Friendship on Fire

The Bradens at Weston, CO #3

by Melissa Foster

Riley Banks has finally scored her big break—working in Manhattan as a fashion design assistant for her childhood crush, fashion icon Josh Braden. Josh and Riley’s friendship heats up, and every steamy kiss stirs a love they cannot deny. When Riley’s accused of stealing designs she’s not sure she can take the heat—and Josh is forced to choose between the woman he loves and the career he adores

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Friends To Lovers, Ebooks, Anthologies

ebook

First published November 20, 2013

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was another great romance from Melissa Foster! This is the third book in the Braden series and the sixth book in the bigger Love in Bloom series. This story would work well as a stand-alone but a lot of the characters from previous books play a role in this story so it would be ideal to read the series in order if at all possible. I started listening to this book while doing a few chores around the house and before I knew it several hours had passed. I found this story to be very entertaining.

Riley goes to New York to start working as a design assistant for Josh Braden. Riley is put under the guidance of Claudia, who is rather difficult to work with and happens to have a big crush on the boss. Riley and Josh both grew up in the same town and have had their eye on each other since they were kids. They are still attracted to each other and eventually act on those feelings. They decide to keep their relationship under wraps since they are not sure how the employees at the design firm will take the news. Before they know it, their feelings for each other will be tested in ways they never could have expected.

I liked Riley and Josh together. I thought that their personalities fit together really well and they had fantastic chemistry together. When their relationship is challenged, they prove that they are willing to fight for each other and are willing to trust each other completely. When they make mistakes, they are willing to apologize and do what needs to be done in order to move on. I really felt like their relationship felt authentic.

B.J. Harrison did a great job with the narration. He has narrated almost all of the books in the Love in Bloom series and I do enjoy his narration. He does a great job with the character voices and I think that he is able to add a lot of emotion into his reading. His voice is very pleasant, and I believe that his narration added to my enjoyment of this book.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romances. I had a great time watching Riley and Josh fall for each other and look forward to continuing with the series very soon.

I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/publicist.

[Abyssdancer (Hanging in there!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had planned to post a review on this book about the dangers of romantic escapist fantasies, how they set you (maybe I should say me) for disappointment … however, with the state of world affairs at this time, maybe one (maybe I) need to take some breaks into the ideal world of the Braden boys … never neglecting to admit the severity of the possibility of world war … but a quickie chapter or two to remind oneself (myself) that there could be space in the world for whirlwind romance, lusty liaisons, and filial loyalty …

***************************

I’m still going to write my original review … indulge in a little psychoanalysis …

I’ve finished the last of the Braden books included in my free box set … yeah, I can joke about oh, I’m such a cheapskate, I’ve got to get my money’s worth even if something’s free … blah blah blah … but I realized today, as my fingers trembled at my computer all day as I tried to work with the war coverage playing on the TV in the background, I needed the Bradens to help me escape my snowballing horror and paranoia about current affairs …

I needed to escape …

And what better world to escape to but the United States of Braden … where the men are all chiseled and taut, yet strangely in touch with their emotional sensitivities … where the Braden brothers believe in soulmates and true love and need no convincing that commitment is the only future worth living … where money is never a problem and planes can be chartered at will and everyone has apartments in the Dakota near Central Park … and yes, where every sexual encounter is multiorgasmic …

But you know what? There was actual conflict in this entry into the Braden multiverse! Riley moves to New York to join Josh Bradens’s design company at his invitation, and she dreams of designing wedding gowns alongside Josh … but there is a delightfully bitchy supervisor, Claudia, who tries to make Riley’s life un-ideal and makes Riley work to make it in the business … of course, within 36 hours of Riley’s arrival, Josh declares his lusty loins long only for hers …

But Claudia ramps up her psychoses to backstab Riley and come on to Josh, and she almost convinces Josh that Riley is up to no good … but those Braden boys band together and work to clear Riley’s name .. and do I really need to say it? Yes, it’s a happy ending, in more ways than one …

And why does their happy ending flood my esophagus with boiling bile? I tell myself because that’s not how the world works, most real people have to work to create meaningful relationships, most people have to work hard to move up the career ladder, most people have to live in basement apartments with cockamouses and not lounge around an apartment at the Dakota …

Then I remembered a line from As Good As It Gets:

“Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes, with boats, and friends, and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that’s their story; good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you’re pissed that so many others had it good.”

I carry that bitterness close to my sarcastic heart … I tell myself that I’m a realist, but I delude myself …

It’s just a silly little book! I try to tell myself … you take things so seriously! Just allow yourself to escape for a while and live the noodle salad life!

Empty calories, these books … a moment on the lips, forever on the hips … but an ice cream sundae and a slice of pizza here and there won’t lead to morbid obesity … it’s a steady diet of these escapist books that lead to literary obesity … so I’m not going to beat myself up if I happen to enjoy one of these books here and there … not every book has to be profound and intense and life-altering … just almost all of them …

[Rachelle Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh Braden is my favorite Braden so far. I guess it's because of his inherent honesty and willingness to examine issues from every angle, even when his gut is against it. I also like that he is more intellectual and not as brash or gruff as the other Braden's. Josh considers what he says and how others feel, and sometimes it might make him seem passive, but he is no fool.

Riley and Josh's romance was fast and sweet, and I really enjoyed how honest they were to each other, even when the big bad stuff happened. This book was not suspenseful though, because everyone knows Claudia, nicknamed Cruella, was going to be the villain and accuse Riley of stealing designs. All along, I was aware that Riley had given some of her designs to Claudia's uncle before she even met Claudia. I also saw when Claudia was snooping at Riley's stuff, so there was no suspense there.

I wish there were more suspects, but it didn't look like Mia or even Simone or even K.T. would be used as red herrings. So really, it was a feel-good romance and a lot about friendship and family, as well as the setting in New York City being different from Weston, Colorado.

As usual, the Braden family pulls together. The villain is punished, and honesty is rewarded and we have another couple on their way to happily ever after, while the remaining "single" siblings envy the happily paired up ones.

[Radd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

“I never want to hide again. Partners in love and life. Forever. That’s what I want, and it’s what I’m offering you. Side by side, you and me, out in the open.”

- Who is the Hero? Josh Braden, Age: 33, Occupation: famous fashion designer
~ Josh lives in New York and owns Josh Braden Designs (aka JBD), which is a very successful design house.

- Who is the Heroine? Riley Banks, Age: 31, Occupation: up and coming fashion designer (and best friend to heroine in Book Two)
~ Riley has dreams of becoming a fashion designer, but currently works at Macy’s giving fashion advice to customers.

Plot overview:
~ Riley and Josh grew up in the same town. However, because her best friend was the Braden’s sworn enemy (the best friend’s book is the previous one), Riley and Josh weren’t friends.
However, now that the feud has ended they’re able to talk with each other and Riley ends up sharing some of her design sketches with Josh. Josh is impressed and offers Riley a position as a fashion assistant in his New York office.

** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * I live in a big city and I don’t think even my Macy’s has a fashion advisor. I’m not sure I bought into what Riley was doing before she landed the job in New York.

* * very predictable plot.

* * the relationship and I love you’s seemed rushed. I thought the story could have benefited from a bit more buildup.

* * Riley is supposed to be curvaceous and not able to fit into the stick thin clothing sizes kept at the design house. However, later in the book it mentioned she was a size 6 or 8. Huh?? Sorry - I don’t consider those sizes on the “curvaceous” side of the body spectrum.

**Overview:**
- Content Warning: none
- Setting: New York
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: the characters from previous books are interspersed throughout, so I do think it would be helpful
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: employer / employee
- Hero likeable? yes
- heroine likeable? yes
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 16%
- First time they sleep together: 18%
- Safe sex? Condoms were used
- First time they say I Love You 46%.
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? it was a bit rushed. I needed more buildup to really experience their chemistry.
- OW/OM drama? Yes - although she’s just a pest. Josh has no romantic feeling for her
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? not a ton
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? it was ok. Very predictable. However, I do like the Braden family, so that aspect was enjoyable.

Quotes:
“You mention edible underwear and twenty minutes later you think I might not like you the next day? I am male. I’m still thinking about the edible underwear.”

“I didn’t feel fireworks when we first kissed. I felt the earth move, Josh. And every minute we’ve spent together since has had that same soul-altering effect.”

“What makes a man isn’t what he’ll give up, Josh. It’s the grace in which he lives his life. The level of honesty and the moral code he lives by.”

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anytime I am in the need for a story that will take to a soothing place my go to author is Melissa Foster. She writes stories that focuses on romance, friendships and family. Reading her stories always leave me, wishing for the strong familial bonds portrayed. It always leaves me feeling nostalgic.
Friendship on Fire was no different. I went into this story with high expectations and Melissa did not disappoint. This is the third book in The Braden's at Weston, Co. In this installment we get Josh and Riley's story.
Josh Braden is a world a renowned fashion designer who lives in New York City. He can get any woman he wants. However, he is tired of dating women who fits his status. He wants what his dad once had and what his brothers have. True love!

Riley Banks is a talented aspiring fashion designer. The opportunity of a lifetime fell in her lap when Josh Braden offered her a job as one of his design assistants. This job would be her stepping-stone into the design world and will allow her to be close to the man she has been attracted to from high school days. Little did she know the feeling was mutual.

When Josh had offered her the job, he wanted to know if what he felt was real. When the truth stared him, in the face he realized he had bitten off more than he could chew. As her boss, she was off-limits, but the heart want what it wants.

The romance developed fast despite the backlash from the employees and the media they were likely to face if their relationship came to light. Trying to keep their romance a secret especially from the media would be a challenge and secrets hardly ever stay hidden. Eventually, their romance would be tested
.
Their test came through an employee, Claudia, who was Riley's supervisor. She was determined to sink her claws into Josh. She was also one reason for them keeping their relationship a secret. From the moment of her introduction, I sensed she would be problematic.

Josh is such a sweet and caring person. One of the things I admired about him was his willingness to protect Riley's reputation and career even if it meant he could not let the world know how he felt about her.

Riley is dedicated to her work. Talented and passionate. However, sometimes I found her actions exasperating. One moment she was this confident, do not give a damn heroine then the next she is riddles with self-doubt and insecurities.

Melissa's stories are not usually conflict driven, but Friendship on Fire was different. Conflict arose, which threatened both Riley's career and her relationship with Josh. At first, I did not like how Josh handled the situation but then he redeemed himself when he decided to stand by Riley no matter what. I loved that the conflict was resolved, but I thought the person responsible got off too easy. Frankly, the punishment did not fit the crime.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Friendship on Fire served up a steamy romance with a dash of humour.

[Addie Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

She got a little wordy on me in the last third of the book, but I was in for the story and they Devil Wears Prada vibes!

[Melody Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. Of the Braden Series this is my favorite so far and it was an awesome read.

Josh Braden is another gorgeous, sexy Braden, who has models standing in line for a chance with him. All the Bradens are sweet, kind, and deeply caring but Josh is my favorite so far. He is a fashion designer in New York and has hit the big time. While taking a break at the family's ranch in Colorado, Josh runs into and hires a hometown girl, Riley Banks, after he sees her design sketches which were outstanding. He has had a secret crush on her since forever and they develop a friendship while he is home. Her feelings are mutual but neither one knows how the other feels. He hires her to learn the Designer Business from the ground up and instead he finds his heart entangled with hers. But there is big trouble brewing in the office because of jealous feelings toward Riley for her brilliant designing talent and the attention the boss shows her.

Riley Banks graduated design school with a 3.8 GPA and awards for her design work. Only problem is that no one has given her a chance, no one wanted to hire her, and she ends up in her hometown working at a department store...her talents being wasted. Riley is Jade's best friend who is in a relationship with Rex Braden, Josh's brother. Rex knows of Riley's talent and suggests to Josh to have a look at her designs when he came home for a break. Riley moves to New York to begin her life as a Design Assistant although she is good enough to advance straight to Designer.

As they discover their feelings for one another...do the sparks ever fly.

I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the Braden series. Melissa Foster has done a marvelous work.

[Caro Lyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, the unbelievability of it all. Riley/h and Josh/H grew up together in a small town and has always had a crush on Josh. She moves from her clothes designing job at a local Macy's and moves to the big city to work as an assistant to Josh. By being in proximity to each other for a few days, he falls as madly in love with her as she has been with him. He immediately starts planning their wedding, but his plans are derailed a smidge by allegations that she stole a design for his sister-in-law's wedding dress from a co-worker.

I don't read read fantasy romance for a reason. Let's pretend for a second that small towns have Macy's or that each Macy's has a clothes designer. We can skip over that it only takes two or three days for him to fall completely madly in love with her, although he has seen in her in their home town over the years and never ever had an interest in her. I was offended that her lame assistant job (with all the potential that entails) was a big break, but it was no big deal that he was the big name designer coming from the same home town. I'm not sure if it was nothing because his family is rich. I thought it was silly that a major plot issue relied on her designs being stored at work, although she did all of her designing elsewhere. I was appalled that the obvious consequences of an employee/boss relationship came up pretty late in their relationship. I simply couldn't imagine an owner of a sizable and publicly-aware business (the press is made a big deal in this book) being that clueless.

[Jackie Cimino · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1:16 AM and I'm currently laughing and yelling into my pillow "OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD THIS IS SO FUCKING CUTE!" It's more than just cute, though. Don't get me wrong, I had my problems with it. I mean, ten years from now, can my childhood crush hire me then we fall in love within a matter of days? Yeah, I don't think so. But I was willing to look past this because it's raw and real and sexy and heartbreaking and I loved every minute of it and you will too so go read it right now. I need to sleep :)

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Josh and Riley have to be my favorite! I loved everything about them. I love how supportive they were of each other. It just was perfect! ❤💛

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a country girl being transported to the big city to set the scene for the perfect love story. Lacey and Josh Braden were just meant to be after you get past the fancy designer clothes and high expectations set for Lacey to be the perfect new employee at Josh’s design studio. I had the opportunity to read and listen to this book and the audio version made it perfect to listen to this love story while working and going through life’s boring monotony.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another astounding read by Melissa Foster! I don’t think I have ever been disappointed from a novel that I have picked up that was by her. Her stories really hit home with me because it is so personal and deep within the characters. The books are not just all about the sex or the romance. There are personal character stories there that you just want to get to know more about them. The relationships run through love and family. Everything that the characters are feeling throughout the book, I guarantee that you will be feeling as well.
This book made it very hard to get other things that I needed to get done, well, done. Melissa Foster always has me sucked in wanting to know more and more about the characters that she is writing about. If you have not picked up a book by her yet, I highly recommend that you do because you will be hooked to her as an author for life. I like that she focuses on sibling relaionships as well as the romantic ones. I know my sister and I have our ups and downs, but I don’t think that I would be the same without her in my life.
This book has a slightly different feel and setting than the others, but I thought that it taught a valuable lesson about how even though people may have money or a higher status in society than you doesn’t mean that they are any less likely to have relationships with others that are different. I love that even though the Bradens have money, none of them seem to think of themselves as higher or more mighty than others. It makes for a humbling read about them all.
This book gets a five star review from me because it really made me think. The other books in the series had me engulfed, but not as much as this one did with thinking about my relationships in my own life. Anyone who loves romance and some life lessons along the way will love this book. Some of the scenes are explicit and may not be suitable for younger readers. I just had to throw that in there! Well done Melissa. Looking forward to the next!

Disclosure: I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Elizabeth Towns · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me just say that the content warning is DEFINITELY warranted. Josh & Riley’s relationship is HOTTTT & steamy! I enjoyed that, and the fact that it was appropriately entwined into their romance. I was pleased to see their love story pick up where it left off from Book 2 (I think I’m right), but as the author is so adapt at doing, it’s okay for any reader whose just jumping into the series to never have met any of the characters before. You’ll not be lost or wondering if you missed something in their backgrounds. Melissa Foster is great at giving the main characters in the story a full background, and even pulling new characters into her story lines, while allowing old ones to marry into new plots.

Riley and Josh are not expecting to have any kind of relationship, both sure that the torch they’ve been carrying for one another most of their lives is a secret. Turns out the only ones they’ve been hiding it from is themselves. However, Cruella DeVille - or her twin - has a torch of her own for Josh, and since she works for him and reallllllly closely with him, she just knows she has the upper hand on Riley. If she can’t convince Josh that a merger between the two of them makes business and extracurricular sense, then she’s got some other designs up her sleeve. Does Riley have what it takes to stand toe to toe with a woman of that turpitude when it comes to Josh? Does she want him enough?

Melissa Foster does not disappoint this fan. Her writing is masterful and magical again, which means you don’t pay one bit of attention to the writing because you are all caught up in the story. You know the author has done an excellent job when you’re advising the character while reading. This is one of those kind of reads. Hurry up and get to reading so you can see what the Braden men are up to -- it’s hot!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Riley makes her way through the hustle and bustle of New York City, she realizes she’s a far cry from her hometown of Weston, Colorado. Dressed in her discounted designer clothes, she heads to JBD for her first day as Josh Braden’s assistant. It doesn’t take her long to see how cutthroat this industry is and that she’s going to have to develop thick skin if she hopes to become a designer one day.

As if working for sexy Josh Braden isn’t stressful enough, Riley finds herself under the watchful eye of Claudia who is dubbed, Cruella de Vil, by her co-workers. Claudia doesn’t make Riley’s time at JBD easy. She is determined to do everything in her power to drive Riley out of NYC and back to the small town she came from. But as Riley and Josh start to become close, they know that they have to keep their relationship a secret from the rest of their co-workers. Not wanting others to think that she slept her way to the top, Riley feels it’s best that they keep their personal life … well, personal.

But when Riley gets accused of stealing Claudia’s designs and not only her job, but her relationship with Josh are on the line, will the pressure be too much for her to handle? And will Josh believe her when she says that she’s being falsely accused? Relationships will be at stake as integrity will be tested as Josh and Riley deal with their Friendship On Fire.

Once again, Melissa Foster doesn’t disappoint! She gives us a sexy, successful man and pairs him with an equally hot, independent woman in a story that is sure to satisfy and make you hungry for more. As fast as the author is able to write these Love in Bloom stories, I find myself devouring them even quicker. Another must read book that has me impatiently awaiting the next book in the series!

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I just can't get enough of The Braden's. I am loving every single one of these books.

Josh is  sweet and caring. He's a Braden so he's obviously drop dead gorgeous. At first he seems so different from his brothers. They have a lot of traits from their father and he has more traits from his mother. But the further a long the story you got the more you realised that actually he had a lot of traits from his father too and he wasn't so different from his brothers.

Riley is a passionate, clever girl. She is a very talented designer and she is very passionate about the work that she does. Like Jade and Rex,  Riley has had a crush on Josh since they were kids and he on her. If it wasn't for the feud between the Johnson's and the Braden's, Riley being firmly in camp Jade, I think they might have been high-school sweethearts.

I really loved Josh and Treat's relationship. If you have read Lover's at Heart then you will know that Treat had many worries about the way he treated his family but you can see in this book that he did and does everything he can to be there for them. I love how protective they all are of each other and how they all rally around in times of need.

Claudia or Cruella as she's better known is one evil b**ch. God I hated her from the moment she was introduced into the story and I knew she was going to be trouble.

I loved the resolution to this book it made me so happy and I cannot wait to read Sea of Love.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving this series so much so I don't want it to end. In Friendship On Fire we get to know more about Josh who so far in the series has been mentioned a few times but nothing more as well as Riley. They both grew up in the same town but due to the rival between the Braden's and the Johnson's they could not do anything but have a crush that was almost forbidden. As they grew up and flew the nest Josh went on to be a fashion designer and owns JB Designs after speaking to Riley when he was in his hometown and a bit of pushing from Rex and Jade he takes a look her portfolio and is very impressed, so much so that he hires her at his company as he sees huge potential for Riley she just needs the break.
When Riley arrives at her new job she is given a mentor who turns out to be a nasty, sneaky and sly woman who will do whatever it takes to make her break, even sleeping her way to the top. While she is plotting her way of making her break, Josh and Riley realise that they are attracted to each other and have been for many years. Riley wants to keep their relationship quite for a while so it doesn't look like she is sleeping her way to the top and that she is doing it purely through her own merits.
Disaster strikes when Riley is accused of stealing her mentors designs and Josh although trying to clear Riley's name is starting to have doubts, will their relationship be able to stand the strain?
Again I was completely hooked, the love between Josh and Riley is hot and emotional and the book is a huge rollercoaster of emotions which I found myself sharing the emotions I had a few cross words with my Kindle and my husband thought I was loopy.
Melissa wrote yet another fantastic addition to the Braden's Series and I am looking forward to the next book.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: Narrator - B.J. Harrison

I’m really enjoying this narrator’s performance of this series! He brings a whole other level to the stories than reading alone would do. With a voice that invokes deep emotion, I’m highly addicted to not only him but the Bradens!





I was excited to get Josh and Riley’s story! Their relationship skirted the edges of taboo as she is his employee, but they’ve both had each other in their sights since they were young. Watching them connect and make it work was wonderful. There was a lot of other woman drama that caused the angst level to really ratchet up but I loved how they overcame the issues.





This has a great pace to it that never bogged down and a steam level that had me making sure no one was nearby to overhear what I was listening to. I loved seeing characters from the previous books and getting a few clues on what might be coming up next. I’m absolutely loving the Bradens!!


Dual POV
Safe no om drama; ow drama causes some separation but just for a short bit, but she causes all kinds of drama in the h/H lives; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship on Fire by Melissa Foster is romance at its best from the very beginning. The fashion is a tough business and Josh can on Claudia the wickedest woman around to keep it running smoothly while his thoughts were all around Riley, the woman from his past but this time, he wants to know her better.

I really enjoyed the story’s flow especially devouring the very romantic parts displayed by Josh – they were not always so predictable. Riley Banks, their new design assistant was all he could think of. And, Josh admits it to Peter – that – they are not an item but a crush from the past. Wow! Okay, let’s read the rest. Let’s admit it here, when was the last time a man sent me red-tipped yellow roses? Never and in between. Yep, I’m a real sucker for this kind of romance.

Because Riley didn’t want to be known as the girl who makes it to the top by sleeping around, Josh suggested that they would sneak around.
“He needed her.” There is more of course but I won’t tell.

Jealousy does play a role in the design world as it is but then there are other scenes that just wrap up this romantic story with a beautiful big bow of complexities. After all, romance can’t be that smooth.

I do recommend Friendship on Fire by Melissa Foster. There is a style that will get you hooked. It’s unmistakeably awesome.
Adriana LG

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the fact that each of the Braden brothers have their own individual personality and I am able to easily distinguish one from another. While one may be alpha, another is sweet, and yet another is romantic. Can't wait to read about the rest of the family.

The way Melissa Foster writes the characters, I feel like I’m right there in the story. We met Josh and Riley in Destined for Love, while everyone was at the farm, but it doesn’t end there. Josh and Riley’s story doesn’t take place on the farm, it takes place in Manhattan, in the fashion world and with cut-throat colleagues. Josh gives Riley a position in his fashion company, and Josh tries his best to stay away from her (really). I love the interaction between Josh and Riley and the fact that they were trying to keep their relationship hidden, even though we all know that wasn’t going to happen.

Josh has to figure out if he can trust Riley and Riley has to trust she’s enough for Josh. As with all the books in this series, it is a sweet story with some sexy scenes, a lot of family influence and a happily ever after.

Love, romance, humor, and some really steamy love scenes add up to a sure hit with Friendship on Fire.

[Summer · Rating 1 out of 5]

THE WORST. The last 100 pages literally drag on for no reason. I wanted to stab my eyes out with a rusty spoon at the amount of pointless conversation and sheer volume of indescriptive details. For fuck sake!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine but I feel like I've read this story so many times before.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friendship on Fire is the 3rd book in the Bradens of Weston Co. series. It’s the story of Josh Braden fashion industry icon and Riley Banks his secret school boy crush who is a talented if unknown fashion designer in her own rite. This isn’t so much a friends to lovers story as the title would imply since Josh and Riley were never really friends growing up, they just ogled and lusted for each other from afar due to the Braden-Johnson feud described in detail in Destined for Love.
It’s sort of ironic that the author decided to portray Riley as a more curvaceous, everywoman type of gal and not a size two stick thin model type and then she and her editors used a female cover model who looks more like she only eats salad and runs marathons rather than enjoys an occasion slice of pie to portray Riley on the cover of the book. Sort of sends a mixed message to her female readers doesn’t it?
Something else I found odd is that in this book just like the previous book Destined for Love where Rex and Jade keep their relationship on the downlow, so too in this book Josh and Riley decide to do the same albeit for different reasons. Josh is attracted to Riley as well as impressed with her portfolio so he offers to give her a job working for him in N.Y.C. Riley is equally attracted to Josh so it doesn’t take long for them to go from an employer-employee relationship to lovers. Josh is supposed to be the most sensitive and thoughtful of a group of extremely sensitive and thoughtful Braden brothers. So I’m not certain how we’re supposed to believe he never thought of the complications that would ensue for Riley at work if he pursued a relationship with her once he gave her a job? But that’s his story and he’s sticking to it. Riley doesn’t want people to think she’s slept her way to the top of the business and be the office joke so she asks Josh to keep their after work relationship quiet. Josh, the guy who has never talked about his previous relationships but wants to shout this one from the rooftops reluctantly agrees.
Quite honestly I was disappointed in this book but not for the reason I expected to be. Being a “Man’s Man” (who reads romance novels) I thought the Josh character being a metro-sexual might be too off-putting for me to care about his story. That never really became an issue for me. **Spoiler Alert”* But Josh’s lack of faith in Riley’s integrity really did. The fact that he could even for a moment think it’s possible she did what Claudia accused her of and until proven innocent still harbored some doubts, really turned me off. And it’s sort of ironic that at the end of their story he can’t wait only a few weeks into their relationship to put a ring on it, if you read the book about their wedding you find out its years (yes years) later when Josh and Riley finally marry supposedly because they’ve just been so busy conquering the fashion world they haven’t found the time. And on that note what the heck is with Rex? He’s supposedly the most conservative of the brothers. He can’t wait to claim Jade and takes on his and her family for the right in Destined for Love, but to date he’s content to live with her and not even give her an engagement ring? Jade certainly makes it clear she’s open to the idea. So what exactly is Mr. Old Fashioned family values waiting for?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 – 4 Stars

Friendship On Fire is the third book in The Bradens series (Love in Bloom Book #6) by Melissa Foster. The Love in Bloom series proved to be a heartwarming journey through love, family, and personal growth. Spanning multiple interconnected series/stories, it offers a wonderful blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth that kept me reading the whole way through.
Ms. Foster crafted fully developed, relatable, and multidimensional characters who added an extra element of emotion and interest to my overall reading experience. The heroes are fiercely loyal and endearing, while the heroines are smart, empowered, and refreshingly ‘real’. Each character feels like someone you could know in real life, making their struggles and triumphs, high and lows, all the more impactful.
The stories have a perfect balance of steamy romance mixed with heartfelt moments. But that doesn’t mean that Ms. Foster shies away from exploring deeper themes like forgiveness, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships – adding dynamic layers to the storyline/s. But, despite the emotional depth, the series still maintains more of a lighthearted charm, sprinkled with humor and tender family connections.
While each novel can be read as a standalone, there is an interconnectedness with the recurring characters and overlapping storylines - which help create a sense of community that feels warm and inviting. It’s like being welcomed into a big, loving family where everyone has a worthwhile story to tell.
‘Within the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection you'll find fiercely loyal heroes and smart, empowered women on their search for true love. They're flawed, funny, and easy to relate to. Characters from each series appear in future Love in Bloom books…’
If you are a fan of contemporary romance or simply looking for a feel-good series to escape into, this series is a worthwhile binge read…
Love in Bloom is made up of the following series:
- Snow Sisters
- The Bradens (Weston, CO)
- The Remingtons
- The Bradens (Trusty, CO)
- The Bradens Novellas Collection
- The Bradens (Peaceful Harbor, MD)
- Seaside Summers
- Bayside Summers
- The Ryders
- The Steeles at Silver Island
- The Silvers at Silver Island
- Wild Boys After Dark
- Bad Boys After Dark
- The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor
- The Bradens & Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls
- The Bradens at Ridgeport
- The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
- The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
- Romantic Comedy Series Collection
- Sugar Lake
- Harmony Pointe
- Harborside Nights
- Nice Girls After Dark
- The Steeles
- The Stones
- Blazing Summer
- The Brays

Happy Reading…

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Banks is best friends with Jade Johnson and like Jade, had a crush in high school on one the Braden boys - Josh Braden. Unknown to Riley, Josh shared that attraction, though he never acted on it. Fast forward to years later. Riley is a young designer with no where to go in Weston and Josh is a celebrated New York fashion designer.

Through a series of home visits Josh sees Riley’s portfolio and offers her a job at his design firm. This is the break Riley never saw coming and as she heads out to NYC, she’s filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, questioning whether she’s meant for the big city, at the same time Josh is questioning his own direction. He misses the simplicity of back home and honesty compared to the often cutthroat environment he works and resides in. He’s tired of dating the “right” women and the more time he spends with Riley, the clearer things appear. Riley is easy to be with, beautiful and sexy, honest and real, vibrant and full of life. Josh, the hot, celebrated eligible bachelor, who longs for more, can’t resist her. He and Riley start a relationship in spite of her determination to focus only on her budding career, not wanting to become the office water cooler gossip topic, Josh reluctantly agrees t keep their relationship secret.

Claudia, the conniving, often manipulative employee assigned as Riley’s mentor does everything in her power to destroy Riley’s credibility and the budding attraction she witnesses, wanting to claim Josh for herself. Her uncle gave Josh his first big break and Josh felt compelled to hire Claudia as a favor. Riley is eventually accused of stealing designs and has to defend herself. These accusations can end her career before it even gets off the ground and it tests her relationship with Josh on both a business and personal level.

This is where we see Josh’s struggle. He wants to believe Riley, but all evidence points to her guilt. Riley is floored, but refuses to let it ruin her or beg Josh to believe her.

This friends to lovers story won’t disappoint. Read or listen for yourself. I did both. I love B.J. Harrison and can easily get lost in the story listening to his narration. Another 5 stars!

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley gets a designer job with Josh’s NY fashion firm. She’s been hung up on him since she was a teen. She and bff Jade would eye off Rex and Josh respectively.
And once she’s in NY Josh realises he wants more from her than just sketches.
But another of his staff, Claudia, is instantly against her and desperate to not make waves, Riley begs him to keep it on the down low.
[rolls eyes - really? This didn’t work last book. Sighs]
Riley phones Jade to chat:

Riley blew out a breath. “That’s the worst part. I told him I’d rather sneak around than let her know.”
“No, you did not.”
“Yes, I did. Oh, Jade. I’m such an idiot. He was ready to talk to her and tell her that we were seeing each other, and I kinda freaked out about being seen as the woman who slept her way to the top.”
“Well,” Jade said, “if you’re gonna sleep your way to the top, you skipped all the in-between steps.” (p. 87).

She’s not wrong.
But I must say, Riley seems to have had a personality transplant since the last book. She’s a very different girl, here.
It goes sideways when Claudia steals Riley’s designs and accuses her of theft. Now the press are following them and it all blows up rather spectacularly.
***
Got to 29% before I realised I’d skipped #2 and went back and read it first. Not sure why I bothered, there wasn’t much of Riley and Josh in it.
There was much talk about them meeting at a dance that wasn’t even mentioned in book2. Never mind.
You know when you are shouting at a book that an incredibly obvious thing has been missed? Yeah this book had one of those. Riley sent her design portfolio to Peter weeks before Claudia had the designs. I had initially thought Peter had sent them to his niece, but as it turned out her uncle could prove they weren’t hers. Plot hole, much?
There’s an obvious set-up of Josh’s assistant Mia with the investigator Steele.
And a tease of brother Dane’s story.
I’ve read a few of these and I think I liked Josh and Riley best so far.
Lord, when a guy is willing to sink his entire career and business over love for you, I reckon he’s a keeper.
4 stars.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship on Fire continues the Braden family saga. In this installment, Josh Braden is the urbane, successful, New York Braden who runs a prestigious clothing design firm. In the previous book in this series, he reconnected with Riley Banks, a talented hometown girl with dreams of becoming a designer herself. Riley and Josh have a childhood history of unknown and unrequited childhood crushes on each other. When they reconnect, Josh recognizes Riley’s design talent and offers her an entry-level job at his firm. Determined to make a success of herself, Riley settles into her new job and takes the firm by storm, much to the displeasure of her devious and deceitful mentor. Riley and Josh’s old friendship rapidly heats up, resulting in ethical quandaries which are further strained when Riley is accused of stealing designs from her mentor.

This Braden installment has plenty of heat. It was probably one of my favorite books in the series so far. However, because some of Riley and Josh’s backstory occurred in a previous book, it felt, at times, as if I was dropped in the middle of their story. I wanted to see more of that earlier getting to re-know you phase. With the interconnected nature of Melissa Foster’s books, this happens at times where one feels they are dropped into a slice of the character’s life instead of following it from start to finish. Although each book can be read as a stand alone story, it highlights the benefit of reading this series in order from start to finish. It was nice to see some of the previous couples and characters in the series make an appearance. One comes away from the books in this series feeling as if you really know this family.

As usual, B. J. Harrison does an amazing job with the narration.

***I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for my own unbiased review.***

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 1 out of 5]

Argh! This story infuriated me! How can H, who says he loves h, doubt her for a second? Against a person he KNOWS is cutthroat, competitive, and a bitch, nonetheless! And sexually harassing him, too. The conflict is so freaking obvious from the beginning, I saw it coming since the first time Claudia appeared, and it felt so unnecessary. The book could have ended way sooner without this forced conflict nonsense. H should have fired the bitch the moment she propositioned him in the office, sue her for sexual harassment or something! Forget about him being in a relationship, I would think propositioning your boss in the office during work hours is highly unprofessional, and as her employer, it would have made me question if she had done it with a client or someone else. She's a liability! Pretty stupid of him, for an experienced businessman (which, supposedly, he is). He has a lawyer sister, it makes absolutely no sense he didn’t even consider consulting her for anything. OR his company lawyers, for that matter. No, he jumps to the worst possible conclusions and acts accordingly. On a matter with huge legal repercussions. Without legal counsel.
And h forgives him way too easily, it takes all of five minutes after she literally leaves him for her to come back (yes, she came back, he should have been the one to beg, but no). She should have quit, left him, and gotten another job. And everyone around her acts like she’s overreacting by leaving a man who not only has demonstrated doesn’t trust her, but basically told everyone she works with about it. Her “best friend” (ha! don’t think so) convinces h to go back to this guy. At this point I freaking rage quit, I don’t want to read anymore of it. Before this happened it was absolutely boring anyway.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, those sexy, sweet and protective Braden brothers… Riley Banks had big dreams of making it in the fashion industry as a designer, but had to settle for working at Macy's after one too many rejections. It didn’t matter that her designs rocked, or that she had received two awards before she even graduated, nothing matter in an industry where who you know is more important than talent… But she did know someone important, her high-school crush and off limits hometown acquaintance Josh Braden. When his brother and her best friend finally hocked up after years of lusting after one another, Riley was brought into the Braden fold. And with it, her dream of working in New York City for JBD started. Josh Braden has women falling at his feet, but none has moved him like the girl from his small town who he craved through all his teenage years. She is smart, talented and beautiful. Bringing her to work with him was a no brainer. He knows she will shine, but will she make it in a business where backstabbing snakes are waiting to sabotage her every move? When she is accused of stealing a design inside his company, Josh must decide what matters the most to him, his career or the woman he has fallen for. Friendship on Fire is the third Braden romance and brings back the many Braden siblings we love. It is funny, sexy and sweet. There is an evil woman in it, ready to steal Riley's confidence, her designs and her man, but Riley is no wall flower and although it will take her a moment to get her act together, she will ruffle some feathers and kick some ass. Anything to prove that she is the girl for Josh… A fun read for sure!

[Tanja Wiegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vertrauen ist der Anfang von allem

Meine Meinung:
Riley liebt es, Mode zu entwerfen, hat aber in Weston keine Chance, ihren Beruf auszuüben. Da kommt das Angebot von Josh Braden gerade recht. Sie kann bei ihm als Assistentin arbeiten und sich hocharbeiten. Schnell merken die beiden, dass sie sich gegen ihre Gefühle, die sie seit Kindheitstagen füreinander haben und von denen der andere nichts gewusst hat, nicht länger unterdrücken können. Doch weil Riley Angst hat in Verruf zu kommen, weil sie mit dem Chef schläft, verheimlichen sie ihre Beziehung. Als Riley mit einem atemberaubenden Entwurf für ein Hochzeitskleid für Begeisterung sorgt, währt die Freude nicht lange. Ihre Mentorin beschuldigt sie, die Entwürfe gestohlen zu haben. Riley ist entsetzt über die Boshaftigkeit, vor allem aber über Joshs Misstrauen. Josh weiß nicht, wie er sich entscheiden soll, für die Frau, die er liebt und die eventuell doch die Entwürfe gestohlen hat oder für seinen Beruf, den er über alles liebt.

Melissa Foster überzeugt wieder mit ihrem lockerleichten Schreibstil, die Seiten flogen nur so dahin. Wie alle Roman von ihr, gibt es auch hier wieder prickelnde Erotik.

Ich konnte Rileys Enttäuschung über Joshs Misstrauen so gut nachvollziehen. Aber auch Joshs Misstrauen war verständlich, die Beweise sprachen eindeutig gegen Riley. Mir waren beide sehr sympathisch, genau wie der Rest der Familie, die wir auch hier wieder am Rande wiedersehen.

"Freundschaft in Flammen" erhält von mir 5 von 5 Sternen.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship on Fire
Love in Bloom, Book 6
By: Melissa Foster
Narrated by: B. J. Harrison

Melissa Foster always has a story to warm my heart! I love Riley and Josh! These two are made for each other. Riley comes to New York to start her new job and is recognized immediately for amazing talent. Working for Josh, her childhood crush is just icing on the cake. When he takes a personal interest in her, she is hesitant to go public. After all, people the office will talk about how she got her job. There is one person who is particularly interested in Josh, and as trouble mounts, so does suspicion... in Riley. Will Josh and Riley flush out the truth? Will Riley just give up? Will this end their relationship? You will have to listen to find out! The story is wonderful! Riley is passionate about her work, and about Josh. Independent and excited to grow, she is quite a woman. Josh is private, and Riley has broken through his barrier. It's a treat to see him like this and how he handles situations. Plus we get to see our previous Bradens which makes it all feel like coming home. I love Josh's dad and how he talks to his mom, and how his brother's bring the sagest of advice. It's a story you have to grab and enjoy!

BJ Harrison continues his wonderful narration of this series. He is spot on with his voices and I love how he is consistent from book to book. It's makes listening a pleasure.