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Firefighter #2
Blue Flame
If you can't handle the heat...
Callie Hayes is the hardworking manager of the Blue Flame, Arizona's most remote, relaxing guest ranch. She's given everything to the ranch, body, heart, and soul-three things that go haywire when her sexy employer suddenly shows up. Their intense, stormy past has taught Callie to never mix business with pleasure. But something about Jake is different now...
San Diego firefighter Jake Rawlings knows the ranch he inherited from his father is safe in Callie's capable hands. After being injured in a high-profile rescue, Jake decides to recover in solitude at the Blue Flame. He may have left the fires behind, but he hasn't escaped the heat; Callie is just as hot and irresistible as he remembers. Now coming home doesn't seem like the best idea-as the sparks between Jake and Callie threaten to burn out of control...
Callie Hayes is the hardworking manager of the Blue Flame, Arizona's most remote, relaxing guest ranch. She's given everything to the ranch, body, heart, and soul-three things that go haywire when her sexy employer suddenly shows up. Their intense, stormy past has taught Callie to never mix business with pleasure. But something about Jake is different now...
San Diego firefighter Jake Rawlings knows the ranch he inherited from his father is safe in Callie's capable hands. After being injured in a high-profile rescue, Jake decides to recover in solitude at the Blue Flame. He may have left the fires behind, but he hasn't escaped the heat; Callie is just as hot and irresistible as he remembers. Now coming home doesn't seem like the best idea-as the sparks between Jake and Callie threaten to burn out of control...
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2004
53 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
388 books13.8k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 18, 2012
The underline mystery story was a bit weak (and predictable!), but everything else was so good it really made up for it. This book is different than what Jill Shalvis publishes today. Her more recent novels are lighter romantic comedies - and they are all great too. Blue Flame has a gritty realism that makes you believe these people are real. There is a lot of depth to this story. It's also very sensual and packed with great chemistry between the hero/heroine. It is a "feel good" book that I highly recommend.
December 17, 2015
3 stars
July 4, 2013
Given as free story attached to It Had to Be You
This was good and I did enjoy it but rightly or wrongly I kept comparing it to the Jill Shalvis' work that we know today and unfortunately it just didn't measure up. If this was the first JS that I ever read then she wouldn't be an auto-buy author for me and she wouldn't be in my top ten favourite authors list, but then if I had read this back in 2004 when it was originally written then my opinion might have been totally different!
Having said all that I do think this was a worth while read because as I said I did enjoy it, but in a short time I won't remember it and I don't think I will be rushing to get the other two in this series either, I would rather spend my money on her current work.
This was good and I did enjoy it but rightly or wrongly I kept comparing it to the Jill Shalvis' work that we know today and unfortunately it just didn't measure up. If this was the first JS that I ever read then she wouldn't be an auto-buy author for me and she wouldn't be in my top ten favourite authors list, but then if I had read this back in 2004 when it was originally written then my opinion might have been totally different!
Having said all that I do think this was a worth while read because as I said I did enjoy it, but in a short time I won't remember it and I don't think I will be rushing to get the other two in this series either, I would rather spend my money on her current work.
November 27, 2013
This book was offered as a free bonus with Lucky Harbor 7.
I had found the previous book second hand last year and not really enjoyed it, therefore I started this one with strong reservations.
It was however more enjoyable than expected, with some clichés but also some very good things, considering I'm more of a city girl and not so found of "back to nature and the real people's world" trope, nor of the harsh life in a ranch/farm.
I really liked the beginning of the story and the chain of events that lead to Jake's life as it was being torn apart and on the verge of draining down the pipe. His arrival to the ranch and his difficulties to mingle and get accepted were both funny at times and moving at others, each time he managed to put his life into perspective. I found the tone slightly less light than in her more recent novels.
All characters were rather likeable, though some were a bit cliché (the ubiquitous alcoholic ranch hand), and others felt a bit over the top. I would have liked to get more information regarding the motives of the villain, once uncovered - I had identified him beforehand but was not totally convinced by the explanations provided for his extreme behavior.
All in all, that was a rather good story regarding life-changing choices, and adapting to a new lifestyle, with a nice romance and good characters.
I had found the previous book second hand last year and not really enjoyed it, therefore I started this one with strong reservations.
It was however more enjoyable than expected, with some clichés but also some very good things, considering I'm more of a city girl and not so found of "back to nature and the real people's world" trope, nor of the harsh life in a ranch/farm.
I really liked the beginning of the story and the chain of events that lead to Jake's life as it was being torn apart and on the verge of draining down the pipe. His arrival to the ranch and his difficulties to mingle and get accepted were both funny at times and moving at others, each time he managed to put his life into perspective. I found the tone slightly less light than in her more recent novels.
All characters were rather likeable, though some were a bit cliché (the ubiquitous alcoholic ranch hand), and others felt a bit over the top. I would have liked to get more information regarding the motives of the villain, once uncovered - I had identified him beforehand but was not totally convinced by the explanations provided for his extreme behavior.
All in all, that was a rather good story regarding life-changing choices, and adapting to a new lifestyle, with a nice romance and good characters.
June 3, 2013
I'd been dying to read this for some time and was quite excited to find it as part of the latest Lucky Harbor novel.
I loved the setting, the story and the characters. Callie is a great heroine. Strong and capable, yet still feminine. I liked her being paired with an alpha with a hero complex. However, I didn't love Jake. He's a player and he's realizing that he's alone and wants more out of life after a life changing accident. I was good with all that. Nothing new there, but it's a trope I enjoy in my romances. What I didn't like was that all I felt from him was lust. No matter what happened, no matter what Callie said, no matter what he thought (and we do get a good amount of time in his head), he just wanted sex. It disappointed me. I'm all for sex in my books, but his libido was similar to that of an 18 yr old boy. He just wanted an orgasm. Damn the consequences. I felt like a man his age who was realizing that he didn't have any true connections would at least try to make one with a woman he cares about.
Not a bad read though. This is an early book of Ms. Shalvis and even her early, less than stellar work is better than a lot of what's out there.
I loved the setting, the story and the characters. Callie is a great heroine. Strong and capable, yet still feminine. I liked her being paired with an alpha with a hero complex. However, I didn't love Jake. He's a player and he's realizing that he's alone and wants more out of life after a life changing accident. I was good with all that. Nothing new there, but it's a trope I enjoy in my romances. What I didn't like was that all I felt from him was lust. No matter what happened, no matter what Callie said, no matter what he thought (and we do get a good amount of time in his head), he just wanted sex. It disappointed me. I'm all for sex in my books, but his libido was similar to that of an 18 yr old boy. He just wanted an orgasm. Damn the consequences. I felt like a man his age who was realizing that he didn't have any true connections would at least try to make one with a woman he cares about.
Not a bad read though. This is an early book of Ms. Shalvis and even her early, less than stellar work is better than a lot of what's out there.
August 24, 2016
The second book in the Firefighter series by Jill Shalvis. Contemporary romance with a hint of suspense/mystery set in a guest ranch in Arizona. The characters were fine but I just didn't feel the chemistry.
November 17, 2017
Cute story - but don't be fooled into thinking this is a book about firefighters. It's really a book about cowboys. Not as good as Jill Shalvis' more recent stuff but still, it's Jill Shalvis. Nuff said.
On audio, Laura Heisler is on the upside of average. I had to speed her up to 1.5x but that seemed to do the trick with making the narration enjoyable.
On audio, Laura Heisler is on the upside of average. I had to speed her up to 1.5x but that seemed to do the trick with making the narration enjoyable.
November 13, 2021
This is a old Jill Shalvis book, written in 2004. This is book two in the series but I haven’t read the first book and didn’t realize it was part of a series. This is a decent book, you can see that Jill Shalvis has the potential to become a great writer, which she has done. Love her books!
January 9, 2017
Jake is a firefighter who was injured on the job. Callie runs the dude ranch he inherited from his absent dad. Jake goes to the ranch to recover and to get it ready for sale. Callie shows Jake a whole new world. Guilty pleasure!! Sigh...
01.06.17
Vacation day reread
01.06.17
Vacation day reread
July 6, 2013
This was a bonus book included in Jills latest Lucky Harbor book.
It´s not the easy fun lighthearted romance Jill writes now days but it’s still a very good read…well worth the time it takes to read it…
It´s not the easy fun lighthearted romance Jill writes now days but it’s still a very good read…well worth the time it takes to read it…
May 12, 2020
Not exactly a firefighter novel, but it turned out okay. InJill Shalvis we trust.
February 17, 2021
#2 in the Firefighter romance series
It was nice to relax back into a Shalvis romance--it's been a while since I read one. In this case, Jake was involved in a huge fire in San Diego and ended up with a serious injury. And, to add insult to injury, the kid he rescued decided to cause him some legal problems. So Jake headed to his ranch in Arizona, despite his dislike of the place. He's not a fan of the ranch, not close to his half-brother who lives there, not ready to give up firefighting. But while he's healing and being harassed, it's a good place to hide. And gradually, he finds himself getting closer to everyone, especially Callie, the ranch manager. And he starts to understand himself and begins to see his place within his complicated family dynamic. They joke that the ranch hires a bunch of misfits, and they do all have a past and a story, but they have grown together into a supportive family-like unit. Unfortunately, there are some unexplained problems at the ranch that are escalating--missing money, released pigs and horses, eventually more dangerous pranks. So both the romance (hot!) and the mystery (interesting) are good and kept me turning the pages. Another winner from Shalvis, and I look forward to finishing up this series with the next book.
It was nice to relax back into a Shalvis romance--it's been a while since I read one. In this case, Jake was involved in a huge fire in San Diego and ended up with a serious injury. And, to add insult to injury, the kid he rescued decided to cause him some legal problems. So Jake headed to his ranch in Arizona, despite his dislike of the place. He's not a fan of the ranch, not close to his half-brother who lives there, not ready to give up firefighting. But while he's healing and being harassed, it's a good place to hide. And gradually, he finds himself getting closer to everyone, especially Callie, the ranch manager. And he starts to understand himself and begins to see his place within his complicated family dynamic. They joke that the ranch hires a bunch of misfits, and they do all have a past and a story, but they have grown together into a supportive family-like unit. Unfortunately, there are some unexplained problems at the ranch that are escalating--missing money, released pigs and horses, eventually more dangerous pranks. So both the romance (hot!) and the mystery (interesting) are good and kept me turning the pages. Another winner from Shalvis, and I look forward to finishing up this series with the next book.
June 22, 2018
Blue Flame is one of Jill Shalvis' older romance novels and part of the Firefighter series (although in can be read as a stand alone).
I can't say the plot is entirely original or unpredictable, but Jake and Callie make a great couple and the hint of suspense adds a nice twist to the story. All the other characters are Ok too (even the crazy ones), although we learn fairly little about some of them. The secondary romance between Tucker and Amy is also very sweet, especially taking into consideration both their troubled pasts.
So, all in all, Blue Flame makes a lovely beach or poolside read and it's safe to say that you will spend a few happy hours in its company.
I do have a major complaint though, in relation to the cover. Blue Flame is a nice romance novel and although there is mature content, it's not overly graphic or out of place. That cover just makes the book look cheap and passes on the wrong message, in my opinion.
I can't say the plot is entirely original or unpredictable, but Jake and Callie make a great couple and the hint of suspense adds a nice twist to the story. All the other characters are Ok too (even the crazy ones), although we learn fairly little about some of them. The secondary romance between Tucker and Amy is also very sweet, especially taking into consideration both their troubled pasts.
So, all in all, Blue Flame makes a lovely beach or poolside read and it's safe to say that you will spend a few happy hours in its company.
I do have a major complaint though, in relation to the cover. Blue Flame is a nice romance novel and although there is mature content, it's not overly graphic or out of place. That cover just makes the book look cheap and passes on the wrong message, in my opinion.
April 14, 2020
When Jake Rawlins is hurt battling a house fire, he faces grueling rehab and is told he might not be able to return as a firefighter. He decides to go to Blue Flame, the ranch left to him by his father. He learns to handle many of the chores around the ranch that his injured shoulder allows. He reconnects with Callie Hayes, ranch manager and a recipient of his one-night visit there at his father’s funeral. His brother Tucker is also there. Jake had brought him there when Tucker was a teen headed to trouble. He was kept busy and out of trouble. The longer Jake is there and sees how the hands are one big family, he realizes he can’t sell the ranch to some rich New Yorker. He is now a part of the family with Callie by his side.
Loved the characters especially Jake and Callie. Both were afraid of commitment yet love found a way. He realized the close ties of the ranch's hands and their care and support of each other was more important than money.
Loved the characters especially Jake and Callie. Both were afraid of commitment yet love found a way. He realized the close ties of the ranch's hands and their care and support of each other was more important than money.
March 15, 2025
This book dragged on endlessly for me because I just didn't care for the characters. The law suit that spurred Jake to go to the Blue Flame was ridiculous and in reality would have been resolved in days. A quick background on the teenager alone would have been easy but the arson investigator also should have easily had an evaluation of the house fire within days. The person doing the pranks around the ranch was pretty obvious and yet no one figured it out.
Lastly, I realize that this was an early series for Jill Shalvis but someone should have edited the books prior to printing. There were quite a few errors and misspellings.
Lastly, I realize that this was an early series for Jill Shalvis but someone should have edited the books prior to printing. There were quite a few errors and misspellings.
January 30, 2018
A fun read with an interesting and romantic locale. The characters are believable as the voice and narration switch back and forth. There is a bit of suspense, and the animals are some of the most unique characters. The plot, however, is quite simplistic and predictable.
October 5, 2019
Incredibly, I reallly liked this one. I liked Callie’s strength. How she was able to save herself, save all the people working at the Blue Flame ranch, and save the heroic hero, Jake Rawlins, former firefighter and now reluctant owner of the ranch. The personal relationships were interesting.
February 26, 2017
Awesome Romance
I really enjoyed how the sexual tension develops between Callie and Jake as their relationship becomes stronger with passionate love making .
I really enjoyed how the sexual tension develops between Callie and Jake as their relationship becomes stronger with passionate love making .
August 12, 2017
An enjoyable firefighter and cowboy (sort of) romance from Jill Shalvis. Lots of the usual Shalvis-y stuff, but in a different sort of setting to the series of hers that I've read.
January 7, 2019
I found Jake and Callie both nice characters but a bit hard to relate to and I wasn't super invested in their romance. Extra .5/5 for Tucker and Amy though, that was a great addition to the story!
January 7, 2020
I enjoyed the character development and the setting was described with great detail, making it feel like you are breathing that dry Arizona air!
January 9, 2021
How fun to find an entire book attached to the book you read, being re-released attached to a newer title!
February 11, 2022
Nancy
Fun book. Great characters and interesting and intriguing storyline. I loved the dude ranch! Great adventure on the ranch. Thanks for the great book.
Fun book. Great characters and interesting and intriguing storyline. I loved the dude ranch! Great adventure on the ranch. Thanks for the great book.
May 9, 2024
I liked this one better than the first book in the series. I was right about who the bad guy was, too!
October 3, 2022
Another book club flop. Hopeful for October!!!
June 24, 2013
This was the "bonus" book included in Jill Shalvis' latest book, It Had To Be You. This is an older book that has been included as part of this package, and I have to say, while it was OK, it took me forever to get into it. Jake, a firefighter in San Diego, has injured his shoulder badly while trying to rescue a teen from the roof of a burning building. After the rescue, the teen's family tires to sue Jack and the fire dept. In an attempt to get away from all the publicity, Jake retreats to the dude ranch his father left him in the Arizona desert. Callie, manager of the ranch, spent one night in an almost tryst with Jake, back when his father died, but stopped short when she discovered he disliked his father, whom she considered her savior. As a result, she dreads his return. Oh and btw, she wants to buy the ranch, but has no money, and Jake feels he has to sell. From this starting point, little things begin to go wrong, such as money going missing, etc., even as Callie fights her attraction to Jake and he tries not to feel anything for the ranch or Callie or any of the people who live there.
As I said, it took forever for me to get into this book. Although I liked Jake, I'm not a big fan of the so independent that she can't accept any help heroine, which Callie is. There were several times during the story when I wanted to shake Callie and say Just let him help, for goodness sake!! Also, I figured out who was trying to destroy the ranch fairly early, and I'm not usually good at that!
As I said, this was an earlier book, written when Ms. Shalvis was just beginning her career, and it's not as bad as I make it sound. I did come to enjoy the story the led to Jake and Callie's happy ending. It just took a while!
As I said, it took forever for me to get into this book. Although I liked Jake, I'm not a big fan of the so independent that she can't accept any help heroine, which Callie is. There were several times during the story when I wanted to shake Callie and say Just let him help, for goodness sake!! Also, I figured out who was trying to destroy the ranch fairly early, and I'm not usually good at that!
As I said, this was an earlier book, written when Ms. Shalvis was just beginning her career, and it's not as bad as I make it sound. I did come to enjoy the story the led to Jake and Callie's happy ending. It just took a while!
January 6, 2017
This book is much darker than the other books by Ms Shalvis. Nothing wrong with that, just very different from her other light hearted series.
San Diego firefighter Jake Rawlins is seriously injured rescuing a stupid, uncooperative teenager from the roof of a building. The injuries are serious enough that he has to recover before he can go back on the job- if he can ever go back to the job that he loves. If that isn't enough, the family of the kid, is sueing him and the department. He is all alone, so retreats to the Arizona guest ranch that he inherited from his estranged father. He is the product of parents with poor parenting skills. So are most of the people working there. Several years ago when he was in trouble, Jaker brought his younger half brother, Tucker, there, but, thanks to lies by their mother, thinks Jake abandoned him. The manager, Callie, wants to buy the ranch, but can't get a loan and doesn't tell Jake her plans. Jake will need to sell the ranch to pay his legal fees. But slowly he begins to love the ranch and all the people there- especially Callie. But someone has started to threaten the ranch and Callie with pranks that escalate. Like her other books, the story has interesting characters and storyline.
San Diego firefighter Jake Rawlins is seriously injured rescuing a stupid, uncooperative teenager from the roof of a building. The injuries are serious enough that he has to recover before he can go back on the job- if he can ever go back to the job that he loves. If that isn't enough, the family of the kid, is sueing him and the department. He is all alone, so retreats to the Arizona guest ranch that he inherited from his estranged father. He is the product of parents with poor parenting skills. So are most of the people working there. Several years ago when he was in trouble, Jaker brought his younger half brother, Tucker, there, but, thanks to lies by their mother, thinks Jake abandoned him. The manager, Callie, wants to buy the ranch, but can't get a loan and doesn't tell Jake her plans. Jake will need to sell the ranch to pay his legal fees. But slowly he begins to love the ranch and all the people there- especially Callie. But someone has started to threaten the ranch and Callie with pranks that escalate. Like her other books, the story has interesting characters and storyline.
September 6, 2016
Though the hero in this book is a fireman, there's very little of that world except how much our hero, Jake Rawlins, misses it after he's injured. (For those of you keeping track, this actually is much more along the lines of the whole cowboy/ranching subgenre than the firefighting one).
As usual, Jill Shalvis has delivered a solid, enjoyable, humorous read. What I liked about this book in particular was that Jake had some true weaknesses to overcome, both physical and emotional. I found this unusual - let's face it, romance heroes' "weaknesses" tend to be like the answer you give in a job interview when you're asked about areas in which you need to improve, i.e., not weaknesses at all but rather strengths in disguise - and refreshing. Especially when it gives our heroine, Callie Hayes, a chance to truly shine. I also loved the family aspect (yay, Tucker) and the secondary stories (yay, Tucker, again).
Downsides for me were that the resolution of the suspense thread felt a little too pat (minor issue) and I would have liked at least a mention of the characters from the first book in the series (even more minor). But overall, a solid 4. On to the next one...
As usual, Jill Shalvis has delivered a solid, enjoyable, humorous read. What I liked about this book in particular was that Jake had some true weaknesses to overcome, both physical and emotional. I found this unusual - let's face it, romance heroes' "weaknesses" tend to be like the answer you give in a job interview when you're asked about areas in which you need to improve, i.e., not weaknesses at all but rather strengths in disguise - and refreshing. Especially when it gives our heroine, Callie Hayes, a chance to truly shine. I also loved the family aspect (yay, Tucker) and the secondary stories (yay, Tucker, again).
Downsides for me were that the resolution of the suspense thread felt a little too pat (minor issue) and I would have liked at least a mention of the characters from the first book in the series (even more minor). But overall, a solid 4. On to the next one...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews