Melting Point

Hot in Chicago #1.5

by Kate Meader

Firefighter Gage Simpson has it all: the job of his dreams, the family of his heart, and no shortage of hot guys lining up to share his bed. “Fun and easy” is his motto—and it’s kept him sunny through a painful upbringing and steered him away from trouble. But when trouble comes knocking in the form of a sexy, scarred, tattooed chef with a harrowing past and zero communication skills, Gage can’t help but be drawn to the flame.

Brady Smith isn’t fun. And easy isn’t in his vocabulary. When cocky Gage swaggers into his restaurant kitchen, the former Marine-turned-five-star-chef is blindsided by the firefighter’s beauty. Then confused that this golden guy with the sparkling blue eyes and the body of a god might be interested in him. As desire flares and temperatures rise, Gage and Brady will have to figure out if the heat between them is just a temporary flash—or the beginning of something real.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Firefighters, Novella, LGBT

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2015

About the author

Kate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.

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The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)

The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)

The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)

The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)

The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)

The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)

... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.

For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melting Point is book #1.5 in the Hot in Chicago series by Kate Meader. This is a MM novella that can definitely be read as a stand alone. I actually read a more recent book of her’s that mentioned these two and made me want to go back to read their story. I’m so very glad I did.

Gage Simpson is twenty four years old and is a firefighter. Gage is known for his sunny disposition and charm. He’s gorgeous and can pretty much have any man he wants. But as soon as he was introduced to the chef and owner of Smith & Jones Restaurant, he was smitten. For the first time in his life, he found himself actually pursuing a man.



Brady Smith is thirty five years old, is an ex-marine and is now owner and head chef at Smith & Jones Restaurant. It’s been six years since Brady left the marines. He left with both visible scars and scars no one will ever see. Both are the reason he can’t understand why the gorgeous Gage is even talking to him, let alone interested in him. But Brady is not capable of anything more than some fun in the dark. And that’s not what Gage wants, not anymore.



“Why did this feel like the beginning of something extraordinary?”

Wow did these two scorch the pages of this book! But both of these men have hidden scars that hold them back in life. And what they have to figure out is that together, they are stronger, that they can rely on one another to finally move forward.



I’ve read a bunch of Kate’s books now, both MM and MF, and I always walk away completely happy. Her books are sexy and fun and swoony and always pull at my heart. I’m so glad I decided to go back and meet Gage and Brady. I hope you love them just as much as I do.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was much more than I expected! It is a shorter book in the middle of a series, Hot in Chicago, about a group of firefighters who call themselves the Firefightin’ Dempseys, a family of foster siblings who have committed their lives to the service and each other. This book concentrates on Firefighter Gage Simpson and chef Brady Smith. Get ready for some angst because Brady has had a pretty rough life!

Gage Simpson is a beautiful, cocky, strapping firefighter who had a terrible childhood until he is adopted by the Dempseys. What followed for him was instant stability, love and family and the world was now at his feet. He is happy-go-lucky and likes different man in his bed every night. Gage fancies himself an amateur chef and in the first book in the series Flirting with Fire, he takes a tour of a local restaurant where he meets huge, quiet, heavily scared master chef Brady Smith. He is overwhelmed by his initial attraction to Brady and wants to know as much as possible about the stoic man.

It should be noted that while there are many scenes with Gage and Brady in the first book, they are all told from Gage's POV. Melting Point included all of the same information, including their initial meeting, but told from Brady's POV. You will not miss anything by reading this as a standalone except for Gage's inner monologue. And I can tell you, all Gage wants is Brady.

Brady is a ex-Marine who has seen way too many horrible things in combat to consider himself normal. He is scared both mentally and physically and suffers from extreme PTSD. He is closed off and actually won't even let anyone touch him physically, so even though he is attracted to Gage, he knows it won't go anywhere. He remains quiet and stand-offish in Gage's presence, even as Gage puts on the charm and makes it very apparent he wants him.

Oh my, but wounded heroes in the throes of angst just get me going like nothing else! When Brady finally breaks down and lets himself enjoy Gage, the sex is amazing and passionate. The two men have a lot of ups and downs, including a angst-ridden breakup, but it was incredible once they got their shit together and fell in love.

So, a firefighter orphan, a damaged Marine hero and oodles of hot sex? Fuck, I was in reading heaven! This book was made for me and all uniform junkies, damaged heroes and spine tingeing sex lovers are going to gobble this book up and want to read it again.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This review has been crossed posted to Jessewave

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

I didn't read the other books in this series, and while I think this can be read as a standalone, I felt a bit lost and didn't always connect with the characters.

I think reading the previous book would have benefited here. But it's MF so....



Still...an easy, entertaining read with some good steam.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melting Point had my heart melting for Gage and Brady.

Gage Simpson is the sexy firefighter the fun and easy member of the Dempsey family also a billboard model who gets any guy he wants and he has set his sight on the sexy chef Brady since he laid eyes on him in his kitchen.

Brady Smith is a 5* chef who's moody, covered in tattoos but he also has scars from his time in the Marines. Brady cannot understand why someone as gorgeous as Gage would look twice at someone like him as Brady cannot see past his own scars.

Something happens to Brady and Gage is there to take care of him, with time Gage slowly begins to crack the barrier around Brady's heart. The sexual chemistry between these two is HOT.

Can they both fight the demons from their past so they can have a future together?

[Kate Meader]

Gage and Brady's story - yay! Hot, cocky firefighter meets gruff former Marine turned five star chef. Tattoos, motorcycles, swagger, and more communication issues than you can shake a fire hose at. These guys sparked in FLIRTING WITH FIRE, Book 1 of the Hot in Chicago series, but now things heat up in this special novella. The story will stand alone, but you might enjoy it more with the background from Book 1.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Kate for the ARC.

Ring the alarm because Kate Meader has once again turned up the heat in her newest sizzling book, Melting Point. Though this book had sizzling chemistry but what stole and grabbed my attention and melted my heart was the love between two men who found solace, hope, comfort and love within each other.



Kate Meader has been one of those authors that I instantly gravitate to since her writing and storytelling is phenomenal. She has a way of making her readers FEEL for her characters and that's what she did in Melting Point. She made readers understand the meaning and power of love and that is love can heal. And for Gage Simpson and Brady Smith, their journey to the HEA was not an easy feat since they both had strong personalities and different outlooks on life and love. When Gage and Brady first met, the chemistry was so palpable and tangible and readers knew it was only a matter of time for these two to be sizzling up the pages!!!

Brady Smith is the closed off, ex-former Marine and chef of a well-known Chicago restaurant. Brady has always kept his feeling locked up since his past still haunts him mentally and physically. And it was up to Gage to slowly knock down the walls that surrounds Brady's heart and hard exterior. As the the walls slowly comes crumbling down, the love between Gage and Brady can only be summed up as breathtakingly beautiful and passionate.

Melting Point was seductively heartwarming and touching. I loved this sweet and yet fiery hot read as two men who experienced heartbreak found love, passion, solace, comfort, and understanding with each other. Ms. Meader did an amazing job with this novella. She melted our hearts and ignited a burning inferno of sizzling chemistry as Gage and Brady reminded us that love can heal. So if you want to read a scorching sexy love story that is palpable and tangible, then I highly recommend you to read this book.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kate Meader

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "Let's not wank before we can walk." Stars!

Loved it. Gage deserved to get his happily ever after, and Brady was the perfect moon to his sunshine.

"Guy's like you don't go for guys like me."

A few laughs, plenty of feels and Kate Meaders' distinctive writing style made this novella a perfect couple of hours reading.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very nice. Short, sweet and HAWT !! A former marine with intimacy issues and a hot and cocky firefighter going at it. It was also pretty funny, or let me say, Gage was quite funny. I really loved his character.

Don't expect to much dept in this one, because it's a short story. I think I would have liked it better as a longer book with a more detailed storyline.

I still enjoyed reading it very though, especially because of Gage.

3,5 - 4 stars from me

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not live up to my expectation. To think that I waited to reading Alexandra's book (I have the ARC) because I wanted to read Gage and Brady's story first *sad face*

To me this novella wasted so much potentials for emotional connection. I mean, we have Gage who is dealing with the fact that his biological Mom (the addict) who left him when Gage was only fourteen years old ends up with Alzheimer -- and he's conflicted because of it. Gage wanted to confront her but also told her about his sexuality. Then there's Brady, who still suffers from PTSD and survivor's guilt over his time in Afghanistan. It's a recipe for a good hurt/comfort story, right. Especially with the premise that I had by reading their initial encounters in book #1.

Alas, suddenly Brady threw cautions to the wind, because what? To have mind-blowing sex? Sex is good, huh? Well, I hate it when romance is sacrificed to fill up some sex scenes quota, most especially in M/M romance. Throw in more man-to-man actions, that's what most M/M readers want! Yeah, well, it's not what this reader wants, thank you very much. I want something more substantial than that! I didn't think that Gage and Brady got the same heartfelt 'treatment' like the previous couple.

On top of that, the writing felt stilted, every sequence disjointed -- unlike the prequel novella and the first book. I felt detached from the characters, and it let me down because I've been wanting their story so much. It feels like it's being written by a different author altogether.

I guess I am completely aligned with my friend's Didi, right here. We even discussed it via chat and our disappointment was totally the same.

What a bummer :(

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read

As always spoilerish stuff ahead.........


A year later and I think this is the only m/m romance I've ever read. Gage is a fun loving ho who's known for his awesome good looks and cheery personality, because of his sexual orientation his mother abused him terribly. He was taken in by the Dempsey's and encouraged to shine. Brady is the chef/owner of a restaurant, he's broody,scarred, rarely speaks and doesn't like to be touched. he was tortured by enemies during the war and has yet to recover.

From the previous book we know there's a lot of back and forth with these two,even for a novella that's a lot. Maybe it's because Brady is so broken that it didn't come across as frustrating but it worked. Gage for all his manwhoring was a sweetheart though I'd have really preferred greater closure with the situation with his mom.

Though Gage grew frustrated at Brady's pushing away and thought about moving on and being with OM he never did, Brady though he did the pushing away only wanted Gage.

A hot,sexy yet emotional read this book still remains my only venture into m/m romance which I think is indicative of how much these two intrigued me from the previous book to now.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A review to come..... maybe. Gonna have to think on it a bit.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, yeah, okay…Hot, playful fireman meets sexy, gruff former Marine, current chef, and BOOM! Heat that is OFF THE CHARTS. <<-- That’s Melting Point, all summed up.

Gage Simpson is the epitome of cool, calm and collected. After a rough childhood, he now has the job of his dreams, a great family and his choice of men in Boystown. But there’s something he doesn’t have….Brady Smith.

Brady is haunted by his past. He takes uncommunicative to the max, he’s more than a little surly, and he can’t work out why the vivacious and handsome Gage would want to have anything to do with him.

The chemistry is electric, the spark about to catch ablaze. If they can’t take the heat, they’d better stay out of the kitchen…

I loved this sexy and super sweet novella!! I burned through book one in this series, Flirting with Fire, because I HAD to read this M/M novella and I didn’t want to miss anything. I adored book one, and although it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this one, I am glad I got some backstory on Gage and Brady, because WHOA! Their sizzle is palpable, right from the start.

Melting Point is an excellent weekend read; I knocked it out in a little more than an hour, and enjoyed every second. I loved seeing Gage trying to break down Brady’s barriers, just as I loved seeing Brady TRY for Gage, and try to help him when Gage’s own painful past dragged his sunny personality down. And when they got to the good stuff (I know you know what I mean), it was SO good, I needed a cigarette and a cold shower afterwards.

This couple—in fact, all the couples in this series—are just so likeable. You want to see them succeed, find and fall in love, and then maybe take you to the pub the Dempsey’s own to find your own man in uniform. I can’t wait to keep reading this series now I have started! ~ Beth, 5 stars

~~~

Relationships are scary, a potential heartbreak waiting to happen—or maybe, just maybe, this time it will be exactly what someone has been hoping for in life. Sometimes all it takes is just a little faith…

Gage Simpson is a wanted man—wanted for his ability to see the bright side of life, wanted for his, ahem… special bedroom skillset. But this time it’s Gage who’s left wanting—he wants Brady.

Brady Smith is closed off, hard to read and comes off cold to most people. But Brady really wants Gage to warm him up, if only Brady could figure out a way to share his feelings.

Oh how I love these two characters. Gage for his ability to live life to the fullest even though he had such a heartbreaking upbringing. He wants Brady, but Brady doesn’t know how to be in a relationship, doesn’t know how to communicate because he’s so used to keeping his feelings turned off. But, lord help Brady when he FINALLY figures it out because he’s a man on a mission.

These two are so hot together too—their “sexy times” and just their normal interactions. I can’t wait to read more in this series. ~ Missy, 5 stars

[Frankie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very rarely read MM, Kate Meader made it worth my while though because MELTING POINT was sweet, sweaty, sexy, and swoony (Got my alliteration game on)! Finally Brady gave in & Gage didn't miss his chance to worm his way into the chef's cold heart. Gage really took the heat coming off Brady's kitchen perfectly!

Also, Eli is really growing on me. He was a major a-hole in the beginning of this series, in fact I imagined him to be an ogre. He's slowly turning into Shrek with every installment: lovable though ornery and at times, arrogant. Can't wait for Alex to whoop his ass!

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

MELTING POINT is all kinds of HAWT, HAWT, HAWT.

I jumped at the chance to read this Hot in Chicago series novella. I loved Gage and I wanted Brody to love him as much as I do. The road for these two isn't easy, but Kate Meader does a fantastic job of proving just how much they are made for each other.

Gage is his usually full of life self, but we get a glimpse at Gage's past and see just how "unsunny" his life was before the Dempseys took him in. He may not have had the best beginning to his life, but he learned he was lovable, no matter what he was. Unfortunately, this wasn't something Brady thought of himself. That made things a bit difficult for this couple, even with Gage breaking through a lot of the rules and barriers that Brady put in his way. But Brady had to figure out what he wanted: to live his life as he'd been or to try love himself, love someone else and be loved back. It really wasn't that hard of a decision, but it made you appreciate the leap of faith Brady made to finally go after what he wanted.

Another excellent entry into the Hot in Chicago series. I can't wait for Alex and Eli. I'm sure that will be just as smoking hot!

Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage...yes please! Brady...yes please! Gage and Brady together....HOT!

Gage finally breaks through Brady's shell. Loved it! Wish it was longer!

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage and Brady's story started in the 1st book in the series but it was finished here. I loved that they learned to lean on each other and that Gage wasn't THAT well adjusted :D

[Jessica Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was hot, sweet, fun and had enough character growth to feel like the reader traveled a journey with Gage and Brady. I would absolutely recommend to fans of m/m romance.

[Didi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It pained me to say, this book didn't work for me. It's not that I begrudged Gage's happiness with Brady. I had no complain for some man on man actions, either. Although whoaaa, there were so many here. Smexy-overload.

Having read a couple books of Kate Meader's and liking Brady and Gage characters when they appeared there, I was surprised that I had to struggle with this one. The sequences felt choppy and something's off.

Gage's failed first courting and Brady's sudden change of heart - from hands off to grab me, feel me - seemed rather wonky to me. Maybe the head injury and pain meds did caused the switch, huh...

By far I think this was the most detached book from the "Hot in Chicago" series (I have read only #0.5 Rekindle the Flame and #2 Playing with Fire). Yes, some of the recurring characters appeared here and there, but overall it still felt disconnected to me.

What I applauded was that the author didn't try to solve all trouble in one go. Life didn't run that way. So there was still personal issue Gage had to wade through, but - of course, happily - with Brady by his side.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick steamy read about Gage getting his man. Gage and his "chef" intrigued me in the last book, so for me, their story was a must read. I was not disappointed. This is my first m/m read and it is HOT. I'm hoping to get more of them in book 2.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Gage and Brady were hot, hot, hot!

I liked how their relationship was structured in book one of the Chicago series otherwise I’d have been lost reading this one. The small intimate moments were charged with so many feelings and their attraction...gah! I’ll just say these two had plenty of panty melting chemistry regardless of which team you bat for.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should listen to more novellas. They are so fast and short!

In this one we meet Gage and Brady. They used to be something, but Brady was scarred from his time in the military. This time is is Brady that realises that he really wants this and decides to show Gage that he can be the man for him.

Short yes, but they have a long story behind them so that they finally manages to get to get together and get their HEA is believable.

Good narration, he does make it work so well, and gives good voices to them. It gets hot, it gets romantic.

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Flirting with Fire (Hot in Chicago series book 1) and getting a taste of firefighter Gage and his interactions with hot chef Brady, I was eager to read about their romance. This novella can be read as a standalone and details the progression of their relationship after they’ve already hooked up a few times, but Brady has backed off from becoming emotionally involved with Gage. With time and patience, can they find a way to mend their wounds together?

On the surface this is an opposites attract story. Brady is a large, tattooed, scarred man, both physically and emotionally. He’s stoic, reserved and sleep deprived from his nightmares. He uses cooking to calm himself and deal with his PTSD. Gage is also a large man but he’s the smooth talking, charming, golden boy. He flirts constantly (with men and women) and smiles and jokes all the time. Brady can’t understand at all why Gage would be remotely interested in him. But while they appear to be different, they really both have internally scarred souls and wounded hearts, Brady from his military service and Gage from his abusive upbringing by a religious fanatic that resulted in his ending up as a Dempsey foster child. Brady is slow at letting Gage into his heart, figuring that he’s only interested in some hot sex between them and not really wanting things to go further. But Gage persists, and slowly they start to connect on a more emotionally intimate level. I loved how they started to open up to each other, and it’s really quite a sweet romance as they get past the initial sexual attraction to find something worth holding onto. Eventually it’s Brady who has to push Gage into opening up to him about his past, something he rarely talks about but that still affects him deeply. There is a lot of push and pull in the story, and for a novella, a surprisingly in depth look at this unconventional couple. I loved everything about it, from the hot sex scenes to the more emotionally touching moments (that even left me with a few tears for the pain that both these men have suffered). It’s a great addition to the series. 5 stars.

“I do believe you are flirting with me, Chef.”
Brady flattened his hand against Gage’s chest and pushed him back an inch. “Don’t know how to flirt, Golden.”
Oh yes you do, you gorgeous man.
Brady’s use of that nickname he had labeled Gage with not long after they first met conjured a flutter in his stomach and a twitch in his dick. With a slow drag of his teeth along his lower lip –stop it!- Brady opened the shower door and tested the water’s temp.
Dat. Ass.
It looked amazing in his black boxer briefs, the tightly loomed fabric cupping those cheeks perfectly. Did the man have any idea how goddamn fuckable he was? Gage barely had time to absorb that splendor before Brady yanked down his boxers with his good hand, kicked them off, and took his completely naked self into the shower.

Note: this review appears as a blog post at http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...

[Pretty Sassy Cool · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

So. Yeah. Fire fighters are hot, right? And chef’s … they’re hot, too, aren’t they? And what happens when you mix the two, throw in some hilarious banter, add hotter than hot sex, and a bit of angst just to shake things up? Well, you get the wickedly entertaining Melting Point by Kate Meader. I have to tell you, I did not know what to expect when I picked this book up, having never read anything by this author before, but I’m here to say that it FAR exceeded my expectations. This book is part of a series, Hot in Chicago, but you certainly can read this as a standalone.

Gage Simpson and Brady Smith were hot, sexy, and utterly engaging both together and by themselves. I enjoyed both immensely. Gage—snarky and flamboyantly and proudly gay who is so totally over the top conceited you can’t help but adore him and Brady—broody, gruff, but oh so vulnerable, these two are the epitome of opposites attracting. They were fun and the sexy times were definitely steamy, but the quiet moments, when Gage lets Brady see the real him, and when Brady lets his guard down so Gage can see the man beneath the scars and tattoos, that’s when Melting Point hit the mark.

Gage chuckled. “Plenty of stuff throws me, such as you playing hard to get. That really pissed me off.”

“I wasn’t.” They just didn’t make sense together.

Gage made a sound of annoyance as if he knew exactly how Brady completed that sentence in his head. “I’m cheerful because the alternative is to see obstacles everywhere and expect people will hurt you. I choose to live in full color. I choose to say hey there to the hotties, fuck off to the haters, tell lovers how I want it, and people how it shall be. Now, how about you tell me why you really can’t sleep?”

The guy already had looks, charm, and a cock Brady wanted to suck on like an everlasting gobstopper. Did he have to be well-adjusted, too?

Brady could remain silent. He’d gone years without voicing his pain, a lifetime of containment. When Gage asked if he could stay the night, he could have said no. But with this man, he wanted to try.

All. The. Swoons.

These two, I’m telling y’all, are swoony and sexy as all get out, and just really, wickedly fun from beginning to end. I loved this book. The writing, the banter, the sexy times … all of it was done SO well. (I just wish it would have been longer!) I want more of these two and I’m definitely checking out the rest of the series. *whispers* Eli the mayor looks mighty delicious and I can’t wait for his story!

--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The things I want to do to you, Brady. The filthy beautiful things.”

Since I first read Flirting With Fire and got a taste of Brady and Gage I have been salivating thinking of the day I would get to have more of this sexy damaged duo. Melting Point is a standalone and very enjoyable all on it’s own but in my experience if you pair it with Flirting With Fire, in which you get to see the start of their relationship unfold, you get a complex and wonderful story.

On the outside Gage appears to have the perfect playboy life, but everyone has a past full of doubts and regrets and while now he is a confident out and proud firefighter he was once a broken foster kid. Brady shows his damage on his sleeve. Bruiting and dark he lets no one close and doesn’t hide the fact that he hates to be touched and must remain in control. A perfect mismatched pair they push and pull each other to a breaking point with Brady unyielding on his need for control and distance. But you can’t help who you fall for and some loves are just worth the uncomfortable compromise that comes with getting out of your comfort zone.

‘Brady knew Gage would have to eventually leave his body, his life – this fantasy was like a fever dream Brady would eventually wake from – but the heat of the present kept the cold future at bay.’

As sexy and HOT as it is heartwarming and sweet. Gage’s devotion to the man who had more to overcome than most of us could bare in a lifetime had me melting for him and his struggles. Together these two have explosive chemistry and you will not regret giving their story a chance and now I absolutely cannot wait to start Playing With Fire.

4.5 Smooches Review
~miranda

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredibly steamy M/M romance !

There was no way I wouldn't read this novella about Gage "Baby Thor", a funny and sexy firefighter and the emotional crippled chef Brady and their HEA. I think it's best you read the first book in the series before to appreciate this story more, because by the time it begin, a part of the romance between them was already in motion. Gage and Brady was presented to each other by the mayor (he had a matchmaking plan) at Brady's restaurant and they felt in lust at first sight. Now let me tell you, it was hot ! Gage was more than ready to commit to a relationship or an affair, whatever the stoic man would give him, but maybe it's fate who thought that he had it a little too easy so far (Gage never lacked willing partner before), but Brady got serious intimacy issues (thanks to the torture he suffered in Afghanistan when he was a Marine). It's you-can-look-and-I-can-touch-you-and-make-you-feel-good-but-you-can't-touch-me. But did he really believe he could resist Gage's charm and hold back his feelings ? Melting Point is the emotional journey of two men who have to overcome their past to find the strength they need to take a chance at love. With Gage's sunny personality, Brady will be able to believe that he's worthy and not a broken man, while Brady will offer his support when Gage need it the most.

Pleasure, emotions, heat, sensuality and t-shirts with funny firefighter's slogan is just a few example of what you'll find in this wonderful novella.

[Ekaterin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Je le redis, le MM n'est pas ma tasse de thé.

Ici le couple est néanmoins mignon malgré toujours cette histoire de clichés, mais la série en est truffée. La lune contre le soleil, la gaité contre le taciturne bla bla bla...

Heureusement c'est court, et je dirais qu'elle a été écrite pour continuer à amener au couple Alex/Eli.

Gage est un vrai rayon de soleil. Pas si immature qu'il ne voudrait le faire croire. Marrant avec son côté "je suis gay et fier de l'être avec mes tee-shirts pourris", mon corps de dieu grec et ma réputation de dieu du sexe. Plus profond qu'il n'y parait et attendrissant. J'ai aimé son côté positif qui mort la vie à pleines dents.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

You saw glimpses of this pairing in the last book. So it was fun to see how things would shake out here. I felt bad for Brady and all that he had gone through in the past and how that made him hold himself back. I liked Gage, but at times he was a small doses person, you know that person you can only handle for a small bit of time. Yet he did a good job of pulling Brady out of himself to just live. While things were bumpy for them, they seemed to work it out in the end.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second read
3,5 stars. It was a nice read but at the beginning Gage was annoying because seriously .... someone who has experienced what Brady experienced may need a bit more time than 5 or 6 weeks.
At the end I was annoyed with Brady as he really did not show Gage that he is important ..
Nevertheless a nice read

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

From the minute we met Gage (Baby Thor) Simpson in Rekindling the Flame and spent more time with him in Flirting With Fire I knew I needed his story. I needed to know more about this out and proud gay fireman who grew up in a foster family that supported him from the day he walked through their doors at age 10 and let them know he was gay. I needed to understand is seemingly always sunny disposition. I needed to see him fall in love and I especially needed to see him let someone else be there for him the way he's always been there for others and in Melting Point we get to see that and so much more and I couldn't be more thankful to Kate Meader and Pocket Books for giving us the chance to really get to know this complex and amazing man. Complex and poignant yet every bit as sexy as I've come to expect from this author Melting Point is not only a necessary addition to this series, it is simply a touching and beautiful love story.

Who knew when Chicago's illustrious mayor, Eli Cooper, introduced Gage Simpson to his former CO, Brady Smith that these two very different men would hit it off so beautifully, well Eli knew and he'd be happy to tell you that? And they did hit off but Brady is scarred both inside and out and his need to control and his need for things to only be his way left Gage no choice but to walk away before his heart broke any more than it already was. Brady knows he messed up but convincing Gage he's ready to try proves to be harder than he expected until an accident leaves them in close quarters and gives them both a chance to try again.

It was really crazy to watch the very dark and much closed off Brady transform once he made up his mind to try with Gage. Gage seems like all goodness and light but his early childhood was not pretty and dealing with a piece of it is taking its toll on him. I appreciated that each of these men had some real issues to overcome and that while it wasn't easy they both began to realize that they could trust one another with pieces of these issues and let the other help them through their struggles. Oh they fought it, they fought it hard but they both also realized that sharing even bits and pieces lightened their load and allowed them to open up their minds to the possibility of more together and eventually opened up their hearts as well.

Gage was well aware of Brady's intimacy issues and body issues and I so admired him for the way he approached things once it became apparent that Brady was ready for more; he was patient yet he pushed just enough to make Brady understand that he had to let go and trust that Gage would be there to catch him. Brady has a whole lot of demons and in addition being somewhat older than Gage and knowing that Gage is well sought after only made his insecurities worse but bless Gage's beautiful heart for understanding and proving that while he COULD have anyone he wanted, the person he wanted was Brady. I think the true turning point though was when Brady realized that Gage needed him as well making him understand that their relationship was definitely a two way street.

While this book had its heavy moments there was lightness to it and many, many laugh out loud moments, mostly thanks to Gage's wit but we also began to see Brady's personality shine and that really was a thing of beauty.

Compromise, trust, patience and a whole lot of sexiness made Melting Point one spectacular romance.

Review copy provided for an honest review.