Firestorm: a Coworker Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

by Tracey Cramer-Kelly

She’s a woman in a man’s world. He can’t seem to help his chauvinistic ways. But when she pulls him from a fire, can he turn over a new leaf… and maybe even find love?

Firefighter Maizy Johnston got her first tattoo the day she turned 18, as an act of rebellion and to honor the memory of a beloved friend. A so-called tough girl and feminist, she’s worked hard to earn and keep the respect of her male colleagues. But her private life is just private. Casual sexual flings are fun, but she’s never going to put her heart on the line again. Especially for a coworker whose sexy appeal doesn’t make up for his chauvinistic attitude.

A man in a world of hurt…

Alex Beckett may fight fires with women, but he can’t seem to stop himself from insulting his female coworkers. Maybe it has something to do with his lingering resentment over his mother’s abandonment—or his proximity to his sexist drunk of a father. But when Alex’s life is on the line, it’s a woman who saves him from the flames and ignites a new kind of fire.

Fighting the fire together…

Maizy gets enough heat on the job every day, but the heat she feels for Alex is something different. Is it possible for a man with all his issues to turn over a new leaf? Caught in a firestorm of emotions, do they have the courage to risk getting hurt if the reward is a lifetime of love?

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

Tracey Kelly writes emotionally rich, true-to-life romance where love leads to healing, purpose, and second chances.

With over 25 contemporary and inspirational novels to her name, she’s known for creating flawed but relatable characters who face real-world struggles—often with a dose of medical drama (a nod to her background as an Army combat medic and civilian EMT) or a biker twist, drawn from two decades managing her family’s motorcycle business (and riding since she was 16!).

She works in marketing and lives in small-town Minnesota on a three-acre patch of paradise with her incredibly understanding hubby, a bossy cat, and the occasional visit from her two grown children—who’ve long since come to terms with having a motorcycle-riding, romance-writing mom.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her on her motorcycle, at the lake with family, skiing down a slope, or cheering on a soccer match. And if the day ends with a good book, all the better.

Learn more or get in touch at www.AuthorTraceyKelly.com.

Reviews

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about two firefighters who are least likely to end up together because of their not so friendly implosive work banter and idiosyncratic anticipation. Alex and Maizy are not so different, their toxic upbringing causes them to put up walls and not trust easily, their journey makes provides lot of drama and action. Alex upbringing has him starts out as being arrogant womanizer who changes after a life-threatening experience because the last person, he thought would save him was Maizy, forcing him to reevaluate his entire life. Maizy has to always put up a front, she can't show weakness in front of the other firefighters, especially her tormentor Alex. Maizy sees a new side of Alex she didn't expect to see, her upbringing not trusting this new Alex. Alex starts to see Maizy's in a new light as well as her famine side and the more he sees the more he falls. The explosive and toxic chemistry between Alex and Maizy keeps you hooked, the hardships they face make you root for them more and their molted chemistry makes for a unique love story. The growth both Maizy and Alex make is so much sexier, steamy and pure because theirs can be relatable, love can grow from unexpected places and when you least expected. I loved how Alex admits his wrongs and grows so much in this story. I loved how Maizy strong fierce woman attitude grows and is able to improve to reach for what her heart desires and go after a better future. This is a great story with a beautiful lesson "you should never judge a book by its cover" and you should always give people a chance some of them may surprise you. I loved it!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite one so far! This can be read as a stand alone, but then your meeting some of the characters for the first time instead of being welcomed into their circle again. This is Alex and Maizys story and I wondered about their backgrounds, especially Alex as he came across as a chauvinistic butt in the earlier books. I learned to love this hunk of man who was willing to open his eyes and see what he could change in his world. Maizy just kept chewing on corners of my heart, I hurt for her past, I hurt for her while she was learning what a real relationship was like. Their relationship was steamy, ok extra steamy but this one played well in the book, it did not throw me out. (Yes I am the one who doesn't need the details behind closed doors). The fire scenes were harrowing and the ones in the countryside reminded me all to well of my past with my forest firefighter friend who would come home exhausted, blackened with soot and ash, and like most firefighters, loved his job. I absolutely loved seeing the gang again and this book more than delivers on the feels. The angst, the self doubt and the love. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Firestormrenoinflames #traceycramerkelly #frenemiestolovers

[Ann Tosti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read. Two firefighters. Two people who didn't have a good example growing up for a good, loving relationship. Two who thought they would never have that for themselves and thought they were perfectly fine with that. But being a firefighter means they put their lives on the line all the time. And when he does, things went wrong. Thanks to her, he makes it out alive. Alive and able to take a new look at the life he had been leading and what influenced him to be that way. I loved reading about them going from enemies to lovers. It wasn't easy for either of them, but wonderful in the end.

It's the fourth in the series, but can be read as a standalone (I have not read the previous ones though I would like to know more about those characters now).

*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series that I was introduced to by Hidden Gems ARC program. Although I have not read all of the books, it is not necessary to enjoy this story. The book focuses on Maizy and Alex, who have a prickly relationship as co-workers but after an accident where Alex could have lost his life there are changes. Alex seems to grow as a person and begins to appreciate Maizy and how difficult she has been treated as a female firefighter. He also takes the time to examine his past and discover why he treats women the way he does. At the same time, Maizy makes strides to understand and appreciate her past. They both have very troubling pasts, but learn together how to deal with them.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a gift from an ARC program that i belong to, this is the second book in this series that ive been lucky enough to read. Very enjoyable!

[G.K. Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, fun read that I didn't want to put down.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Alex and Maizy’s story. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.