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Firefighter Heroes Trilogy #1
Through Smoke
Alternate cover edition ASIN: B004OL26JO
Firefighter Michael McGinnis has a broken past. Using his troubled childhood as inspiration, he’s channeled his harsh memories toward working hard as a search and rescue man with the fire department. He’s no stranger to intense situations, but despite his years on the job, nothing can prepare him for helping Casey, his drug addict brother, when a dangerous bookie hunts him down for unpaid gambling debts.
Michael is thrown into a web of lies, deceit, and tough love for his brother. An unexpected romance blossoms with fellow paramedic, Eva Crisante, adding fuel to the fire in a burning inferno that engulfs him.
Michael thought he was brave - but being dragged into Casey’s criminal life makes him second guess everything he thought he knew about himself and his family.
Firefighter Michael McGinnis has a broken past. Using his troubled childhood as inspiration, he’s channeled his harsh memories toward working hard as a search and rescue man with the fire department. He’s no stranger to intense situations, but despite his years on the job, nothing can prepare him for helping Casey, his drug addict brother, when a dangerous bookie hunts him down for unpaid gambling debts.
Michael is thrown into a web of lies, deceit, and tough love for his brother. An unexpected romance blossoms with fellow paramedic, Eva Crisante, adding fuel to the fire in a burning inferno that engulfs him.
Michael thought he was brave - but being dragged into Casey’s criminal life makes him second guess everything he thought he knew about himself and his family.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2011
132 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Tate
42 books23 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 20, 2015
I was hoping for a hot and heavy (no... not THAT sort of hot and heavy!)novel here. Plenty of drama in the firefighting scenes, a few nice romantic touches, a bit of angst with the brother and so on. (Come on. A girl can read fire-fighter froth once in a while can't she?)
(Perhaps not ;) )
But this was dull. The firefighters were wimps. The fires were wimps. I wanted ACTION and scorching flames and the stench of smoke in the nostrils and the sting of sore eyes, etc. I wanted to be scared for the firefighters. If this had been a tv programme I would have gone out to make a cup of tea when the fires started. I didn't hate the book; it was just boring.
(Perhaps not ;) )
But this was dull. The firefighters were wimps. The fires were wimps. I wanted ACTION and scorching flames and the stench of smoke in the nostrils and the sting of sore eyes, etc. I wanted to be scared for the firefighters. If this had been a tv programme I would have gone out to make a cup of tea when the fires started. I didn't hate the book; it was just boring.
September 6, 2013
This was a "free" e-book I downloaded when I was using an app to find free books on my Kindle. I'm a snob about typos and spelling and found this to be a tedious read because of the issues I kept seeing ("he had along way to go"...) The characters start out sounding deep but nothing is truly given to their background - you're expected to build too much (IMHO) of your own story of their lives and minds into the pat, stereotypical events that happen.
Sorry for the harsh review but coming from reading books like "The Language of Flowers" to this was a huge intellectual jolt.
Sorry for the harsh review but coming from reading books like "The Language of Flowers" to this was a huge intellectual jolt.
April 14, 2022
Unique and captivating story.
I really enjoyed this book. There is post 911 firefighters, a very evil bookie, and excellent characters written about in this book. Free. I'm following it with the second in the series, which is a plus. Great camaraderie within the companies members and their families.
I really enjoyed this book. There is post 911 firefighters, a very evil bookie, and excellent characters written about in this book. Free. I'm following it with the second in the series, which is a plus. Great camaraderie within the companies members and their families.
February 15, 2015
Looks like the cover has changed a few times, the one I bought isn't up yet.
This one disappointed me, and I eventually gave up on it. Shallow characters, conflicts not fully developed, too much focus on just having sex. If you're just looking for a light firefighter romance, give it a try, but don't be fooled into thinking it is deep or suspenseful.
This one disappointed me, and I eventually gave up on it. Shallow characters, conflicts not fully developed, too much focus on just having sex. If you're just looking for a light firefighter romance, give it a try, but don't be fooled into thinking it is deep or suspenseful.
January 10, 2014
His book was a great read. The book was pretty accurate. I have read several books on fire fighters and paramedic/EMT. Dennis Smith wrote wrote the book about Engine 82. This book was great as it measured up to all the other books I read.
February 21, 2015
Great read...
Good exciting book I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to get the second book and the third. This book had some quite highs and lows but still enjoyed it.
Good exciting book I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to get the second book and the third. This book had some quite highs and lows but still enjoyed it.
May 19, 2019
Michael was part of the search and rescue, loved the eleven years with the NYFD the adrenaline and the rewards.
A brother Casey a drug user for years, coming for money to be used for something illegal. Then it shifts to be about the brother, unpaid debts, a mob guy after him wanting his money, drugs, dysfunctional family.
Thought it would be more of Michael as firefighter. Other books by author have enjoyed.
A brother Casey a drug user for years, coming for money to be used for something illegal. Then it shifts to be about the brother, unpaid debts, a mob guy after him wanting his money, drugs, dysfunctional family.
Thought it would be more of Michael as firefighter. Other books by author have enjoyed.
September 29, 2020
Great stories, but...
The author writes wonderful stories, but does not have a clue about what needs to happen with grammar, spelling, and punctuation. My first graders know that published work must be perfect. The author desperately needs a competent proofreader with a good command of the English language. I only got halfway through the book before I had to stop. I won't be reading more of her work.
The author writes wonderful stories, but does not have a clue about what needs to happen with grammar, spelling, and punctuation. My first graders know that published work must be perfect. The author desperately needs a competent proofreader with a good command of the English language. I only got halfway through the book before I had to stop. I won't be reading more of her work.
January 18, 2018
Very good book. Definitely want to read all the books. I cried when a firefighter died and then during the funeral scene. It was like I was right there. This story stayed with me after I read it. It really touches your heart.
May 22, 2017
Very detailed and action packed
I greatly enjoyed it. Good twists and turns and keeps the reader engaged. I will look for other books from this author.
I greatly enjoyed it. Good twists and turns and keeps the reader engaged. I will look for other books from this author.
December 18, 2019
Firefighter
Liked the story. A little brutal at times. Jumps around a little could use more cohesive dialog. Thanks for sharing.
Liked the story. A little brutal at times. Jumps around a little could use more cohesive dialog. Thanks for sharing.
December 24, 2019
I really enjoyed it
I liked all of the characters. I loved the sibling relationship mixed in with firefighting. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
I liked all of the characters. I loved the sibling relationship mixed in with firefighting. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
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November 21, 2020Intense
Gripping fire fighting story to the end. The twists and turns well written. Hard to put downright from the start. Brilliant.
Gripping fire fighting story to the end. The twists and turns well written. Hard to put downright from the start. Brilliant.
April 5, 2022
Needs work.
The premise and characters of this story are good. The rest is a nightmare. Two words: Proofreader. Editor. Enough said.
The premise and characters of this story are good. The rest is a nightmare. Two words: Proofreader. Editor. Enough said.
July 17, 2012
I liked this book, a lot. I would rate it a 3.5.
I normally only purchase romance novels, and this was classified as one. There really wasn't a whole lot of romance in it to be honest with you. But that was okay actually, the story rocked!
The book takes us on a journey with Michael McGinnis and his dealings as a NYC firefighter and the troubles he has come into, courtesy of his brother, Casey. Casey, a druggie with a betting habit, comes to Michael looking for a place to stay. He brings one friend over, and it all goes downhill from there.
On the romance side of the story, he has been working along side Eva Crisante, a Paramedic stationed at the same firehouse as Michael works at for quite some time. They were partners back in the day, and always remained friends. But a hang out here, and a date there, there friendship blooms into something bigger.
This book left me in suspense every turn of the page. What I thought would happen didn't. This is only book one in Jessica Tate's Troubled Hero series, and I can tell you that it won't be the last book of the series that I read....
I normally only purchase romance novels, and this was classified as one. There really wasn't a whole lot of romance in it to be honest with you. But that was okay actually, the story rocked!
The book takes us on a journey with Michael McGinnis and his dealings as a NYC firefighter and the troubles he has come into, courtesy of his brother, Casey. Casey, a druggie with a betting habit, comes to Michael looking for a place to stay. He brings one friend over, and it all goes downhill from there.
On the romance side of the story, he has been working along side Eva Crisante, a Paramedic stationed at the same firehouse as Michael works at for quite some time. They were partners back in the day, and always remained friends. But a hang out here, and a date there, there friendship blooms into something bigger.
This book left me in suspense every turn of the page. What I thought would happen didn't. This is only book one in Jessica Tate's Troubled Hero series, and I can tell you that it won't be the last book of the series that I read....
May 25, 2015
This book was classified as a romantic suspense, but there isn't much romance in this story. The romance that was present between NYC firefighter Michael McGinnis and paramedic Eva Crisante didn't work for me. They were too hot and cold.
Casey's drug addict brother brings trouble into Michael's world. Michael didn't even know his brother bet until he meets his bookie. The scary man threatens him saying one brother is as good as another, and then things start happening like a rash of warehouse fires.
This book is well written and suspenseful. I thought all the characters were well developed. The author has clearly researched firefighters, drug addicts etc. because everything rang true. Everything that is except Michael not getting the police involved sooner. That started to irritate me. Also, he's had drinking problems in the past but apparently is fine drinking now. It seldom works out that way.
The ending took me by surprise, however I didn't quite believe Casey had made such a drastic change. It made for a good story, yes. Somehow it wasn't quite satisfying though. Also, this book did have a lot of misused words and typos, too. Overall it was a good free read.
Casey's drug addict brother brings trouble into Michael's world. Michael didn't even know his brother bet until he meets his bookie. The scary man threatens him saying one brother is as good as another, and then things start happening like a rash of warehouse fires.
This book is well written and suspenseful. I thought all the characters were well developed. The author has clearly researched firefighters, drug addicts etc. because everything rang true. Everything that is except Michael not getting the police involved sooner. That started to irritate me. Also, he's had drinking problems in the past but apparently is fine drinking now. It seldom works out that way.
The ending took me by surprise, however I didn't quite believe Casey had made such a drastic change. It made for a good story, yes. Somehow it wasn't quite satisfying though. Also, this book did have a lot of misused words and typos, too. Overall it was a good free read.
October 8, 2013
Michael McGinnis is a firefighter that has to deal with tragedies of his everyday work that wear him both physically and emotionally. He has to deal with memories of his dead father, of losses very close to him, and if this were not enough, with Casey, his younger brother who leads a very troubled life. I liked this part of the book and these characters, but the author made a terrible task in portraying Mike's girl-friend, Eva. She is pretty, hard-working, competent, caring, empathetic, patient among one thousand virtues more. I think that even Mother Theresa looks like a sinner before her. A totally unbelievable character. What was the author thinking?
October 17, 2016
The least negative short review I can offer is that this novel was prematurely published. It might have potential if the writer wanted to spend some time revising and working on this rough draft. I am a retired teacher of writing and spent most of my career with students in 7th through 12th grades. I have read all the run-on sentences, misused vocabulary, sloppy phrasing, wrong-case pronouns, wrong-tense verbs, inconsistent or inappropriate tone, unnatural dialogue, and immature and imprecise wording that I ever want to read. I was only able to struggle through 9% of this sloppily-written novel (which contained all of the above.) Perhaps there's a story here; I'll never know.
February 7, 2013
Really wanted to like it. Had some issues with it though. It is very anti-cop. Makes me scared to have a fire in NYC because I may get a hungover, crybaby, impulsive fireman responding to my call for help. Also had continuity issues (he was in his dress uniform for a funeral but when his girlfriend undresses him she removes his jeans??). Overall, I just did not really like the H and h. He was TSTL at times and cried too much for me. I need more alpha than that. Other may really like it but it was not my cuppa. I'd say 2-1/2 stars.
February 16, 2015
soooo this was a free read on Kindle. I really wanted to love this book. I think it had all the right ingredients for a great story!.sexy fire fighter ..a troubled brother..crime..money and romance..
What went wrong? Nearing the end of this book I find my self struggling to bond with shallow characters and a plot with a flat climax admidst numerous spelling and grammatical errors! ( ie: there instead of their)
I think there's potential for a great storyline to be built around these characters.. I'm actually considering following the series in hopes that this happens!
What went wrong? Nearing the end of this book I find my self struggling to bond with shallow characters and a plot with a flat climax admidst numerous spelling and grammatical errors! ( ie: there instead of their)
I think there's potential for a great storyline to be built around these characters.. I'm actually considering following the series in hopes that this happens!
April 26, 2012
Good if you like angst, which I do! In spite of a lot of issues among Michael, Casey and Eve, it was not overly dramatic. In fact I liked how the author underplayed the emotions. I also liked how the characters were likable and nice at heart, but actually made a number of bad decisions throughout the book. Ending was very exciting too.
My only criticism is that so much was left unresolved, but I was pleased to see that there is a sequel.
My only criticism is that so much was left unresolved, but I was pleased to see that there is a sequel.
June 20, 2013
I didn't know what to expect with this book and ended up liking it. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, etc. The romance wasn't much and knew where it would end up, but that was okay because the rest of the story really carried it through. The relationship between two brothers who are complete opposites,and the relationship with their mother. Good description of the characters of the bad guys and what they're capable of.
August 14, 2016
This book had a good storyline. Michael lost his dad when he was a teenager and chose the wrong way of life. He eventually straighten out and became a fighter just like his father. Eva was a paramedic and didn't want to get involved with a fireman. What can I say love catches you off guard no matter what you are going through, and also not listening to your head. I truly thought this was an amazing read.
February 6, 2012
This was my 2nd book I read on my Kindle, and I loved it! The storyline was good and the author really made you care about the characters. Fast paced book! I definitely recommend this book! It was very good!
April 29, 2012
Nook book. About a firefighter, had to read it, glad I did. Quick easy read. Good story line that moved quickly, almost too quickly. Would have liked more to the Mikey and Eva story. Part of the Trouble Heroes series, will have to check out the others.
February 8, 2013
I liked Michael and Eva but I really wanted more heat...more steam...more Michael and Eva. The suspense part of the book was good. But I needed more. Michael was a hot fireman but not alpha enough. Good story...just turn up the heat.
February 10, 2013
I truly enjoyed this book!!! It had a great live story but had typical life scenarios and difficulties!!! Loved how solid Michael was, even when his head told him Casey was lying he still had to try to take care of him!!! True Big Brother fashion ~ great read!!!
February 28, 2013
This was an Amazon freebie and categorized as romance. I always like a firefighter romance. Uh, not so heavy in the romance dept here. At. All.
I read it though, great little case of inner struggle and intrigue. Well written. Would have been a great romance some help!
I read it though, great little case of inner struggle and intrigue. Well written. Would have been a great romance some help!
January 11, 2015
FDNY's finest are the focus of this story that includes family drama, romance, love of the brotherhood and the excitement of their day to day lives. You get the good, the bad and the ugly in this fast paced story. Absolutely enjoyed it and will be checking out the other books on n this series.
June 25, 2016
I haven't read a book in don't know how long. This is one other best books I've ever read! I'm a firefighter my self had with every page I had a picture in my head I can't wait to read the next two in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews