Burnished by Fire

By Fire #3

by Andrew Grey

Sequel to Strengthened by Fire
By Fire Book Three

Firefighters Lee Stanton and Dirk Krause need a vacation. Work seems to have other they spend the day before their holiday begins battling a fire that claims three lives. Thankfully, Lee and Dirk will have a whole week on the high seas to recover.

They’re having a wonderful time—until they spot Dirk’s miserable, closed-minded father on the ship. Between his father’s presence and his guilt over the lives he couldn’t save, Dirk feels sure his romantic cruise is going to tank. But then he saves another passenger’s life—and maybe he can salvage something else too.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Firefighters, Audiobook, Gay, LGBT

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2012

Reviews

[SoCalBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three of the By Fire series, and the finale of Dirk and Lee’s story. Again, I have to say this is not really a standalone and the first two books should be read first to get the full impact of Lee & Dirks story.

Lee and Dirk need a vacation from their lives and decide to go on a relaxing cruise…
Unfortunately, Dirks horrible father seems to have booked the same cruise…

I think this was a good ending to Lee and Dirks story together. We get to see them both letting go and having fun on the cruise. Meeting new people, still saving lives. Dirk finally gets some much needed closure on the drama between him and his father, and just maybe they can reconcile their differences. We finally get to see Dirk completely out and proud of himself and Lee. I love that Lee and Dirk get a happy ending and find the other half of themselves in each other. They are super cute together.

Audio – I’m glad that the author stuck with the same narrator during each installment of Lee and Dirks story. We get to see not only Dirk and Lee growing as characters and a couple. But I feel like we get to see the narrator Peter grow as well. He really just got better with each book in this series, and this was definitely my favorite. I really enjoyed listening to the narration of this book.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

While this was not my favorite of the three books. It was a good follow up and a nice ending to the story of Dirk and Lee.

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3 stars
Audio book rating: Narrator - Pieter B Brooke 3.5 Stars
Book cover 3 Stars

This was a nice low key book to listen to

[Leaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and now I want to go on a cruise, lol I really enjoyed 'seeing' Dirk and Lee again.

[Yeochingyu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.70*

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich war schon sehr gespannt auf den Abschlussband der Story um Dirk und Lee, doch ich bin ein wenig enttäuscht davon.

Zur Handlung. Nach einem schwierigen Löscheinsatz, der Opfer gefordert hat, sind Lee und Dirk urlaubsreif. Da kommt die gebuchte Kreuzfahrt wie gerufen, um auszuspannen und das Erlebte zu verarbeiten.

Der Anfang hat mir gefallen, aber das war’s dann auch schon so ziemlich. Die Story liest sich eher wie ein Reisetagebuch. Die Idee, dass Dirks Vater samt Klient mit an Bord ist, war für dann doch eher ein zusätzlicher Stimmungskiller. Wieso bucht er geschäftlich eine Vergnügungskreuzfahrt? Irgendwie merkwürdig. Außerdem konnte ich auch mit dem Paar Lee und Dirk nicht so recht warm werden. Eigentlich ist Andrew Grey ja ein Meister der Emotionen. Davon ist bei den beiden aber nicht viel zu spüren. Auch wenn am Ende feststeht, dass Dirk und Lee zusammen bleiben werden. Der Epilog hätte meiner Meinung nach, ruhig etwas romantischer sein können.

Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.

Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this author but I do wish his books were a bit longer....well actually a lot longer. This one could have benefited from a little more excitement in the plot...but it turned out to be a slow, sweet story that saw the two guys relaxing and just having fun while meeting new people Too bad that Dirk’s jerk of a father had to show up....but there were issues that needed to be worked out between father and son also. What are the chances of that ever really happening? Dirk thought never...but he underestimated the power of love. A more than satisfactory ending to the story of Dirk and Lee. Write longer books Mr. Grey!

[T.A. Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third, and what appears to be final, book in the Fire series, we once again spend some time with Lee Stanton and Dirk Krause, firefighters and partners. Lee is the gentle giant of the two, a self-assured mountain of a man with patience for his lover as big as his heart. Dirk has been slowly coming to terms with being out and proud, and his love for his younger partner colors all he does. Even when he’s being a huge jerk.

In the aftermath of a fire which the two men help fight, three people lose their lives. Even though there was nothing else that could have been done, Dirk feels responsible. The ghosts of what might have happened, what he could have done, might have been able to do…they haunt him. So much so that Lee realizes something needs to change.

The two men talk and decide a vacation is on order, and book a week-long cruise, just the two of them. Ah, romance on the high seas, the crisp ocean air, all-you-can-eat buffets all day and night. They must have died and gone to heaven.

Until they see Dirk’s homophobic father is on the cruise also.
Will Dirk allow him to control his behavior and life one more time? Is Dirk going to waste this opportunity to spend time openly loving his man? Or will Lee, and fate, intervene and change their relationship forever?

Andrew Grey has brought back two of my favorite characters and let us have a glimpse of something truly unique – a realistic exploration of a strained parental relationship that moves forward with integrity. All three books carry the thread of a “two steps forward and three steps back” sort of theme between Dirk and his dad. Having seen this in real life, it’s very true to life. Concessions are made, and understandings arrived at, but then the ugliness rears its head again and again.

What Mr. Grey does here is showcase Dirk, in all his pig-headed, stubbornly prideful idiocy, and makes us love him. Because at heart, he just wants his dad to love and accept him. And when he arrives at the adult realization that he is a grown man, responsible only for his own feelings and views, he is finally able to bust out of his own frozen emotions and meet his father man to man.

I really like that Lee supported him, loved him, made love to him, counseled him, but ultimately left Dirk to come to his own conclusions about his father. And Dirk does, with a little help from an emergency and a new person who helps his dad see things from a different vantage point.

This is a warm, comfortable read, and it’s perfect for a cold fall or winter night. Lee is strong, Dirk has mellowed, and we get a resolution that feels…right. What more can I ask for? Maybe a cup of hot chocolate?

Very highly recommended.

Tom

[Wax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this next addition to the story of Lee and Dirk. Their relationship continues and while on a cruise, they encounter several issues. One is the difficulty Dirk continues to have with his father regarding his feelings about Dirk being gay. Second is the difficulty Dirk has with problems that arise while on a job.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

buon finale di serie,romantico e piacevole ma nulla più

[Altivo Overo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps a bit too pat, but nicely resolves a lot of conflict. I won't give anything away here but just say that Dirk and Lee have a nice vacation.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in this very hot mini-series very nicely rounded off Lee and Dirk's story, while also dealing with the biggest issue that remained in Dirk's life: that of his interfering father. I loved seeing Lee and Dirk really comfortable with each other, supportive where needed and challenging when required. The difficulties of dealing with a fire fighter's nightmares (about the people they were not able to save) play just as much a role in their lives as the happy occasions when they get to be heroes. This book brings both into perspective and shows the effects of achieving a healthy balance.

Dirk has definitely grown and changed for the better pretty much overcoming his status of "resident asshole" in the first book. Only one real weakness remains: the relationship with his father. When the man suddenly appears on the same cruise ship Lee and Dirk are spending their vacation on, Dirk comes this close to reverting to asshole status. Luckily he not only has Lee to help keep him on an even keel, Dirk himself is a different person and manages the situation much better than he would have eighteen months ago when he and Lee first met.

Lee is still wonderful, and very much in love with Dirk. He helps him through the work crisis, and having gone through similar situations himself, he knows what it's like. Lee has learned how to deal with Dirk pretty effectively, and their relationship is stronger than ever. I loved how he keeps reminding Dirk what is really important, and his forceful take-charge attitude in the bedroom makes for very hot, yet emotional reading.

If you like firefighters who have learned to manage the fires in their personal and professional lives, if an emotionally and physically intense relationship is what you're looking for, and if you, like me, want to find out what Lee and Dirk are up to, then you need to get hold of this book. It is a very satisfying third volume!




NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Aine Massie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnished by Fire begins eighteen months after Redemption by Fire began. Dirk and Lee are living together – much to Dirk’s father’s ire – working side by side, and finally taking a vacation together. What could go wrong with a va-ca for these two? . . .

Just before they leave for their trip, the two go on one last fire run, unfortunately, Dirk isn’t able to save everyone. This colours his mood already and then when they board the ship and find his lovely father on board, Lee is left to help his lover find the romance and turn his back on pain an anger – No small order, I assure you. (I so want a Lee of my own . . . no pointing out he’s gay people . . . )

Burnished by Fire is the third instalment of the By Fire series and shows the immense growth in the once asshat, Dirk (who can still be one when the mood strikes, lol), and even some for the vile father.

This is one HEA that has a few twists I didn’t expect but loved and hope that any Andrew lovers out there run to grab their own copy. It’s a wonderful, short read with lots of steamy sex, hot men, and sweet love.

[Driima · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, I really like all three stories in this series. They are light, with some heavy moments and really nice and hot scenes. They are fun to read. Only - they are short, so they don't really have the same impact some of Andrew Greys other books had on me. I liked them, but I didn't get as immersed as with some of his novels/books, perhaps because of the lenght and the missing time to create more depth in each individual book. But putting all three together definitely elevated the whole reading experience and the puzzle started to look more and more complete. So, compared to some other books of his that I read so far, not quite as strong as some others - but they are solid 3.5 stars and I'm looking forward to the last one - the spin-off-...

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad.

Though, I cannot for the life of me understand why Dirk's father was on the cruise. WITH CLIENTS.
Really? I can't remember if he's a money dude, or if he's a lawyer... but really... is going on a cruise with clients the normal behaviour of people with money? Because that's a first for me.
I don't think I'd ever invite my accountant, or lawyer to go on a cruise with me.

The smex was good.... but I can't remember much else at the moment of plot other than Dirk having a lifeguard moment and them dancing at one of the clubs on the ship.

It did end on a good note, and also ended the series on a good note. So for that I am pleased.

[L-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book in the By Fire series, but I didn't like it as much as the second one. It was a cute story and features Lee and Dirk taking a much needed vacation. Unfortunately, they don't expect Dirk's father to be on their cruise ship and sitting at their table. A nice addition to the By Fire series.

[Susan65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to Dirk and Lee's story. I didn't like Dirk in the first two books very much, but he grew up and grew on me. Lee is just an all around dream boat, love him.

[Evandro Roberto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh...

[Nikko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally satisfying!!! I lurrrve it!!!

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione in ANTEPRIMA

Voto - 3.5

"Dirk si alzò e si avviò verso l’autopompa. Indipendentemente da quante volte gli altri gli dicessero che era tutto a posto, lui comunque pensava sempre alle persone che non aveva raggiunto. Sapeva che per Lee era lo stesso, ma ormai era troppo tardi. Non salvavano tutti, non era sempre possibile, e quel giorno era andata così. Aveva già vissuto un’esperienza del genere in passato e gli sarebbe successo di nuovo. Ma ciò non rendeva più facile accettarlo."

Terzo episodio della serie “Il fuoco” è al momento, anche l’ultimo che vede come protagonisti principali Dirk e Lee. In questi tre brevissimi libri li abbiamo visti crescere come coppia e cambiare moltissimo. Dirk è riuscito ad aprirsi, e solo poche volte il suo caratterino chiuso e scontroso fa di nuovo la sua apparizione. Il loro lavoro sfibrante e pericoloso, li mette sempre in tensione e i pesanti turni a volte rendono difficile poter vivere serenamente il loro rapporto, ma ora, hanno deciso di prendersi una meritata vacanza ed una bellissima crociera li aspetta. Però, proprio durante il loro ultimo turno, prima di finire le valigie, ecco la tragedia: uno dei palazzi al centro della cittadina prende fuoco e la sua struttura è quanto di peggio possa esistere per un pompiere, fatta quasi interamente di legno e molto vecchia. Come sempre accade nella loro squadra sono proprio Dirk e Lee quelli che si occupano di cercare eventuali vittime da salvare, e ispezionando l’edificio si imbattono in tre bambini e il loro padre, salvandoli. Tutto sembra andato per il verso giusto, fin quando un’ispezione post incendio, non rivela che altre tre persone erano in quel caseggiato e per loro non c’è stata salvezza. E come ogni volta che ci sono vittime, Dirk non può fare a meno di provare rimorso e angustiarsi, nonostante sappia perfettamente che non sempre nel suo lavoro si può vincere e non può salvare tutti, ma questa volta Lee è intenzionato a fare in modo che ciò non rovini la loro meritata vacanza. E tutto sembra andare davvero splendidamente, una nave bellissima, un amante appassionato e tante attività rilassanti da provare, senonché una volta a bordo, i due non si rendono conto che il padre di Dirk che non ha mai approvato la loro coppia, è sulla quella stessa nave, e i rapporti che intercorrono fra padre e figlio non sono certo fra i migliori.

La scrittura di Andrew Grey è davvero bella, ma in questa serie, proprio per la brevità dei libri che la compongono viene a meno quella precisa caratterizzazione dei personaggi che di solito mi fa amare moltissimo i suoi scritti. Tutto avviene in modo molto frettoloso e conosciamo i problemi di Dirk con il padre in modo molto superficiale e spesso, solo per aver avuto modo di scoprirli nei capitoli precedenti. Ritroviamo i protagonisti che ormai vivono insieme, Lee è riuscito a smussare gran parte del carattere difficile dell’uomo che ama ma nonostante si sia addolcito, Dirk non può fare a meno di essere irritato con il padre e di rendere la loro vacanza un continuo sfuggire la sua presenza, fino a quando un salvataggio imprevisto non da modo ai due uomini di parlare per la prima volta con serenità, e porre le basi per ritrovare in parte un buon rapporto cominciando a rispettarsi.

Non è un libro in cui accada molto, leggerlo è piacevole, così come scoprire questa coppia sempre più innamorata ed affiatata, le scene di sesso sono intense e davvero ben scritte, ma l’autore ha scritto libri davvero belli, mentre questo invece, rimane solo una lettura gradevole per passare un’oretta o poco più.

Lucia63 - per RFS

[Feel The Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book


“Il fuoco del perdono è una novella che integra i primi due libri della serie “Il fuoco”.
I nostri protagonisti adesso convivono, tuttavia Dick continua a non andare d'accordo con il padre e a colpevolizzarsi quando non riesce a salvare qualcuno. In questo racconto decidono di partire per una crociera, ma li segue l’ombra di un accadimento che ha profondamente turbato Dirk. Infatti, nonostante abbia portato in salvo tre bambini, ha perso altre persone in un incendio e non riesce a perdonarsi di non averle salvate. Spera che la vacanza possa distrarlo ma, appena saliti a bordo, scopre che suo padre è a bordo accompagnato da un cliente.
Iniziamo a capire che il comportamento del padre di Dirk è in parte dovuto al fatto di essere rimasto vedovo e di essersi chiuso in se stesso, senza tralasciare le remore di natura religiosa. Sarà l'interesse per Sarah, una signora conosciuta in crociera, il deus ex machina capace di farlo riflettere e di farlo parlare a cuore aperto con il figlio, e forse ci potrà essere un futuro per loro, una maggiore reciproca accettazione. Anche Dirk maturerà e si renderà conto di avere un problema che lo spingerà a prendere in considerazione l'aiuto di un professionista.
Un racconto dolce e nel contempo sensuale, dove i sentimenti tra Lee e Dirk si evolvono e si consolidano. Piacevole lettura.

Editing della recensione a cura di LadyOwl per Feel the Book

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting short read. While on vacation Dirk and Lee encounter Dirk's father. The father/son relationship has been strained since the death of Dirk's mother, and over the course of the vacation cruise the two men get a chance to work on their  relationship as Dirk's father begins to see his son's love for Lee through the eyes of others and he experiences the joy of love again in one of his fellow passengers.

[Undercover C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A questo punto un solo pensiero: “ma che, da vero?”

Telecronaca scesa a 60 pagine.
Un’altra scena “riassunta” viene qui spacciata per “libro”.

Le stelle sono due, invece che una sola, soltanto perché in qualche oscura maniera mi dispiace per i protagonisti. È come se sentissi che non è colpa loro. Sono stati scritti e descritti (!) così. E mi dispiace…

[Karlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ein sehr schoenes Finale,
mir hat die Geschichte um und mit den Feuerwehrmaennern gefallen

[**Sognatrice di libri** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettura scorrevole e piacevole a cui l'autore mi ormai abituata.

[Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that’s it for me and this series. Drew and Lee looks like they hit there HEA.

[Sammy Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnished by Fire was the third installment by Andrew Grey bout firefighters Dirk and Lee, It picks up their story some eighteen months into their relationship as they are about to go on vacation together—a Caribbean cruise. As fate would have it, Dirk’s father ends up on the very same cruise and sparks fly between the two as usual. If you have read the other novellas in this series then you will remember how homophobic, controlling and angry Dirk’s father acts toward he and Lee. Well, little has changed as this nicely drawn third story begins.

One of the things I so enjoy about Andrew Grey’s writing is the down home feel to it—his characters are every day men with issues and things that can and do go wrong. For these two firefighters, they both grapple visibly with losing the lives of those they are meant to save. As this novella opens, Dirk and Lee manage to save three children from a fast burning building but fail to find and rescue some others who are hiding in a closet to escape from the flames.

Once more, Dirk feels this loss deeply—condemning himself for his inability to rescue them. He carries these feelings with him, constantly plagued by the doubt that his ability will ever be enough. Lee recognizes is and wisely gives him some space to try and come to terms with his anger and depression. Dirk tries his best to shake it all off—but again fails to truly let his worry and sadness go.

As this piece evolves so does Dirk’s ongoing relationship with his father. While on board, Dirk’s Dad begins to take interest in a kind hearted woman and due to her influence, eventually finds himself talking with Dirk—almost reconciling. But Andrew Grey does not disappoint us with a snappy and false “all is well “resolution to their ongoing battle. Instead he sends up a slightly uneasy truce and hope for the future. Dirk is cautiously optimistic about the truce and hopes that the future will hold more opportunities to grow together as father and son.

This was a well done final installment to the By Fire series. One of Andrew Grey’s strengths is the way he allows his characters to grow, change and become better people through the course of his story. Dirk really comes to terms with the anger that shapes and holds him—with the way he tends to drive people—even his father—away. Lee stands by him patiently reminding him that he needs to deal with his feelings rather than bury them where they eat away at him. It was just lovely watching these two men grow into a couple and see their love and friendship for each other deepen and take root.

Rather than pandering to us and drawing this series up into a neat and cuddly package, the author opted for a good dose of reality to flavor the ending of Lee and Dirk’s story. These men became real as this series expanded and the ending allowed for much happiness and some definite work on Dirk’s part to resolve his issues. It was a happy, hopeful ending and you felt for the first time that these guys were going to make it as a couple—as partners.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to really enjoy the extended story of this couple- Dirk and Lee. I like reading stories when a character grows. Dirk started out as quite the jerk and on the surface, quite unlovable in book one. He had issues with his own sexuality and with his dad which understandably influenced how he behaved. Fortunately, he was blessed by a strong steady man in Lee who was willing to give him a chance.

In this third story, Dirk and Lee have been a couple for over a year. This doesn't mean that everything is easy street for them. Both are still firefighters who encounter danger and sometimes the sorrow of not being able to save everyone as part of their job. Dirk is a bit down about only being able to get half the trapped residence of an old apartment complex out, but fortunately he and Lee are due a long vacation.

Lee has booked them for a cruise in the Caribbean. They are just starting to relax and enjoy the amenities of their ship when they get the shock of their lives. Dirk's dad is vacationing with one of his clients on the same ship. Dirk knows he can either let it ruin things or he can start working through his issues with his dad.

Lee is the strong support that Dirk has come to depend on and Lee is also wily enough to know how to help Dirk work through things. But ultimately it is Dirk and his dad that must come together and actually communicate. A surprising set of circumstances come about to allow them the chance.

I enjoyed the tone of the story. This is an established relationship so I was so grateful to the author, Mr. Grey, for not adding in angst in the romantic plot line just because. This long-term couple already has unfinished business to keep things lively without forcing things. Dirk is finally confronted face to face with his dad. Because they are stuck on a ship together, nobody can cut and run. I was really interested to see how that would work out. I also appreciated the subplot of learning how both of these guys, but especially Dirk must learn to deal with their unique form of job stress. And most importantly, I thought the enduring and endearing quality of their relationship in comparison to where it all started was a nice addition.

The story felt like it was tying everything up neatly with no loose ends. But I will haply agree to be wrong and see more of this couple as I've really come to like Dirk and Lee over the course of the three books.

This book/series should be read in order. I recommend it for those who enjoy a passionate m/m contemporary romance between two firefighter hero types.