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Burning for the Bravest #7

Burning for Trouble

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How can something that feels so right be so wrong?

Mack
Bryce “Mack” McNamara has been caught in a pity party for one ever since his wife cheated on him, causing their nine year marriage to end in divorce. He wants to move on, but can’t seem to figure out how to. That is, until Victoria Masters waltzes into Ladder 171 as the company’s newest member.
Mack is Tori’s lieutenant so dating her is forbidden, but she manages to breathe life back into him and keeping his distance is proving to be the hardest thing he’s ever done.

Tori
Tori has busted her behind to prove herself as a female firefighter in the FDNY. Her journey has been arduous and earning the respect of the men she works with hasn’t come easily.
When her grandmother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Tori transfers firehouses to be closer to the woman who practically raised her. Unfortunately, that means starting over with a new crew.
Tori loves her career and she won’t let anything stand in her way of moving up the ladder, but when she gets to know her new lieutenant, keeping that resolve proves to be much easier said than done.

Will Mack and Tori risk losing their careers for a shot at love? Or will they figure out a way to have their cake and eat it too?

If you like alpha males with soft centers who love hard and make love harder, then the Burning for the Bravest Series featuring New York City firefighters - written by a former firefighter - is for you! Burning for Trouble is the seventh book in this series, which is a standalone love story with continuous plot lines from previous couples. That means you can read it on its own, but to fully enjoy it, the series is meant to be read in order. Get ready to be up all night because this series will make you laugh, it'll make you cry, and it's so steamy that it'll fog up your e-reader. Settle in for a page-turner and fall in love along with the firemen of NYC. Read the author's note in the beginning for trigger warnings (you can view this in the "Look Inside" before purchasing.)

Audio CD

Published March 12, 2024

63 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Kaye Kennedy

24 books524 followers
Kaye Kennedy is the author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels featuring everyday heroes who love hard and make love harder. If you like steamy and soulful reads that will break your heart and put it back together again, then her stories are for you. In her books, you can always expect a happily ever after that kisses and tells.

She earned her degree in English Literature and taught college composition & literature classes before switching gears entirely and becoming an entrepreneur, starting multiple businesses. While originally from New York, Kaye now lives on the Florida coast with her rescue mutt, Zeus, whose begging to be put in a book has finally paid off (Read: Burning for Secrets). When she isn’t writing, she’s out paddling on the water, indulging in a beach read, feeding her wanderlust, or checking out a craft brewery.

Want to be her friend? Interact with Kaye in her exclusive Facebook Group: Romance Reads that Kiss & Tell.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Lynne.
266 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2021
As seen on my blog Jessie's Reading Corner:
Burning for Love by Kaye Kennedy is the seventh book in her Burning for the Bravest series. If this is your first encounter with this series, I would suggest you go back to the beginning and read Burning for More. This book can technically be read as a standalone as the other characters from the previous books only pop in here and there, but I think you should experience this series from the beginning; you also do meet Tori and Mack in the previous stories.

Mack is a lieutenant with the FDNY who's been nursing a broken heart ever since he divorced his wife of ten years. We caught glimpses of him in Kyle's and Declan's stories. Even though his family and friends have encouraged him to start dating again by introducing him to friends that they think will be a good match for him, he's not interested. Then comes the newest firefighter to his firehouse, Victoria Masters, and Mack’s interest is piqued. Tori was a part of another firehouse with Declan and Jesse before transferring over to Mack’s firehouse to be closer to her Nana. When Tori meets Mack, sparks fly but due to Mack being her superior, a relationship between the two would be frowned upon and could affect their career options in the FDNY. They try to resist temptation but the chemistry between them is too great for them to ignore so they try to navigate a relationship in secret.

While I liked Tori and Mack, I did not like this book as much as I have the other books in the series. I did really liked the side characters though, especially Brix; I hope Kaye gives him a story because he was a fun character in this story! I also cannot wait for Flirting with Forever! (Book One in her new Flirting with the Finest series.) We got to see more of Hunter in this story and, combined with what we saw of him in Burning for Love, I am really interested in getting to learn more about him! I also can't wait for Lauren to get her HEA. She's kind of been mostly MIA since Ryan's book so it will be nice to catch up with her and see where she's at.
Profile Image for katharine.
357 reviews7 followers
November 10, 2021
Oof this book tho! Honestly this book was really cute and I really enjoyed it. Mack and Tori were a perfect couple and it was just so nice reading their story.

So Bryce “Mack” McNamara is a lieutenant for the New York fire department and he’s looking for someone to fill a position. Well good ol’ Declan had mentioned Tori and highly praised her, which made Mack curious and decide to take a chance. Now he’s very skeptical because tori is a woman and that’s not common in the fire department, so most of the older men aren’t too happy about that. Oh well because Mack knew immediately that she was meant to be there. Could’ve also been the spark between them, who knows.

But because Mack is Tori’s superior, dating her is forbidden or they could both lose their jobs. So what happens when they try their hardest to fight it? Well obviously they become a secret couple, duh. Honestly they were so cute and just had the perfect chemistry.

Our good ol’ boy Mack however is recently divorced after his wife cheated on him, so he’s not sure he’ll ever marry again or find someone new. Thankfully Tori walked in and proved that all wrong. Speaking of Tori, the reason she wanted to transfer was so she could be closer to her grandma who has Alzheimer’s.

So some drama happens, Mack’s ex wife wants him back, Tori gets shot, the fire department finds out about them, Mack loses his title, Tori becomes a lieutenant and some break up time happens. Pretty jazzy stuff if ya ask me.

Anyways, everyone’s doing fine. There’s not really any new updates from this book, however l will now tell you about Declan and Gwen. So they’re getting married and they adopted Thomas, the little boy that Declan rescued and fell in love with! They also have a little puppy! Other than that, it much changed.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2021
This is one of my all time favorite series hands down. The characters are real; the authors shows you their flaws, issues, insecurities, strengths and triumphs. The storylines offer a unique hands on perspective not found in other books of this trope. Highly recommend!

This, the seventh book of the series, is Mack and Tori's journey to their HEA. Bruce Mack McKenna is a lieutenant at his station. He hires Victoria Tori Masters to fill an open position. He has reservations on how well a woman will fit in on their team. She formerly served in the Coast Guard before going to the fire academy and comes highly recommended. She has some trouble being accepted by some of the old timers but basically is a good fit. After she saves the life of an old timer she is accepted by everyone on the team. Mack fights a difficult battle with his growing feelings for Tori until they eventually give in to their mutual attraction. Meanwhile she takes and passes the lieutenant's test. It is against policy for them to date so they have to keep their relationship on the down low. That works until Tori is shot protecting Mack from a domestic terrorist. He ends up being temporarily demoted while she is out on medical leave. After she is assigned a new firehouse and his probation is complete, they are free to resume their relationship.
11.5k reviews47 followers
July 9, 2021
Hot, Hot, and Hotter

Burning for Trouble is the seventh book in the Burning for the Bravest series and this one is a fire starter. The story is about Bruce "Mack" McKenna and Victoria "Tori" Masters. Mack is the Lieutenant at the fire house who hires Tori as a firefighter. Tori is a strong woman who can definitely handle herself. Before becoming a firefighter she served in the Coast Guard and has come to the new position with outstanding recommendations. Mack is not completely sold on how well Tori will work out on his team but he is willing to give her a chance. What both were not quite expecting was their attraction to each other to grow into feelings over time which end up crossing that line. There may not be any rules about dating a coworker but that still does not mean there are not a few issues which also means keeping things quiet between them and the rest of the team. But that takes a turn and results in some consequences for them both. However, does it put their relationship in jeopardy also or will they find their way through together?

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
241 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2021
Tori is strong, confident, and a complete badass! I love reading a book with a strong heroine that can roll with the punches and hold her own in a group of alpha males. Mack is an ideal book boyfriend. He's caring, romantic, protective, and has no issues with a strong woman by his side.

"...the most loyal, caring, romantic man I'd ever met. Not to mention he was a damn sex god."

The instant chemistry along with the slow burn due to their forbidden workplace relationship made the pages fly on my Kindle. It was like hanging with old friends and getting introduced to new friends (Brix being a new favorite). I know these books will have action, emotion, heart, and heat!

I adore all these firefighting heroes and their lady loves. All the Burning for the Bravest books are spectacular. Looking forward to entering Hunter's undercover world to kick-off the next series!
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2021
This is the seventh book in the Burning for the Bravest series. You could technically read this book as a standalone but you'll be missing so much. Trust me, go back and read the first six books you won’t regret it. Every book is well written, you can feel the authors love and respect for the job in each book. I'll admit I'm a little sad to see the series coming to a close but can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Holy smokes this book was awesome. The heat, the buildup, the angst. Mack and Tori's story has it all. This book shook up all my feels, I admit not only did I smile and laugh but there were some tears too. Tori and Mack's feelings were so real to me. I couldn't put the book down! This will be a series I'll end up reading again.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,125 reviews
July 4, 2021
Just awesome!
Kaye Kennedy has done it again with another scorching hot read in her Burning for the Bravest series. This one could be read as a standalone but characters from previous books do make appearances and it was nice catching up with old friends.
The tension and chemistry between Mack and Tori was totally palpable and I was desperate for them to find a way to be together. They were hindered by the fact that a relationship was prohibited given that he was her lieutenant at the fire house.
I liked seeing them work through their struggles and challenges until they were able to work things out. I also loved that this book had a tender and emotional side which really pulled on my heart strings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
559 reviews
February 22, 2022
Book 7

This is lieutenant Bryce Mckenna (Mack) and Victoria Masters (Tori) story.
If this is the 1st book you have read, I highly recommend starting from book 1 as you meet Mack, and his friends in earlier books.
Mack has reservations about hiring Tori for his fire house, not because he is against female firefighters, but he is worried about the dynamic it will bring to the house. Only to discover that it is he who ends up falling for her. She has had to prove herself at previous fire houses, that she is able to do the job, and is ready for that fight again at this new house and never wanted to be "that" girl who sleeps with her superior to get ahead and both fight their feelings.
Reading their story was awesome!!
I can not wait to start Hunters book, from the next series.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
July 8, 2021
Resisting Temptation . . .

Bryce McNamara (“Mack”) is still getting over his cheating wife’s betrayal. It isn’t until Victoria Masters (“Tori”) joins Ladder 171 that he sees the possibility of dating again. But since Mack is Tori’s lieutenant, she is off-limits for now.

Tori, like most women in traditional male-dominated jobs, has had to work harder to prove she is just as qualified for the job as her counterparts. But she moves to another firehouse to be near her grandmother and has to rebuild that trust with her new crew. But working with the lieutenant will be a temptation. Will the two of them resist sneaking dates in that could jeopardize their jobs? Or is there another way around the restriction keeping them apart?
Profile Image for CourtneyS.
642 reviews35 followers
June 27, 2021
I loved reading about Mack and Tori. I give this book a 4.5 I have a soft spot for Kyle, Jace and Declan, which really is the only reason for 4.5. I loved the story I just loved the other 3 well 4 I loved Ryan too more, actually I take it back I love all her couples just for different reasons. Lol.
Mack was awesome, his character is straight up gold!! Tori! Good night talk about a kick a%$ woman! She was my hero. The two together are a great couple! I don't want this series to end. I love the Hogan's and their friends.
Read the book you won't be disappointed, and you will see what I mean about all her books so far.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
July 12, 2021
Mark is a lieutenant at the fire department, his heart never healed after his divorce. Tori transfer into the firehouse to be closer to Nana. Tori is a strong woman, that will go head to head with an man. Their is a amazing chemistry between Mark and Tori, but nothing can happen since he is her boss. Mark is the perfect guy who is loving, caring with a big heart.

Another well written story by the author that will pull you in page after page. Tori and Nana relationship pulled at my heart, and had me melting with Mark.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Savannah Medina.
689 reviews30 followers
June 29, 2021
Mack and Tori... where do I even begin with these two?!? It seems like I've been waiting forever to read their story, and man oh man it was worth the wait! I am utterly OBSESSED with this book! Kyle and Allie have been my favorite couple to this point, but Mack and Tori just stole their #1 spot! This workplace romance is so smoking hot you'll need a fire extinguisher to cool you down! No joke, there were moments I was legit engulfed in flames! Whoo! Kaye Kennedy did it again, and I'm over the moon in love with these two! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 5/5 flaming hot, highly recommend!
698 reviews
June 30, 2021
Workplace romance...put out the fires!

This book was HOT!!! I loved Tori in this book. She was badass...a hero...and one tough cookie. This book had me on my toes and I didn't want to put it down. Great forbidden work romance with all of the firefighting action. Nana just broke my heart and the relationship between her and Tori and later with Mack was touching. Mack was great too. Perfect boyfriend material for sure. Great chemistry and sexy scenes too!
Profile Image for Sarah Nielsen.
4,184 reviews20 followers
July 6, 2021
I received this as an arc for my honest review

This is the first book by Kaye Kennedy I’ve read but I’ve wanted to read her books for a while and I’m so happy that I picked this up because wow it was amazing.

The story had so many elements that just kept me entertained from the beginning. The chemistry between Mack and Tori was the firefighter setting worthy because they were setting the pages on fire. I definitely have to read more from Kaye in the future.
Profile Image for Laura.
441 reviews
June 24, 2021
I absolutely adore this series and every time i read the next book in the series i love it even more than the last! I think what made this one more special was knowing that Kaye drew on her own experiences as a fire fighter when writing Tori's character. If you haven't read this series you must! My favourite new author find from last year.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
July 8, 2021
The seventh book in the Burning for the Bravest series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Bryce “Mack” McNamara and Victoria/Tori Masters' story of two people who are not supposed to fall in love because of their jobs. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
70 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2021
People...this is another MUST READ

Kaye Kennedy you're awesome. Thanks for another great book. Ive been a big fan of this series. And pretty sure I'll be a fan of your next series. I cant wait!!!
4,012 reviews35 followers
July 4, 2021
The book is a good, and enjoyable forbidden romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
128 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2021
Good story, it was crazy watching both if them go through the growth and the memories. Im proud of Tori for her accomplishments.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,766 reviews12 followers
July 7, 2021
Mack and Tori story shows us taboo work place romance can work but they had their fair share of trouble. She worked hard to prove she worth her grain of salt and I felt her struggle. This is so worth you time and this wonderful series. You might even want to be a firefighter too!
2,947 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2021
loved it !!! love Mack and Tori !!! Mack is swoon worthy !!! Tori is a tough cookie... this is their story... a fast paced action love story... forbidden secret love ... with family and friends along the way...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
July 8, 2021
This was an entertaining read filled with endearing characters and a well written story line. This was a quick, fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
625 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2021
Fantastic workplace love story!

Tori is a tough as nails heroine and Mack is a scorned man who doesn't think he needs love. But when they meet at the fireplace they fight their attraction until they combust! This is a beautiful and emotional love story.
7,154 reviews33 followers
July 11, 2021
Another entertaining read in this series Burning for the Bravest. This is book seven and the story of Mack and Tori and their journey to their happily ever after. You will want to go back and read them all. I enjoyed this book, looking forward to read more.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews215 followers
July 15, 2021
A story that was mesmerizing to read with its confident and dominant cast of characters. The push and pull of their interactions were captivating to read. The strength they each had gave the story a vibrancy that was palpable. A great story to add to the series.
1,849 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2023
Love and Work!

Burning for Trouble: WOW! Amazing story with lots of heat! Fantastic continuation of the series and a second chance at love! I really enjoyed the challenges that Tori and Mack went through it made their relationship stronger. Great job!
Profile Image for ZuZu.
48 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2024
This book was enjoyable. Tori and Mack's story puts you in your feelings, especially if you're looking for a forbidden workplace romance. Tori and Mack do try to make it work they have a HEA. 2.3/5
it still felt like something was missing from the book but overall it was enjoyable.
1,440 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2021
Burning for Trouble

Another good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Laura Gipple.
10 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2021
I love this series especially this book I saw myself in Tori as a former firefighter I went through everything talked about in this book Kaye Kennedy is a fantastic writer definitely worth reading
Profile Image for Sherri Storey.
Author 8 books28 followers
Read
July 14, 2021
This book is hot. Put out the fire. Loved it and now filling my kindle with the other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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