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Fire Company 143 #3
Smoke & Mirrors
Tevin + Joni
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
49 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 5, 2025
So what you’re saying is I need a young firefighter who stands on business about me and folds me up like a pretzel? Got it.
When Joni and Tevin first got together, it was fun and games until their arrangement began pulling at his heartstrings. But would Joni ever see him as more than just a “boy toy”?
It was nice to see Tevin “Not Campbell” and Joni come full circle in the final book of “Fire Company 143.” Big Daddy Deacon is still my favorite, but Tevin is number 2. Smoke & Mirrors was the perfect ending to a great series.
When Joni and Tevin first got together, it was fun and games until their arrangement began pulling at his heartstrings. But would Joni ever see him as more than just a “boy toy”?
It was nice to see Tevin “Not Campbell” and Joni come full circle in the final book of “Fire Company 143.” Big Daddy Deacon is still my favorite, but Tevin is number 2. Smoke & Mirrors was the perfect ending to a great series.
August 20, 2025
Danielle you did it AGAIN. If you come across this review YALL PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ THIS SERIES‼️ you won't regret it. Tevin and Joni have a place in my heart now!! I loved this story DOWN and enjoyed seeing a single mother put her child FIRST. I loved seeing a man with intention BOSS up!!! I had such a good time reading this today. Danielle is one of my FAVORITE authors ! She NEVER misses 🫂♥️
August 22, 2025
Little Tevin Campbell!! I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved him! He’s your typical jokester but with a big heart. The way he stood on business for his woman Joni was :::chefs kiss:::
The whole story was perfect. The author did a great job at capturing the struggle of dating as a single mom. The internal debates and mom guilt was spot on. You see a different side to both MCs in this book compared to the snippets of them in the rest of the series. Y’all know how I love me some character growth!!
I am really enjoying all of the Easter eggs and character connections between all of the books. At this rate, I’m just going to continue to devour Danielle Brooks entire catalog!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review 💛
The whole story was perfect. The author did a great job at capturing the struggle of dating as a single mom. The internal debates and mom guilt was spot on. You see a different side to both MCs in this book compared to the snippets of them in the rest of the series. Y’all know how I love me some character growth!!
I am really enjoying all of the Easter eggs and character connections between all of the books. At this rate, I’m just going to continue to devour Danielle Brooks entire catalog!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review 💛
September 5, 2025
4.25 - Thank you Danielle Brooks for this ARC opportunity.
A really cute friends turned with benefits and ultimately lovers. I adore the way Danielle writes giving her romances so much life. Tevin and Joni had a lot of fun together and the intimacy wasn’t just them being in bed together. It was so much more. Now there is some minor miscommunication which we all know could have been resolved by simply talking and being honest. But in the end everything worked out as it should’ve. HEA.
I love that Tevin was younger but he played no games for how he felt about Joni. Him falling first is always going to get an “aww” moment out of me. Joni wanting to protect her baby girl and not open up as much is very understandable. Can’t just have anyone around your kids and playing with your heart.
Favorite moments was how Tevin and Nova bonded. They were absolutely adorable and Nova is so sweet. Also how every lady had a backstory with a zero and truly found their knights in shining armor.
A really cute friends turned with benefits and ultimately lovers. I adore the way Danielle writes giving her romances so much life. Tevin and Joni had a lot of fun together and the intimacy wasn’t just them being in bed together. It was so much more. Now there is some minor miscommunication which we all know could have been resolved by simply talking and being honest. But in the end everything worked out as it should’ve. HEA.
I love that Tevin was younger but he played no games for how he felt about Joni. Him falling first is always going to get an “aww” moment out of me. Joni wanting to protect her baby girl and not open up as much is very understandable. Can’t just have anyone around your kids and playing with your heart.
Favorite moments was how Tevin and Nova bonded. They were absolutely adorable and Nova is so sweet. Also how every lady had a backstory with a zero and truly found their knights in shining armor.
February 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
September 1, 2025
4.5/5 Stars!
Thank you so much to Danielle Brooks for this ARC!!
First off let me say, i was not expecting this to be so good omg? Not in a bad way, but you know when you start a book by an author you have never read, and as a chronic “let me go into this blind reader” i truly never know what I may end up getting. However this was a beautiful book and was SO well written!! I really enjoyed every moment of this. Tevin was hilarious, and Joni was such a great FMC.
The only thing I wish this book woulld’ve have done a bit better would have been giving us an epilogue at the end. I feel like i was unsure what really happened in the ending besides the HEA, but that was a given. I would’ve loved something at the end to kind of wrap up how Joni and Tevin ended up, since we get more of what happened with Nina and her wedding. The end also kind of dragged, so it would’ve been really nice to get something to just tie everything together if that makes sense.
Overall though, I really, enjoyed this read and was really pleasantly surprised!! I definitely will be reading more of Danielle Brooks works!!
Thank you so much to Danielle Brooks for this ARC!!
First off let me say, i was not expecting this to be so good omg? Not in a bad way, but you know when you start a book by an author you have never read, and as a chronic “let me go into this blind reader” i truly never know what I may end up getting. However this was a beautiful book and was SO well written!! I really enjoyed every moment of this. Tevin was hilarious, and Joni was such a great FMC.
The only thing I wish this book woulld’ve have done a bit better would have been giving us an epilogue at the end. I feel like i was unsure what really happened in the ending besides the HEA, but that was a given. I would’ve loved something at the end to kind of wrap up how Joni and Tevin ended up, since we get more of what happened with Nina and her wedding. The end also kind of dragged, so it would’ve been really nice to get something to just tie everything together if that makes sense.
Overall though, I really, enjoyed this read and was really pleasantly surprised!! I definitely will be reading more of Danielle Brooks works!!
August 26, 2025
Thank you, Danielle Brooks, for my advance copy.
Whew, baby, Tevin “No Campbell” himself was not playing. Lover boy was down bad for Joni, and I don’t blame him. He might just be my favorite firefighter right now (Denzel and Deacon have some competition). I loved seeing his growth and how he proved he was more than the young jokester of the group.
I adored how Tevin and Little SuperNova met their connection was so genuine and innocent. He was always there to rescue her when she was in need. What started as a simple friends-with-benefits situation turned into Joni finding her man. She had doubts about commitment and bringing someone into her and her daughter’s life, but Tevin wasn’t letting up. And when he said, “All I’m saying is, you’re my good thing, and with all good things, you treat them right. All I want is the chance to really show you I’m more than this big dick… a chance to show you and your little one I’m the real deal,” I screamed for my girl with happy tears.
This was a 5/5 read for me, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
Whew, baby, Tevin “No Campbell” himself was not playing. Lover boy was down bad for Joni, and I don’t blame him. He might just be my favorite firefighter right now (Denzel and Deacon have some competition). I loved seeing his growth and how he proved he was more than the young jokester of the group.
I adored how Tevin and Little SuperNova met their connection was so genuine and innocent. He was always there to rescue her when she was in need. What started as a simple friends-with-benefits situation turned into Joni finding her man. She had doubts about commitment and bringing someone into her and her daughter’s life, but Tevin wasn’t letting up. And when he said, “All I’m saying is, you’re my good thing, and with all good things, you treat them right. All I want is the chance to really show you I’m more than this big dick… a chance to show you and your little one I’m the real deal,” I screamed for my girl with happy tears.
This was a 5/5 read for me, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
August 25, 2025
ARC Review- I love Joni and Tevin’s love story. FWB TO LOVERS, Step Daddy season, slight miscommunication trope, all some of my faves in a book. I love how hard Tevin was going to not be looked at as the kid but as a grown man because Big Daddy Tev is just that.
October 12, 2025
Tevin really laughed Joni right out of her draws and her heart, and I ate up every second. The way he went from class clown to man with a mission? Growth looked good on him.
That beach scene though? Intimate, quiet, and full of that “I see you” energy. Danielle Brooks writes Black love like a favorite rom-com—fun, steamy, and soft all at once.
💚 age gap
💚 single mom romance
💚 steamy with a little soul
That beach scene though? Intimate, quiet, and full of that “I see you” energy. Danielle Brooks writes Black love like a favorite rom-com—fun, steamy, and soft all at once.
💚 age gap
💚 single mom romance
💚 steamy with a little soul
September 5, 2025
Tevin or "Tevin Campbell" if you nasty lol,is a young firefighter who falls for his friend with benefits single mom Joni who plays no games when it comes to her daughter, Nova aka Supernova.
Tevin absolutely stole my heart in this book! He may come across as immature, but when it came to Joni, he was all in: protective, steady, and determined to show her he was serious.
I loved how the book captured the realities of dating as a single mom. Joni’s mom guilt protectiveness over her daughter felt so authentic and very relatable, which only made me root for her even more.
But what really stood out to me was the bond between Tevin and Nova. Their moments together were so genuine and sweet and it made my heart melt. As a single mom that means EVERYTHING; when someone can enter your life and accept ALL that comes with you.
This book gave me everything I wanted: humor, heart, spice, and character growth. Yes, there were moments where I wanted to shake both Tevin and Joni over their miscommunications, but it made the resolution that much more satisfying. Seeing their friends-with-benefits arrangement grow into something real was beautiful.
Even though I did not read the first two books of the Fire Company 143 series, there were nuggets throughout to help me connect the dots so I didn't feel lost. I will definitely be going back to read Smoke Signal (Book 1) and Through the Fire (Book 2) to get the full picture.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Tevin absolutely stole my heart in this book! He may come across as immature, but when it came to Joni, he was all in: protective, steady, and determined to show her he was serious.
I loved how the book captured the realities of dating as a single mom. Joni’s mom guilt protectiveness over her daughter felt so authentic and very relatable, which only made me root for her even more.
But what really stood out to me was the bond between Tevin and Nova. Their moments together were so genuine and sweet and it made my heart melt. As a single mom that means EVERYTHING; when someone can enter your life and accept ALL that comes with you.
This book gave me everything I wanted: humor, heart, spice, and character growth. Yes, there were moments where I wanted to shake both Tevin and Joni over their miscommunications, but it made the resolution that much more satisfying. Seeing their friends-with-benefits arrangement grow into something real was beautiful.
Even though I did not read the first two books of the Fire Company 143 series, there were nuggets throughout to help me connect the dots so I didn't feel lost. I will definitely be going back to read Smoke Signal (Book 1) and Through the Fire (Book 2) to get the full picture.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
September 9, 2025
This book follows Tevin & Joni who are trying to figure out what their status is and where they want things to go from where they currently are. Everyone around them including the readers and themselves if they are being honest know that it is more than just a sexual relationship but they are living in a grey area. Tevin wants more but Joni is just focused on navigating being a single mom to a daughter with a learning disability and co-parenting with her daughter's father. They had to take a step back from the situation to really figure out what and who they wanted and it was nice to go on that journey with them.
I liked how we go to see a different side to Tevin in this book because even though he still had the jokes, he also had a vulnerable side, showed his emotions more and showed that he could be a protector and provider. At one point Joni needed some much needed relaxation away from everything and I liked that Tevin was able to provide that for her and they were able to express their thoughts and fears with the other one.
There was definitely good character development and growth in this book. It had a great storyline and the spice was spicing too.
I liked how we go to see a different side to Tevin in this book because even though he still had the jokes, he also had a vulnerable side, showed his emotions more and showed that he could be a protector and provider. At one point Joni needed some much needed relaxation away from everything and I liked that Tevin was able to provide that for her and they were able to express their thoughts and fears with the other one.
There was definitely good character development and growth in this book. It had a great storyline and the spice was spicing too.
August 22, 2025
This is book 3 in the Fire Company No. 143 series, so we’ve been knowing these characters for a little while and I’m so glad they finally got their own story! Baby, Joni and Tevin (no Campbell, lol).
Joni is a single mom who does not play about her baby girl Nova, and I really appreciated seeing this side of her. She was protective in all the right ways if you weren’t gonna be around, you weren’t meeting her baby. Period. She wasn’t out here looking for love either… and then in walks Tevin with his goofy, “young” self. Honestly though, the age gap wasn’t even a big deal TO ME 😂 only five years. Like yeah, he had some growing up to do, but that’s normal.
Their banter. Top tier. The way they talked so freely with each other had me cheesing because I knew they were meant to be. Joni just had to get on her Zoom and let that man love on her and SuperNova. And babyyyy, Tevin was not playing about either of them. BIG STEP ZADDY ENERGY.
As always Danielle doesn’t miss so thank you for the early access! Book will be published September 5!!! So get your kindles ready girlie pops 💋
Joni is a single mom who does not play about her baby girl Nova, and I really appreciated seeing this side of her. She was protective in all the right ways if you weren’t gonna be around, you weren’t meeting her baby. Period. She wasn’t out here looking for love either… and then in walks Tevin with his goofy, “young” self. Honestly though, the age gap wasn’t even a big deal TO ME 😂 only five years. Like yeah, he had some growing up to do, but that’s normal.
Their banter. Top tier. The way they talked so freely with each other had me cheesing because I knew they were meant to be. Joni just had to get on her Zoom and let that man love on her and SuperNova. And babyyyy, Tevin was not playing about either of them. BIG STEP ZADDY ENERGY.
As always Danielle doesn’t miss so thank you for the early access! Book will be published September 5!!! So get your kindles ready girlie pops 💋
September 5, 2025
********************ARC review **************
Initial thoughts:
Loved how the other 4 main characters ( Denzel, Nina, Fallon and Deacon )made an appearance in this book and not taken away from Joni and Tevin story. The tag line for this story is “Momma needs love too “ a single mother falling in love!
Just the right balance of banter, depth to the story and drama.
Book overview : swoon-worthy romance at its finest
Firefighter Tevin struggles with the fact that his friend’s and work colleague sees him as the young one ignoring his mature nature and ability to step up. Joni is the protective single mother that he has a friend with benefits arrangement with. The more he gets to know her ,the more he knows this isn’t just a fling. Joni being 5 years older than Tevin , isn’t only afraid to take a leap for love but also introducing him to her daughter.
Will Tevin and Joni have an happy ending ? Read the story to find out!
Ps three books down and Nina is still clumsy and can’t cook a meal to safe her life 🤣 oh Lard poor Denzel
Initial thoughts:
Loved how the other 4 main characters ( Denzel, Nina, Fallon and Deacon )made an appearance in this book and not taken away from Joni and Tevin story. The tag line for this story is “Momma needs love too “ a single mother falling in love!
Just the right balance of banter, depth to the story and drama.
Book overview : swoon-worthy romance at its finest
Firefighter Tevin struggles with the fact that his friend’s and work colleague sees him as the young one ignoring his mature nature and ability to step up. Joni is the protective single mother that he has a friend with benefits arrangement with. The more he gets to know her ,the more he knows this isn’t just a fling. Joni being 5 years older than Tevin , isn’t only afraid to take a leap for love but also introducing him to her daughter.
Will Tevin and Joni have an happy ending ? Read the story to find out!
Ps three books down and Nina is still clumsy and can’t cook a meal to safe her life 🤣 oh Lard poor Denzel
October 4, 2025
Smoke & Mirrors started off really strongly for me, but then I just lost interest in the book and the characters. Unfortunately, I think there should've been a larger age gap between the FMC and the MMC. I also think there should've been more character development for both the MMC and FMC to showcase the progression of their love story. I also would've appreciated more interference from the FMC's ex, Malik, because it could've contributed to the growth between the main characters. All in all, it's a fairly solid story with lovable characters and an engaging story. I'm hoping for a book about Jace very soon.
Also, just a note, while I felt you could read book 2 of the Fire Company 143 series, I don't recommend starting the series with Smoke & Mirrors , it's the most interconnected of the series so far.
Spice rating: 2/5
Content warnings:
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Infidelity, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Also, just a note, while I felt you could read book 2 of the Fire Company 143 series, I don't recommend starting the series with Smoke & Mirrors , it's the most interconnected of the series so far.
Spice rating: 2/5
Content warnings:
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Infidelity, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
August 28, 2025
ARC READ 📚
First off- thank you to the author and her team for allowing me to read this one early 🫶🏾
This was a cute and spicy read 🥵. Tevin was a young firefighter who falls for single mom Joni who plays no games when it comes to her daughter, Nova aka Superstar.
Tevin was young and a jokester but he knew what he wanted when he wanted when it came to his career and who he wanted in his personal life.
Joni was a single mom to her young daughter who she refused to introduce to any men who weren’t there for a long time but only a good, not really knowing Tevin wanted more than to be a good time.
I could understand Joni keeping certain parts of her life private when it came to Tevin because her daughter was young and didn’t need to see her mother parade different men in and out of her life. This couple had their slight misunderstandings/miscommunications which had me yelling at both of them to GET IT TOGETHER! And by the end, it ended just how I think it should have 🙂
First off- thank you to the author and her team for allowing me to read this one early 🫶🏾
This was a cute and spicy read 🥵. Tevin was a young firefighter who falls for single mom Joni who plays no games when it comes to her daughter, Nova aka Superstar.
Tevin was young and a jokester but he knew what he wanted when he wanted when it came to his career and who he wanted in his personal life.
Joni was a single mom to her young daughter who she refused to introduce to any men who weren’t there for a long time but only a good, not really knowing Tevin wanted more than to be a good time.
I could understand Joni keeping certain parts of her life private when it came to Tevin because her daughter was young and didn’t need to see her mother parade different men in and out of her life. This couple had their slight misunderstandings/miscommunications which had me yelling at both of them to GET IT TOGETHER! And by the end, it ended just how I think it should have 🙂
September 5, 2025
But heavy on Black people being in love and those Black people loving each other very well whether in friendship or relationship. Friend group was top-tier in this story because I’m definitely convinced they helped both Tevin and Joni when it came to them getting together. They added to their relationship.
More than anything I enjoyed watching Tevin level up and be the man he needed for himself and Joni + Nova. I liked that him leveling up had everything to do with him first though.
Yes to the Black man motivated by his own aspirations and dreams while pursuing love on the side to add to his life not necessarily complete it even though it did just that.
Joni got her well deserved HEA. Our girl started to accept the fact that “mama gotta have a life, too”. I think Joni had always presented herself as secure. I think the second-guessing was due to her relationship with Tevin so I think the ball was in Tevin’s court the whole time.
More than anything I enjoyed watching Tevin level up and be the man he needed for himself and Joni + Nova. I liked that him leveling up had everything to do with him first though.
Yes to the Black man motivated by his own aspirations and dreams while pursuing love on the side to add to his life not necessarily complete it even though it did just that.
Joni got her well deserved HEA. Our girl started to accept the fact that “mama gotta have a life, too”. I think Joni had always presented herself as secure. I think the second-guessing was due to her relationship with Tevin so I think the ball was in Tevin’s court the whole time.
August 30, 2025
Smoke & Mirrors is book three in Danielle Brooks’ Fire Company No. 143 series, and once again she delivers a love story that feels fresh, layered, and full of heart. I’ve enjoyed each couple in this series, but Joni and Tevin’s story brought something extra.
Joni is a single mother who’s fiercely protective of her daughter, and I loved seeing that side of her shine through. Tevin, younger and a little less seasoned, balances her out with charm, humor, and determination. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their banter? Absolutely top tier.
What I admire most is how Brooks continues to write romances that feel grounded in real life while still giving us swoon-worthy moments. This one had spice, vulnerability, and plenty of “aww” moments. By book three, it’s clear this series hasn’t lost its spark—if anything, it’s getting stronger.
Joni is a single mother who’s fiercely protective of her daughter, and I loved seeing that side of her shine through. Tevin, younger and a little less seasoned, balances her out with charm, humor, and determination. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their banter? Absolutely top tier.
What I admire most is how Brooks continues to write romances that feel grounded in real life while still giving us swoon-worthy moments. This one had spice, vulnerability, and plenty of “aww” moments. By book three, it’s clear this series hasn’t lost its spark—if anything, it’s getting stronger.
August 23, 2025
Arc Review
This story was absolutely beautiful and laugh-out-loud hilarious I swear I couldn’t stop cracking up, especially at the scene with the old man (shhh, Sayde!). I loved how Tevin knew exactly what he wanted, but at the same time, I had to side-eye him because he never really made things clear to Joni. Honestly, I get why she said what she said.
Now, Ms. Joni… all that advice you gave Nina about Denzel, but you couldn’t see your own “you got a good man, Savannah” moment? Girl, please. I wanted to shake some sense into her, but since she’s my girl, I’ll let her slide.
Overall, it’s a solid 10/10 read. I won’t keep going because this review could end up longer than a Target receipt.
P.S. I’m so glad I started with book one everything flows together perfectly
This story was absolutely beautiful and laugh-out-loud hilarious I swear I couldn’t stop cracking up, especially at the scene with the old man (shhh, Sayde!). I loved how Tevin knew exactly what he wanted, but at the same time, I had to side-eye him because he never really made things clear to Joni. Honestly, I get why she said what she said.
Now, Ms. Joni… all that advice you gave Nina about Denzel, but you couldn’t see your own “you got a good man, Savannah” moment? Girl, please. I wanted to shake some sense into her, but since she’s my girl, I’ll let her slide.
Overall, it’s a solid 10/10 read. I won’t keep going because this review could end up longer than a Target receipt.
P.S. I’m so glad I started with book one everything flows together perfectly
August 29, 2025
Tevin & Joni? My Whole Heart.
Got this ARC late one evening and didn’t even hesitate. Started reading immediately and got pulled in fast. Tevin and Joni’s love story is this beautifully layered, semi-slow burn that hits all the right emotional notes. Their chemistry felt real, their individual struggles were thoughtfully written, and I love how Danielle Brooks gives every character depth both on and off the clock.
I also grinned every time someone from a previous book popped up. This whole Fire Company 143 world feels alive and so human. The way Danielle writes romance? You feel like you’re right there, on the dates, at work, and yep, in the bedroom too (spice lovers, you’re covered).
Order it. Grab books 1 and 2. You’ll want to stay in this world for a while.
Got this ARC late one evening and didn’t even hesitate. Started reading immediately and got pulled in fast. Tevin and Joni’s love story is this beautifully layered, semi-slow burn that hits all the right emotional notes. Their chemistry felt real, their individual struggles were thoughtfully written, and I love how Danielle Brooks gives every character depth both on and off the clock.
I also grinned every time someone from a previous book popped up. This whole Fire Company 143 world feels alive and so human. The way Danielle writes romance? You feel like you’re right there, on the dates, at work, and yep, in the bedroom too (spice lovers, you’re covered).
Order it. Grab books 1 and 2. You’ll want to stay in this world for a while.
August 31, 2025
Thank you to the author Danielle Brooks for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
4/5
— Tevin No-Campbell did not play behind Joni. These two were made for one another. Their chemistry, banter, love and spice — chef’s kiss, through and through. I absolutely loved the bond between Tevin and SuperNova … y’all know I love a step daddy trope lol.
— I enjoyed the updates on the couples from previous books. Nina’s still starting fires, lol. If you haven’t read this series, do that. These firefighters be loving their women the way they deserve.
What to expect
🔥 Reverse age-gap
🔥 Friends with benefits to lovers
🔥 Young Firefighter bae
🔥 Single mom to young Nova
🔥 He falls first and hard
🔥 Super Nova, the cutest kid
____
Pub Date: 9/5/25
4/5
— Tevin No-Campbell did not play behind Joni. These two were made for one another. Their chemistry, banter, love and spice — chef’s kiss, through and through. I absolutely loved the bond between Tevin and SuperNova … y’all know I love a step daddy trope lol.
— I enjoyed the updates on the couples from previous books. Nina’s still starting fires, lol. If you haven’t read this series, do that. These firefighters be loving their women the way they deserve.
What to expect
🔥 Reverse age-gap
🔥 Friends with benefits to lovers
🔥 Young Firefighter bae
🔥 Single mom to young Nova
🔥 He falls first and hard
🔥 Super Nova, the cutest kid
____
Pub Date: 9/5/25
September 2, 2025
Smoke & Mirrors gave me everything I wanted, romance with depth, sharp banter, and plenty of heart!! I loved Joni and Tevin in the previous books, but getting a deep dive into them, made me love them that much more! Joni being a protective single mom made her so relatable, and Tevin of course, is young, bold, and not afraid to step up. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the little moments between them had me grinning.
I loved how Danielle Brooks balanced the miscommunications and real-life struggles with humor and swoony scenes. Nova was adorable and clearly the star lol, and the updates from past couples were a nice bonus (Nina and Denzel are still my faves, but this one definitely didn’t disappoint!).
Definitely enjoyed this series through and through!!
I loved how Danielle Brooks balanced the miscommunications and real-life struggles with humor and swoony scenes. Nova was adorable and clearly the star lol, and the updates from past couples were a nice bonus (Nina and Denzel are still my faves, but this one definitely didn’t disappoint!).
Definitely enjoyed this series through and through!!
September 5, 2025
A real FEEL GOOD series! This reminds me of a good 90s movie/series…no crazy drama, just LOVE and the things that comes with it. First of all, I am a resident of Lovey’s Bay, okay?! I feel like I know all of the landmarks and hang outs lol!
Joni and Tevin’s story is one that I’m sure will reach a lot of hearts. Tevin underdog who finds his own way professionally and romantically. Joni is a single mom who just wants to get it right for her daughter. Luckily for the two of them, sparks fly and ignite them in more ways than one, drawing them near so that they can’t get away from each other even if they tried. I wish there was a next installment to this series because I couldn’t get enough of them!!
Joni and Tevin’s story is one that I’m sure will reach a lot of hearts. Tevin underdog who finds his own way professionally and romantically. Joni is a single mom who just wants to get it right for her daughter. Luckily for the two of them, sparks fly and ignite them in more ways than one, drawing them near so that they can’t get away from each other even if they tried. I wish there was a next installment to this series because I couldn’t get enough of them!!
August 28, 2025
Omg 5 stars ⭐️
This was absolutely annoying amazing. Like I couldn’t get over how good this book was. I was so happy reading it.
Tevin and Joni were 😍😍😍😍😍😍
This story was just beautifully perfect! I didn’t see any errors at all. A single mom falling for the young firefighter. He might be young but he’s mature enough for her. I love the growth Tevin had.
I understand the reservation that Joni had as a single mother when dating a new guy. However Nova was so adorable!
I love how little Nova met Tevin. That was one of my favorite moments of the book. It was so cute.
Thank you for the arc! Favorite book of the month!
This was absolutely annoying amazing. Like I couldn’t get over how good this book was. I was so happy reading it.
Tevin and Joni were 😍😍😍😍😍😍
This story was just beautifully perfect! I didn’t see any errors at all. A single mom falling for the young firefighter. He might be young but he’s mature enough for her. I love the growth Tevin had.
I understand the reservation that Joni had as a single mother when dating a new guy. However Nova was so adorable!
I love how little Nova met Tevin. That was one of my favorite moments of the book. It was so cute.
Thank you for the arc! Favorite book of the month!
September 5, 2025
Smoke & Mirrors
Danielle Brooks
Tevin isn’t just a source of comedic relief. While he is hilarious, he has so much more to offer. He has all of the potential to take control of his life. But, what is potential without action?
At times, Tevin feels overlooked because the very people that know him personally, underestimate him. In this novel, he doesn’t squander his opportunities.
In his pursuit to live up to whatever quest he desires, he is forced to push himself. While he tells jokes, his life and the way he wants to live said life is not a joke.
Joni and Tevin have an established system that worked until the need for something more presented itself. Joni is secure in the life that she has created for herself. She understandably doesn’t want any romantic endeavors, to impact her baby girl, negatively.
As far asTevin’s professional aspirations are concerned, it’s a show them what you’re made of type of era. And, he does just that.
#readandtellwithshantel #daniellebrooks #ARC
Danielle Brooks
Tevin isn’t just a source of comedic relief. While he is hilarious, he has so much more to offer. He has all of the potential to take control of his life. But, what is potential without action?
At times, Tevin feels overlooked because the very people that know him personally, underestimate him. In this novel, he doesn’t squander his opportunities.
In his pursuit to live up to whatever quest he desires, he is forced to push himself. While he tells jokes, his life and the way he wants to live said life is not a joke.
Joni and Tevin have an established system that worked until the need for something more presented itself. Joni is secure in the life that she has created for herself. She understandably doesn’t want any romantic endeavors, to impact her baby girl, negatively.
As far asTevin’s professional aspirations are concerned, it’s a show them what you’re made of type of era. And, he does just that.
#readandtellwithshantel #daniellebrooks #ARC
September 1, 2025
ARC Review:
Smoke & Mirrors is about communicating so that there are no misunderstandings and ignoring that voice that wants to plant doubt at all times. Remember you shouldn’t assume you know what’s happening when you’re with someone if there is truly no communication. Danielle wrote a story that had a balance of comedy and depth addressing real issues we may face. Age is nothing but a number when it comes to love.
Tevin “No Campbell” is definitely my favorite character. So witty and has an immediate clapback for everything.
Smoke & Mirrors is about communicating so that there are no misunderstandings and ignoring that voice that wants to plant doubt at all times. Remember you shouldn’t assume you know what’s happening when you’re with someone if there is truly no communication. Danielle wrote a story that had a balance of comedy and depth addressing real issues we may face. Age is nothing but a number when it comes to love.
Tevin “No Campbell” is definitely my favorite character. So witty and has an immediate clapback for everything.
September 6, 2025
I loved this series!
We watched Joni and Tevin from the start of this series to the very end. At times I wondered if a new man would come and sweep Joni off her feet and leave Tevin and his playful ways behind. Let’s be real we knew that man loved her and vise versa.
Why do we play such foolish games with our hearts and minds?
This has been a beautiful transition through finding love.
From Nina starting flames to Fallon thinking she is smoky the bear putting out the flames Deacon was throwing her way! Joni and Tevin were the candle on the cake.
We watched Joni and Tevin from the start of this series to the very end. At times I wondered if a new man would come and sweep Joni off her feet and leave Tevin and his playful ways behind. Let’s be real we knew that man loved her and vise versa.
Why do we play such foolish games with our hearts and minds?
This has been a beautiful transition through finding love.
From Nina starting flames to Fallon thinking she is smoky the bear putting out the flames Deacon was throwing her way! Joni and Tevin were the candle on the cake.
September 7, 2025
Danielle Brooks Does It AGAIN!
I am absolutely IN LOVE with all of the characters from Fire Company 143, but the love story of Tevin and Joni is my favorite.
Maybe it's because their love was not supposed to be. It was just supposed to be a situationship, but the fire, passion, spice, and LOVE could not be hidden in the smoke of their denial. It flamed and burned hotter the more they tried to fight it.
I am a FOREVER Danielle Brooks fan!!!
Make sure you read book 1.. Smoke Signals, book 2.... Through the Fire.... and then book 3..... Smoke & Mirrors.
I am absolutely IN LOVE with all of the characters from Fire Company 143, but the love story of Tevin and Joni is my favorite.
Maybe it's because their love was not supposed to be. It was just supposed to be a situationship, but the fire, passion, spice, and LOVE could not be hidden in the smoke of their denial. It flamed and burned hotter the more they tried to fight it.
I am a FOREVER Danielle Brooks fan!!!
Make sure you read book 1.. Smoke Signals, book 2.... Through the Fire.... and then book 3..... Smoke & Mirrors.
September 7, 2025
first, I want to thank Danielle Brooks for the ARC of this book.
I love being back in Lovey's Bay with my favorite fictional black firefighters. Smoke & Mirrors follow Tevin & Joni's love story; both were side characters in the other books. Tevin & Joni has been in a friends with benefits situation for a while, and immediately when you start reading this book you can tell that they mean more to each other than just that. Tevin for sure sees them as more while Joni is hesitant to go there with someone, due to her being a single mom and that is her focus.
Tevin is the youngest of the crew and always been a jokester and no one takes him seriously. I love how the author shows the growth of Tevin both in his career and in his relationship with Joni. I feel like I got to see him go from YN to a grown man but still gives BDE. Joni who is also used to being independent you get to see her let go and allow Tevin to lead. This story also highlights the importance of not leaving things unsaid as that leaves room for confusion and for someone else to slide in. The way Tevin paid attention and catered to Joni's needs, I just loved that.
PS that patio scene in the cove lives rent free in my head
If you are looking for a firefighter romance, reverse age gap, friends to lovers' story with beautiful writing definitely add this to the TBR.
I love being back in Lovey's Bay with my favorite fictional black firefighters. Smoke & Mirrors follow Tevin & Joni's love story; both were side characters in the other books. Tevin & Joni has been in a friends with benefits situation for a while, and immediately when you start reading this book you can tell that they mean more to each other than just that. Tevin for sure sees them as more while Joni is hesitant to go there with someone, due to her being a single mom and that is her focus.
Tevin is the youngest of the crew and always been a jokester and no one takes him seriously. I love how the author shows the growth of Tevin both in his career and in his relationship with Joni. I feel like I got to see him go from YN to a grown man but still gives BDE. Joni who is also used to being independent you get to see her let go and allow Tevin to lead. This story also highlights the importance of not leaving things unsaid as that leaves room for confusion and for someone else to slide in. The way Tevin paid attention and catered to Joni's needs, I just loved that.
PS that patio scene in the cove lives rent free in my head
If you are looking for a firefighter romance, reverse age gap, friends to lovers' story with beautiful writing definitely add this to the TBR.
November 30, 2025
It's about time we got Tevin's story. It's been so interesting that he is the loudest character in the book series, but with a heart of gold. I really loved getting the chance to see the more serious side of him. Once we saw that he was a man that knew what he wanted, he really showed up and showed out. And our girl could not resist him forever. I knew it was coming, but what I didn't expect was little Ms. Nova. How adorable was she? This was a great read and I really enjoyed it.
September 4, 2025
Smoke and Mirrors was everything we needed. Watching Tevin "No Campbell" become Joni's man was too good. Journeying with Joni watching her choose love for herself was a breath of fresh air. To Shelby and Avery, thank you... NEXT!!! Always good to see the gang in action (The Bachelor Party, I see you Joss😉).
To Tevin and Joni 🥂
To Tevin and Joni 🥂
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