Burn Point

Newman Fire Department #2

by Rae Fields

One catastrophic storm plus…

Never-ending ladder drills and countless training runs never prepared me for the night a devastating twister ripped through my hometown. That’s the only excuse I have for offering Jordan Ashley, the woman I pulled from her collapsed home, my spare bedroom. It was supposed to be a temporary thing, Newman’s life-long bachelor helping a new resident. Except now, I’ve gotten used to the million hair ties I find everywhere, not to mention the sounds of another person in the house.

Two unlikely roommates equals…

When sexy firefighter Nate Williams volunteers his extra bed while I sort through the literal pieces of my life, I don’t hesitate to accept. Those months we spent together while he helped me get on my feet were the best, even if ignoring my attraction to him was a challenge. Moving to Newman was my chance to rebuild. A fresh start. But this brush with mortality leaves me second guessing my plan to settle down.

A friendship defined by blurred lines.

But now, I’m realizing that leaving Nate was a mistake. Maybe those simple touches and almost moments, could have been so much more. Maybe now, the timing is right. Can I go back and see if I imagined the chemistry between us? After nearly losing my father to his risky career though, am I willing to risk losing my heart to a man who risks his life every day?

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Firefighters, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

289 pages, ebook

Published October 5, 2023

Reviews

[kay ೃ⁀➷ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: burn point by rae fields ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:
3.5 ★ / “having your best friend become your lover is the best.”

a soft, warm, small-town best-friends-to-lovers romance that felt like a cozy hug and a late-night heart-to-heart all at once. super readable, super sweet, and packed with tender moments.

i did feel like there was a lot more lust than love in the middle chunk — like they obviously adored each other, but after they slept together the emotional depth took a backseat to physical chemistry. but still, the warmth, loyalty, and comfort between them carried this book beautifully.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ SPOILERS AHEAD PROCEED WITH CAUTION

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ summary:
Jordan, grieving the loss of her father and the pieces of her former life, moves in with her childhood best friend Nate — firefighter, protector, golden retriever energy, and the only man who has ever made her feel truly safe.
what starts as “just roommates” turns into lingering touches, old feelings resurfacing, and a love that’s been waiting in the wings for years. it’s about healing, second chances, family, and the kind of love that grows slowly, quietly, and then all at once.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ characters:
Jordan — sweet, insecure, healing, and deeply attached to her memories.
Nate — patient, gentle, loyal, and hopelessly in love from page one. a classic safe-love hero.
Jordan’s Dad — her heart, her anchor; every memory cut deep.
the town — warm, nosy, soft-edged, and very “small town in a Hallmark movie.”

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ favorite quotes (full versions, feel free to skim):

“Mom, a good man is one who takes care of the people in his life.
He doesn’t cheat, or lie, or try to place blame on anyone else.
A good man takes responsibility for his actions.”

“What’s your name again?”
“Nate.”
Nate, my rescuer. My own personal hero.

“This man was lethal to my resolve to be relationship-free, because he was utterly adorable with his nicknames and grins.
I’d just have to remember that we were only roommates, and not read anything more into it.”

“His intense stare made me want to fidget… After a moment, a huge smile broke out over his face, and he said, ‘Nate is so fucked.’”

“Her hand landed on mine, our pinkies entwined.”
(my micro-trope soul ascended.)

“She was Jordan, my Skippy, and I was afraid that if I wrapped my arms around her, I’d not want to let go.”

“Are you an angel?”
“I’m not an angel, Daddy.”
“Oh, yes, you are. You’re my angel.”
(this scene WRECKED me.)

“And someday, you’ll find a man. If you’re lucky, he will be your best friend, and you won’t have to change or hide a single thing about yourself.
He will appreciate you for all of you. Warts and all.”

“I see a woman who listens to me. Who cares for me and accepts me as I am.
I see my best friend.”

“Sweetheart, you are everything to me.
If we have sex or not, you are still more important to me than you’ll ever know…
Having you in my life is what matters most.”

“Being able to talk to you, and laugh with you, and share an evening with you… those are the things that matter most to me right now.
The rest can wait.”

“Well, let her cry. I’d be strong enough for the both of us. I’d wipe her tears and hold her hands.
Because love was the only thing this feeling could be.”

“This man was my soulmate. I knew it without a shadow of a doubt.”

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ overall:
a sweet, heart-forward romance about grief, healing, and falling in love with the person who has always been your home. thank you, rae fields, for giving me a glimpse into this world — I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the series ♡

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ playlist (soft romance × small town × firefighter warmth):
✦ “Carry You” — Novo Amor
✦ “I Get to Love You” — Ruelle
✦ “Bloom” — The Paper Kites
✦ “If We Were Vampires” — Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
✦ “You Are the Reason” — Calum Scott
✦ “Light On” — Maggie Rogers
✦ “Like Real People Do” — Hozier
✦ “Better Man” — Leon Bridges

[Dana Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this. Kept me entertained. Never got the arsonist, though.

Not sure if I want to follow the series.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm over the moon to have recently discovered Rae Fields. This book swept me away with gorgeous characters, strong female lead who had me wanting to run out buy a camper and go travelling. And hot, swoony Nate the firefighter with a big squishy heart 💜
A true romance with lots of fun banter between these two a perfect friends to lovers romance.
I'm absolutely excited to read all her books as my new go2 author.
If you love the likes of Lucy Score and Melanie Harlow you will love this author xx
Blurb

Never-ending ladder drills and countless training runs never prepared me for the night a devastating twister ripped through my hometown. That’s the only excuse I have for offering Jordan Ashley, the woman I pulled from her collapsed home, my spare bedroom. It was supposed to be a temporary thing, Newman’s life-long bachelor helping a new resident. Except now, I’ve gotten used to the million hair ties I find everywhere, not to mention the sounds of another person in the house.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare romantic reads that just draws you in and holds you til the end, and Fields is one of those rarer authors that knows how to develop characters that you want in your real life. Great story, great suspense, great editing, and some awesome fire in the bedroom. If you get the chance to read this story, I highly recommend you do.

[Michelle Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

What a terrifically written story! I really appreciated the growth of the relationship and the healthy way conflict was handled. Just brilliant to see adults acting like adults and properly communicating. Super fun and super sexy on top if all that. Definitely recommend!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite romance story. Nate is my new book character crush. I could relate to the fire side of this story, b/c my husband is in this field. I highly recommend this series. Can’t wait to start the 3rd book.

[Jacqueline Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes Please!

This series continues with ALL the feels. Hot firemen, courageous love interests and small town bonds. I really felt like I was a part of it all.

[Diana Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it
The story line and characters were enjoyable. It’s worth the read

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, went on a little long!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Brittany Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It draws you end and keeps you hooked with the storyline. You have just enough backstory to understand the characters, and the book follows them as they grow. While its part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but if you're like me, this will just make you want to read the other books as well.