
Where others have failed, Rosanna Leo has achieved success delivering an erotic story that is so well-written it captures and holds the reader’s interest; and more importantly, all the while not going overboard to the point of being salacious. “Up in Flames” – an erotic tale that not only leaves you breathless, but also pining for more. A must read for those who love to be left hot and bothered.
“Good Lord, give me strength. Please keep the local firefighters away from me. Keep me out of the path of hardened abs and tall men in uniform, for they are bastards, one and all. Amen.”
Ha, if that doesn't grab your attention, then I really don't know what will.
So there I was, sucked in with those first few sentences of Up in Flames. And thankfully, I wasn't let down after that. The author created a pleasant, sexy read with two extremely likeable characters that you will root for from the start. They each have their own emotional baggage to overcome in the beginning, but it was enjoyable to read their love unfold throughout the story despite their hangups. Jules and Shane were a perfect pair for each other, and I was thoroughly satisfied when this couple found their happily ever after together. Not to mention, the intimate scenes in the book were pretty hot. :)
Juliet Baker is not looking forward to coming home after six months. Yes, the fiery brunette wants to make a go of turning her parents' farmhouse into a B&B. She’s just not looking forward to seeing the place where they died. To make things worse, she knows she'll finally have to face her cheating, firefighter ex-boyfriend.
Luckily, her sister has found Jules a boarder. Easy money, right? Not when she realizes the boarder is Captain Shane Gaskill. Not only is Shane a firefighter, he’s the town's hot new fire captain.
A feel good book, with plenty of romance. Incredibly well written, the author has a way of conveying exactly what the characters are thinking and feeling, whilst developing the sexual chemistry in a rather erotic way (without crossing the line to smut). The story leaves you completely engrossed, and I did not want to put this book down.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So sweet! I really enjoyed this one. The characters feel very real as was the heartbreak they both would rather not repeat. Jules and Shane resist with the best of them but not really, which is perfect. The action moved pretty quickly throughout the book.A very nice balance was achieved with inner turmoil and action. You were able to understand what was going on with the characters but the story didn't get bogged down in too much thinking. This one is a must read for contemporary romance readers. It reminded me a bit of Jill Shalvis and her Lucky Harbor series (one of my favs). It would be interesting to hear more about this small town and some of the hot firefighters, just maybe not the ones that weren't that great.
Where can I get a hot firefighter of my own? The chemistry between Jules and Shane is practically explosive. It jumps out at you from every page. Battling feelings for each other, each for their own personal reasons, you want nothing more than for these two individuals to find their way to each other and a happily ever after.
The added thrill of an arsonist, threatening notes and an ex boyfriend trying to win Juliet back, Up in Flames never has a dull moment. Another great one by Rosanna Leo
what did i think?!?!? i think if there was even the remotest chance that shane would be the one showing up i'd set fire to my house,lol. this book, like the other one by rosanna that i've read (THE SELKIE, check it out too), is hot, hot, hot. loved it from the first word to the last word. i usually am a true blue paranormal romance/erotica reader, and you know what i didn't miss the "paranormal" in this book at all. kudos to rosanna for winning me over, with yet another man ;)
Juliet moves back into town after trying to clear her head after a bad break up and the death of her parents. Little does she know her boarder Shane is going to rock her world. Cute romance story with a little action and a little erotica.
I wished Gary had played a bigger part in the story to explain his mental illness and reasonings. WaAR
I love the story. It's short and simple but sweet and fun at the same time. Rosanna Leo is an amazing writer that understands which elements will pull the reader in. This is a standalone book, and sometimes that is exactly what you need, a quick story with great chemistry between the characters and complete resolution.
Oh my goodness! I need a fan during portions of this book! The story is sweet and plausible, the characters are realistic, and the lovin' is HAWT! This is the third book I have read from this author. Ms. Leo, I look forward to many more.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book. It was sugary sweet if a little predictable, but it didn't matter. I was in the mood for something light and not too taxing on the emotions and this fit the bill perfectly.
What a great story! The characters were believable, and made the story flow effortlessly. Plus, it ended just when, and as, it should have... that's not as common as one would like.
Masterfully written... classy. Rosanna Leo has me hooked, and I'll be looking for more from this author.
I can't say enough about this delicious book. Sexy and hot, sweet and compassionate...this story tugged at my heart and kept me engaged from page one. Rosanna Leo has a solid fan in me!
Jules and Shane has both been hurt and both are afraid to love. This makes for interesting avoidance and denial from both. I liked this story very much. It was believable and I could identify with the characters and their feelings. I love that it was not just a sappy love story, but that it had a bit of mystery and suspense as well. A good all round read.
I like Ms Leo's writing style and would love to read more of her books.
Synopsis:
Juliet Baker is not looking forward to coming home after six months. Yes, the fiery brunette wants to make a go of turning her parents' farmhouse into a B&B. She’s just not looking forward to seeing the place where they died. To make things worse, she knows she'll finally have to face her cheating, firefighter ex-boyfriend.
Luckily, her sister has found Jules a boarder. Easy money, right? Not when she realizes the boarder is Captain Shane Gaskill. Not only is Shane a firefighter, he’s the town's hot new fire captain.
Jules is determined to hate all firefighters. After all, the men of that precious brotherhood protected her cheating ex. Shane, however, proves he’s different from the start. He's protective and kind, and she can't stop looking at his smoking, Viking-hot body. She learns, though, that Shane isn't so willing to love again either. He's been hurt, too. They both fight the sexual chemistry, and resulting tenderness, between them. But when a stalker begins to target Jules, they realize they can't fight their desire forever.
As the threats escalate, Shane and Jules are thrown together. The resulting passion overwhelms them. But are they willing to trust each other and surrender to the flames of love?
Rosanna Leo is much better known for her paranormal romances, but this contemporary from her backlist contains most of her signature style elements that make all of her books so enjoyable. Since this is one of her earliest books, it's perhaps not quite as polished as some of the later ones, but it still shows off her innate skill quite well. The pacing is a touch on the slow side perhaps, but the story develops steadily and in a way that seems quite natural. If you're looking for romantic suspense, this isn't it, because the identity of the stalker is revealed pretty early on (at least to the reader, not to the characters), and there aren't really any true nail-biting moments. Still, it's quite enjoyable.
I'm honestly baffled by all the 4/5 stars reviews. This was a cheesy book full of tired tropes, highly predictable plot developments, and one-dimensional stock characters.
The opening sentence gave me the impression that this could be a cute, witty romance but things went south pretty quickly. The twilight-type writing (i.e. excruciatingly detailed descriptions of the protagonists' bodies and hotness, twice per page) got old very fast.
Just consider this: in one of the first chapter, while Jules and Shane are having their first casual conversation, she notices that he is sporting a large erection. Rather than being creeped out that a complete stranger who is about to move in with her has random boners during neutral conversation, she has no reaction to it whatsoever.
This is my second time reading this title, and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time!
Rosanna Leo knows how to write a beautiful story, and this one is no exception. Shane and Jules are characters with whom you immediately become invested, and although the stalker was known from the beginning it was still suspenseful just wondering how far he'd go.
This is a fantastic light read, but with a lot of heart, and a bit of heat!
A nice romancy read with some light erotica thrown in. The mystery suspense side of the story was not very mysterious at all. It was made very obvious to the reader who the arsonist was very early on and very anti-climatic when he was caught, IMO!
If you like fire fighter books, you might like this story, it is a nice easy read.
What a great read. I enjoyed this book start to finish. So I read it all in one sitting. My only complaint would be that Jules held on to her anti-fireman hatred for far to long in the book. Made her seem a little bitchy sometimes. Shane was awesome.