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Lionhearts #5
Pride Under Fire
Will their passion burn out of control?
Connor Wabsik's career as a firefighter is on the line after he punched out his commanding officer. Redemption is possible in the form of a move to a sleepy California mountain town, but it will mean leaving his old life behind. What he doesn't know is that his destiny waits for him in Riesgo. Fate has paired him with a human mate, Andy McGuire—a man with secrets of his own. Connor is fighting to protect the town from a dangerous firestarter. When Andy's life is threatened, will Connor be able to keep him safe, too?
Detective Andy McGuire is unlucky in love, but when he meets Connor, the handsome new recruit to the Riesgo Fire Service, things start looking up. How can he stop a serial arsonist from destroying everything he holds dear? And as passion threatens to burn out of control between him and Connor, what will happen when Andy learns that the man he loves might not be what he seems?
Connor Wabsik's career as a firefighter is on the line after he punched out his commanding officer. Redemption is possible in the form of a move to a sleepy California mountain town, but it will mean leaving his old life behind. What he doesn't know is that his destiny waits for him in Riesgo. Fate has paired him with a human mate, Andy McGuire—a man with secrets of his own. Connor is fighting to protect the town from a dangerous firestarter. When Andy's life is threatened, will Connor be able to keep him safe, too?
Detective Andy McGuire is unlucky in love, but when he meets Connor, the handsome new recruit to the Riesgo Fire Service, things start looking up. How can he stop a serial arsonist from destroying everything he holds dear? And as passion threatens to burn out of control between him and Connor, what will happen when Andy learns that the man he loves might not be what he seems?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
26 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Coldwell
346 books78 followersI am Rotherham’s foremost (okay, only) writer of quality erotica and erotic romance. Though I’m now based in London, family and football take me back North on a regular basis. Indeed, if you’re ever at a Rotherham United match (I know, what are the chances?) and you spot a small blonde with a large ‘London Millers’ flag, that’ll be me.
For twenty years, I worked on the UK edition of Forum magazine, for most of those years as editor. In that time, I built up the fiction side of the magazine, and was responsible for publishing the first stories by lots of now well-known and established erotic authors – most notably Portia da Costa and Lindsay Gordon, who was until recently Black Lace’s series editor.
However, I love writing even more than I love editing, and I’ve finally taken the plunge to write full-time. I’ve had stories published by Black Lace, Xcite Books, Cleis Press, Circlet Press, Mammoth, Ravenous Romance, Total-e-bound and more, and my collection of three gay erotic novellas, Wild Rides, will be coming out as a print book from Xcite in 2012. And I’m happy in my work…
For twenty years, I worked on the UK edition of Forum magazine, for most of those years as editor. In that time, I built up the fiction side of the magazine, and was responsible for publishing the first stories by lots of now well-known and established erotic authors – most notably Portia da Costa and Lindsay Gordon, who was until recently Black Lace’s series editor.
However, I love writing even more than I love editing, and I’ve finally taken the plunge to write full-time. I’ve had stories published by Black Lace, Xcite Books, Cleis Press, Circlet Press, Mammoth, Ravenous Romance, Total-e-bound and more, and my collection of three gay erotic novellas, Wild Rides, will be coming out as a print book from Xcite in 2012. And I’m happy in my work…
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 3, 2016
‘Pride under Fire’ is the fifth book in this exciting series about lion shifters in various countries across the world, and it follows the best traditions of the previous installments. There is a hot lion shifter who thinks humans and shifters can’t be true mates, a human who proves him wrong, and a mystery that needs to be solved before one or both of them are killed. While the four previous books took place in four different European countries, the action shifts to the US in this fifth book. California to be precise, which is where Cesare and Hayden from the previous book ended up. But while they have a short appearance at the beginning of the story, the book is perfectly fine as a stand-alone.
Connor is a lion shifter who has been exiled from his Hollywood pride, but he has (so far) kept his job as a firefighter. He is honest, hard-working, and cannot stand bullies – which is why he has an issue with his bully of a boss. When Connor ends up punching the man to protect a new member of the department, only the fact that a fire station in northern California is willing to take him on saves him from being dismissed. Connor gets used to small town life quickly, mostly because he scents his mate almost as soon as he gets there. He may be ready to be mated, even though he had not expected to be partnered with a human, but Andy has no idea what is going on and then there is the matter of a serial arsonist who makes Connor’s life very difficult.
Andy is a detective who is good at his job, but very unlucky in love. He’s still hurting from the recent (and unexpected) breakup with his ex, but he can’t deny the insta-lust he feels for Connor. They are a great match in bed, but Andy hesitates to let it go further. He is also very busy trying to figure out who is trying to burn down the town. And with all his already existing trust issues, learning the truth about Connor after they have already been going at it pretty heavily does not help.
These two men clearly have a physical bond, and it was fun to watch them figure out that it might be much more than that. Some of what they get up to is very kinky, if playful, and Connor taking charge in the bedroom is very rewarding for both of them. The mystery added a suspenseful edge to proceedings, and that made the book very good at holding my attention.
If you enjoy watching two strangers fall into lust, then love, despite the distractions of real life they have to face, if you think that an exiled lion shifter and a man disappointed by love deserve a chance together, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read with lots of goofiness, snark, and some suspenseful moments, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Connor is a lion shifter who has been exiled from his Hollywood pride, but he has (so far) kept his job as a firefighter. He is honest, hard-working, and cannot stand bullies – which is why he has an issue with his bully of a boss. When Connor ends up punching the man to protect a new member of the department, only the fact that a fire station in northern California is willing to take him on saves him from being dismissed. Connor gets used to small town life quickly, mostly because he scents his mate almost as soon as he gets there. He may be ready to be mated, even though he had not expected to be partnered with a human, but Andy has no idea what is going on and then there is the matter of a serial arsonist who makes Connor’s life very difficult.
Andy is a detective who is good at his job, but very unlucky in love. He’s still hurting from the recent (and unexpected) breakup with his ex, but he can’t deny the insta-lust he feels for Connor. They are a great match in bed, but Andy hesitates to let it go further. He is also very busy trying to figure out who is trying to burn down the town. And with all his already existing trust issues, learning the truth about Connor after they have already been going at it pretty heavily does not help.
These two men clearly have a physical bond, and it was fun to watch them figure out that it might be much more than that. Some of what they get up to is very kinky, if playful, and Connor taking charge in the bedroom is very rewarding for both of them. The mystery added a suspenseful edge to proceedings, and that made the book very good at holding my attention.
If you enjoy watching two strangers fall into lust, then love, despite the distractions of real life they have to face, if you think that an exiled lion shifter and a man disappointed by love deserve a chance together, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read with lots of goofiness, snark, and some suspenseful moments, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 22, 2016
The Lionhearts series is continuing strong, and I’m hoping there will be more in the future. Coldwell continues to think up new scenarios for her lions and their men, and each character is different from the last. In this book there’s Connor, the firefighter and lion shifter, and Andy, the small town detective. Also present for a few pages are Cesare and his mate from the previous book.
After getting in trouble at work for punching his commanding officer, Connor has two choices: find a boring job or take a position in the small town of Riesgo, where they just happen to need a new firefighter. After his interview, Connor is offered the job and before leaving town, runs into Andy. He knows instantly that Andy is his mate, and sparks fly between the two, but after bad luck with his sort of ex, Mitchell, Andy is worried about finding a man who wants to be more than just an occasional tumble.
While there are still some of the same themes as the other books regarding hiding one’s true identity as a shifter, there was a lot of light humor in this book. Connor is such a goofy guy, and I couldn’t help but love him from the first page. I mean, really, who faces off against a bear and then starts quoting Yogi Bear? Completely dorky, and so endearing.
Though there seems to be no official mention of it on some sites, readers should be forewarned that there are some mild BDSM themes. Nothing major, really, but Andy does enjoy his submissive streak, and Connor likes to take charge, so there are moments when Andy is tied up with bondage tape, or some toys are used. It’s not heavy, though, nor is it every time, so those who don’t enjoy it could easily skim those scenes and still enjoy the story.
If you’re new to the series, that’s okay. Each book has new characters, and the plots are not connected. While previous characters might be mentioned, it is not necessary to read their story to understand what is happening. Honestly, this might be a good one to start on if you’re new and want to try it, because the mystery is solid, the humor is there, and Connor does give some background to the world Coldwell has written for this series.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
After getting in trouble at work for punching his commanding officer, Connor has two choices: find a boring job or take a position in the small town of Riesgo, where they just happen to need a new firefighter. After his interview, Connor is offered the job and before leaving town, runs into Andy. He knows instantly that Andy is his mate, and sparks fly between the two, but after bad luck with his sort of ex, Mitchell, Andy is worried about finding a man who wants to be more than just an occasional tumble.
While there are still some of the same themes as the other books regarding hiding one’s true identity as a shifter, there was a lot of light humor in this book. Connor is such a goofy guy, and I couldn’t help but love him from the first page. I mean, really, who faces off against a bear and then starts quoting Yogi Bear? Completely dorky, and so endearing.
Though there seems to be no official mention of it on some sites, readers should be forewarned that there are some mild BDSM themes. Nothing major, really, but Andy does enjoy his submissive streak, and Connor likes to take charge, so there are moments when Andy is tied up with bondage tape, or some toys are used. It’s not heavy, though, nor is it every time, so those who don’t enjoy it could easily skim those scenes and still enjoy the story.
If you’re new to the series, that’s okay. Each book has new characters, and the plots are not connected. While previous characters might be mentioned, it is not necessary to read their story to understand what is happening. Honestly, this might be a good one to start on if you’re new and want to try it, because the mystery is solid, the humor is there, and Connor does give some background to the world Coldwell has written for this series.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
March 14, 2016
This is part 5 in a series, but I haven’t read any other book in the series and I wasn’t lost at all.
Connor is a lion-shifter and a fireman. He loses his job in Santa Monica and is forced to transfer to the small town of Riesgo to another firehouse. There he meets his mate, who – shockingly – is a human and the local police detective. (Normally shifters mate with other shifters in this world.)
Andy was just dumped by his long time “friends with benefits” and is feeling a little gun-shy, but he can’t help the immense attraction he feels toward Connor.
When they begin to act on their feelings there’s no stopping them and their affair burns brightly… until the day Connor accidentally exposes his secret and possibly scares off his mate for good.
**
So, like a typical shifter-romance, this is full of insta-lust and insta-love – two things I adore! But, Connor spends very little time in his shifted form, and aside from using his extra senses to hear and smell better, you wouldn’t really know he was a shifter – that disappointed me.
Andy has on page sex with his ex (not once he meets Connor) but he is clearly pining for a bit of this book.
I thought the dialogue was a bit cheesy and porn-like at times and the mystery felt a bit like a Scooby Doo episode, but the smexy times were pretty hot and the rest of the story read like a typical/good shifter story.
I wish there’d been more of Connor’s animal side shown and a bit less of the porn talk, and I was a bit confused as to just how was planning on NEVER revealing his shifter side… but all in all it was nicely written and met expectations.
Connor is a lion-shifter and a fireman. He loses his job in Santa Monica and is forced to transfer to the small town of Riesgo to another firehouse. There he meets his mate, who – shockingly – is a human and the local police detective. (Normally shifters mate with other shifters in this world.)
Andy was just dumped by his long time “friends with benefits” and is feeling a little gun-shy, but he can’t help the immense attraction he feels toward Connor.
When they begin to act on their feelings there’s no stopping them and their affair burns brightly… until the day Connor accidentally exposes his secret and possibly scares off his mate for good.
**
So, like a typical shifter-romance, this is full of insta-lust and insta-love – two things I adore! But, Connor spends very little time in his shifted form, and aside from using his extra senses to hear and smell better, you wouldn’t really know he was a shifter – that disappointed me.
Andy has on page sex with his ex (not once he meets Connor) but he is clearly pining for a bit of this book.
I thought the dialogue was a bit cheesy and porn-like at times and the mystery felt a bit like a Scooby Doo episode, but the smexy times were pretty hot and the rest of the story read like a typical/good shifter story.
I wish there’d been more of Connor’s animal side shown and a bit less of the porn talk, and I was a bit confused as to just how was planning on NEVER revealing his shifter side… but all in all it was nicely written and met expectations.
March 4, 2016
While I really liked the pretense of this story and these characters I had a hard time finishing this book because there were a few parts in it that did drag for me unfortunately..
I loved Conner's character because he was so strong, caring and protective when it comes to Andy. Then there was Andy who was a little annoying at first to me but i did grow to like his character by the end of this book. I did love these two men together but there were a few parts in this book that did drag for me and i found myself losing interest while reading this story.
I did really like how this author wrote these characters and parts of this story! So I will leave this review with... I liked this book and these two MC's!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
I loved Conner's character because he was so strong, caring and protective when it comes to Andy. Then there was Andy who was a little annoying at first to me but i did grow to like his character by the end of this book. I did love these two men together but there were a few parts in this book that did drag for me and i found myself losing interest while reading this story.
I did really like how this author wrote these characters and parts of this story! So I will leave this review with... I liked this book and these two MC's!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
March 21, 2019
Book 5 in the Lionheart series, and there is a pop up from Cesare and Hayden (book 4) which was nice!
Connor punched his commanding officer, and is shifted out to a town in the middle of nowhere, that needs a full time fire fighter. Andy is a detective in said town. Andy is human, Connor is not. Can Connor keep his mate safe, while the town burns around them?
Again, an easy read, that was just what I needed!
Connor knows he did wrong, punching his superior, but he won't apologise. Being shipped out was probably the best thing that happened to him, since he meets his mate. But Andy is human and lions don't mate with humans, do they?When there are several fires in town, in abandoned buildings, both Connor and Andy have to investigate. Then the bodies start piling up, and they know the arsonist has to be stopped , and soon.
There were several throw away comments that made me put the clues together for who the arsonist was very early on, and it was great to see it unfold the way I thought it would.
Again, the guys get down and dirty very early on, and I did like that here.
BUT
The general way the story goes is almost identical to book 4, Into The Arena. It's very VERY similar in that the human half gets taken, and the lion half comes to the rescue, mostly in the same way too!
Still, I did enjoy this as much as book 4, and I did read them back to back.
4 stars
Connor punched his commanding officer, and is shifted out to a town in the middle of nowhere, that needs a full time fire fighter. Andy is a detective in said town. Andy is human, Connor is not. Can Connor keep his mate safe, while the town burns around them?
Again, an easy read, that was just what I needed!
Connor knows he did wrong, punching his superior, but he won't apologise. Being shipped out was probably the best thing that happened to him, since he meets his mate. But Andy is human and lions don't mate with humans, do they?When there are several fires in town, in abandoned buildings, both Connor and Andy have to investigate. Then the bodies start piling up, and they know the arsonist has to be stopped , and soon.
There were several throw away comments that made me put the clues together for who the arsonist was very early on, and it was great to see it unfold the way I thought it would.
Again, the guys get down and dirty very early on, and I did like that here.
BUT
The general way the story goes is almost identical to book 4, Into The Arena. It's very VERY similar in that the human half gets taken, and the lion half comes to the rescue, mostly in the same way too!
Still, I did enjoy this as much as book 4, and I did read them back to back.
4 stars
April 13, 2016
Read for The Novel Approach.
The Lionhearts series is continuing strong, and I’m hoping there will be more in the future. Coldwell continues to think up new scenarios for her lions and their men, and each character is different from the last. In this book there’s Connor, the firefighter and lion shifter, and Andy, the small town detective. Also present for a few pages are Cesare and his mate from the previous book.
After getting in trouble at work for punching his commanding officer, Connor has two choices: find a boring job or take a position in the small town of Riesgo, where they just happen to need a new firefighter. After his interview, Connor is offered the job and before leaving town, runs into Andy. He knows instantly that Andy is his mate, and sparks fly between the two, but after bad luck with his sort of ex, Mitchell, Andy is worried about finding a man who wants to be more than just an occasional tumble.
While there are still some of the same themes as the other books regarding hiding one’s true identity as a shifter, there was a lot of light humor in this book. Connor is such a goofy guy, and I couldn’t help but love him from the first page. I mean, really, who faces off against a bear and then starts quoting Yogi Bear? Completely dorky, and so endearing.
Though there seems to be no official mention of it on some sites, readers should be forewarned that there are some mild BDSM themes. Nothing major, really, but Andy does enjoy his submissive streak, and Connor likes to take charge, so there are moments when Andy is tied up with bondage tape, or some toys are used. It’s not heavy, though, nor is it every time, so those who don’t enjoy it could easily skim those scenes and still enjoy the story.
If you’re new to the series, that’s okay. Each book has new characters, and the plots are not connected. While previous characters might be mentioned, it is not necessary to read their story to understand what is happening. Honestly, this might be a good one to start on if you’re new and want to try it, because the mystery is solid, the humor is there, and Connor does give some background to the world Coldwell has written for this series.
The Lionhearts series is continuing strong, and I’m hoping there will be more in the future. Coldwell continues to think up new scenarios for her lions and their men, and each character is different from the last. In this book there’s Connor, the firefighter and lion shifter, and Andy, the small town detective. Also present for a few pages are Cesare and his mate from the previous book.
After getting in trouble at work for punching his commanding officer, Connor has two choices: find a boring job or take a position in the small town of Riesgo, where they just happen to need a new firefighter. After his interview, Connor is offered the job and before leaving town, runs into Andy. He knows instantly that Andy is his mate, and sparks fly between the two, but after bad luck with his sort of ex, Mitchell, Andy is worried about finding a man who wants to be more than just an occasional tumble.
While there are still some of the same themes as the other books regarding hiding one’s true identity as a shifter, there was a lot of light humor in this book. Connor is such a goofy guy, and I couldn’t help but love him from the first page. I mean, really, who faces off against a bear and then starts quoting Yogi Bear? Completely dorky, and so endearing.
Though there seems to be no official mention of it on some sites, readers should be forewarned that there are some mild BDSM themes. Nothing major, really, but Andy does enjoy his submissive streak, and Connor likes to take charge, so there are moments when Andy is tied up with bondage tape, or some toys are used. It’s not heavy, though, nor is it every time, so those who don’t enjoy it could easily skim those scenes and still enjoy the story.
If you’re new to the series, that’s okay. Each book has new characters, and the plots are not connected. While previous characters might be mentioned, it is not necessary to read their story to understand what is happening. Honestly, this might be a good one to start on if you’re new and want to try it, because the mystery is solid, the humor is there, and Connor does give some background to the world Coldwell has written for this series.
April 22, 2016
So for me and series that are longer than three or four books I tend to get a love hate relationship with them. And this one is no different. What I loved most when I started it ( this series) and still do is the fact that these stories are told with little or no interaction between the characters from previous stories to the point it’s almost like reading a standalone each and every time. That’s also a hate point, at first it was kinda cool, but now it’s like here we go again, one lone lion trying to find his place in the world. Away from his pride. No clear reason why. (except bk 4) And that’s the other thing that bothersome for me, the ‘shifter’ part.
Okay enough with the L/H
If you take the shift part out, and frankly it’s easy enough to do. You’ve got a pretty good story.
Andy lives in this cute CA town, has the house and wants the man but is having an issue with that part.
Conner just got hired on to the fire department in said town, they both have an instant connection and want to explore further.
These two are good for each other, they both know the score in and out of bed. Both are willing to deal with the work side and them exploring the pleasure side was eye opening.
Even though the who done it was pretty obvious, I enjoyed reading along while they tried to figure out the clues. Glad it all worked out in the end.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
Okay enough with the L/H
If you take the shift part out, and frankly it’s easy enough to do. You’ve got a pretty good story.
Andy lives in this cute CA town, has the house and wants the man but is having an issue with that part.
Conner just got hired on to the fire department in said town, they both have an instant connection and want to explore further.
These two are good for each other, they both know the score in and out of bed. Both are willing to deal with the work side and them exploring the pleasure side was eye opening.
Even though the who done it was pretty obvious, I enjoyed reading along while they tried to figure out the clues. Glad it all worked out in the end.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
February 23, 2016
Firefighter Connor believes his only redemption, after punching out his commanding officer, is moving to a small mountain town. Connor is a lion shifter and fate steps in when he meets his mate who is human.
Andy is the new recruit to the fire station. He's been unlucky in love so far, but things change dramatically when he meets Connor.
A serial arsonist hits the village, Connor and Andy work together to solve the mystery. Until the arsonist puts Andy in the crosshairs.
The quick moving story was a joy to read! The relationship between Connor and Andy is really sweet. The romance and desires are evident from the start. Both have secrets to work through and need to feel trust from the other to reveal them. I felt their chemistry and their carefree views of life. We are treated to strong characters and an intriguing plot. Elizabeth Coldwell does a great job of building up the suspense. Keeping us on the edge, I needed to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I was totally captivated by this story and I totally recommend reading it!
4 stars/3.5 flames
I was gifted this story by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review is my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Andy is the new recruit to the fire station. He's been unlucky in love so far, but things change dramatically when he meets Connor.
A serial arsonist hits the village, Connor and Andy work together to solve the mystery. Until the arsonist puts Andy in the crosshairs.
The quick moving story was a joy to read! The relationship between Connor and Andy is really sweet. The romance and desires are evident from the start. Both have secrets to work through and need to feel trust from the other to reveal them. I felt their chemistry and their carefree views of life. We are treated to strong characters and an intriguing plot. Elizabeth Coldwell does a great job of building up the suspense. Keeping us on the edge, I needed to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I was totally captivated by this story and I totally recommend reading it!
4 stars/3.5 flames
I was gifted this story by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review is my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
March 30, 2016
Pride Under Fire is one of those unique and fun shifter stories that just keep you on the edge of your seat. This is one of those books that you just cannot stop turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. I really loved how Connor and Andy are each what the other needs without their really being aware of how well they fit together at leats in the beginning. They just really compliment each other and this makes the story have so much for page turning value. The love scenes are hotter than hot and that alone is enough to keep you reading, but the world building, and suspense also contribute to this. This is one story you do not want to miss! Now I just need to go and get the rest of this series!
Regina
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Regina
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
February 2, 2016
After he punched out his commanding officer, firefighter Connor Wabsik’s only shot at redemption is leaving everything behind and moving to a sleepy mountain town but destiny has a surprise in store for Connor in this captivating paranormal romance. Lionhearts is a bit different from other series in that the shifters are loners and the stories take place in different parts of the world which has the settings adding to the story as I get to visit different places but the variety in characters adds spice to the story as well and Connor and Andy are fine examples of sexy California heroes.
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews