Striking the Match

Redwood Bay Fire #3

by H.J. Welch, Helen Juliet

Love will save the day

TEDDY

Everybody has celebrity crushes, right? You just don’t expect to ever meet them. And even if you did, it’s not like they’d ever like you back—like me back, I mean. I have no idea how to be cool. I’m just the cute kid brother. Not only at home, but with my work family, too.

That all changes the day I run into football legend Cassius Garda. It doesn’t apparently matter that he’s a millionaire or that he’s fifteen years older than I am. It’s like suddenly someone sees me for me, and what’s even crazier is…I think he likes it. Likes me. But when disaster strikes, I don’t know if I’ve got what it takes to save us both.

CASSIUS

Ever since my football career was cut short from a shoulder injury, I’ve been struggling to find purpose again. It’s been nice to move back home to Redwood Bay, but it’s only when the most adorable little firefighter bursts into my life do things start making sense again. Luckily, I’m privileged enough to already be out of the closet. That means if sweet Teddy Foster can get over his hero worship, we might just have a shot at something meaningful.

However, when we find ourselves stranded, alone, and fighting for our lives, I hope he finally understands that he’s the real hero of us both.

Striking the Match is a red-hot, standalone MM romance. It’s the third book in the found family Redwood Bay Fire series. Join the members of the One-Thirteen house as the heat turns up and they find true love! This book features a baby-faced boy realizing he’s already a man, an evil cat that just wants to be loved, huddling together for warmth (as well as other naughty things), and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2025

About the author

HJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.

She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.

She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.

Reviews

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.

I hate to say it but most of this was not enjoyable to me, even the mortal peril. It felt like the author was trying really hard to be funny, or to make the characters seem funny at least, and they really weren't. I liked Teddy as a character, he was really sweet and felt like a fully fleshed out character, but the rest of the book felt like someone fangirling over a celebrity, but make it the author fangirling over their own character. I get it. Cassius is rich and beautiful and he's oh so generous. You could give this a new title: How to be the best at sports and become a philanthropist and also be the handsomest man.

Maybe it speaks more to me and my personality than the book considering it really got on my nerves, but I'm the one that read it, so. Oh well.

3 stars because giving it any less would make me feel like a bully.

OH. Note to author who hopefully will never see this: grapes are highly toxic to cats, so this quote is so weird and wild:

“Let me know when Kiki wants some company,” I say, feeling lightheaded. “I’ll come feed her some grapes.”

Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Babyfaced firefighter
Age gap
Former pro athlete
Celebrity crush
Cat dad
BIPOC main character
Small town

⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
'We're in danger' sex

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Animal endangered on page (survives)
Minor injuries
Alcohol consumption
Use of homophobic slurs
Invasion of privacy (MCs unknowingly filmed in intimate non-sexual moment)
Some details of gambling addiction (minor SC)

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 23 and 38
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 292
Happy ending: Yes






You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Very good book.
Cassius moved back to his hometown and wanted a quiet existence but the moment he met Teddy, all bets were off. He was a gentle giant, that wanted to help everyone around him in whatever he could.
Teddy was more grown up that people gave him credit for. At first he couldn't believe a celebrity such as Cassius would want him but then he just let it go. They both loved each other and that was more than enough. It didn't matter what other people thought, they were perfect together

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was cute. First off yay for diverse MC. This was a story about truly seeing someone and through that finding your love. So cute. Now while the events in this book made me realize that this is fiction I still enjoyed the found family.

Future:
Dual POV
No cheating or sharing
No om/ow
Relation before

[laureneliza]

I liked the characters but surely there were other ways to demonstrate Teddy's adult competence than three natural disasters in one book.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small town romance, featuring Teddy and Cassius, and is book three in the Redwood Bay Fire series.

Teddy never expects his crush on retired football star to turn into something real, but Cassius sees past the “cute baby face” image and wants him for who he truly is. When disaster leaves them stranded and fighting for survival, Teddy must prove to himself, and to Cassius, that he’s more than capable of being the hero in their story.

This one was such a sweet mix of swoon and low angst survival, The age gap romance, found family vibes, and forced proximity made it such a fun read, and I loved watching Teddy step into his own. Bonus points for the evil cat and all the huddling for warmth.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM romance
Small town
Low angst
Age gap (38/23)
Retired footballer x firefighter
Meet-cute
Celebrity crush
Cat dad
Dates
Hiking gone wrong
Social media drama
Spicy times
Outdoor s*x
Wild weather
Found family
HEA

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy and Cassius are completely adorable together. Teddy isn’t used to being seen or being enough for anyone, but Cassius is determined to get to know the young firefighter. These two seem to have bad luck with natural disasters that follow them around but their connection is electric and not to be denied. Delightful story to read with one heck of an origin story/meet cute. There are some very swoonworthy moments as Cassius does his utmost best to woo the tentative young man.

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book in this series is 5 stars and everyone needs to read it! These books are lovely, romantic, sexy, low angst, and have the best cast of characters. Cassius and Teddy are so freaking sweet together, especially at the beginning with the flirting and the blushing! I think they’re my favourite couple so far. I seriously can’t wait for Sawyer and Anton’s book, but up next we get Rico and his childhood best friend’s little brother.

Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Awww Striking the Match was a full-on "HERO" installment in the Redwood Bay Fire series! This took the lovable firefighters from the One-Thirteen to another level of action-packed heroics, as a few natural disasters played matchmaker to adorable Teddy and ex-NFL QB/100% dream-come-true Cassius.

The loving itself was sweet but sorta insta. I found that the emo-tension was mostly Teddy's complicated headspace about being perceived as "young" and lacking maturity…and then the spiral about needing help when his attempts at helping go sideways.

But I thought he did a lot, and Cassius ate him up, and so I wasn't really sure what he was twisted up about because he was flexing like an action star like fr!

I'm guessing that Teddy WAS too young to GET that his BEING an amazing heroic dude instinctively, will never not be a rare and awe-inspiring thing in the world today ERGO chill on the self-deprecation?

Low self-esteem aside, CAT LOVE was front and centre and both MCs stole my heart because of it!! Teddy, probie firefighter at the One-Thirteen (having to be saved while the Cat Distribution System (CDS) worked its #youonlygot1butigot9 magic) learned to accept that other heroes have to do their job too, and that he was worthy of the man of his literal dreams! And Cassius' high-profile yucky fan drama allowed him to not only pour back into the community and be a hero to the shelter's longevity, but to also heal his ex-pro athlete self (mental and physical) through providing a safe home for the gnarly cat that started it all!

Miss Kitty/Flow/Kiki (Tequila Sunrise) and some wild weather, courtesy of climate change, brought Teddy and his lifetime crush to their HEA, and this cute romance was the kind of dreamy manifestation energy we love to see!

My guy Rico is up next and because the action in this one was exciting af, I c a n n o t wait to see how Welch dials up the hero energy in Book 4!

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, I couldn't stop laughing during this book. Teddy's inner monologue is absolute perfection, and his blend of awkwardness, self-deprecation, and unfiltered thoughts made him one of the most entertaining characters I've read in ages. I don't know how it's possible for someone's luck with Mother Nature to be so relentlessly terrible, but Teddy definitely burned through a few lives in this one. Every single disaster was both dramatic, terrifying and, somehow, hilarious.

But beneath the humor is a heart-melting romance. Watching Teddy and Cassius's love story develop was incredibly sweet. Teddy was so used to not being taken seriously, to not being considered a grown man, that when Cassius turns his attention on him he has a hard time believing it's real. (The invisible fanfic author thread was amazingly creative and, yes, hilarious.) But Cassius sees him as someone strong, capable, and worth loving, and he claims him from the start. His certainty in their connection is enough to make Teddy believe it, too.

Their chemistry was both sweet and hot, and when the stakes (continuously) got high, Cassius's belief in Teddy gave him the confidence he needed to rise to the occasion. Through Cassius, Teddy learned that he's more than he gives himself credit for.

This story is the perfect mix of LOL and swoony romance. For all the catastrophes, this is a delightful, fluffy read, and it might be my favorite in the series. This book is everything I wanted and Teddy and Cassius completely stole my heart.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This is book three in the Redwood Bay Fire series and features Fire Department probie, Teddy (Theodore) Foster and retired tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, Cassius Garda.

Teddy had had a crush on Cassius for years and, when they first met, when Cassius was trying to get his number, Teddy thought he was just being nice (Teddy didn’t have a lot of self confidence) but, with his PAs help, Cassius convinced him of his very real interest.

I swear, if it wasn’t for bad luck, Teddy and Cassius wouldn’t have any luck at all! It was almost like they were literal magnets for meteorological disasters; flooding from a thunderstorm, a landslide and a flash flood destroying Cassius’s newly built home… mid party via a car being thrust through the door by the force of the water. Through it all however, they were so adorable—Teddy because he was young and unsure, especially how someone like Cassius could really be interested in HIM and Cassius because he had been in the closet for almost the entirety of his career and hadn’t been able to date—it was all new to him.

This was such a cute book, it was lighthearted and fun but it also had a few more serious, thought provoking moments as well. It had some heat though not a whole lot but it was still an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Easy recommend. 4.25 stars

I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Striking the Match completely swept me off my feet! Teddy and Cassius are absolute perfection together—their chemistry crackles from the very first moment Teddy rescues Cassius’s cat Kiki, and it only gets hotter and sweeter as their story unfolds. I loved how Teddy, the “cute kid brother” who’s always underestimated, slowly realizes that his celebrity crush is just Cassius, a man who sees him for who he truly is and adores him. Watching Teddy go from star-struck to confident, while Cassius heals from the pain of losing his football career and finds purpose again, had me completely hooked. Cassius as a protective, slightly broody cat dad is irresistible, and Teddy’s bravery, warmth, and vulnerability made me fall hard for him right alongside Cassius.

This book had my heart racing with every page. The storm rescue, the close calls, the emotional depth, and the way the two of them huddled together—both for warmth and for comfort—was the perfect blend of passion and tenderness. I adored the glimpses of the One-Thirteen firehouse family, and I’m already obsessed with getting every single one of their stories. Nate’s treatment of Teddy broke my heart, but it made Cassius’s steady devotion shine even brighter. Striking the Match is red-hot romance with so much heart, a guaranteed HEA, and a couple you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted my copy of this book.

What this is, right, a massive hit of steam, a little bit of drama, an emotioanl connection off the chats (eventually!) a lotta love and. . . .kitties. . . .all wrapped up in 292 pages of lushness that I absolutely must tell you about!!

I mean, it's so freaking cute! Teddy has crushed on Cassius for years, and then the meet cute?? oh my days!

It's steamy. Cassius, though 15 years older than Teddy, has very little experience in the dating game or relationship game.

It's emotional. Teddy feels unseen. As a probie and a little brother. But Cassius SEES Teddy, and Teddy lovevs that.

There is a little drama. Teddy jumps into a raging river to rescue a cat. Teddy and Cassius get caught in a land slide. And then there is the whole outing-on-social-meida thing.

It's full of love! From the One-Thirteen crew, from the neighbours, from Cassius's PA and from *most* of Teddy's family. I really didn't like what his brother was trying to do!

I can't fault it, I really can't and if I give myself free reign, I may be some time and rewrite the whole darn book in the review!

So, I'm leaving you with this:

READ THE DARN BOOK!

5 Full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Anouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
I really liked this book. The main characters really saw each other for who they were. Especialy with the Cassius' fame and the fact Teddy is a huge fan of his. Teddy is a bit starstruck when he first meets Cassius, but once he gets to know him, Teddy likes Cassius for Cassius and then he also isn't starstruck anymore by his fame. I also liked that the author made the struggle of how to navigate fame with a relationship a big part of their story.
Teddy has some big develepment in the story, but it was really believeble and over all Cassius' and Teddy's story was really sweet.
I also must mention Bryan, Cassius' PR. I loved him! He made the story so much lighter and I really loved it!
Side note: I would have loved a scene containing a confrontation between Teddy and/or Cassius and Teddy's brother, but I also get why it isn't in the book, because that could have become a hole other plot.

Tropes:
🚒Firefighter x ex-athlete
🐈Age gap
🚒Small town
🐈Cat dad
🚒Babyfaced MC
🐈A very sweet and evil at the same time cat

⚠️Trigger warning:
The cat's in danger a few times, but it works out in the end.

Favorite quotes:

🦸They say you should never meet your heroes. But mine turned out to be even better in person than he appears on TV.

🙈''How do you want to come?'' he asks me boldly. ''Down my tro@t or on my c*ck?'' Its's my turn to grin wickedly. ''Oh Cassius,'' I whisper against his ear. ''I'm twenty-three. I want both.''

❤️That's what's so special about choosing your family. It isn't blood that obliges you to stand by their side through thick and thin or sheer dumbassery. It's love.

P.S.
I recieved an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR and H.J. Welch for the ARC. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much drama but still low angst

I like the Redwood Bay Fire series, with From The Ashes my favourite of the three so far released. Striking The Match was overall really sweet when it came to Teddy and Cassius and the cat, but three natural disasters in a short space of time was a bit over the top.
When it came to Cassius, it was a classic case of "You had me at 'hello'" when he met Teddy and there was zero angst between them. Social media and the gutter press were the usual bottom dwellers, but even Cassius and Teddy got over it quickly.
Teddy's family were only mentioned and they all seemed completely divorced from Teddy's life, even his parents who he lived with. Probably the source of all his low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness as the youngest brother of five. And don't get me started about his eldest brother. What a complete and utter arsehole.
Bryan was a superstar and I need him to get his HEA. Captain Valentine, anyone? Cassius' mum was lovely and Mrs. Bloom and Miss Margot Fonteyn never fail to delight me. What I didn't like was all Teddy's colleagues not appreciating him for the absolute treasure he was, not even noticing that he hadn't turned up for work, the self-absorbed lot.
Rico's book is next and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series based around the One-Thirteen fire house, and enjoyed Teddy and Cassius’ story, which starts with saving a cat. One of my favourite elements of this series is the found family feel of the firefighters, and their support of each other.

I enjoyed how different Teddy and Cassius are with their life experiences, yet connect quickly and find things in common. I loved that, although Teddy has crushed on Cassius from afar for years, it’s the reality of who Cassius is as a person that he falls for. Their dates together are sweet, yet fraught with danger as their surroundings attack with a vengeance. I loved how capable Teddy is, and that he saves the day, and not just once.

I love how the One-Thirteen rally around when disaster strikes. Their banter and teasing are fun, and I enjoyed catching up with MCs from previous books. Bryan is great. His snark is brilliant, and I hope he finds his own HEA. Mrs Bloom, as always, turns up just at the right time with practical advice, a listening ear, and of course Miss Margot Fonteyn.

I also loved how Kiki goes from a bedraggled cat rescue to a beloved part of their family, and is instrumental in bringing Cassius and Teddy together.

[Magda | AnotherOneReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read, the author created very likable characters. From the beggining we are rooting for Cassius and Teddy. I love MM sport romance, so when I read the blurb of the story and found out that we get to see a romance between former football player and a firefighter I was sold. It was interesting to vitness Teddy at working mode, with natural disasters striking he was trying his best to save and protect everyone. My only complaint is that I felt rush with Cassius and Teddy relationship. We've got good talks between our characters about what means to start a ralationship with well known football star, but apart from one incident and paparazzi we don't get to see how Teddy is adjusting. And his family is brefly mentioned, but not enough to really care about them. In scenes with only Cassius and Teddy we get to see how sweet they are and thet really click together. I would love to read more about them, see how they develop their feeling a little bit longer. I quess this book could be longer for me. But overall it's a good read with interesting main characters.

I received an ARC of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Teddy’s story ever since I saw him being teased as the Probie in earlier books, and HJ Welch totally delivered. I enjoyed Teddy’s age-gap romance with Cassius, which was enhanced by the trope where the rich/famous guy falls for someone “normal”.

I loved catching up with the One Thirteen crew (they’re such a loving, chaotic, funny found family), and the pet squad continues to grow, with spitfire Kiki being an adorable (eventually) new addition. Teddy’s biological family did not impress me, so it was extra satisfying to see him realize where he truly belongs.

The disasters were rough, but they brought Teddy and Cassius closer each time, and watching Teddy grow into his confidence and accept love was the chef’s kiss.

Also, I’m definitely hoping more members of the One Thirteen family get their own HEAs soon - it’s such a rich cast with so many stories to tell. And I was intrigued by Cassius’s PA, Bryan, too. He seemed bristly at first but really has a big heart. I see him as a sassy twink and he is definitely someone I want to learn more about. I’m hoping he gets his own HEA too.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I laugh and shake my head. “I was told off recently for thinking it’s my job to save and protect everyone. But that’s not your job, Teddy. It’s just who you are, isn’t it? So thank you. I mean it.”
He blushes, but he’s still smiling as he nods at me. “It was my pleasure.”
I’m still not convinced he’s really listening to me, but I feel like we’ve made progress at least. I’m determined to make him see how exceptional he is. If anyone’s unworthy of being in a relationship here, it’s me.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Teddy and Cassius. Both are really sweet guys. There's an age gap, and one is famous, and yet there's a relatable air to their story and it was easily to get emotionally invested in these two. I loved the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. The chemistry between them was sizzling. There were funny moments. And natural disasters I didn't expect that were pule-pounding and exciting and only strengthened their bond. This was such a fun and sweet romance. 5 stars

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Redwood Bay Fire Series. I thought that Cassius and Teddy were totally adorable together and their chemistry is off the charts. Teddy rescued Cassius’s adopted cat Kiki from a river in a storm so Cassius wanted to meet him in person to say thanks and to show him that Kiki has found her forever home. Cassius is keen to get to know Teddy but Teddy quickly leaves the shelter before Cassius can get his phone number. Teddy is completely star struck when he goes to the shelter to meet the cat he rescued new owner and it happens to be none other than his celebrity crush, recently retired quarterback of Seahawks Cassius Garda.

He leaves the shelter not believing that Cassius was being serious about getting his number because why would someone like Cassius be interested in little old him but he couldn’t be more wrong. Cassius tracks Teddy down at the fire station to see if Teddy wants to show him around town, since he hasn’t lived in Redwood Bay in years. I liked that the more time Teddy spent with Cassius, he saw him as just Cassius and not the star he’s been enamoured with for years. Man, one of Teddy’s older brother’s Nate is a complete an utter a*sehole for how he’s treated Teddy his whole life.

Cassius is such an adorable protective cat dad to Kiki and I really like the friendship between him and his PA Bryan. Cassius and Teddy go through a lot during this book but it definitely brings them closer together. I really love the One-Thirteen crew and I’m looking forward to reading some of their stories as the series continues. It’s Rico’s turn next. I’ve pre-ordered his book, Up in Smoke which I’m looking forward to reading when it’s released, as well as more books from HJ Welch in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

“Striking the Match” by HJ Welch is part of the ‘Redwood Bay Fire’ series and features Teddy, a newbie firefighter who seems to end up in rescues that tend to go viral, and Cassius, a football star who’s struggling to deal with his new life.

This adult gay contemporary romance is fun and flirty, with a nice opposites-attract element. I wasn’t too thrilled with the fanfic and author allusions, because they became a bit too intrusive and repetitive to me, but I enjoyed the rescued cat(s) and the dinosaur discussions. The family drama was a bit dismaying, but the multiple natural disasters and challenges of dealing with social media make this an action-packed story that is a quick read, and there are a few threads that act as the lead-in for the next story.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy and Cassius had quite the series of adventures throughout this book. From a daring cat rescue to a storm induced landslide and more, these two had to battle nature multiple times before reaching their happily ever after. I really enjoyed getting to know both of the leads and seeing them fall head over heels for each other. From their very first meetup, the two of them were so dang cute, and things only got better the more time they spent together. I thought the balance of plot-driven elements and romance was nicely done, and there was always plenty to keep me invested in their journey. All the little cameos from other HJ Welch books were an added treat, and between them and the new side characters I was loving the sense of community in Redwood Bay!

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Didi Ps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy never expected to meet his celebrity crush, but it's clear that when he does, he feels seen by him. He tries to be cool, but he’s never been cool anywhere (not at home or work).

Cassius has been hoping to start over somewhere, to settle into his new life without football. Everything seems to be better with Teddy, as if this is what was meant to be.

They seem to have a bit of back luck with disasters, which makes it hard to believe that all this could happen to the same people. Teddy mentioning his fanfic writing so many different times is a bit much.

Together, maybe they each have something to offer to the other, and they can just… fit.

Nice story, well written.

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a 911 Dispatcher, I am glad I don't work in Redwood Bay! I admire the author for providing the 113 with unique and exciting natural disasters to respond to! In this book, Teddy and Cassius have to deal with a landslide and flash flooding. Despite this drama, the story is remarkably low in angst. Cassius is a quarterback who planned to play out and proud in the NFL until he suffered a career ending shoulder injury. He ends up at the local animal shelter in search of a companion and ends up adopting a TikTok-famous cat, meeting Teddy, her rescuer. I loved seeing how the story dealt with some of the downsides of fame and how to manage it. This was a great addition to the series, and I am hoping Cassius's assistant, Bryan will be the next to find love at the firehose

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

kaiju, 3rd 12 = Le Chat Noir, dinner feast, L-word & B-word, county fair pony ride, doggy tiara, moobie, glamping pods

This is a wonderful 4th addition to the "Redwood Bay Fire" series. Teddy Foster sounds like the-boy-next-door who's a firefighter and a total sweetheart. He's dumbstruck when he meets the man who is adopting the cat he saved from a swollen river during a torrential rainstorm. It's Cassius Garda, the former star QB of the SEA Seahawks. Teddy's firehouse locker is full of Cassius's game magazine photos. Cassius is smitten, too.

Like the previous books, the story is a good mix of romance, angst, and action. We also see characters from the previous books. And like the previous books, I greatly enjoyed this book and absolutely recommend it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third of the Redwood Bay Fire series, and it’s also my favorite. It grabbed me from the get go with some kitty saving during a flooding river, followed up by surviving a landslide, and then another flood? Global warming anyone? But seriously, just action packed enough to keep me reading pretty much nonstop, a bit of star-struck dynamic during one of the best meet-cutes of all times, and two adorable MCs. The only thing that stumped me for a minute was the random chapter from a third perspective in the middle, but I totally get why we needed that perspective. And I’m betting that’s wetting my whistle for book 4. This could absolutely be read as a standalone - don’t hold back if it sounds good to you, you’ll be so fine.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striking the Match was such a charming, feel-good read. Cassius just wants a quiet life back in his hometown after fame and football, but that plan doesn’t stand a chance once he meets Teddy. Their chemistry is instant, but what really shines is how they see each other — beyond image or reputation.

Teddy might be young, but he’s capable, caring, and more grounded than people give him credit for. Cassius, meanwhile, is this gentle giant with a heart of gold. Between the forced-proximity setup, the survival twist, the found-family warmth, and even an evil cat, this story had the perfect mix of sweetness, heart, and low-angst tension.

It’s romantic, uplifting, and just the right amount of swoony, a perfect cosy small-town escape.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never meet your heroes. Heard that hundreds of times right.
Cassius is moving into his newly constructed house and realizing how large and quiet it is and decides to get a pet, now today. The grumpy cat he chooses had been rescued by a local fireman, but Cassius wants to be sure the fireman doesn't want the cat before adopting it. Well, when Teddy meets his hero, retired football player Cassius Garda it was like being struck by lightning on both sides. Teddy has felt like he is never seen so when Cassius tries to get the younger man's number, he literally runs away. Cassius attempts pursue Teddy is really sweet, sometimes bordering of absurd.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars. I liked the storyline, MC meets his famous crush and is a bit clueless when it comes to the other MC’s flirting and interest in him. That was sweet. Mix in animal rescue, fundraising for animals, sign me up. What took away stars for me, was the number of natural disasters that happened to the MC’s. It was too unbelievable, and while I am totally OK as far as suspending the believability of a work of fiction (wizards and dragons aren’t real after all), this just got to be a bit ridiculous. One, maybe two natural disasters I can wave off, but three? Come on! Anyway, some cute parts but it’s not a book I will be revisiting.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this charming small-town romance which follows firefighter Teddy and retired football star Cassius in a heartwarming, low-angst survival tale. When an unexpected disaster leaves them stranded together, Teddy must confront his insecurities and prove—to Cassius and to himself—that he’s more than just the baby-faced rookie everyone underestimates.

With a delightful mix of age-gap romance, forced proximity, found family, and even a mischievous cat, this story is as sweet as it is swoony. Cassius’s unwavering belief in Teddy helps him grow into his strength, and their chemistry—equal parts tender and electric—makes their connection impossible to resist.

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kind of odd. There was not one, not two, but THREE natural disasters over the course of this book that these two characters had to deal with, which was probably 2 more than was really required. The natural disasters really interrupted the flow of the relationship development. There was zero tension in the relationship at all. They got together very quickly and there was really no issues at all with them. The tension of the story came entirely from Nature trying to kill them. Overall the book was fine, but it felt lop-sided.

***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.