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Redwood Bay Fire #5
Blowing a Fuse
Love will test you
JULIAN
I love my job as the captain of the One-Thirteen firehouse. However, after a draining year, I decide my personal life needs a bit of a kickstart. Signing up to the Rainbow Reach charity is certainly out of my comfort zone, although I’m not sure if anyone in the LGBT+ community will contact me in a small town like Redwood Bay. But when a young woman asks me to walk her down the aisle after her homophobic parents announce they’re boycotting her big day, I couldn’t be more honored.
What I don’t count on is her outrageous, gorgeous, and utterly infuriating younger brother flirting shamelessly with me the entire wedding. But maybe a no strings attached one night stand is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been looking for.
Except there seem to be strings after all, and one night just doesn’t feel like enough.
Blowing a Fuse is a red hot, standalone MM romance. It’s the fifth 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 grumpy fire captain who finally allows his heart to thaw, a sassy younger twink who likes to cause trouble, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.
Content Please note that this book starts with an MC processing grief of losing a loved parent, but overall, the angst is minimal.
JULIAN
I love my job as the captain of the One-Thirteen firehouse. However, after a draining year, I decide my personal life needs a bit of a kickstart. Signing up to the Rainbow Reach charity is certainly out of my comfort zone, although I’m not sure if anyone in the LGBT+ community will contact me in a small town like Redwood Bay. But when a young woman asks me to walk her down the aisle after her homophobic parents announce they’re boycotting her big day, I couldn’t be more honored.
What I don’t count on is her outrageous, gorgeous, and utterly infuriating younger brother flirting shamelessly with me the entire wedding. But maybe a no strings attached one night stand is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been looking for.
Except there seem to be strings after all, and one night just doesn’t feel like enough.
Blowing a Fuse is a red hot, standalone MM romance. It’s the fifth 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 grumpy fire captain who finally allows his heart to thaw, a sassy younger twink who likes to cause trouble, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.
Content Please note that this book starts with an MC processing grief of losing a loved parent, but overall, the angst is minimal.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 30, 2026I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
DNF @ 29%
Listen, this DNF broke my heart
because I've really been enjoying this series and I'm crying because in this installment Julian and Romeo are both Black gay men!
BUT
when I see "Daddy"
and the speaker is NOT that man's child
This book is 100% NOT for me.
OBVS YMMV
Yes, I could skip over/deal with a few cheeky comments, but I did a word count after getting through 7 chapters, and there's about 40+ through the remaining 16 plus the epilogue
and I'm simply not built for that life.
DNF @ 29%
Listen, this DNF broke my heart
because I've really been enjoying this series and I'm crying because in this installment Julian and Romeo are both Black gay men!
BUT
when I see "Daddy"
and the speaker is NOT that man's child
This book is 100% NOT for me.
OBVS YMMV
Yes, I could skip over/deal with a few cheeky comments, but I did a word count after getting through 7 chapters, and there's about 40+ through the remaining 16 plus the epilogue
and I'm simply not built for that life.
June 15, 2026
This is SUCHHH a cute premise for a book! I love the idea of what this Rainbow Reach organization represents, the ways in which the queer community can be there for each other in moments and situations where the people who should be supporting them can't or choose not to, especially in cases of bigotry and abuse. After spending four books with him Capt. Valentine was the perfect person to be given this storyline. Romeo was a fun foil to him, I love characters that fully embrace their feminine side, and his larger than life personality was a very believable outcome for someone who's been told they're too much their whole lives, they choose to defy that by never shrinking themselves again, even if it holds everyone at arm's length behind the party mask. The series' strong penchant for putting their MCs in last minute emergency situations and in need of rescuing is also very 9-1-1 and that's been a blast too. I'm not ready for this series to be over, I'm glad she's already laying the groundwork for a spinoff series (may it start with Drayton Hendrix 🤞)
Read
May 27, 2026Blowing a Fuse is probably the sweetest and lowest angst story in the Redwood Bay series. With an instant connection, a reluctant Captain and a very eager wedding assistant/future wedding planner, this book kind of threw opportunities to connect into the characters path and forced Julian to quickly evaluate his positions...
It was a quick read and a lovely story. I can't wait or the final book in the series to drop.
It was a quick read and a lovely story. I can't wait or the final book in the series to drop.
June 11, 2026
Man I love this series. Julian’s story was the one I wanted most. It doesn’t surprise me that he ends up with such a beautiful sassy man like Romeo. I love how the author brought the name comments up but didn’t go over board. What a great read.
June 19, 2026
Another good story for the series which I’ve read all of, yeah I’m addicted to the 113 fire house. Hot chemistry as well as a few fires along the way for an HEA. My Full Blog Review Link
May 28, 2026
I was gifted my copy of this book.
I said this at the end of my review for Up in Smoke. I take it back. I take it ALL back and switch to this one!!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Ms Welch is the first author to find themselves on my Masterpiece shelf, with 2 books back-to-back! (There can be only one! so Up In Smoke has been disposed)
What this book is, right, is a master class in writing a book, about two men who do not see themselves as worthy of love. Romeo's pain is on full show, but he hides it. Julian's pain is deeper and he smoothers it so well, not even those who work with him can't see it.
But Julian sees Romeo, and Julian is smitten from that very first meeting. And Romeo? He digs his way under Julian's skin until he parks himself so deep, Julian won't never let him go.
The chemistry is scorching right from the start and it carries all the way through, but once they get that out the way, the emotions take over and this is heavy on the emotions for both men. Differently heavy, but still.
I loved that Romeo let Julian have his space, even after Romeo found himself homeless. Loved that Julian HATED that Romeo gave him the space he requested!
Loved the guys in the One-Thirteen could see Julian change after meeting Romeo, and loved that they loved that for Julian. The guys love their captain and they just want him to be happy.
What I loved most, though, was how little angst there was between these two, other than that needing space thing. Yes, there is the fact that Julian is dealing with the loss of a parent, and Romeo is dealing with homophobic parents, but between them? None, nothing at all and I just loved that!
I started reading this book for an hour before bed. I woke early, and couldn't sleep, so I jumped back in at 5am and finished the book at 630! And I cannot stress how much I loved it!
But now I'm sad. Cos it says at the end of this that there is only one, ONE more book for these guys and I don't want it to end!!
I've followed Ms Welch, as Helen Juliet, right from the beginning and it makes me so proud to have been part of her journey and to see just how far she will go.
Thank you, I love this book!!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I said this at the end of my review for Up in Smoke. I take it back. I take it ALL back and switch to this one!!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Ms Welch is the first author to find themselves on my Masterpiece shelf, with 2 books back-to-back! (There can be only one! so Up In Smoke has been disposed)
What this book is, right, is a master class in writing a book, about two men who do not see themselves as worthy of love. Romeo's pain is on full show, but he hides it. Julian's pain is deeper and he smoothers it so well, not even those who work with him can't see it.
But Julian sees Romeo, and Julian is smitten from that very first meeting. And Romeo? He digs his way under Julian's skin until he parks himself so deep, Julian won't never let him go.
The chemistry is scorching right from the start and it carries all the way through, but once they get that out the way, the emotions take over and this is heavy on the emotions for both men. Differently heavy, but still.
I loved that Romeo let Julian have his space, even after Romeo found himself homeless. Loved that Julian HATED that Romeo gave him the space he requested!
Loved the guys in the One-Thirteen could see Julian change after meeting Romeo, and loved that they loved that for Julian. The guys love their captain and they just want him to be happy.
What I loved most, though, was how little angst there was between these two, other than that needing space thing. Yes, there is the fact that Julian is dealing with the loss of a parent, and Romeo is dealing with homophobic parents, but between them? None, nothing at all and I just loved that!
I started reading this book for an hour before bed. I woke early, and couldn't sleep, so I jumped back in at 5am and finished the book at 630! And I cannot stress how much I loved it!
But now I'm sad. Cos it says at the end of this that there is only one, ONE more book for these guys and I don't want it to end!!
I've followed Ms Welch, as Helen Juliet, right from the beginning and it makes me so proud to have been part of her journey and to see just how far she will go.
Thank you, I love this book!!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
May 31, 2026
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Julian Padilla is a captain with the 113th fire team. A few months ago, he lost his father to cancer and he’s still grieving. The opening scene is a hoot when a fight breaks out at a funeral. Romeo is a fabulous gay guy whose parents kicked him out when he turned 18, but luckily his sister Beatrice stood by him and picked Romeo instead of the parents. He’s planning her wedding to Isaac, taking care of the smallest detail all while working at a wedding dress boutique. Thanks to his volunteering with a gay organization, Julian is brought in to give the bride away, feeling very honoured to do it. That’s where Julian meets Romeo, and they have an assignation. After Julian leaves the following day, Romeo hears the news that his apartment building was affected by an earthquake. Part has collapsed due to a gas explosion caused by the earthquake. Julian offers to let him stay in the flat over his garage, formerly occupied by his late father.
My enjoyment of the book was marred a tad by breaks that someone put in that appear totally random. That said, I quite enjoyed the story. Both MCs were in bad places mentally, and they helped each other get through their bad circumstances. Julian is not only captain of the 113th but also friends with his firefighters. He attends his parents grave site on a regular basis and has great conversations with them. He isn’t quite sure what to do with Romeo, though Romeo’s accommodation situation speeds things up. On the other had, Romeo has been serially rejected by his lovers, and, despite his fabulousness, he doesn’t believe that Julian will keep him. It’s great to see two characters get over their hangups and fall in love. They are ably assisted by Romeo’s sister and the members of the 113th who encourage the relationship, thus helping plot development. The storyline is quite straightforward, with few detours along the way. It was nice to read a book that had no bad guys, other than Romeo’s parents who don’t actually appear on the pages.
While I’ve read and enjoyed other books by the author, this one was truly a pleasure.
Julian Padilla is a captain with the 113th fire team. A few months ago, he lost his father to cancer and he’s still grieving. The opening scene is a hoot when a fight breaks out at a funeral. Romeo is a fabulous gay guy whose parents kicked him out when he turned 18, but luckily his sister Beatrice stood by him and picked Romeo instead of the parents. He’s planning her wedding to Isaac, taking care of the smallest detail all while working at a wedding dress boutique. Thanks to his volunteering with a gay organization, Julian is brought in to give the bride away, feeling very honoured to do it. That’s where Julian meets Romeo, and they have an assignation. After Julian leaves the following day, Romeo hears the news that his apartment building was affected by an earthquake. Part has collapsed due to a gas explosion caused by the earthquake. Julian offers to let him stay in the flat over his garage, formerly occupied by his late father.
My enjoyment of the book was marred a tad by breaks that someone put in that appear totally random. That said, I quite enjoyed the story. Both MCs were in bad places mentally, and they helped each other get through their bad circumstances. Julian is not only captain of the 113th but also friends with his firefighters. He attends his parents grave site on a regular basis and has great conversations with them. He isn’t quite sure what to do with Romeo, though Romeo’s accommodation situation speeds things up. On the other had, Romeo has been serially rejected by his lovers, and, despite his fabulousness, he doesn’t believe that Julian will keep him. It’s great to see two characters get over their hangups and fall in love. They are ably assisted by Romeo’s sister and the members of the 113th who encourage the relationship, thus helping plot development. The storyline is quite straightforward, with few detours along the way. It was nice to read a book that had no bad guys, other than Romeo’s parents who don’t actually appear on the pages.
While I’ve read and enjoyed other books by the author, this one was truly a pleasure.
June 10, 2026
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve got to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s heartbreaking for different reasons but the connection between Romeo and Julian is just beautiful. And that’s what I think this book is is beautiful. Romeo sister is getting married but because Romeo was attending his mother and father wouldn’t be as they were homophobic who kicked their son out as soon as he was legally allowed to live by himself. Thankfully, his sister Beatrice is beautiful and took him in when he had nowhere else to go. You see they didn’t like having an overly gay son. Bea made sure that Romeo knew he was more important than their parents. Bea went to an LBGTQ + charity that like to help other LBGTQ+ people in any needs they could. So they asked for someone to walk Bea down the aisle, and the person they chose was Julian.
Julian had gone through an awful couple of years. Firstly, he lost his mum then his dad was diagnosed with cancer and they went through that treatment together and in the last couple of months his father actually died. Julian was very close to his parents. they accept him as a black gay man and miss them every day. He is a captain in the fire service and his team were more like Family. And they were helping him with his grief. He had signed up for the charity and was surprised when a request came in for him to walk a young lady down the aisle. But he agreed and this is where he met Romeo. I would say it was lust at first sight, but that’s turned into so much more.
I don’t want to give anything away. It is such an emotional read. But what really got me through it was that the connection between Romeo and Julian is just so utterly beautiful. There are a few twist and turns in this book . Julian is a wonderful man you see something very special in Romeo. I will say the passion between these two is off the charts but for me it wasn’t about the passion. It was about the patient the understanding between these two men. And absolutely beautiful Read.
I’ve got to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s heartbreaking for different reasons but the connection between Romeo and Julian is just beautiful. And that’s what I think this book is is beautiful. Romeo sister is getting married but because Romeo was attending his mother and father wouldn’t be as they were homophobic who kicked their son out as soon as he was legally allowed to live by himself. Thankfully, his sister Beatrice is beautiful and took him in when he had nowhere else to go. You see they didn’t like having an overly gay son. Bea made sure that Romeo knew he was more important than their parents. Bea went to an LBGTQ + charity that like to help other LBGTQ+ people in any needs they could. So they asked for someone to walk Bea down the aisle, and the person they chose was Julian.
Julian had gone through an awful couple of years. Firstly, he lost his mum then his dad was diagnosed with cancer and they went through that treatment together and in the last couple of months his father actually died. Julian was very close to his parents. they accept him as a black gay man and miss them every day. He is a captain in the fire service and his team were more like Family. And they were helping him with his grief. He had signed up for the charity and was surprised when a request came in for him to walk a young lady down the aisle. But he agreed and this is where he met Romeo. I would say it was lust at first sight, but that’s turned into so much more.
I don’t want to give anything away. It is such an emotional read. But what really got me through it was that the connection between Romeo and Julian is just so utterly beautiful. There are a few twist and turns in this book . Julian is a wonderful man you see something very special in Romeo. I will say the passion between these two is off the charts but for me it wasn’t about the passion. It was about the patient the understanding between these two men. And absolutely beautiful Read.
June 5, 2026
Daddy - Captain Daddy - Daddy, daddy, daddy
There is a LOT of Daddy-Baby in this one - 60 counts of "daddy" according to my kindle copy.
I'm not a big fan of the daddy thing, but it can be done tastefully. Unfortunately, because the romance on this one is lightning speed, it starts as a joke and doesn't really have time to change.
They meet at a wedding, next day he moves in after a disaster, a week later they are in love and marriage is mentioned. The fact that everything is lightning speed is fine for an instalove, but combined with the initial daddy teases, the fact Julian doesn't know if he likes it, and the sheer extent of uses, for me it made it less something real and more something k1nk based.
I did like the way the captain wanted no regrets and came to adopt a life-is-short attitude, though I wish he had it from the start. I also didn't understand why he felt so afraid of sharing with a team he has captained for so long and felt like family - which goes against the daddy vibe and the whole loneliness thing. We meet him and he says he's broken, and the next day he's over it. He was basically a little wishy washy and I'd have preferred him more committed, which would have sold the Daddy aspect more.
I did enjoy the take-me-as-i-am attitude of Romeo. I liked that he never changed, though again, at the start he had aims of queer wedding planner and at the end of says he never thought he'd be working with the LGBT+ community. Again, wishy washy.
Also "magic bean" and "pole" were a no from me.
This book is low angst, sweet, and to me, reserved solely for those with a very strong love of the Daddy-Baby k1nk.
There is a LOT of Daddy-Baby in this one - 60 counts of "daddy" according to my kindle copy.
I'm not a big fan of the daddy thing, but it can be done tastefully. Unfortunately, because the romance on this one is lightning speed, it starts as a joke and doesn't really have time to change.
They meet at a wedding, next day he moves in after a disaster, a week later they are in love and marriage is mentioned. The fact that everything is lightning speed is fine for an instalove, but combined with the initial daddy teases, the fact Julian doesn't know if he likes it, and the sheer extent of uses, for me it made it less something real and more something k1nk based.
I did like the way the captain wanted no regrets and came to adopt a life-is-short attitude, though I wish he had it from the start. I also didn't understand why he felt so afraid of sharing with a team he has captained for so long and felt like family - which goes against the daddy vibe and the whole loneliness thing. We meet him and he says he's broken, and the next day he's over it. He was basically a little wishy washy and I'd have preferred him more committed, which would have sold the Daddy aspect more.
I did enjoy the take-me-as-i-am attitude of Romeo. I liked that he never changed, though again, at the start he had aims of queer wedding planner and at the end of says he never thought he'd be working with the LGBT+ community. Again, wishy washy.
Also "magic bean" and "pole" were a no from me.
This book is low angst, sweet, and to me, reserved solely for those with a very strong love of the Daddy-Baby k1nk.
June 2, 2026
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 4 stars. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Redwood Bay Fire Series but it defnitely didn’t pack the same punch as the other books of this series have. I thought Julian & Romeo were good together. I would’ve loved to get to know Julian & Romeo as a couple as it was felt very surface level to me. I did love how supportive Julian was of not only Romeo as being his authentic self but showing him in little ways that he matters and he deserves to shine and is worth it, even if his parents didn’t know his worth.
He’s not too much and he’s perfect the way he is. Poor, Romeo goes through it during this book so I’m glad he had Julian at his side caring and supporting him. Romeo also helps Julian deal with his recent grief of losing his father, as he gives him a reason to smile. I love the One-Thirteen crew, they’re more than workmates they’re each others found family. I’m looking forward to reading Anton & Sawyer’s book Burn It Down 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******
I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 4 stars. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Redwood Bay Fire Series but it defnitely didn’t pack the same punch as the other books of this series have. I thought Julian & Romeo were good together. I would’ve loved to get to know Julian & Romeo as a couple as it was felt very surface level to me. I did love how supportive Julian was of not only Romeo as being his authentic self but showing him in little ways that he matters and he deserves to shine and is worth it, even if his parents didn’t know his worth.
He’s not too much and he’s perfect the way he is. Poor, Romeo goes through it during this book so I’m glad he had Julian at his side caring and supporting him. Romeo also helps Julian deal with his recent grief of losing his father, as he gives him a reason to smile. I love the One-Thirteen crew, they’re more than workmates they’re each others found family. I’m looking forward to reading Anton & Sawyer’s book Burn It Down 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******
June 12, 2026
I didn't think it was possible for me to love this series more than I already did, but here we are. Every time I think I've found a favorite couple, HJ Welch releases another book and I question everything.
I've loved Julian from the beginning. The long-suffering captain of the one-thirteen has needed his own story for a while, and we get it here. He's dealing with the weight of grief that comes with losing a parent before you're ready, and it was such a familiar feeling and written so well, that I absolutely found myself in tears a few times. He's built a life around keeping others at arm's length and then here comes Romeo who, on the surface, is the opposite of Julian. He is bright and chaotic and unapologetically himself, but Julian sees past the facade.
It would be impossible not to love Romeo as much as Julian. He went through so much heartbreak and so much questioning on whether he was too much or not enough, and watching him question his worth was painful. But Julian is determined to make him see how worthy he really is, and how much he really deserves, and I loved watching them heal together, learn how to trust each other, and finally let the other one in.
The found family aspect of the firehouse is always well done, and it's always nice to revisit the other couples. But up next is Sawyer and Anton and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be patient while I wait for their book!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
I've loved Julian from the beginning. The long-suffering captain of the one-thirteen has needed his own story for a while, and we get it here. He's dealing with the weight of grief that comes with losing a parent before you're ready, and it was such a familiar feeling and written so well, that I absolutely found myself in tears a few times. He's built a life around keeping others at arm's length and then here comes Romeo who, on the surface, is the opposite of Julian. He is bright and chaotic and unapologetically himself, but Julian sees past the facade.
It would be impossible not to love Romeo as much as Julian. He went through so much heartbreak and so much questioning on whether he was too much or not enough, and watching him question his worth was painful. But Julian is determined to make him see how worthy he really is, and how much he really deserves, and I loved watching them heal together, learn how to trust each other, and finally let the other one in.
The found family aspect of the firehouse is always well done, and it's always nice to revisit the other couples. But up next is Sawyer and Anton and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be patient while I wait for their book!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
May 30, 2026
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did (because I've liked the others in the series). I really don't believe that the word 'unalive' belongs in a book unless the author is describing a social media post (which they were not). There's also a Daddy kink going on here - frequent use of the phrase 'Captain Daddy' (whoops - i see the phrase IS in the blurb - I was just not prepared for how many times I was going to see it). This is the kind of thing I almost always pass up, but there was no mention of this in the blurb, so it ended up being an unpleasant surprise.
The story revolves around Romeo, who is planning his sister's wedding, and Julian, Captain of the local fire station who is volunteering through a charity to walk the sister down the aisle. (It's beyond me why anyone would want a volunteer when they had perfectly good in-laws, but then this is how the mains meet, so if this doesn't happen the love affair doesn't happen). They hit it off at the wedding, they sleep together, but then Julian says 'maybe later', and they part ways. But then Romeo's apartment building has earthquake damage so he ends up living in Julian's apartment over the garage. At this point Julian backtracks and decides 'later' is 'now'. The love affair is FAST - I wasn't convinced they really knew each other all that well, but it all works out in the end and they get their HEA.
In conclusion, there were a number of things about this book that annoyed me, but not enough that I didn't finish. It is entertaining enough, but you've got to be willing to suspend reality to really enjoy it.
The story revolves around Romeo, who is planning his sister's wedding, and Julian, Captain of the local fire station who is volunteering through a charity to walk the sister down the aisle. (It's beyond me why anyone would want a volunteer when they had perfectly good in-laws, but then this is how the mains meet, so if this doesn't happen the love affair doesn't happen). They hit it off at the wedding, they sleep together, but then Julian says 'maybe later', and they part ways. But then Romeo's apartment building has earthquake damage so he ends up living in Julian's apartment over the garage. At this point Julian backtracks and decides 'later' is 'now'. The love affair is FAST - I wasn't convinced they really knew each other all that well, but it all works out in the end and they get their HEA.
In conclusion, there were a number of things about this book that annoyed me, but not enough that I didn't finish. It is entertaining enough, but you've got to be willing to suspend reality to really enjoy it.
June 3, 2026
Fantastic!
I absolutely loved this book! The story of Romeo and Julian begins with the wedding of Romeo’s sister. Beatrice. Their parents cut ties with them because of Romeo’s sexuality and will not be attending. Romeo has planned the wedding as a way to ease his guilt for being the cause for their parent’s absence. Julian comes into the picture when Beatrice contacts him through an organization called Rainbow Reach and asks him to walk her down the aisle and to be there to help her brother accept that he is not responsible for their parent’s choices. The sparks are there from the first moment they meet but Julian is still grieving the loss of his father and isn’t sure he’s ready for a commitment. But time and circumstances will step in to make them realize just what they could be if they take the chance. I love how Julian finally gets up the courage to take the next step and commit to a relationship with Romeo. There will be a bit of danger when an earthquake hits but all will come out unharmed and it will prove to Julian just how much Romeo means to him and they will get the chance to move forward to their happily ever after!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! The story of Romeo and Julian begins with the wedding of Romeo’s sister. Beatrice. Their parents cut ties with them because of Romeo’s sexuality and will not be attending. Romeo has planned the wedding as a way to ease his guilt for being the cause for their parent’s absence. Julian comes into the picture when Beatrice contacts him through an organization called Rainbow Reach and asks him to walk her down the aisle and to be there to help her brother accept that he is not responsible for their parent’s choices. The sparks are there from the first moment they meet but Julian is still grieving the loss of his father and isn’t sure he’s ready for a commitment. But time and circumstances will step in to make them realize just what they could be if they take the chance. I love how Julian finally gets up the courage to take the next step and commit to a relationship with Romeo. There will be a bit of danger when an earthquake hits but all will come out unharmed and it will prove to Julian just how much Romeo means to him and they will get the chance to move forward to their happily ever after!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
May 27, 2026
Devastated that this is a 3 star read when every other book in the series has been a 5 star for me. It just felt a bit rushed - not the plot or the pacing, but the author putting words to paper. The release date was postponed twice and it makes me think it could’ve done with a third time. I also found the language to be really cringey: using “unalive” unironically, calling his prostate a “magic bean”, and calling his penis a “pole”. And these characters are 30 & 47 years old. I felt like even by the time they were saying I love you, that we didn’t really know much about the characters other than what was on the surface. And also, massively under-negotiated Daddy kink. At 75%, Julian only just thinks that he might actually like being called Daddy. Which gave me the ick, because it wasn’t a consensual thing prior to that. The best parts of this book were the amazing side characters including the MCs from previous books, and Julian’s grief over losing his parents. I just hope the author doesn’t make the same mistakes with Anton & Sawyer’s book considering they’ve been teased since book one.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
June 1, 2026
I definitely enjoyed this instalment of the Redwood series. Romeo and Julian are a cute couple with plenty of chemistry.
Yes, Daddy is a word that is thrown out by Romeo all the time but in my opinion this is not a full blown Daddy Kink. The author has a list of books under her name which are proper Daddy/Boy kink and this one is just a notch towards it.
I love how Julian is trying to move forward with his life after the loss of his dad and being the stand-in dad at a wedding is a first step. I also love how he wanted to ensure he is in the right mindset to date instead of treating Romeo just as a hook up.
Well, fate clearly had different plans and while a certain amount of insta-lust is there, it also shows the caring man Julian is. He sees behind the facade Romeo put on, sees the hurt and the fear that people will leave him.
The rest of the One-Thirteen are as usual, teasing, loving, found family who clearly respect their captain but also care enough to ensure he is gently pushed into the right direction - Romeo's arms.
I can't wait what the author does with the next couple.
Yes, Daddy is a word that is thrown out by Romeo all the time but in my opinion this is not a full blown Daddy Kink. The author has a list of books under her name which are proper Daddy/Boy kink and this one is just a notch towards it.
I love how Julian is trying to move forward with his life after the loss of his dad and being the stand-in dad at a wedding is a first step. I also love how he wanted to ensure he is in the right mindset to date instead of treating Romeo just as a hook up.
Well, fate clearly had different plans and while a certain amount of insta-lust is there, it also shows the caring man Julian is. He sees behind the facade Romeo put on, sees the hurt and the fear that people will leave him.
The rest of the One-Thirteen are as usual, teasing, loving, found family who clearly respect their captain but also care enough to ensure he is gently pushed into the right direction - Romeo's arms.
I can't wait what the author does with the next couple.
June 10, 2026
My review
🌕🌕🌕🌕
This was so sweet! It starts rough, neither Romeo nor Julian are in the best spot of their lives, but they find each other, and that’s the beginning of their lives together. Yes, it isn’t the best beginning, but Julian needs Romeo as much as Romeo needs Julian, and together, they’re better. They boost each other, they help each other, they support each other, and they grow stronger and happier together, and I loved it. I really liked how the author addresses sensitive topics in such a compassionate way. Not skirting around them, but also not delving too deep into them, but striking a balance that makes the story flow beautifully. And I loved Rainbow Reach. I’ve heard of similar organizations, and it was great seeing it on a book as well, because organizations like that can make a world of difference. And Bea deserves the best. I, so glad her husband is such a walking green flag, because Queen Bea deserves the Royal treatment for sure. Lovely book, lovely characters, and the sensitive topics that many people ignore or treat lightly were treated respectfully and balanced the story very well.
Voluntary review of ARC.
🌕🌕🌕🌕
This was so sweet! It starts rough, neither Romeo nor Julian are in the best spot of their lives, but they find each other, and that’s the beginning of their lives together. Yes, it isn’t the best beginning, but Julian needs Romeo as much as Romeo needs Julian, and together, they’re better. They boost each other, they help each other, they support each other, and they grow stronger and happier together, and I loved it. I really liked how the author addresses sensitive topics in such a compassionate way. Not skirting around them, but also not delving too deep into them, but striking a balance that makes the story flow beautifully. And I loved Rainbow Reach. I’ve heard of similar organizations, and it was great seeing it on a book as well, because organizations like that can make a world of difference. And Bea deserves the best. I, so glad her husband is such a walking green flag, because Queen Bea deserves the Royal treatment for sure. Lovely book, lovely characters, and the sensitive topics that many people ignore or treat lightly were treated respectfully and balanced the story very well.
Voluntary review of ARC.
June 11, 2026
Hot, adorable, and hilarious.
Low angst, high heat fun in this fast-paced, easy, fun feel-good read. The first chapeter alone had me laughing so hard I knew this was going to be a great time. I immediately loved the MCs, and their story was so heartfelt.
Julian and Romeo are the kind of opposites attract couple that steal your heart right from the start. As different as they were, they were also just as perfect for each other. It was so cute how they met. Their instant attraction was felt throught he pages. I just loved Julian's total grumpy Daddy vibes vs. Romeo's flirtatious twinky ball of sunshine chaos. Romeo's outrageous sass made Julian's exasperation and attraction to him so much fun. Julian was so completely twitterpated. I also adored their nicknames for one another. They had me giggling and brought the biggest smile to my face, making my heart so happy.
The found family of firefighters were truly so much fun. This was an absolute delight to read.
Tropes:
Grumpy + Sunshine
Age-gap
One night stand
Firefighter + Wedding planner
Spicy
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Dual POV
Thank you, GRR and HJ Welch, for the opportunity to read this book.
Low angst, high heat fun in this fast-paced, easy, fun feel-good read. The first chapeter alone had me laughing so hard I knew this was going to be a great time. I immediately loved the MCs, and their story was so heartfelt.
Julian and Romeo are the kind of opposites attract couple that steal your heart right from the start. As different as they were, they were also just as perfect for each other. It was so cute how they met. Their instant attraction was felt throught he pages. I just loved Julian's total grumpy Daddy vibes vs. Romeo's flirtatious twinky ball of sunshine chaos. Romeo's outrageous sass made Julian's exasperation and attraction to him so much fun. Julian was so completely twitterpated. I also adored their nicknames for one another. They had me giggling and brought the biggest smile to my face, making my heart so happy.
The found family of firefighters were truly so much fun. This was an absolute delight to read.
Tropes:
Grumpy + Sunshine
Age-gap
One night stand
Firefighter + Wedding planner
Spicy
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Dual POV
Thank you, GRR and HJ Welch, for the opportunity to read this book.
June 11, 2026
This is book five in the author’s Redwood Bay Fire series and I’ve been waiting for this book for SO. Long! I can’t tell you what it is but I’ve been curious about Julian, the One-Thirteenth’s Fire Chief, almost since the beginning. I had never noticed such a thing in myself before this series but I evidently have a competency kink and Julian’s done it for me since waaay back. His quiet strength and that air of authority… oh yeah. Add to that the vulnerability from losing his dad… you got the winning male trifecta right there!!! The fact that he volunteered with the Rainbow Reach program and agreed to be the stand in as the father of the bride to a complete stranger just because she had the need… that was the cherry on top of the Julian hot fudge sundae!!! And Romeo, that sweet man, he was adorable! HE needed a hug desperately and I was so glad Julian was there for him.
So all that long winded explanation aside, I didn’t have the first complaint about this book, in fact, I had barely finished reading it before I bought my own copy; I highly recommend this book and hope you check it out. 5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
So all that long winded explanation aside, I didn’t have the first complaint about this book, in fact, I had barely finished reading it before I bought my own copy; I highly recommend this book and hope you check it out. 5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2026
Julian is grieving the loss of his father. He promised his father that he would live a full and happy life but he doesn't know how he can. He is feeling lost when he gets contacted by Rainbow Reach on behalf of a young bride. He had forgotten he signed up at the suggestion of his father. The request is for him to walk her down the aisle because her parents have disowned her and her brother. The brother for being gay and her for supporting him and refusing to ban him from the ceremony.
Julian agrees and on the day of the wedding he meets Romeo, the bride's brother. He is immediately captivated by his spirit and fire. He also sees that he is obsessed with making the day perfect for his sister. They spend the reception flirting which leads to a beautiful night together. Julian asks Romeo to give him time to find his footing so they can try a relationship. When fate decides that won't due and throws Romeo back in Julian's path they decide to move forward, cautiously. This entry in the series has all of the excitement and high risk rescues as the previous books.
Julian agrees and on the day of the wedding he meets Romeo, the bride's brother. He is immediately captivated by his spirit and fire. He also sees that he is obsessed with making the day perfect for his sister. They spend the reception flirting which leads to a beautiful night together. Julian asks Romeo to give him time to find his footing so they can try a relationship. When fate decides that won't due and throws Romeo back in Julian's path they decide to move forward, cautiously. This entry in the series has all of the excitement and high risk rescues as the previous books.
June 10, 2026
OMG I loved it!!!! Romeo and Julian (love that joke btw😉) are perfect together. I love Romeo su much, he is like the embodiment of chaos and I was so here for it. Give me Captain Daddy and Romeo all night long.
Romeo has very bad luck in this book, but luckily Julian is there to save the day. Julian is also going through some stuff, mainly his emotions. He lost his father not to long ago and is still grieving. Romeo is very understanding and supports Julian in this difficult time.
Luckily the book is not only heavy themed, but there are also some very funny moments:
"See? He's such a Daddy. He needs to stop fighting it."
"Can I be your pillow princess?' 'Off course,' he says without hesitation. Then he frowns slightly. 'What does that mean?' I laugh into the side of his neck, feeling light and free. Trust him to agree to give me something just because I want it without actually knowing the details."
I loved these moments. Well actually I loved the whole book.
P.S. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR for the ARC.
Romeo has very bad luck in this book, but luckily Julian is there to save the day. Julian is also going through some stuff, mainly his emotions. He lost his father not to long ago and is still grieving. Romeo is very understanding and supports Julian in this difficult time.
Luckily the book is not only heavy themed, but there are also some very funny moments:
"See? He's such a Daddy. He needs to stop fighting it."
"Can I be your pillow princess?' 'Off course,' he says without hesitation. Then he frowns slightly. 'What does that mean?' I laugh into the side of his neck, feeling light and free. Trust him to agree to give me something just because I want it without actually knowing the details."
I loved these moments. Well actually I loved the whole book.
P.S. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR for the ARC.
June 10, 2026
All too quick and unbelievable
I've been enjoying the series and was looking forward to Julian's story. I'm sad that it didn't live up to the other four.
Julian is grieving the death of his father, says he isn't in the right headspace for a relationship but has no qualms jumping into bed with Romeo, then (after two majors disasters that Romeo is involved in) moving him into his house and his bed very quickly afterwards.
Romeo was less contradictory but I hated that he called Julian 'Captain Daddy' as soon as they met, and continued calling him that throughout, even though Julian didn't seem to like it very much, until practically the end. It didn't come across as a kink but just a joke that Romeo continued way past its expiry date, and calling Julian that in front of his team was just a big fat no. Who does that? And I disliked the team teasing him about it too.
As I predicted in my review of Up In Smoke, Anton and Sawyer are getting their own story and I can't wait to read it.
I've been enjoying the series and was looking forward to Julian's story. I'm sad that it didn't live up to the other four.
Julian is grieving the death of his father, says he isn't in the right headspace for a relationship but has no qualms jumping into bed with Romeo, then (after two majors disasters that Romeo is involved in) moving him into his house and his bed very quickly afterwards.
Romeo was less contradictory but I hated that he called Julian 'Captain Daddy' as soon as they met, and continued calling him that throughout, even though Julian didn't seem to like it very much, until practically the end. It didn't come across as a kink but just a joke that Romeo continued way past its expiry date, and calling Julian that in front of his team was just a big fat no. Who does that? And I disliked the team teasing him about it too.
As I predicted in my review of Up In Smoke, Anton and Sawyer are getting their own story and I can't wait to read it.
June 11, 2026
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love the One‑Thirteen crew. Their antics, their heart, their humor — all of it. They’re just a joy to come back to every time.
It was great meeting Romeo, and I really loved getting to know Julian better. In earlier books he always came across to me as a little strict, maybe even older, but wow was that a misread. He’s fun, warm, and has such a huge heart. Looking back, it was really his grief that shaped my first impression, and I’m glad the author let us see who he truly is. He was absolutely perfect for Romeo.
Romeo’s family… I wanted to punch most of them, Bee excluded. I’m so happy he found his way into the One‑Thirteen found family where he actually belongs.
And now I’m already impatient for the next story — the two obvious (but oblivious) friends need their moment, and there’s still that now‑you‑see‑me‑now‑you‑don’t character I’m dying to see stick around. I just need more One‑Thirteen in my life… or at least more firehouse crew peer groups that keep them close.
It was great meeting Romeo, and I really loved getting to know Julian better. In earlier books he always came across to me as a little strict, maybe even older, but wow was that a misread. He’s fun, warm, and has such a huge heart. Looking back, it was really his grief that shaped my first impression, and I’m glad the author let us see who he truly is. He was absolutely perfect for Romeo.
Romeo’s family… I wanted to punch most of them, Bee excluded. I’m so happy he found his way into the One‑Thirteen found family where he actually belongs.
And now I’m already impatient for the next story — the two obvious (but oblivious) friends need their moment, and there’s still that now‑you‑see‑me‑now‑you‑don’t character I’m dying to see stick around. I just need more One‑Thirteen in my life… or at least more firehouse crew peer groups that keep them close.
June 11, 2026
Blowing a Fuse is the fifth book in the Redwood Bay Fire series by HJ Welch. Although other characters from previous books are featured in the story, this is a stand alone novel and can be read without any prior reading of the series.
Julian is the captain of the one-thirteen squad at the Redwood Bay firehouse. He is grieving the recent loss of his dad after losing his mom a few years prior. As a way to move out of his grief, he volunteers to walk a bride down the aisle at her wedding due to her parents boycotting the nuptials. At the wedding he meets the reason for the parents’ decision, the bride’s gay brother, Romeo. Julian and Romeo share an instant connection and it lights a spark in Julian.
This is such a great read. I love found family and age-gap tropes and Blowing a Fuse does not disappoint. Julian and Romeo find the strength and support in each other to enable them to grow and move forward.
Julian is the captain of the one-thirteen squad at the Redwood Bay firehouse. He is grieving the recent loss of his dad after losing his mom a few years prior. As a way to move out of his grief, he volunteers to walk a bride down the aisle at her wedding due to her parents boycotting the nuptials. At the wedding he meets the reason for the parents’ decision, the bride’s gay brother, Romeo. Julian and Romeo share an instant connection and it lights a spark in Julian.
This is such a great read. I love found family and age-gap tropes and Blowing a Fuse does not disappoint. Julian and Romeo find the strength and support in each other to enable them to grow and move forward.
June 1, 2026
I basically binged this entire series in a week, LOL! I loved finally getting to read more about Captain Valentine (aka Julian), who's been in all the previous books but a step removed from his crew (what with being the Captain and all). And of course I immediately fell in love with the fiery-yet-secretly-squishy-and-vulnerable Romeo (and his awesome big sis, Beatrice). The chemistry between Julian and Romeo is both spicy and sweet, and I love seeing these two lonely, walls-up guys be the key to opening a gate in those walls for each other. <3
This is the 5th book in the Redwood Bay Fire series, and can be read as a standalone. The series focuses on Julian's team at the One-Thirteen firehouse, so there are some spoilers for the earlier books since everyone (and their partners) pop up a bunch throughout the whole series.
This is the 5th book in the Redwood Bay Fire series, and can be read as a standalone. The series focuses on Julian's team at the One-Thirteen firehouse, so there are some spoilers for the earlier books since everyone (and their partners) pop up a bunch throughout the whole series.
May 29, 2026
Julian and Romeo story was highly emotional as both characters get through some difficult moments, a couple of insecurities and doubts, a bit of teasing and shenanigans to brighten the soul, and the born of one spectacular love that flourish so beautifully under care and reassurance.
They had their hurdles along the way, but I really loved to see how their confidence and trust in each other brings them closer to their happiness.
I loved seeing old characters and the support they offered in time of crisis, as well as the way Romeo was accepted in their group.
I also adored the growth of our characters, as they become their better selves and how they shine from happiness.
I liked this adventure and I’m looking forward to the next one.
They had their hurdles along the way, but I really loved to see how their confidence and trust in each other brings them closer to their happiness.
I loved seeing old characters and the support they offered in time of crisis, as well as the way Romeo was accepted in their group.
I also adored the growth of our characters, as they become their better selves and how they shine from happiness.
I liked this adventure and I’m looking forward to the next one.
June 4, 2026
Julian is asked to give a bride away, be a substitute father for a young, gay, black man who's parents rejected him. Having recently lost his own parents, this ignites something in the black, firefighter Captain. Romeo planned his sister's wedding and feels responsible their parents won't be there because he's gay. Julian comes through for him and the two hit it off. When Julian steps in to save Romeo again, it's meant to be. This one is full of fate, tenderness and romance with danger added and stuffed full of sentiment and love. There's some Daddy undertones with a brat, age gap and kindness kink. I loved the communing with Julian's unalive parents. I received a copy of this through GRR and this is my voluntary opinion.
June 17, 2026
I keep finding myself back at the Redwood Bay firehouse - the one thirteen - and this time it’s for the captain, Julian - which I’m not at all sad about. His dad passed away recently and he’s at a bit of a loss and signed himself up to be a stand-in family if needed. This is how he meets Romeo who is pretty darn fabulous on the outside, and pretty darn sad on the inside that his parents refuse to accept him for who he is. His sister is getting married and picked him so doesn’t have her dad to walk her down the aisle. Enter Julian - a stand-in dad (not Daddy despite the jokes), gay, Black man. Romeo and Julian feel the heat (see what I did there?) from the beginning and it’s a pretty fast-moving, easy to read, and very, very steamy ride.
June 23, 2026
It’s the Captain’s turn to find love with feisty, fabulous Romeo.
These two have a lot of baggage between them. Julian has been focused on caring for his Dad who recently passed away, he’s grieving and doesn’t have the emotional capacity to fall for the young man who has been abandoned by his parents and still carries around a fear of rejection. But fall they do, quick and all encompassing. A couple of earthquakes help force their hand and the rest of the One Thirteen encourage and tease.
Age difference is between 15 and 20 years.
Romeo likes to call Julian ‘Daddy’ which means I skipped every sex scene. It’s more lip service, and there is no ‘little’ or age play.
An enjoyable story in the series.
These two have a lot of baggage between them. Julian has been focused on caring for his Dad who recently passed away, he’s grieving and doesn’t have the emotional capacity to fall for the young man who has been abandoned by his parents and still carries around a fear of rejection. But fall they do, quick and all encompassing. A couple of earthquakes help force their hand and the rest of the One Thirteen encourage and tease.
Age difference is between 15 and 20 years.
Romeo likes to call Julian ‘Daddy’ which means I skipped every sex scene. It’s more lip service, and there is no ‘little’ or age play.
An enjoyable story in the series.
June 30, 2026
The firefighters of Firehouse 113 will pull you right into the incredible family they've built together. Their bond, loyalty, and unwavering support for one another make this series so special.
At long last, Julian gets the happy ending he truly deserves. There were definitely a few moments where I wanted to reach into the pages and slap someone for the choices they made, but every twist only made the journey more rewarding.
Romeo turned out to be exactly what Julian needed. He brought love, patience, and the stability Julian had been missing, proving that sometimes the right person arrives exactly when they're meant to. Watching these two find their way to each other was both heartwarming and satisfying.
At long last, Julian gets the happy ending he truly deserves. There were definitely a few moments where I wanted to reach into the pages and slap someone for the choices they made, but every twist only made the journey more rewarding.
Romeo turned out to be exactly what Julian needed. He brought love, patience, and the stability Julian had been missing, proving that sometimes the right person arrives exactly when they're meant to. Watching these two find their way to each other was both heartwarming and satisfying.
June 7, 2026
I've been really enjoying this series and really wanted Captain Julian to get a great story. This was ok, but not up to the standard of the rest of the series. Not a lot happens, so it's a pretty simple instant attraction leading to love story, with both characters having some grief in their past to deal with. With a couple of fires thrown in, because Julian is part of a firefighting team after all. I was ok with the frequent use of 'Captain Daddy' that has got to some reviewers. Personally I saw it as Romeo teasing Julian more than a genuine kink. So it's a light romance and good to read if you want to keep on track with the series.
I received an ARC.
I received an ARC.
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