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The Griffith Brothers #3
Fire Line
-Lennon-
Rule #1: Committing crimes is not a group project.
Rule #2: Don't start fights. Finish them.
Rule #3: Don't try to hustle a hustler.
I should have walked away. I should have ignored that sweet-talking cowboy. Good things don't happen to people like me. Good people stay away from people like me.
But that cowboy wouldn't leave me alone.
He should have known better. After all, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
-Carson James-
Rule #1: When you're holding a grudge, don't think about how attractive the object of your hatred is.
Rule #2: When you do think about how attractive she is, ignore it. It'll go away. Probably.
Rule #3: When you're stealing a car, it helps to have the keys.
That girl was trouble. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on her bruised knuckles in the bar.
The last thing I expected was for her to show up on the ranch and bring that trouble to my front door.
I always liked playing with fire, but apparently, so did she. Only time will tell which one of us is going to get burned.
Fire Line is the third and final book in the Kindle bestselling Griffith Brothers series, but can also be read as a standalone. If you can't get enough of Carson James and his brothers, make sure you look out for Dust Storm and Down Pour too!
REAL READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE GRIFFITH BROTHERS
'I literally could not put this down. I'm pretty sure I finished it within 4 hours of it hitting my inbox. So SERIOUSLY GUYS, get off your butts and order this book NOW!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I have fallen in love with the Griffith family and I don't want to leave!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This book is everything! Single dad, city girl meets small town, heroine who loves wearing only high heels, COWBOYS, and forced proximity?? Sign me up' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Could NOT put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This book. Holy hell . . . I am officially obsessed with the Griffith family. The layers. The character development. The world building. The spice!!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The chemistry is off the charts. I laughed, swooned, and even cried. You have to read this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Oh how I fell in love with Christian!! . . . my new book boyfriend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rule #1: Committing crimes is not a group project.
Rule #2: Don't start fights. Finish them.
Rule #3: Don't try to hustle a hustler.
I should have walked away. I should have ignored that sweet-talking cowboy. Good things don't happen to people like me. Good people stay away from people like me.
But that cowboy wouldn't leave me alone.
He should have known better. After all, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
-Carson James-
Rule #1: When you're holding a grudge, don't think about how attractive the object of your hatred is.
Rule #2: When you do think about how attractive she is, ignore it. It'll go away. Probably.
Rule #3: When you're stealing a car, it helps to have the keys.
That girl was trouble. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on her bruised knuckles in the bar.
The last thing I expected was for her to show up on the ranch and bring that trouble to my front door.
I always liked playing with fire, but apparently, so did she. Only time will tell which one of us is going to get burned.
Fire Line is the third and final book in the Kindle bestselling Griffith Brothers series, but can also be read as a standalone. If you can't get enough of Carson James and his brothers, make sure you look out for Dust Storm and Down Pour too!
REAL READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE GRIFFITH BROTHERS
'I literally could not put this down. I'm pretty sure I finished it within 4 hours of it hitting my inbox. So SERIOUSLY GUYS, get off your butts and order this book NOW!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I have fallen in love with the Griffith family and I don't want to leave!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This book is everything! Single dad, city girl meets small town, heroine who loves wearing only high heels, COWBOYS, and forced proximity?? Sign me up' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Could NOT put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This book. Holy hell . . . I am officially obsessed with the Griffith family. The layers. The character development. The world building. The spice!!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The chemistry is off the charts. I laughed, swooned, and even cried. You have to read this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Oh how I fell in love with Christian!! . . . my new book boyfriend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2024
About the author
Maggie C. Gates
29 books2,710 followersMaggie Gates writes raw, relatable, romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her Kindle is always within reach due to a love of small town romances that borders on obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,650 reviews
September 9, 2024
I don’t know how Maggie did it but each book in this series managed to be so perfect in its own unique way and I am sad it’s over but so glad it exists.
CJ and Lennon were the PERFECT end to this series and they gave everything I could have wanted and more.
They meet in a bar and have a brief, hallway hook-up thinking they’ll never see each other again except that Lennon is the new chef at his ranch’s restaurant and since he’s anti-the expansion of the ranch, any warm feelings for her he might have had that night fly out the window. When he finds out there’s a lot more to Lennon than he thinks though, and she’s put up a tough fight for a long time, he changes his tune and has a lot of making up to do.
Lennon is for the Winter Hamilton girlies!!! She was grumpy and sassy and hid her longing for a family and a place to belong behind an icy exterior and she was perfect!!!! She gave every man who stepped out of line exactly what they deserved and the banter and chemistry she had with CJ was everything.
The Griffith brothers are all exceptional fictional men and CJ SERVED ok. He was giving grumpy, banter, enemies to lovers tension in the beginning and then when he realized he was in the wrong, became the most thoughtful and reassuring man for her.
I love them and this story and this series so so much!!!
CJ and Lennon were the PERFECT end to this series and they gave everything I could have wanted and more.
They meet in a bar and have a brief, hallway hook-up thinking they’ll never see each other again except that Lennon is the new chef at his ranch’s restaurant and since he’s anti-the expansion of the ranch, any warm feelings for her he might have had that night fly out the window. When he finds out there’s a lot more to Lennon than he thinks though, and she’s put up a tough fight for a long time, he changes his tune and has a lot of making up to do.
Lennon is for the Winter Hamilton girlies!!! She was grumpy and sassy and hid her longing for a family and a place to belong behind an icy exterior and she was perfect!!!! She gave every man who stepped out of line exactly what they deserved and the banter and chemistry she had with CJ was everything.
The Griffith brothers are all exceptional fictional men and CJ SERVED ok. He was giving grumpy, banter, enemies to lovers tension in the beginning and then when he realized he was in the wrong, became the most thoughtful and reassuring man for her.
I love them and this story and this series so so much!!!
September 10, 2024
Book so bad, I had to check if I picked up the right copy or if it was a prank
November 10, 2025
”Sometimes you get to cut the fire line to stop the blaze, and sometimes you have to walk through it to get out of the heat.
Fire Line was everything I wanted and more… raw, emotional, fiery, and full of heart. From the very beginning, I was hooked on Lennon and CJ’s dynamic. It’s enemies-to-lovers, but not in the usual sense. At first, I wasn’t even sure why they were enemies, and I was so mad at CJ. 😭 They had this undeniable pull between them that felt like heat waiting to ignite but he was just so… ugh ANNOYING AND MEAN 😐😑
Lennon is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for. Tough, guarded, and so unapologetically herself, she’s been through enough to build walls around her heart and honestly, I respected every single one of them. The moment she threw a punch at CJ (yes literally 💀) I knew I was in her corner for the long haul. But as much as she fights, you can feel how deeply she wants to be seen and loved for who she is.
And CJ… whew. He might start out stubborn and a little lost in his own pride, but once he realizes how wrong he’s been and how much Lennon means to him, everything shifts. I loved watching him step up not just in words, but in action. (him giving her wildflowers constantly HAD MEEEEE🥹🥹) He’s protective, patient, and quietly reassuring in a way that melts you. He doesn’t try to “fix” her. He stands beside her and helps her feel safe enough to heal. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
The push-and-pull between them was more than just banter. It was genuine conflict, emotion, and slow-burning growth. And while it’s not a thriller, there is this delicious edge of suspense woven through the story. Someone’s watching. Someone’s after her. And that danger gave the romance even more intensity.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this book (and this entire series honestly) is the family. Not just the Griffith brothers, but their wives too. They’re loud, chaotic, hilarious, and fiercely loyal—a true found family. Their bond and unconditional support for each other made my heart so full. Every single one of them shows up when it matters most, and that unity makes this story feel like more than just a romance.
And when I got to the epilogue? I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 😭 This was the perfect finale to a series that’s full of grit, passion, and heart. It’s fiery, tender, a little dangerous, and everything a small-town cowboy romance should be. ❤️❤️
If you like your cowboys grumpy, your heroines fierce, and your love stories with a spark that just might burn the whole barn down… this one’s for you. ❤️🔥🫶🏼🫶🏼
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
"They remind me of you. Wildflowers grow where they want. Soil. Sand. Cracks in the sidewalk. Cities and open fields. They thrive in the worst conditions. And just when you think you've cut them down, they spring back up. They're always the first thing to grow back after a wildfire as a reminder of hope and a little audacity."
⸻
"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever."
⸻
"I'll plant you a million wildflowers, so you never open your eyes without seeing your beauty reflected back to you.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
👩🏼🍳 forced proximity
👩🏼🍳 grumpy x grumpier
👩🏼🍳 he falls first
👩🏼🍳 tough-as-nails heroine
👩🏼🍳 enemies→lovers
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Maggie Gates for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
i ADORED downpour so i’m sooooo excited for this one !!! hoping it’s as good as the previous one 🤞🏼
Fire Line was everything I wanted and more… raw, emotional, fiery, and full of heart. From the very beginning, I was hooked on Lennon and CJ’s dynamic. It’s enemies-to-lovers, but not in the usual sense. At first, I wasn’t even sure why they were enemies, and I was so mad at CJ. 😭 They had this undeniable pull between them that felt like heat waiting to ignite but he was just so… ugh ANNOYING AND MEAN 😐😑
Lennon is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for. Tough, guarded, and so unapologetically herself, she’s been through enough to build walls around her heart and honestly, I respected every single one of them. The moment she threw a punch at CJ (yes literally 💀) I knew I was in her corner for the long haul. But as much as she fights, you can feel how deeply she wants to be seen and loved for who she is.
And CJ… whew. He might start out stubborn and a little lost in his own pride, but once he realizes how wrong he’s been and how much Lennon means to him, everything shifts. I loved watching him step up not just in words, but in action. (him giving her wildflowers constantly HAD MEEEEE🥹🥹) He’s protective, patient, and quietly reassuring in a way that melts you. He doesn’t try to “fix” her. He stands beside her and helps her feel safe enough to heal. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
The push-and-pull between them was more than just banter. It was genuine conflict, emotion, and slow-burning growth. And while it’s not a thriller, there is this delicious edge of suspense woven through the story. Someone’s watching. Someone’s after her. And that danger gave the romance even more intensity.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this book (and this entire series honestly) is the family. Not just the Griffith brothers, but their wives too. They’re loud, chaotic, hilarious, and fiercely loyal—a true found family. Their bond and unconditional support for each other made my heart so full. Every single one of them shows up when it matters most, and that unity makes this story feel like more than just a romance.
And when I got to the epilogue? I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 😭 This was the perfect finale to a series that’s full of grit, passion, and heart. It’s fiery, tender, a little dangerous, and everything a small-town cowboy romance should be. ❤️❤️
If you like your cowboys grumpy, your heroines fierce, and your love stories with a spark that just might burn the whole barn down… this one’s for you. ❤️🔥🫶🏼🫶🏼
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
"They remind me of you. Wildflowers grow where they want. Soil. Sand. Cracks in the sidewalk. Cities and open fields. They thrive in the worst conditions. And just when you think you've cut them down, they spring back up. They're always the first thing to grow back after a wildfire as a reminder of hope and a little audacity."
⸻
"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever."
⸻
"I'll plant you a million wildflowers, so you never open your eyes without seeing your beauty reflected back to you.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
👩🏼🍳 forced proximity
👩🏼🍳 grumpy x grumpier
👩🏼🍳 he falls first
👩🏼🍳 tough-as-nails heroine
👩🏼🍳 enemies→lovers
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Maggie Gates for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
i ADORED downpour so i’m sooooo excited for this one !!! hoping it’s as good as the previous one 🤞🏼
September 10, 2024
Ok this was bad. Absolutely illogical, gets mad at her for absolutely no reason, falls in love with her for absolutely no reason... Nothing made sense
September 12, 2024
maggie gates i am your biggest fan. when i eventually get out of my awful review burnout i will come back to this
September 23, 2024
CJ is such a bully???? like he’s horrible to her
September 4, 2024
I love Maggie Gates.
And I love that the one thing she’s never gonna give you is a cookie cutter FMC.
Lennon, the Griffith brothers restaurants new chef, hustler and Disney villain haired wonder 🖤
CJ, the youngest brother, ranch-a-holic homebody, and possessive protective cowboy with a touch of a-hole in there 🤠
The enemies to lovers was 🔥 I love a good bickering banter.
Forced proximity
“I had nowhere else to go”
Grumpy/grumpy? 🤣
Tattoo coloring
Pool noodle cows
A little mystery plot
I love the Griffith ranch and family, and the cameos from other series, chefs kiss. 🧑🍳
“Pipe down slugger, ain’t nothing that serious”
“There is not a place you can hide on this ranch that I will not find you. Don’t even try to run from me.”
My one small issue is I cannot quite picture CJ physically so I need who y’all are casting as him.
And I love that the one thing she’s never gonna give you is a cookie cutter FMC.
Lennon, the Griffith brothers restaurants new chef, hustler and Disney villain haired wonder 🖤
CJ, the youngest brother, ranch-a-holic homebody, and possessive protective cowboy with a touch of a-hole in there 🤠
The enemies to lovers was 🔥 I love a good bickering banter.
Forced proximity
“I had nowhere else to go”
Grumpy/grumpy? 🤣
Tattoo coloring
Pool noodle cows
A little mystery plot
I love the Griffith ranch and family, and the cameos from other series, chefs kiss. 🧑🍳
“Pipe down slugger, ain’t nothing that serious”
“There is not a place you can hide on this ranch that I will not find you. Don’t even try to run from me.”
My one small issue is I cannot quite picture CJ physically so I need who y’all are casting as him.
September 23, 2024
thank god there’s no more brothers these books were so bad
October 5, 2025
Thank you Berkley Romance for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
gahh this book!! This series!!
I absolutely LOVE Maggie’s writing, her characters, stories, and especially the way she writes family/found family.
Lennon + CJ have such a great dynamic, the immediate chemistry & their BANTER 🔥
I love books that start with a one night stand, when we see that pull that just can’t be ignored.
“Put your claws away. You don’t need them with me.” 😭 CJ was just ready for anything Lennon threw at him!
I love when tough characters start to show their softer side 🥹 especially with just that one person… they’ve learned to be hard from all the things life has thrown at them, and they just need someone to help them feel safe.
“No one’s ever wanted me before.”
“That’s because you were always meant to be here, Len. It just took you a long time to find us.”
Lennon’s spent her whole life running, and I love how she found a home with CJ & all the Griffiths 🥹
✦ tropes & stuff:
1️⃣ one night stand
💥 enemies to lovers
🥘 tattooed + pierced chef fmc
🤠 cowboy mmc
🐎 ranch life/workplace
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door |
📖 Fire Line by Maggie Gates
📚 book 3 • Griffith Brothers series
💜: contemporary romance/romantic suspense (mf)
5/7 - adding audiobook thoughts
Thank you to Tantor Media for the ALC.
Dual narrated by Lila Winters & Tyler Donne, I enjoyed this as an audiobook. It was good, not great for me!
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
gahh this book!! This series!!
I absolutely LOVE Maggie’s writing, her characters, stories, and especially the way she writes family/found family.
Lennon + CJ have such a great dynamic, the immediate chemistry & their BANTER 🔥
I love books that start with a one night stand, when we see that pull that just can’t be ignored.
“Put your claws away. You don’t need them with me.” 😭 CJ was just ready for anything Lennon threw at him!
I love when tough characters start to show their softer side 🥹 especially with just that one person… they’ve learned to be hard from all the things life has thrown at them, and they just need someone to help them feel safe.
“No one’s ever wanted me before.”
“That’s because you were always meant to be here, Len. It just took you a long time to find us.”
Lennon’s spent her whole life running, and I love how she found a home with CJ & all the Griffiths 🥹
✦ tropes & stuff:
1️⃣ one night stand
💥 enemies to lovers
🥘 tattooed + pierced chef fmc
🤠 cowboy mmc
🐎 ranch life/workplace
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door |
📖 Fire Line by Maggie Gates
📚 book 3 • Griffith Brothers series
💜: contemporary romance/romantic suspense (mf)
5/7 - adding audiobook thoughts
Thank you to Tantor Media for the ALC.
Dual narrated by Lila Winters & Tyler Donne, I enjoyed this as an audiobook. It was good, not great for me!
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
July 22, 2026
2.5 ⭐
"Sometimes you get to cut the fire line to stop the blaze, and sometimes you have to walk through it to get out of the heat." 🔥🪢
We are back for the last time at the Griffith Ranch to meet Carson (CJ) and Lennon. I feel like their story could have been much better. It started strong with their interaction and instant chemistry; however, the "I hate you/I hate you more" back-and-forth between them fell flat for me, and somehow that chemistry fizzled away throughout the book.
⊹ Lennon 🌼 – I did like her character. Despite her past and everything she's been through, it was great to see her fight to get back to normal and change her life for the better. She might come across as a little cold, but overall that is simply a façade to protect herself. I enjoyed seeing her open up throughout the book, become more comfortable with CJ and his family, and, overall, realise that she deserves love and happiness.
⊹ Carson (CJ) 🐎 – I enjoyed his character in book 2, but in this book, I was not impressed. You mean to tell me he is 30+ and throws temper tantrums because his family wants to develop and grow the ranch so he can continue to do what he likes? Please 😒 His attempts to sabotage Lennon were incredibly immature, and then there was that stunt where he exposed her secret to her staff without talking to her first... Oh, and after all that, in the blink of an eye, he realises he loves her and wants to spend forever with her. Sorry, my guy—not impressed.
Overall, this series was a rollercoaster to me; never have I had such wildly different experiences across different books in a single series 😅
"Sometimes you get to cut the fire line to stop the blaze, and sometimes you have to walk through it to get out of the heat." 🔥🪢
We are back for the last time at the Griffith Ranch to meet Carson (CJ) and Lennon. I feel like their story could have been much better. It started strong with their interaction and instant chemistry; however, the "I hate you/I hate you more" back-and-forth between them fell flat for me, and somehow that chemistry fizzled away throughout the book.
⊹ Lennon 🌼 – I did like her character. Despite her past and everything she's been through, it was great to see her fight to get back to normal and change her life for the better. She might come across as a little cold, but overall that is simply a façade to protect herself. I enjoyed seeing her open up throughout the book, become more comfortable with CJ and his family, and, overall, realise that she deserves love and happiness.
⊹ Carson (CJ) 🐎 – I enjoyed his character in book 2, but in this book, I was not impressed. You mean to tell me he is 30+ and throws temper tantrums because his family wants to develop and grow the ranch so he can continue to do what he likes? Please 😒 His attempts to sabotage Lennon were incredibly immature, and then there was that stunt where he exposed her secret to her staff without talking to her first... Oh, and after all that, in the blink of an eye, he realises he loves her and wants to spend forever with her. Sorry, my guy—not impressed.
Overall, this series was a rollercoaster to me; never have I had such wildly different experiences across different books in a single series 😅
December 16, 2025
It absolutely cracks me up that I’ve disliked the first two books of this series so much, but absolutely adored this one!
And it’s a complete opposite of so many other readers!
The majority of you guys seemed to love the first two books and dislike this one.
This felt like the only real logical romance in the series and it also feels like the only couple that will stand the test of time!
Both of these characters want the same things out of life they want stability, they want comfort, they want care, they want love and they want family.
But neither of them know how to go about it and they’ve surpassed being lonely to prickly.
Neither of them really change who they are fundamentally, but instead, they learned to let people in and accept each other.
They meet each other where they are. They don’t have any illusions as to who the other is and they love them for who they are not for whom they might be.
With this couple, it’s not trying to slam a square peg into a round hole.
It’s nuanced, it’s finding the square peg for the square hole.
Whereas the other couples, I truly could not fathom them lasting more than a few turbulent years at best I can see this couple’s respect for each other only growing throughout the book
And it’s a complete opposite of so many other readers!
The majority of you guys seemed to love the first two books and dislike this one.
This felt like the only real logical romance in the series and it also feels like the only couple that will stand the test of time!
Both of these characters want the same things out of life they want stability, they want comfort, they want care, they want love and they want family.
But neither of them know how to go about it and they’ve surpassed being lonely to prickly.
Neither of them really change who they are fundamentally, but instead, they learned to let people in and accept each other.
They meet each other where they are. They don’t have any illusions as to who the other is and they love them for who they are not for whom they might be.
With this couple, it’s not trying to slam a square peg into a round hole.
It’s nuanced, it’s finding the square peg for the square hole.
Whereas the other couples, I truly could not fathom them lasting more than a few turbulent years at best I can see this couple’s respect for each other only growing throughout the book
September 22, 2024
What the actual fuck was that? the worst one from the series
March 25, 2025
This book was so bad, I didn’t think it could get worse than the first two, but somehow it did. This was 100% a hate read.
The FMC was lifeless. Zero personality, even though there was huge promise with her backstory.
The MMC was actually insane. He’s so mad at the FMC for WHAT? Getting a job? Not wanting to have a second drink with him? Get a grip dude. He also had good potential from being a side character in the first two books but the author decided to uproot all that development and make him an angry POS instead.
The plot was underwhelming, too easy, and predicable.
Why did it go from literally hating each other so much they were physically fighting to basically “I have to marry her, I need her” in a split second. The romance had no build up and was so unbelievably unrealistic.
The MMC also needs to learn a thing or two about consent and asking for things first before just doing them.
ALSO, how many times can the author fit the name of the book into the story, one of which, has no fires in it!?!
The FMC was lifeless. Zero personality, even though there was huge promise with her backstory.
The MMC was actually insane. He’s so mad at the FMC for WHAT? Getting a job? Not wanting to have a second drink with him? Get a grip dude. He also had good potential from being a side character in the first two books but the author decided to uproot all that development and make him an angry POS instead.
The plot was underwhelming, too easy, and predicable.
Why did it go from literally hating each other so much they were physically fighting to basically “I have to marry her, I need her” in a split second. The romance had no build up and was so unbelievably unrealistic.
The MMC also needs to learn a thing or two about consent and asking for things first before just doing them.
ALSO, how many times can the author fit the name of the book into the story, one of which, has no fires in it!?!
September 30, 2025
1.5⭐️
can i set this book on fire??
can i set this book on fire??
March 21, 2026
DNF
I do not like DNF book. But Fire Lane is not a match for me. Sorry.
Moving on....
2 stars
I do not like DNF book. But Fire Lane is not a match for me. Sorry.
Moving on....
2 stars
December 11, 2024
DNF - didn't like the characters, which is sad because I liked CJ in the first two books, but I hated how he and Lennon behaved in this one.
September 6, 2024
MAGGIE GATES ATE WITH THIS BOOK
Lennon and CJ are SO FREAKING HOT
the enemies to lovers banter was top tier and I couldn’t stop giggling & kicking my feet over them
I also just love this world. All of the characters, the found family aspect, I feel like these people are real and I just love them with all of my heart
Maggie wrote such a beautiful series and she ended it on such a high note with Fire Line
CJ was so swoony and grumpy and hot…I love that man omg
Lennon was sassy and strong and complex and also hot…I am truly in love with both of them
The character development, this love story, the little romantic suspense aspect…it all made for a book that was IMPOSSIBLE to set down
I’m so sad to see this series end, I can’t recommend these books enough. This series is one of my top favorites of the year. Maggie SLAYED
Lennon and CJ are SO FREAKING HOT
the enemies to lovers banter was top tier and I couldn’t stop giggling & kicking my feet over them
I also just love this world. All of the characters, the found family aspect, I feel like these people are real and I just love them with all of my heart
Maggie wrote such a beautiful series and she ended it on such a high note with Fire Line
CJ was so swoony and grumpy and hot…I love that man omg
Lennon was sassy and strong and complex and also hot…I am truly in love with both of them
The character development, this love story, the little romantic suspense aspect…it all made for a book that was IMPOSSIBLE to set down
I’m so sad to see this series end, I can’t recommend these books enough. This series is one of my top favorites of the year. Maggie SLAYED
September 29, 2024
Hot and cold
For the record, I thought I was going to DNF this one. Though I loved the first two books in the series, this had a bumpy start for me, with an extremely fast burn followed by some bully vibes that gave me whiplash. I set it aside for about a week, but I just couldn't seem to convince myself that I was really done with it, so I jumped back in and ended up bingeing the rest. Gates' writing style is exceedingly easy to devour and my love of the series took over, but this was definitely my least favorite of the series. The real wins for me were the found family vibes, the interconnectivity of the series, and the smitten cowboy. Once our hero decides he's in, he is ALL in, and I certainly didn't mind how hard he fell for his girl. It was definitely a case of serious instalove, but I loved the way he supported and protected her. We get some suspense too, which kept the pages turning. Ultimately, this sits somewhere between three and four stars for me, but I enjoyed being back in this world.
The story follows Lennon, a chef with a troubled past. Behind her tattooed tough girl persona, she's hiding some vulnerabilities and secrets that mean she never settles in one place. So when Lennon meets a sexy cowboy in a bar, she's happy to have a quick hookup with him and leave it at that. But when Lennon discovers that CJ is one of the owners of the new restaurant she's cooking at, it's a shock to the system. CJ is resentful of the restaurant being around in the first place, and he takes his frustration out on the beautiful stranger who has taken up residence in his thoughts. The two clash until Lennon's past begins to threaten her future, until suddenly CJ is showing a softer side that feels all too good.
So let's talk about what didn't work for me for a minute. I don't mind a fling to more romance, but if the hookup is the foundation of their feelings, I do like that interaction to be a little more extensive. This was very much a "wham bam, thank you, ma'am" situation in a public place, so I didn't feel like they'd really made a connection. Then CJ was mean and hostile for exactly zero reason. He crossed the line from grumpy to cruel, and I did not like that at all - that's what caused me to temporarily DNF. Then almost immediately, he was in love, which... was a lot. If I hadn't loved the first two books in the series, my rating almost certainly would've been a lot lower, let's say that. However, I've really been enjoying the series, and the family connections warmed my heart. I loved the subtle signs that Lennon meant more to CJ than he'd like to admit, and it was great to have those family bonding moments. Lennon is a fierce and feisty heroine who has gone through a lot in her life, so she was able to give as good as she got. I may not be sold on their love story, but that doesn't mean this wasn't an entertaining read. I'm curious to see what's next from the author, and sad to see the series go.
For the record, I thought I was going to DNF this one. Though I loved the first two books in the series, this had a bumpy start for me, with an extremely fast burn followed by some bully vibes that gave me whiplash. I set it aside for about a week, but I just couldn't seem to convince myself that I was really done with it, so I jumped back in and ended up bingeing the rest. Gates' writing style is exceedingly easy to devour and my love of the series took over, but this was definitely my least favorite of the series. The real wins for me were the found family vibes, the interconnectivity of the series, and the smitten cowboy. Once our hero decides he's in, he is ALL in, and I certainly didn't mind how hard he fell for his girl. It was definitely a case of serious instalove, but I loved the way he supported and protected her. We get some suspense too, which kept the pages turning. Ultimately, this sits somewhere between three and four stars for me, but I enjoyed being back in this world.
The story follows Lennon, a chef with a troubled past. Behind her tattooed tough girl persona, she's hiding some vulnerabilities and secrets that mean she never settles in one place. So when Lennon meets a sexy cowboy in a bar, she's happy to have a quick hookup with him and leave it at that. But when Lennon discovers that CJ is one of the owners of the new restaurant she's cooking at, it's a shock to the system. CJ is resentful of the restaurant being around in the first place, and he takes his frustration out on the beautiful stranger who has taken up residence in his thoughts. The two clash until Lennon's past begins to threaten her future, until suddenly CJ is showing a softer side that feels all too good.
So let's talk about what didn't work for me for a minute. I don't mind a fling to more romance, but if the hookup is the foundation of their feelings, I do like that interaction to be a little more extensive. This was very much a "wham bam, thank you, ma'am" situation in a public place, so I didn't feel like they'd really made a connection. Then CJ was mean and hostile for exactly zero reason. He crossed the line from grumpy to cruel, and I did not like that at all - that's what caused me to temporarily DNF. Then almost immediately, he was in love, which... was a lot. If I hadn't loved the first two books in the series, my rating almost certainly would've been a lot lower, let's say that. However, I've really been enjoying the series, and the family connections warmed my heart. I loved the subtle signs that Lennon meant more to CJ than he'd like to admit, and it was great to have those family bonding moments. Lennon is a fierce and feisty heroine who has gone through a lot in her life, so she was able to give as good as she got. I may not be sold on their love story, but that doesn't mean this wasn't an entertaining read. I'm curious to see what's next from the author, and sad to see the series go.
August 16, 2024
it took me 2 weeks to finish this💀 it was fine but i just wasn't feeling it. it was too similar to another story i just read and it felt a little forced in some aspects. the beginning started strong but it tapered off towards the middle-end that i just needed to skim. i'm super bummed because the first two are some of my favs ever and this just didn't live up to them 💔 it was still a good book just not what i'd anticipated
September 13, 2024
boo tomato
October 21, 2024
This whole series is addicting!!!
![Profile Image for Aleksandra [semi hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1755513187i/65058031._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
Did Not Finish
April 23, 20266% DNF
”That’s Daddy to you, trouble.”
That’s my cue to opt out ✌🏼
”That’s Daddy to you, trouble.”
That’s my cue to opt out ✌🏼
September 5, 2024
I am actually really sad this series is over. Three books just wasn’t enough. I want more!
Maggie’s writing has a way of drawing you in. Her characters are real, authentic and I love how she is able to write this epic love story that entirely focuses on the main characters but also shines the light on the characters from the previous books. The Griffith family are SO special and there were so many raw and tender moments throughout this book that had me tearing up, and full noise sobbing.
CJ honestly was but of a mystery in the previous two books but I loved learning more about him. A cowboy who belonged to his land, he wasn’t a big fan of the changes going on around him. Despite this, he gave 110% - his loyalty to his family and his work ethic were admirable (though I did want to punch him in the first third of the book…👀)
Lennon was, ugh I just loved her so much. Her story was so intriguing and I just wanted to reach through and hug her. The girl with the zebra hair, she was strong, quick witted, a brilliant Chef with a sassy tongue. She was the most perfect match for CJ and I loved them together so much.
These two together were utter perfection. Their meet cute was so good, started off with a bang! After the small bump in the road, I loved how CJ was not afraid to show Lennon how he felt. He saw her. He saw her as capable, as someone to love. And in turn, she trusted him to give him her emotions and pain. They were opposites in some ways but truly two peas in a pod in others.
I dare say that this may be my favourite of the series. This book was absolutely wonderful and the Griffith family are so special. The bonus epilogue absolutely slayed me, I was NOT ready for that. Found family has been a prominent theme throughout this series and I love how each woman has found their place, alongside a Griffith man.
I’m so sad to see this series coming to an end but also very excited to see what Maggie comes up with next!
Thank you to Maggie and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read and review early. It was an absolute pleasure! ❤️
Maggie’s writing has a way of drawing you in. Her characters are real, authentic and I love how she is able to write this epic love story that entirely focuses on the main characters but also shines the light on the characters from the previous books. The Griffith family are SO special and there were so many raw and tender moments throughout this book that had me tearing up, and full noise sobbing.
CJ honestly was but of a mystery in the previous two books but I loved learning more about him. A cowboy who belonged to his land, he wasn’t a big fan of the changes going on around him. Despite this, he gave 110% - his loyalty to his family and his work ethic were admirable (though I did want to punch him in the first third of the book…👀)
Lennon was, ugh I just loved her so much. Her story was so intriguing and I just wanted to reach through and hug her. The girl with the zebra hair, she was strong, quick witted, a brilliant Chef with a sassy tongue. She was the most perfect match for CJ and I loved them together so much.
These two together were utter perfection. Their meet cute was so good, started off with a bang! After the small bump in the road, I loved how CJ was not afraid to show Lennon how he felt. He saw her. He saw her as capable, as someone to love. And in turn, she trusted him to give him her emotions and pain. They were opposites in some ways but truly two peas in a pod in others.
I dare say that this may be my favourite of the series. This book was absolutely wonderful and the Griffith family are so special. The bonus epilogue absolutely slayed me, I was NOT ready for that. Found family has been a prominent theme throughout this series and I love how each woman has found their place, alongside a Griffith man.
I’m so sad to see this series coming to an end but also very excited to see what Maggie comes up with next!
Thank you to Maggie and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read and review early. It was an absolute pleasure! ❤️
September 13, 2024
If Hallmark did horrible western chick flicks, this would be it. It’s predictable, and there’s a bunch of stuff that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever as soon as you’re maybe 5% into the book. I understand that with romance books these days it’s a trend to give every cast member a significant other and keep the “series” going but this was a poor attempt. The conflict didn’t add up, the MMC’s sudden attraction for the FMC seemed unnatural and the insta-everything was unnecessary. Right off the bat someone’s brother got shot and the actual first chapter was in a bar, because what says yee haw better than that I guess? Seriously, I wish this “series” had been a standalone and ended with Dust Storm because what a shame
January 21, 2025
5⭐️
maggie gates… the woman you are!!
maggie gates… the woman you are!!
October 17, 2026
4⭐️
Дуже достойне завершення серії. Історія Сі Джея та Леннон — ідеальна фінальна точка. ✨📚
Книжка відповідає своїй назві. Іскри так і летіли між ними. 🔥🤠
І гиркалися, і підстави робили, і, власне, як завжди, це була дуже смачна прелюдія. 🌶️😏
Я так і не зрозуміла, чого ж Сі Джей на початку так вередував, але хто тих ковбоїв зрозуміє. 🤔💭
Історія Леннон просто неймовірна. Але вона така молодець: працювала, не опустила руки. І я рада, що сім'я Гріффітів, а особливо жінки, прийняли її, зробили своєю. ❤️🌟
Троп "знайдена родина" реалізовано чудово. 🫂🏡
Сі Джей добряче поплазував, щоб завоювати Леннон, мені дуже сподобалось. І знову порадувала відсутність розриву в третьому акті. Тут додали дрібку саспенсу, тож напруга трималася. 😍✨
А взагалі — гарна історія, цікаві персонажі, хімія між ними, цікаве spicy, ранчо, корівки і неймовірна сім'я Гріффітів. 🐄🐎🌈
Дуже достойне завершення серії. Історія Сі Джея та Леннон — ідеальна фінальна точка. ✨📚
Книжка відповідає своїй назві. Іскри так і летіли між ними. 🔥🤠
І гиркалися, і підстави робили, і, власне, як завжди, це була дуже смачна прелюдія. 🌶️😏
Я так і не зрозуміла, чого ж Сі Джей на початку так вередував, але хто тих ковбоїв зрозуміє. 🤔💭
Історія Леннон просто неймовірна. Але вона така молодець: працювала, не опустила руки. І я рада, що сім'я Гріффітів, а особливо жінки, прийняли її, зробили своєю. ❤️🌟
Троп "знайдена родина" реалізовано чудово. 🫂🏡
Сі Джей добряче поплазував, щоб завоювати Леннон, мені дуже сподобалось. І знову порадувала відсутність розриву в третьому акті. Тут додали дрібку саспенсу, тож напруга трималася. 😍✨
А взагалі — гарна історія, цікаві персонажі, хімія між ними, цікаве spicy, ранчо, корівки і неймовірна сім'я Гріффітів. 🐄🐎🌈
September 26, 2025
This was so beautiful, and I almost cried happy tears at several points.
The off the page chemistry and this couple were amazing.
So sad it's the last of the series, but what a story to end on.
Hopefully, there will be the brother's children's stories xxxx
CJs book and Ray's book are definitely my favourite
Kerry Kennedy Author
The off the page chemistry and this couple were amazing.
So sad it's the last of the series, but what a story to end on.
Hopefully, there will be the brother's children's stories xxxx
CJs book and Ray's book are definitely my favourite
Kerry Kennedy Author
September 12, 2024
Holy Cow (no pun intended!) I am floored by this book. Maggie's ability to write incredibly unique and complex characters is displayed yet again in Fire Line.
It is incredibly hard to create a storyline for true "enemies to lovers" in contemporary romance, and yet Maggie has executed it to perfection. Lennon and CJ were not simply annoyed by one another or prone to bickering. There was true destain for one another through the first act of the book and it was everything I needed and more.
Lennon's character was so well executed. Maggie beautifully toed the line between her lack of trust and desire for love. Lennon demanded respect and fought for herself. I loved seeing her strength contrast with her softness as she began to open up to CJ and the Griffith family.
CJ was a five star cowboy boyfriend. The moment he realized his mistake in antagonizing Lennon he was all in on healing their relationship and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. Watching him go from hating the restaurant and everything it represented, discovering as a reader why it was so meaningful to him, and ultimately his appreciation for it was incredibly well plotted on Maggie's part.
In addition to a perfect enemies to lovers plot, the suspense aspect of this book was fantastic. The way Maggie diverted the reader to multiple suspects throughout the book was perfection. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire story.
I am so sad to be leaving the Griffith Brothers' series, however, this was the perfect ending to their family's story. Each book was so unique in its own way. Maggie has created a truly one of a kind series highlighting six incredibly strong and memorable leads. I cannot wait to see where we will be heading next in the Maggieverse!
It is incredibly hard to create a storyline for true "enemies to lovers" in contemporary romance, and yet Maggie has executed it to perfection. Lennon and CJ were not simply annoyed by one another or prone to bickering. There was true destain for one another through the first act of the book and it was everything I needed and more.
Lennon's character was so well executed. Maggie beautifully toed the line between her lack of trust and desire for love. Lennon demanded respect and fought for herself. I loved seeing her strength contrast with her softness as she began to open up to CJ and the Griffith family.
CJ was a five star cowboy boyfriend. The moment he realized his mistake in antagonizing Lennon he was all in on healing their relationship and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. Watching him go from hating the restaurant and everything it represented, discovering as a reader why it was so meaningful to him, and ultimately his appreciation for it was incredibly well plotted on Maggie's part.
In addition to a perfect enemies to lovers plot, the suspense aspect of this book was fantastic. The way Maggie diverted the reader to multiple suspects throughout the book was perfection. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire story.
I am so sad to be leaving the Griffith Brothers' series, however, this was the perfect ending to their family's story. Each book was so unique in its own way. Maggie has created a truly one of a kind series highlighting six incredibly strong and memorable leads. I cannot wait to see where we will be heading next in the Maggieverse!
March 22, 2026
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
There is just something about enemies to lovers that just sends little spark’s up my spine. I loved how we got to meet Lennon and CJ thoroughly through their one night stand and the. For to experience them as enemies as soon as they had to work together
I loved both these characters, but Lennon is my girl. She’s tough, fierce and so relatable and I just fell for her and felt for her so much.
✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Forced Proximity
I really over the tension between Lennon and CJ, unison’s and pull between them that CJ in particular wants to resist, but when that tension breaks. I also loved seeing all the ways that CJ stepped up and showed Lennon how much she belonged with him the wildflowers 🫠🫠🫠)
I also really loved the suspense part of this and feel like Maggie wove it in beautifully.
I truly love the family dynamic on the ranch and this eclectic group of people. I’m so sad that it was time to say goodbye to them and this series but it was a perfect way to end it!
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
There is just something about enemies to lovers that just sends little spark’s up my spine. I loved how we got to meet Lennon and CJ thoroughly through their one night stand and the. For to experience them as enemies as soon as they had to work together
I loved both these characters, but Lennon is my girl. She’s tough, fierce and so relatable and I just fell for her and felt for her so much.
✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Forced Proximity
I really over the tension between Lennon and CJ, unison’s and pull between them that CJ in particular wants to resist, but when that tension breaks. I also loved seeing all the ways that CJ stepped up and showed Lennon how much she belonged with him the wildflowers 🫠🫠🫠)
I also really loved the suspense part of this and feel like Maggie wove it in beautifully.
I truly love the family dynamic on the ranch and this eclectic group of people. I’m so sad that it was time to say goodbye to them and this series but it was a perfect way to end it!
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