Taber Delane is lucky to be alive, but his career as a firefighter ended the day a beam snapped, resulting in a crushing spinal injury. Most of his friends are willing to give him space, everyone except paramedic, Deacon Hall.
Deacon hasn't met a challenge he couldn't tackle and he knows Taber needs someone in his corner who isn't afraid to stand up to the big bad fireman. The longer he’s around Taber, the more the sexy vulnerability of the man comes through. Deacon finds he doesn’t just want to be Taber’s live-in caregiver, he wants a chance at the passionate man beneath the stubborn shell.
A shell that is cracking, no matter how Taber tries to hold it together. Deacon being in his home starts to open him up--and open his eyes to the man Deacon hides from the rest of the world. Without seeing it coming, Taber soon craves more. A lot more.
Now if only Deacon can get Taber to see that it isn't so bad having him there to assist. Even if and maybe especially when Taber is naked, dripping wet, and angry as hell.
Draven St. James is a born and raised Oregonian. She has traveled extensively in search of mischief and mayhem to fill her books. Her ventures have been quite successful in inspiring a wealth of stories. Of course at the end of the day, coffee within reach, laptop at the ready is where she finds her peace.
While I did enjoy this 4th tale in the Firehouse 6 series, I didn't love it. The chemistry between MC Taber and MC Deacon seemed nonexistent and then finally forced. The sex wasn't nearly as hot as it has been in the other books in the series and Taber definitely seemed much more about the physical than the emotional almost until the end. Also, since Taber's accident happened in an earlier book, there were no actual firefighter scenes to drool at.
While I can absolutely recommend this book for the firefighter junkies like me (the book would be 2 stars if it weren't FF related) those that can take or leave firefighters can safely give this one a pass. There are many, manyother new booksoutrightnow with more steam, hurt/healing/comfort and romance.
have loved these books since I got my hands on the first one, and I was very excited to see that Taber and Deacon would get their book. I love to revisit the other men in this series, and so it was really nice to see them and to catch glimpses of how their lives and relationships were developing.
Taber is learning how to adapt to his new life, and he is understandably having a hard time adjusting. When Deacon stays with him to help him through some of the process, Taber thinks Deacon is just a big joker, and yet as time goes on, Taber learns more about the man behind the jokes.
Deacon uses humor to deflect too much attention away from himself, and he hides his own insecurities behind a smile and a quip. I loved watching both men realize that the other found something desirable in him despite his own personal hang ups. I loved watching Taber find the man that Deacon tried to keep hidden.
This is a sexy story filled with humor and warmth, and even though Taber's struggles are real, he never spiraled into self pity. Both men have a core of strength that made them even more relatable and lovable.
This is an excellent companion to the Firehouse Six series, and after we learn a little bit more about the goals of this house, I am looking forward to more men, more muscles, and more love!
It was ok to half way, nothing original but by then I'd had enough. The characters didn't keep my interest, the sex scenes just had me wondering logistics considering his disability. There were odd backgrounds briefly mentioned in passing. Secrets that don't seem anything to be secretive over.
4.5 Stars Ah, my firemen are back. Don't accuse me of not supporting first responders. I used to spend quite a bit of money on the annual Firemen's calendar for various cities. *grins* Actually, on a serious note, I had the unfortunate fortune, I suppose I could say, to have a number of firemen in my home recently. They were sympathetic, empathetic, kind, gentle, and just all-around good, decent men, and I won't ever forget their kind words.
Taber was injured several months before. While fighting a fire, a beam fell on him, causing partial paralysis. The doctors say he might be able to walk with crutches someday, but that'll be after more therapy and surgeries. Since he's managed to run off every caregiver sent to his home, they decide to send Deacon, an EMT with the fire department. Deacon is always smiling, playing practical jokes, or being sarcastic, but that's a façade he puts on so he never has to divulge his true self.
Taber is surprised at how well they get along, and both men are surprised by the force of their desire for the other. Of course, Taber thinks it's pity, and Deacon thinks it's just because he's available. Sheesh. Men. *grins* But, as they grow closer as lovers and as friends, they both begin to see that there's a lot more to this relationship than either of them thought could happen.
Deacon gave him something no one had been able to give him since the accident, and it scared the hell out of him. Deacon made him feel like a complete man again.
There's nothing I like better than a hot, sweaty romance with a delicious happy ending. 'Driven by Fire' is that and more.
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Driven By Fire is Book #4 in The Firehouse Six Series written by: Draven ST.James.
I'll start by saying that I'm totally addicted to this series each time saying "This is my favorite book" Well!! Here I go again this is definitely my favorite in this series we get to witness so many different emotions in here.
We start off with Taber who was seriously injured in a fire and now he has to try to face the fact he will never again be able to fight fires or possibly walk again. Does this slow him down you ask?.... Absolutely NOT. Taber is so determined to work hard, sometimes too much to be as independent as can be.
In comes Deacon, he is funny quick witted and determined to step in and help Taber with his rehabilitation. Deacon moves in with Taber to help him but is not easily transitioned at first being that many caregivers were pushed away with Taber's moodiness . Both men are stubborn and will stop at nothing to get what they want.
We learn that both men have pasts that they work hard to hide, that is until Taber starts stripping layers upon layers to expose the real reason behind Deacon's fun,always joking personality.
Things change quickly and Wow it gets pretty Hot, the chemistry between these two men scorching leaving for one wild ride.
I loved the fact that we got to revisit with previous characters and were able to see how their relationships progressed, and also guess on new characters and who will be the next spotlight. Tabor and Deacon's journey is not an easy one but its so worth experiencing it with them that you actually feel like you are along for the ride. I highly recommend this Scorching Five Star Read and can't wait to see whose book is next.
As much as I enjoyed the previous three of the series, especially Mica and Grey's story, I didn't really enjoyed Taber and Deacon. And the chemistry just wasn't there, not like Mica and Grey. Even Simon and Michael had very strong chemistry. Not favorite of the series, but still curious about Wren and Aaron's story.
FiveStars My heart broke for Taber's situation. It has to be even more difficult for Deacon, who so wants to help his friend.
Despite the situation being less than ideal, I loved how their relationship developed. Trust, while rocky at first, was something that each character chose to honor. I loved that they felt even though they wanted some things in their life to remain private, that in the end, they would have rather had a partner, someone in their life to share things with than to live a life with their secrets.
Plus, Taber's dominant nature was very hot. I loved how Deacon saw Taber - I loved even more how floored Taber was when he realized that.
I hope there will be more stories for the firemen at that station.
Overall this was wonderful - with just a few places that will need to be edited for spelling and wrong word choices. Despite those issues, this book was awesome!I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads. AvidReader
FourandHalfStars This was my first book in this series that I read and it was impressive that it truely was a standalone, which I'm sure we see some of the characters from the first four books, I didn't feel like I was thrown into the middle of something.
I loved the way things evolved between Taber and Deacon. I did feel a bit like Deacon was given all these side traits and habits, like drawing and where he grew up that weren't really necessary to the story, they didn't really add all that much to his character I felt since they were only mentioned in passing a few times. His interaction with Taber told so much more about the man himself.
This book was very good at showing just how hard it can be for someone to go from walking one day to being confined to a chair the next, no matter the reason it happened.
Overall a great book and would love to read more from this author.I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads. Renee
FourStars
This was a good book. The author did a great job expressing how challenging it is to have a disability. The hurt feelings when people treat you different and the embarrassment of not being able to do things for yourself. It was written with great sensitivity.
Taber was used to being independent until he was hurt on the job and Deacon offered to help him at home. I loved how their romance started. Taber was a independent, hard working guy and I felt sorry for all the adjustments he had to make. But Deacon, I thought was perfect for him, I liked that Deacon treated him like a normal guy and had him due things for himself.
It was book 4 of the series and even though I hadn't read any of the other books, I could follow with the story quite well. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and would read more in this series.I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sherry
fourstars
A gorgeous injured fireman and a cheeky paramedic star in the latest Firehouse Six story. Sexy fireman Taber needs personal care after a serious injury. After scaring off his final caregiver, only Deacon, the clownish paramedic, is willing to take him on. Living together makes both men vulnerable and soon forced intimacy becomes genuine lust.
This is a fabulous glitter-filled fantasy. The Firehouse Six men are young, hot, self-sacrificing heroes. They work together, play together, and these two even live together. All of St. James’ men have dark secrets that end up making them that little bit more desirable. I’m pretty certain that Taber’s stoic defiance of his paralysis makes him my favourite so far!
This story remains playful in the face of Taber’s serious injury. The sex is hot and the relationship between the two men slowly develops substance as the commitment between them becomes more solid.
This is the perfect read for anyone who loves young men in uniform and romance that refuses to take itself too seriously. Deck chair and margarita optional!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 stars.
I have enjoyed the Firehouse Six series thus far, and was entertained by its newest installment, Driven by Fire. Draven St. James has created likable characters, a friendly and believable environment, and a continuing storyline. I was happy to note an explanation was given as to how there were so many gay members on the squad.
Fast-paced, sweet and charming, I couldn't rate Driven by Fire as high as its predecessors. Something just wasn't clicking for me this time around. I didn't connect with the characters as I had in the past. Tabs are kept on past narrators to keep the reader engaged and connected. New characters are shown to whet our appetites for books to come. All the elements for a novella were present, they just didn't connect together for me.
Book #3 in the Firehouse Six was my favorite, and I read this directly afterward. I'm calling a spade a spade. I don't except these novellas to be the next great American novel. I've been pleasantly surprised how much storyline is packed in so few pages, the flawless pacing, the lack of unnecessary content, and the depth of emotion the author elicits from the reader. But this time around, I felt none of that, when it was a book about a semi-paralyzed firefighter where emotion should have been tantamount.
I think the storyline needed a bit more buildup before moving toward a relationship and nonstop sex (there was more sex in this book than previous installments). The scene in the club was over-the-top with the ex (after he was only a passing thought up until then), & I felt Cole and Aaron stole the show away from Taber & Deacon. Even the misunderstanding (which I don't believe in using as a plot device to create angst) involving why Deacon wouldn't share his love of art with Taber, fell flat with me and was over in two sentences.
I knew more about the side characters than the narrators. Perhaps it's difficult as we keep tabs on past narrators, stealing page time, as well as getting to know new characters, stealing page time, when it's a novella versus a novel. But I was left not knowing the main characters of this book. Deacon liked to do charcoal etchings & Taber was the dominant one of the bunch- that's all I got.
For me, Driven by Fire felt like a transition novella in the series, where if you didn't read it, you wouldn't be lost at all. I did enjoy it. It was a couple of hours of pleasant fluffiness that put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart, but I just wanted more out of it- more that a storyline such as this could have given.
I highly recommend this series for M/M readers, and I look forward to book #5 in this series.
Taber is still adjusting to the injuries that he incurred during a fire. He really doesn't like being in the wheelchair and hasn't figured out yet what he's going to do now that he can't be a firefighter. He doesn't want a caregiver, wants to be independent, and is tired of the same questions and looks from people.
Deacon agrees to be Taber's caregiver for a while in his off hours from being an EMT. Taber has run off everyone willing to do the job, and Steven, his physical therapist pretty much gives Taber no choice. Deacon has his own reasons for taking the position, namely it also gives him a place to crash for a few weeks until he finds his own place. Plus, he likes Taber and wants him to do well.
Deacon didn't think that helping Taber would be all that hard until he realizes that he's attracted to Taber, a supposedly straight guy. Taber has his own issues with needing help in the first place and then his sudden attraction to Deacon isn't helping. Eventually, lust moves them into unknown territory, and they must navigate a relationship that neither man expected.
I loved that Deacon saw Taber as capable, letting him do what he was able to, while not letting him do too much. I loved seeing the vulnerable side of Deacon and the things that he thought he needed to hide in order to fit in. I loved that Taber never saw anything wrong with Deacon and was willing to defend him. I especially loved that Deacon was able to get Taber to start living and visiting his friends again.
Draven has given us another solid addition to the Firehouse Six series. I really don't believe that you would need to read the others to read this one first. It may be easier at certain points when the rest of the firehouse crew shows up to already know them some, but this story has all the information you really need to read about these two men.
Deacon has been there for Tabor since his accident and knows he needs someone that won’t back down to him yet knows when to let him be himself. After several failed attempts with caregivers Deacon steps in. Taber begins to see a side of Deacon no others have and he finds it harder and harder to resist the man’s help.
What can be hotter than sexy firemen, and EMT’s? I can’t think of much. Especially when one fireman is a disabled, stubborn hunk and the EMT is determined to make him his. Oh and toss in some powdered sugar to make even hotter! This is book 4 of the Firehouse 6 series and it can be read alone though I think you would have a better understanding of the characters if you have read at least book three. It’s an awesome series and full of steaming hot firemen and paramedics so why to read them all. I love all the characters in this series but I think Tabor is one of my favorites. He has been through so much and is determined to not be catered to or waited on. Yet he has a vulnerability of not wanting to be seen in his current state. He is a very relatable character. I also like Deacon with his nerdy side and determination to win the big man over.
If you like firemen, men in uniforms, men with handicaps, nerdy men, artistic men and some smoking hot mansex this is for you.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for a Wicked Reads~~
This series just keeps getting better and better. Each story is about another couple, but keeps us up to date with the whole crew. And, more importantly, each story is unique and a great story in its own right.
Given Taber is in a wheelchair, facing a life without his beloved firefighting career, this could have been a story that included far too much pity. t Instead it is life affirming and hot; very, very hot - let's be clear - the fires between these guys do not get extinguished. Deacon is just the guy to be a foil to Taber's character, as he is all about positives. Wrapped around a decent plot, we get to enjoy another relationship take shape, and have a few suggestions as to who will feature in the next story. Kudos for the nod to Michael making the point that he has been collecting guys at the firehouse, who needed the freedom to be themselves.
Original review on Molly Lolly Four stars! I truly enjoy this series. I like that we see previous couples again letting us know they continue to be happy with their partners. Plus all of the Firehouse Six guys worked to keep Taber as part of the family. I was interested how Taber’s story was going to go after his accident. He has a bit of an attitude towards Deacon at first, but it’s completely understandable. I really liked how Deacon and Taber came together in their relationship. It was sweet watching them take care of each other in their own ways. I would have liked to see more of Deacon’s past after it was revealed since he was such an interesting character. My favorite scene is when Taber and Deacon are in the doctor’s office. It was beautiful and I was so happy that Taber finally got Deacon wasn’t going anywhere. I’m so curious who will be the next couple, though I’ve got a handful of guesses.
This was another awesome addition to this series, I really liked Taber and Deacon... I felt for Taber too, what that must be like to be something and then not be able to be that anymore. I can't imagine how hard for him... He said something about wow how big of a D he was being, but... I didn't think he was at all.. I mean he got a little snarky with Deacon a time or two, but for a paralyzed man who told he'd never be a firefighter again, I think he handled the whole thing pretty well. And Deacon, he was so patient and understanding he knew when to help and when Taber needed to do something on his own... he didn't take his crap and he called him on it when he needed to.. He was pretty great.. I'm really looking forward to Wren getting a book, I hope he and Aaron can stop annoying each other and make a go of something... Overall this was another 5 star for me, they were hot together and it was believable... When's the next one :D
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I enjoyed reading Taber and Deacon's story. Taber suffered a spinal injury on the job. Deacon, a friend, moves in as his caregiver after he has run others off.
It was nice seeing this couple come together and deal with having an intimate relationship while Taber has limited mobility. I like spending time with the Firemen of Firehouse Six and this story is sexy.
Deacon is keeping a secret from Taber and I have to say the reasons for keeping the secret, and evening thinking it needed to be kept secret didn't really work for me. It seems silly.
Overall, another good read and I'll definitely be reading the next story in this series.
I liked the other Firehouse Six books and I was really looking forward to Taber's story, but the relationship between Taber and Deacon felt forced. I don't know. Something really bugged me about it. I did like how Deacon stood by Taber throughout his outbursts and what not, but it just wasn't enough for me.
I also wanted to know more about Deacon's family. :( Still looking forward to more of this series though.
A good story about learning to heal and trust. I enjoyed Taber and Deacon. I liked their banter and humour together, not to mention their hotness! Phew!
I want to start this review by saying that I grabbed this book not realizing it was part of a series and when I realized it, I was worried that I would be a little lost, but in the end, it didn’t really make a difference. This book was fine being read on it’s own but I will be looking to read the others.
It was easy to fall for Taber Delane. He’s a man coping as best he can with his life being changed forever. He knew when he signed up to be a firefighter that the risks were high and he accepted it. If he’s honest with himself, however, he never really expected anything bad to happen to him. So, if he’s cranky and stubborn and hard to get along with, he’s kind of entitled to it, even if it means he’s not acting in his own best interests.
Deacon Hall is a paramedic who’s seen it all. He understands Taber’s anger and frustration and when Taber runs off the last nurse willing to care for him, Deacon steps in. He’s not particularly happy about it seeing as how he’s been panting after Taber since they met and it’s a little hard to have an objective perspective about someone your attracted to.
But there’s no one else who can and will do the job and Deacon cares enough about his friend to do his best.
Taber is not easy to live with, but it doesn’t take long for the two of them to become fixtures in the other’s life. Watching their day-to-day interactions is guaranteed to make you both smile and cry…sometimes at the same time.
Watching as these two oh-so-different men make their way towards each other is a real treat, especially those of us who like our big, strong men to be a little vulnerable underneath their crusty exterior.
I love how the author uses humor to bring a tough subject to the page. It helps us connect with Taber and Deacon and see past the grouchy exterior that Taber has going on.
The story is pulled along at a proper pace, never lagging and leaving me bored and while the ending is hopeful, it doesn’t wipe away all the realities this books puts out there so perfectly. The dialogue is smart and extremely well written and well-edited too.
I loved this story and I’m now looking forward to reading the others in the series so I can catch up with the some of the other characters we met briefly in this one.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Driven by Fire is the fourth book in the Firehouse Six series and gives us Taber’s story. The accident itself happens in an earlier book, and here we see Taber dealing with his recovery. He still hasn’t been able to go back to the fire house or hang out with the guys. He knows he will never be a fire fighter again, but he is still adapting to his new reality and figuring out what he wants to do with his life. So many of his friends just seem to want to talk about the accident, but Deacon has always been more of a distraction rather than making Taber focus on his problems.
I enjoyed the set up here, especially having a main character who is in a wheelchair. We don’t always get a ton of diversity in our m/m romance heroes, so it was nice to see Taber as a sexy man and the more dominant partner while in the wheelchair. We join him partway through his recovery, so we can feel his frustration at wanting to get better right away and his need to keep pushing himself even past the bounds of what is good for him. I liked the way that this book rounded out a story line that we had been following in other books (although I think you could read this as a stand alone as well). We do get some visits from Simon and Michael, and also some quick time with Mica and Grey (as well as what looks to be a new couple for a future book).
Unfortunately I had a few issues here as well. First off, the premise is kind of far fetched. Apparently Taber has scared off his previous caregivers and now he needs someone to help out. So somehow his physical therapist takes it upon himself to call one of Taber’s coworkers and get him to move in with Taber without Taber having any say. I mean, really? Taber is a grown man and he really is given no choice about this meddling? Not to mention that the physical therapist seems to be way overstepping his role. And of course the fact that, while he is an EMT, Deacon has no background in home health care. Nor do we really see him do much of anything for Taber once he is there. I know this is one of those things you have to accept for this book to work at all, so I went with it. But I did find it a challenging premise.
We first meet Taber Delane in Fused by Fire, a beam had fallen on him during a fire, causing a spinal injury. When Driven by Fire begins, Taber has been in physical therapy for four months, and has driven away all his home care providers. He can’t help it if none of them can handle his attitude, or if they can’t keep their hands to themselves.
Deacon Hall, friend and paramedic, has decided to move in with Taber and become his new home care provider. He doesn’t care what kind of attitude, Taber gives him, he plans on sticking around until the man is better.
Taber does not want Deacon’s help. He thinks Deacon is nothing but a prankster, and will play tricks on him the whole time. All he wants, is to do his therapy and get better. Having Deacon there will only slow his process down, when the man wont let him over work his body. Deacon on the other hand, likes Taber, and wants to help him.
Deacon just recently split with his boyfriend, when he found him cheating on him. After spending some time with Taber, he’s starting to see that it’s not just friendship he feels for the bossy man. Once, Taber stows the attitude, he starts to see that he really likes Deacon to. Once the walls start coming down, the two of them glide into an easy friendship that turns to something more.
Another win for the Firehouse 6 series. I have been reading this series since the author released book 1 and have loved every minute of it. We get to see, Taber finally coming to grips with what happened to him, and how it doesn’t define who he is, or what he can do. He starts to see that he’s not some helpless person, that his friends feel sorry for, but a person that his friends love and care about. The relationship between the two MC was sweet and funny. And let’s not forget the sexual tension between them. WOW! It was also nice to revisit the other guys from the previous books. I never tire of finding out how the others are doing. I highly recommend this book. It was fun, sweet, and sexy. Just what I like in my stories. I can hardly wait to see who she writes about next.
We first meet Taber Delane in Fused by Fire, a beam had fallen on him during a fire, causing a spinal injury. When Driven by Fire begins, Taber has been in physical therapy for four months, and has driven away all his home care providers. He can’t help it if none of them can handle his attitude, or if they can’t keep their hands to themselves.
Deacon Hall, friend and paramedic, has decided to move in with Taber and become his new home care provider. He doesn’t care what kind of attitude, Taber gives him, he plans on sticking around until the man is better.
Taber does not want Deacon’s help. He thinks Deacon is nothing but a prankster, and will play tricks on him the whole time. All he wants, is to do his therapy and get better. Having Deacon there will only slow his process down, when the man wont let him over work his body. Deacon on the other hand, likes Taber, and wants to help him.
Deacon just recently split with his boyfriend, when he found him cheating on him. After spending some time with Taber, he’s starting to see that it’s not just friendship he feels for the bossy man. Once, Taber stows the attitude, he starts to see that he really likes Deacon to. Once the walls start coming down, the two of them glide into an easy friendship that turns to something more.
Another win for the Firehouse 6 series. I have been reading this series since the author released book 1 and have loved every minute of it. We get to see, Taber finally coming to grips with what happened to him, and how it doesn’t define who he is, or what he can do. He starts to see that he’s not some helpless person, that his friends feel sorry for, but a person that his friends love and care about. The relationship between the two MC was sweet and funny. And let’s not forget the sexual tension between them. WOW! It was also nice to revisit the other guys from the previous books. I never tire of finding out how the others are doing. I highly recommend this book. It was fun, sweet, and sexy. Just what I like in my stories. I can hardly wait to see who she writes about next.
this is the first book in the series that i've read but i think now i'll have to go back and read the others. this was a great read. the writing was good and the cast of characters are fantastic! (seriously, hot firemen, EMT's and cops!! what's better than that!)
taber has suffered an accident in a fire losing partial feeling in his legs. as expected, he's going through a bit of ptsd not only because of losing his legs but because of losing his job which he is extremely passionate about. he has been a rescuer, a strong man saving other people and now he is having to rely on other folks to help him in ways he isn't comfortable with and he is not handling it well at all. he's in the closet and really hasn't paid much attention to the men around him. he's a bit arrogant and a lot impatient which is making his recovery harder.
deacon is a fun-loving, nerdy, class-clown type. he attempts to make every situation better by providing comic relief. he is sweet and caring and ready to lend a helping hand to his fallen friend. he is the perfect match for the arrogant taber, not allowing him to wallow in self-pity or get away with being an a$$.
their chemistry is instant when they are in front of each other and finally see each other.