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By Fire #2
Strengthened By Fire
Sequel to Redemption by Fire
Lee Stanton and Dirk Krause have been seeing each other for a couple of months when they get the bad news: the firehouse they work at will be closed unless they can come up with the money to complete some maintenance and repairs. The union wants to stand and fight. There’s just one problem: the only suggestion for how to raise the money is Lee’s. And Dirk hates it.
Unfortunately, everyone else thinks Lee’s “Chicken and Beefcake” dinner—which they’ll attend in just their hats, boots, and fire pants—is a great idea, and Lee goes ahead with the organizing. But interference from the borough council and low ticket sales threaten to rain on Lee’s parade. If Dirk can’t put aside his pride and stubborn nature for one night, it could cost both him and Lee their jobs—never mind their relationship.
Lee Stanton and Dirk Krause have been seeing each other for a couple of months when they get the bad news: the firehouse they work at will be closed unless they can come up with the money to complete some maintenance and repairs. The union wants to stand and fight. There’s just one problem: the only suggestion for how to raise the money is Lee’s. And Dirk hates it.
Unfortunately, everyone else thinks Lee’s “Chicken and Beefcake” dinner—which they’ll attend in just their hats, boots, and fire pants—is a great idea, and Lee goes ahead with the organizing. But interference from the borough council and low ticket sales threaten to rain on Lee’s parade. If Dirk can’t put aside his pride and stubborn nature for one night, it could cost both him and Lee their jobs—never mind their relationship.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2012
16 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 27, 2012
It's even better than the first book.
Hot firemen, what's not to like ;)
Hot firemen, what's not to like ;)
June 24, 2015
2.something
I was really bored. It could be me. Whatever the reason, this just wasn't my cuppa.
I was really bored. It could be me. Whatever the reason, this just wasn't my cuppa.
September 13, 2018
Second installment of the “By Fire” series. This is not really a standalone and the first book should be read before this one to get the full picture of what is going on leading up to this book. This is another short and quick book by Andrew Grey covering more of the firefighters Dirk and Lee’s story.
Dirk and Lee have been dating a while now, but their fire station is in jeopardy of closing down. The firefighters need to find a solution to keeping it open and their jobs safe. While Dirk and Lee simultaneously work on keeping their relationship together.
I freaking love the idea that Lee had, it is brilliant and I was not surprised at all that Dirk kind of hated it. Dirk still has his moments of being a completely closed minded idiot. And they are both still dealing with Dirks dad randomly showing up and causing problems. I thought this book was fun a fun part of their story though. It also really shows what all the firefighters were willing to do and how they all come together as brothers working together in order to keep their station and jobs going. It was nice seeing Dirk finally getting his head out of his butt once again and realizing that Lee is the perfect guy for him.
Audio – I really liked this narration by Peter a lot more than the first book. I think that he really found his stride in the character voicing in this book and appreciate the effort he put into making all the characters really come to life and make their personalities really shine through. Good Job..
Dirk and Lee have been dating a while now, but their fire station is in jeopardy of closing down. The firefighters need to find a solution to keeping it open and their jobs safe. While Dirk and Lee simultaneously work on keeping their relationship together.
I freaking love the idea that Lee had, it is brilliant and I was not surprised at all that Dirk kind of hated it. Dirk still has his moments of being a completely closed minded idiot. And they are both still dealing with Dirks dad randomly showing up and causing problems. I thought this book was fun a fun part of their story though. It also really shows what all the firefighters were willing to do and how they all come together as brothers working together in order to keep their station and jobs going. It was nice seeing Dirk finally getting his head out of his butt once again and realizing that Lee is the perfect guy for him.
Audio – I really liked this narration by Peter a lot more than the first book. I think that he really found his stride in the character voicing in this book and appreciate the effort he put into making all the characters really come to life and make their personalities really shine through. Good Job..
August 8, 2012
Strengthened by Fire picks up a few months after Redemption by Fire but the chemistry and problems (mostly thanks to Dirk being . . . Dirk) are no less powerful. As you know, I don’t often do the novella or short but after reading Redemption by Fire I Had to read this one, and am I ever happy that I did!
Dirk is still an asshat, BUT his heart finally makes a true appearance, and in both cases, WOW! I think I’d be like Lee and put up with Dirk’s attitude if it also meant I got the sweetie underneath. And the ending . . . well, not gonna tell you. You just have to go get a copy to see why Dirk melts me. ;)
I love the immense show of growth in Dirk both within Strengthened by Fire and from the very beginning in Redemption. Oh, and just a note for all you Andrew fans – Some of the guys from the …Of Love series make appearances and are their wonderful selves, lol. I love how Andrew’s stories often touch on each other.
I can’t wait for Burnished by Fire to come out – October 2012 – to find out how Dirk’s father is finally dealt with. He makes an appearance in Strengthened and tries to convince Dirk he can be ‘cured’. Yea, he went there! I’m chomping at the bit to see how Lee and Dirk finally make out in the Fire series.
Dirk is still an asshat, BUT his heart finally makes a true appearance, and in both cases, WOW! I think I’d be like Lee and put up with Dirk’s attitude if it also meant I got the sweetie underneath. And the ending . . . well, not gonna tell you. You just have to go get a copy to see why Dirk melts me. ;)
I love the immense show of growth in Dirk both within Strengthened by Fire and from the very beginning in Redemption. Oh, and just a note for all you Andrew fans – Some of the guys from the …Of Love series make appearances and are their wonderful selves, lol. I love how Andrew’s stories often touch on each other.
I can’t wait for Burnished by Fire to come out – October 2012 – to find out how Dirk’s father is finally dealt with. He makes an appearance in Strengthened and tries to convince Dirk he can be ‘cured’. Yea, he went there! I’m chomping at the bit to see how Lee and Dirk finally make out in the Fire series.
February 3, 2015
Aspettavo da tempo questo secondo, breve, romanzo di Andrew Grey. Non sono tutte rose e fiori per, Dirk e Lee, i due splendidi e sensuali Vigili del Fuoco, ma la loro storia d'amore è ancora fresca e di conseguenza devono ancora imparare a conoscersi a fondo. Molto , molto carino. Da leggere!!!
January 17, 2013
I want a dinner like that ;)
August 11, 2012
I loved the continued growth that Dirk shows and the steadfast support and encouragement that Lee provides him. Some people need that extra love and understanding but it takes a very strong partner to make sure it happens and is received in a positive way. Mr. Grey has written these characters as real people, not as bigger than life fictional heroes who can do no wrong. Great story with a heartwarming ending.
Please see my complete review and an interview with Andrew Grey on August 13, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review and an interview with Andrew Grey on August 13, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
January 2, 2013
Not unlike book one in the series, this is a quick read.
It wasn't the greatest by Grey, the fight was illogical, and lacking something.
The author never really got into why Dirk was so set against the Chicken and Beefcake dinner. I first thought it was due to jealously, but I was wrong there.
So all in all not a bad read, it was just missing something.
It wasn't the greatest by Grey, the fight was illogical, and lacking something.
The author never really got into why Dirk was so set against the Chicken and Beefcake dinner. I first thought it was due to jealously, but I was wrong there.
So all in all not a bad read, it was just missing something.
April 21, 2025
Estaba muy feliz y emocionada de leer este libro porque el primero me gustó un montón, sobre todo porque cuando se describe a Lee hay algo suave en él que a pesar de ser un gigantón lo vuelve dulce... todo eso se murió en la parte final cuando les toca hablar sobre su relación y Dirk lo evade una vez más diciendo que "no es una chica". Eso me fastidió demasiado porque 1) una vez más se cae en que hablar de las emociones en una relación (de cualquier aspecto) le pertenece sólo a las mujeres (cosa que NO debería ser así; si todos hablaran de sus sentimientos o mundo emocional cualquier relación sería muchísimo más sana) y 2) al mismo tiempo se rebaja a la mujer por querer hablar de sus sentimientos ????? En fin, ese final me decepcionó muchísimo.
July 3, 2020
With their historic station house at risk of being "merged" and closed down, in part due to the costs of needed renovations, Lee has an idea for a fund raiser. It's controversial with some in the community and even with some of the firemen, but he persists. Support from his captain and his partner Dirk help him bring it off. Credible, fairly realistic, with more people interacting than the first book in the series. Try it and see.
August 11, 2017
More like 3.5 stars
Easy, fast read in between.
Easy, fast read in between.
April 10, 2017
Loved seeing more of Dirk and Lee, though Dirk was a bit of a jerk through most of this story. Will definitely continue the series to see more of their growing relationship.
August 28, 2012
As with the first book, the cover drew me right into the story and reminded me of the great story that was the beginning of Lee and Dirk's lives together. They have certainly come a very far way since they came out of the closet – pretty much for each other's sakes. The sometimes mundane obstacles of daily life is what this book is all about in terms of their relationship. Of course, to make things more interesting, Andrew also throws in a major point of disagreement at their workplace, then makes them struggle through it. I was involved from the first to the last page!
Dirk is no longer the asshole he used to be – well, mostly. He still has his moments, but with Lee's help he is beginning to see how they affect others. That understanding, and his love for Lee, are more than enough incentive to try to change. He is still emotionally insecure, which only makes sense because years of hiding who he really is don’t vanish overnight. He is far less repressed that he used to be, and the joy he gets from making love to Lee is definitely making him a happier man.
Lee is as friendly and outgoing as ever. He has an amazing idea to help save the fire station from being closed due to budget cuts and is crushed when Dirk doesn’t want him to follow up. Being a stubborn man, he pursues it anyway. Tensions mount and I was fearing the worst for a while.
The scenes between Dirk and Lee are as intense and extremely hot as in the first book. Maybe even more so, because the emotional closeness that was only starting then is coming into full effect here. They are both vulnerable to each other and need to get used to the influence that has on how they communicate and live together. Not an easy thing to learn, and Andrew describes the issues with great understanding and sensitivity. If you like fire fighters, men who try to out-stubborn each other, and if emotionally intense relationships are your thing, you will probably love this book as much as I did. I hope there will be another installment soon!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Dirk is no longer the asshole he used to be – well, mostly. He still has his moments, but with Lee's help he is beginning to see how they affect others. That understanding, and his love for Lee, are more than enough incentive to try to change. He is still emotionally insecure, which only makes sense because years of hiding who he really is don’t vanish overnight. He is far less repressed that he used to be, and the joy he gets from making love to Lee is definitely making him a happier man.
Lee is as friendly and outgoing as ever. He has an amazing idea to help save the fire station from being closed due to budget cuts and is crushed when Dirk doesn’t want him to follow up. Being a stubborn man, he pursues it anyway. Tensions mount and I was fearing the worst for a while.
The scenes between Dirk and Lee are as intense and extremely hot as in the first book. Maybe even more so, because the emotional closeness that was only starting then is coming into full effect here. They are both vulnerable to each other and need to get used to the influence that has on how they communicate and live together. Not an easy thing to learn, and Andrew describes the issues with great understanding and sensitivity. If you like fire fighters, men who try to out-stubborn each other, and if emotionally intense relationships are your thing, you will probably love this book as much as I did. I hope there will be another installment soon!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 2, 2015
Potete trovare tutte le mie recensioni su http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/
E' sempre un piacere ritrovare personaggi che avevi amato nei romanzi precedenti, Dirk e Lee ne sono un gradevolissimo esempio. Sono passati alcuni mesi da quando i due hanno iniziato a frequentarsi e, mentre dal punto di vista della loro relazione tutto procede a gonfie vele, dal punto di vista lavorativo ci sono delle nubi all'orizzonte. Non ci sono fondi e il consiglio comunale ha deciso di chiudere una delle stazioni dei vigili del fuoco. Tutta la squadra deve mettersi d'impegno per salvare la loro amata stazione.
L'autore ha creato una storia avvincente ed emozionante, riuscendo a non snaturare i due protagonisti nonostante il cambiamento nella loro relazione: Lee è sempre il ragazzo forte, coraggioso e deciso che avevamo conosciuto nel romanzo precedente e Dirk non smentisce la sua fama. Riesce a comportarsi ancora da bastardo in certe situazioni per poi però farsi perdonare con gesti di profondo altruismo e di incredibile dolcezza.
Da leggere.
E' sempre un piacere ritrovare personaggi che avevi amato nei romanzi precedenti, Dirk e Lee ne sono un gradevolissimo esempio. Sono passati alcuni mesi da quando i due hanno iniziato a frequentarsi e, mentre dal punto di vista della loro relazione tutto procede a gonfie vele, dal punto di vista lavorativo ci sono delle nubi all'orizzonte. Non ci sono fondi e il consiglio comunale ha deciso di chiudere una delle stazioni dei vigili del fuoco. Tutta la squadra deve mettersi d'impegno per salvare la loro amata stazione.
L'autore ha creato una storia avvincente ed emozionante, riuscendo a non snaturare i due protagonisti nonostante il cambiamento nella loro relazione: Lee è sempre il ragazzo forte, coraggioso e deciso che avevamo conosciuto nel romanzo precedente e Dirk non smentisce la sua fama. Riesce a comportarsi ancora da bastardo in certe situazioni per poi però farsi perdonare con gesti di profondo altruismo e di incredibile dolcezza.
Da leggere.
August 9, 2012
From the first book to this one, i really don't feel that Dirk is such an asshole n i feel that Lee wants everything his way and Dirk has to apologize for everything.. I like Dirk way better than Lee even though ppl labelled him as a jerk.. Overall this was a great read!!
January 11, 2015
Short but sweet! It's been a while since I read the first book in this series but it was nice to get some more of Dirk and Lee.
December 27, 2015
Nice to see Lee and Dirk again. Still together and involved in trying to raise funds and keep their firehouse open.
February 3, 2015
solo 3 stelline perche' breve e piu simile ad un racconto lungo che ad un romanzo.gray sempre bravo e mi e' piaciuta la partecipazione dei protagonisti di un altra serie che amo.
March 15, 2016
Overall book rating: 3 stars
Audio book rating: Narrator - Pieter B Brooke 3.5 Stars
Book cover 3 Stars
The story continue ... A nice and sweet read.
Audio book rating: Narrator - Pieter B Brooke 3.5 Stars
Book cover 3 Stars
The story continue ... A nice and sweet read.
June 19, 2016
Much better than the first book.
I still felt like there was something missing,
But at least we got some hot scenes.
I still felt like there was something missing,
But at least we got some hot scenes.
January 14, 2016
4.5 stars...
January 1, 2019
Premesso che Andrew Grey è uno dei miei autori preferiti di romanzi m/m, devo essere sincera: il primo libro della serie non mi aveva entusiasmato, con una narrazione della storia, a mio avviso, troppo “veloce”, dove tutto accadeva subito. Ma trattandosi di Grey avevo qualche speranza per il secondo. Purtroppo non posso dire di essere soddisfatta neanche per il secondo.
Ho trovato la prima parte del racconto, (che ricordiamo si tratta di una storia breve di una settantina di pagine) noioso da seguire, perché la narrazione si perde un po’ troppo, a mio avviso, in dettagli che non richiedono tanto spazio alla storia (dipingere la scala, fare da mangiare, ecc).
Nel descrivere i personaggi e le loro personalità, il carattere di Dirk non viene riprese abbastanza da farlo “riconoscere” dal primo libro, risultando più egoista di quello che in realtà sappiamo non essere dal primo libro , creando poca empatia verso uno dei due protagonisti.
Mi è mancata inoltre quella capacità dell’autore di trasportarti emotivamente nel mondo dei suoi personaggi, non percependo fino in fondo il legame che unisce i due uomini, che potrebbe sembrare basarsi più su un gran sesso selvaggio che su sentimenti veri e profondi.
In ultima analisi, ho fatto fatica ad arrivare in fondo alla storia , al termine della quale non mi rimangono , purtroppo, grandi aspettative per i successivi volumi della serie, che rimane tra le meno coinvolgenti tra le innumerevoli e bellissime pubblicazioni di Andrew Grey
Ho trovato la prima parte del racconto, (che ricordiamo si tratta di una storia breve di una settantina di pagine) noioso da seguire, perché la narrazione si perde un po’ troppo, a mio avviso, in dettagli che non richiedono tanto spazio alla storia (dipingere la scala, fare da mangiare, ecc).
Nel descrivere i personaggi e le loro personalità, il carattere di Dirk non viene riprese abbastanza da farlo “riconoscere” dal primo libro, risultando più egoista di quello che in realtà sappiamo non essere dal primo libro , creando poca empatia verso uno dei due protagonisti.
Mi è mancata inoltre quella capacità dell’autore di trasportarti emotivamente nel mondo dei suoi personaggi, non percependo fino in fondo il legame che unisce i due uomini, che potrebbe sembrare basarsi più su un gran sesso selvaggio che su sentimenti veri e profondi.
In ultima analisi, ho fatto fatica ad arrivare in fondo alla storia , al termine della quale non mi rimangono , purtroppo, grandi aspettative per i successivi volumi della serie, che rimane tra le meno coinvolgenti tra le innumerevoli e bellissime pubblicazioni di Andrew Grey
October 10, 2021
This is the 2nd book about Dirk and Lee. Everyone now knows that Dirk is gay after the events of the last book, where he kissed Lee in front of all the firefighters after he nearly drowned. The fire station they work at is one of 2 that my close, so they come up with ideas to raise funds for needed work. Lee's idea of a beefcake meal wins, but Dirk hates the idea, so of course he won't help. But we see as the book goes on that he can't just sit back and not help him. Love wins out in his head, so he helps in his own way. He is working on not being so much of an ass. Not being in the closet anymore adds to this, but his dad doesn't agree with the way Dirk is living his life. He is a bigot and not happy that his son is gay. Lee and Dirk have come a long way in their relationship. They may fight, but they will always make up. You can see how much they love and care for each other. As usual the sex between them is hot and I love that they are verse. It is a nice change in a book to see that. The only angst really comes from Dirks dad, who is a dick! Loved the ending, bet Dirk looked hot!
August 13, 2021
Malgré mon manque d'enthousiasme sur le tome précédent, celui-ci étant dans la continuité et surtout, tout aussi court, je l'ai enchaîné en me demandant si l'intrigue pourrait rajouter un plus à la romance.
Pour ma part, c'est non. Cette idée de collecte de fonds pour sauver la caserne est certes amusante et j'avais en tête en permanence des images de pompiers façons chippendales, ce qui est somme toute plutôt distrayante. La couverture du roman fait d'ailleurs penser à ça, sauf que j'ai l'impression qu'un graphiste à un peu abusé de photoshop (sérieux, la différence des biceps entre les deux....).
Je n'ai trouvé aucune alchimie entre les deux personnages. Dirk passe sans arrêt du mec infect et directif au gars soumis et docile, son comportement est clairement fatigant. Lee est un poil plus cohérent mais pas forcément plus attachant, dommage.
Une duologie qui a le mérite d'être super rapide à lire et de désencombrer ma PAL...
Pour ma part, c'est non. Cette idée de collecte de fonds pour sauver la caserne est certes amusante et j'avais en tête en permanence des images de pompiers façons chippendales, ce qui est somme toute plutôt distrayante. La couverture du roman fait d'ailleurs penser à ça, sauf que j'ai l'impression qu'un graphiste à un peu abusé de photoshop (sérieux, la différence des biceps entre les deux....).
Je n'ai trouvé aucune alchimie entre les deux personnages. Dirk passe sans arrêt du mec infect et directif au gars soumis et docile, son comportement est clairement fatigant. Lee est un poil plus cohérent mais pas forcément plus attachant, dommage.
Une duologie qui a le mérite d'être super rapide à lire et de désencombrer ma PAL...
September 1, 2018
The guys at Union Firehouse have a problem. The local council is looking to save money by closing one of the three stations, and Union is one of the stations under consideration. The station is old and in need of repair and they need to raise funds to stay in the game. Problem is Dirk is not comfortable with his partner, Lee’s, idea for a “Chicken and Beefcake” dinner. Their difference of opinion puts a strain on their new relationship. The headaches from some local councillors and social conservatives add to Lee’s worries about slow ticket sales. Finally one of the other firefighters knocks some sense into Dirk’s thick skull to get him on board to save the station and Lee.
May 29, 2019
Me encanto. Estos dos hombres definitivamente son un amor, a pesar de su gran tamaño y musculatura son puro amor y dulzura y me encanta. Quiero leer los otros dos que me faltan para seguir suspirando por ellos
November 7, 2017
Vi lascio la mia recensione, http://chanelbooks.blogspot.it/2017/1...
January 2, 2019
Got bored after awhile. Only so much gay-bashing by one father I can take. (It was verbal but still.)
If you can get around that (handle it better than moi) this is an ok series/trilogy.
If you can get around that (handle it better than moi) this is an ok series/trilogy.
January 20, 2019
eine gelungene und spannende Fortsetzung
October 29, 2019
Even better than the first volume in the By Fire series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews