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Sugarland Blue #6
Face the Flames
The author of "Bring the Heat "returns to Sugarland, where a firefighter from Station Five will face the dangers in risking his heart...
A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life...
Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she s no stranger to Sugarland. It s where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities.
Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions "
A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life...
Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she s no stranger to Sugarland. It s where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities.
Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions "
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 7, 2017
About the author
Jo Davis
36 books752 followersNational Bestselling author Jo Davis is best known for her popular Firefighters of Station Five series written as Jo Davis, and her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, written as J.D. Tyler. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Reader's Choice Award in Paranormal. She's also been a multiple finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller's Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense.
Jo's books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
Jo is currently at work on the SUGARLAND BLUE series, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series, and her new contemporary romance novella trilogy TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS, scheduled to debut in October 2013 with RAW. She's also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in Fall 2013 with ONE LAST KISS. Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.
Jo's books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
Jo is currently at work on the SUGARLAND BLUE series, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series, and her new contemporary romance novella trilogy TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS, scheduled to debut in October 2013 with RAW. She's also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in Fall 2013 with ONE LAST KISS. Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 9, 2017
Rosalie's review:
Clay Montana, after an accident that very well could have taken his life, has battled back and wants to be back to his old self, minus his man whoring ways. His life has been being a firefighter and that's all he wants to go back to. Women? Off his radar - until he meets the new cop to Sugarland, gorgeous red head Melissa Ryan.
I liked these characters and felt like their relationship progressed quickly, but it truly worked. The chemistry between them was through the roof from the beginning, and even through all the multiple hospital visits (they have to have STOCK in that hospital at this point), they found time to really get to know each other.
Now that I've talked about what I like, what I didn't like. I very rarely discuss what my hangups are in books. But this one had a very large one for me. I LOVE erotic romances. I love alpha males that dominate a relationship. I love sexy talk...To a point. There were many times when the sexy talk was over the top, even for me! Scaling it back, just a little, would have totally changed my rating!! Still an all around good read!!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Clay Montana, after an accident that very well could have taken his life, has battled back and wants to be back to his old self, minus his man whoring ways. His life has been being a firefighter and that's all he wants to go back to. Women? Off his radar - until he meets the new cop to Sugarland, gorgeous red head Melissa Ryan.
I liked these characters and felt like their relationship progressed quickly, but it truly worked. The chemistry between them was through the roof from the beginning, and even through all the multiple hospital visits (they have to have STOCK in that hospital at this point), they found time to really get to know each other.
Now that I've talked about what I like, what I didn't like. I very rarely discuss what my hangups are in books. But this one had a very large one for me. I LOVE erotic romances. I love alpha males that dominate a relationship. I love sexy talk...To a point. There were many times when the sexy talk was over the top, even for me! Scaling it back, just a little, would have totally changed my rating!! Still an all around good read!!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 13, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mVlFKf
Oh *pets the sexy fireman*
A fiery police detective, a damaged and oh-so-hunky fireman, lots of sexual tension and a little suspense? Face the Flames was worth the wait!
Clay, oh Clay. *sigh* Alright so the quick of it is that Clay was one of the guys from the previous series--Firefighters of Station Five-- and was seriously injured on the job. A year later and he's still on medical leave and going stir crazy. Until he happens on a gas station robbery and a redheaded detective who lights him up right nice. Happens she's just as taken by damaged firemen. And...fireman petting begins. lol
I really liked Clay and Melissa. Their personalities just laid in so nice together and they had that ease and comfort I enjoy. Things move pretty darn fast but it managed to feel right for them. Sexy and sweet and full of a lot of very tender moments. I loved Clay's determination and strength in fighting to get his life back after devastating injury. And I loved how caring Melissa was. She's a fighter in her own right and absolutely no pushover. I liked that she was the cop, too. You don't see too many female cops in romances so that was fun.
There's a lot of time on the job for both. Boring bits, dangerous bits, the camaraderie they have with their teams, the struggles they face and the stress of the job, too. It was nice that while their jobs were different they both kind of knew the lifestyle. Plus a small spot of suspense as a cop goes missing and her shady family is dealt with.
My complaints? Lordy some of the sexy talk. He was full of cream at one point and she was sucking on the spongy crown of his cock at another. :shudders: I totally had a few eeeewww, really? moments over certain phrasing and, yeah, it was often enough to lower the rating for me. But the scenes, other that that, were sizzling!
All in all, Face the Flames was a nice addition to the series and wonderful to finally get Clay's story. These two were a great couple and I had a lot of fun spending time with them.
January 31, 2017
I normally like firefighter romances, but this one fell short for me, for a few reasons. One was that none of the characters were well drawn. The villain is pure evil and for the first half of the book, we’re just told that he’s evil, not shown. The hero and heroine are evidently free of flaws, and they both fall for each other immediately.
Clay is in a place where he no longer wants to sleep around. The novel begins by him driving the ambulance to a scene and even though he’s in an emergency vehicle racing to an emergency and he has the green light, a driver hits the driver’s side door, which lands him in the hospital for months and in rehab for months after that.
Melissa is a new detective in town. She’s worked as a cop for years, but has returned to Sugarland to see if she can bring her uncle down—the FBI couldn’t do it, but she thinks that because she’s family, she will have an in. This seemed like a great conflict, except it gets introduced and then essentially ignored for several chapters.
The romance has no conflict at all. They both fall for each other immediately. Clay has the personal need to overcome his injuries and get back to his job, but there is nothing in the way of them falling for each other and having tons of sex.
The tons of sex of otherwise good stuff detracts from the tension, so instead of mounting tension, the reader gets a tense scene, then no tension, then tension, etc. It wasn’t a recipe for a successful read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
Clay is in a place where he no longer wants to sleep around. The novel begins by him driving the ambulance to a scene and even though he’s in an emergency vehicle racing to an emergency and he has the green light, a driver hits the driver’s side door, which lands him in the hospital for months and in rehab for months after that.
Melissa is a new detective in town. She’s worked as a cop for years, but has returned to Sugarland to see if she can bring her uncle down—the FBI couldn’t do it, but she thinks that because she’s family, she will have an in. This seemed like a great conflict, except it gets introduced and then essentially ignored for several chapters.
The romance has no conflict at all. They both fall for each other immediately. Clay has the personal need to overcome his injuries and get back to his job, but there is nothing in the way of them falling for each other and having tons of sex.
The tons of sex of otherwise good stuff detracts from the tension, so instead of mounting tension, the reader gets a tense scene, then no tension, then tension, etc. It wasn’t a recipe for a successful read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
March 4, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
It seems like I've been waiting a long time for this book. Mostly because it has been a while. We were all shocked when Davis had Clay getting hurt and we weren't sure if she was going to kill off this character.
Each book that came after the crash we waited to hear news about clay. Was he going to make it? Was this the end of poor clay?
I'm happy to say, and you can tell by the fact that he got his own story, that Clay didn't only make it, he rallied back to the living. I can't tell you how happy I am of that fact. He was always a good character that you wanted to know more about.
I think Davis decision to leave him up in arms add to the anticipation of his story. It was like you stood next to him, waiting and worrying.
The other wonderful part of this story, besides the fact that Clay is doing well is the fact that it brought both of the The Firefighters of Station Five & Sugarland Blue series together. I'm so glad we got to visit with everyone.
Because of Clay going through so much he needed someone special to be his partner, in life that is, and he found that in Melissa. I was worried that he wouldn't find anyone that could be perfect for him, but I didn't need to.
Melissa has some of her own issues, a killer family is on the top of that list. But even with all that she does a wonderful job of keeping her life on a good path. She works very hard at it. I loved both of these two characters and really enjoyed reading their story. I can't tell you how happy I am that they are both happy and healthy.
As much as I enjoyed this story, and I did very much I did have a few slight issues. One big one was the fact that it seemed that every other second Clay was or Melissa was in the hospital. Really, like after all Clay had been through they would have let this happen, or should I say keep happening. I'm not saying any of it was his fault, it was just a little over the top.
Other then that one bigger issue for me the rest didn't take away from the story. It's very much a good story, and if you've been waiting for Clay's story I promise you'll be happy. I would tell you that I think and this is only my opinion, I'd read both series from the beginning to really enjoy this one. Knowing the characters from the other book will give you a better idea of who everyone is. They are all so good that I know you'll breeze right through them.
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ARC received for a honest review
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
It seems like I've been waiting a long time for this book. Mostly because it has been a while. We were all shocked when Davis had Clay getting hurt and we weren't sure if she was going to kill off this character.
Each book that came after the crash we waited to hear news about clay. Was he going to make it? Was this the end of poor clay?
I'm happy to say, and you can tell by the fact that he got his own story, that Clay didn't only make it, he rallied back to the living. I can't tell you how happy I am of that fact. He was always a good character that you wanted to know more about.
I think Davis decision to leave him up in arms add to the anticipation of his story. It was like you stood next to him, waiting and worrying.
The other wonderful part of this story, besides the fact that Clay is doing well is the fact that it brought both of the The Firefighters of Station Five & Sugarland Blue series together. I'm so glad we got to visit with everyone.
Because of Clay going through so much he needed someone special to be his partner, in life that is, and he found that in Melissa. I was worried that he wouldn't find anyone that could be perfect for him, but I didn't need to.
Melissa has some of her own issues, a killer family is on the top of that list. But even with all that she does a wonderful job of keeping her life on a good path. She works very hard at it. I loved both of these two characters and really enjoyed reading their story. I can't tell you how happy I am that they are both happy and healthy.
As much as I enjoyed this story, and I did very much I did have a few slight issues. One big one was the fact that it seemed that every other second Clay was or Melissa was in the hospital. Really, like after all Clay had been through they would have let this happen, or should I say keep happening. I'm not saying any of it was his fault, it was just a little over the top.
Other then that one bigger issue for me the rest didn't take away from the story. It's very much a good story, and if you've been waiting for Clay's story I promise you'll be happy. I would tell you that I think and this is only my opinion, I'd read both series from the beginning to really enjoy this one. Knowing the characters from the other book will give you a better idea of who everyone is. They are all so good that I know you'll breeze right through them.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
January 22, 2019
Danger and uniforms are a great combo!
There’s just somethin’, somethin’ about a man in uniform and this author’s firefighters have all that and more! I’ve read the Station Five series so of course I needed to dive into Sugarland Blues when it crossed my radar. Immediately. STAT! Where have these men in blue been hiding?
Clay and Melissa’s meeting seemed be random but the connections that developed between them were anything but. Clay was recovering from life-threatening injuries but was working hard to get back to the job he loved. That he lived for. Melissa found herself back home, looking for justice, not love. What started as happenstance soon became fate…
Oh the twists and turns that these two had! Two steps forward, 3 steps back in their goals while danger and life-threatening situations dogged every step. These characters were straight-forward, open and very likable – just the way I like them! Nothing contrived or false, other than the uncertainty that is bound to happen when things happen a mite too quickly.
While the plot may have unfolded in a not unpredictable manner, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the journey. I may have arrived late to the party but I’m just glad to be here as apparently, there are many Sugarland firefighters who found their one and I need to read them all… ~Diane, 4 stars
There’s just somethin’, somethin’ about a man in uniform and this author’s firefighters have all that and more! I’ve read the Station Five series so of course I needed to dive into Sugarland Blues when it crossed my radar. Immediately. STAT! Where have these men in blue been hiding?
Clay and Melissa’s meeting seemed be random but the connections that developed between them were anything but. Clay was recovering from life-threatening injuries but was working hard to get back to the job he loved. That he lived for. Melissa found herself back home, looking for justice, not love. What started as happenstance soon became fate…
Oh the twists and turns that these two had! Two steps forward, 3 steps back in their goals while danger and life-threatening situations dogged every step. These characters were straight-forward, open and very likable – just the way I like them! Nothing contrived or false, other than the uncertainty that is bound to happen when things happen a mite too quickly.
While the plot may have unfolded in a not unpredictable manner, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the journey. I may have arrived late to the party but I’m just glad to be here as apparently, there are many Sugarland firefighters who found their one and I need to read them all… ~Diane, 4 stars
May 31, 2019
DNF
I wasn't feel the chemistry between Clay and Melissa, and then BAM! they're having sex. I want more build up.
I wasn't feel the chemistry between Clay and Melissa, and then BAM! they're having sex. I want more build up.
January 5, 2017
Clay's body sometimes reacts at not so good times, "he sucked in a breath. “Right now, I think it’s you who needs to be careful.” The part of the towel covering his lap rose, giving proof to his words." Melissa sometimes likes to surprise her man, "grinning, she sneaked up behind him and reached between his legs, cupping his balls through his shorts. He yelped and spun around, then laughed. “Oh, it’s like that, is it?” I really liked this book a mixture of sweet amd naughty.
April 26, 2017
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
CLAY!! I am so glad that we finally go Clay’s story. As all of the guys/gals start to fall in love Clay finds himself the odd man out. But he is okay with that or he thought he was. There is nothing like almost dying to put your life into perspective.
Clay is great. I really liked his grit and determination to get back into the Station house. Throw in the tough new Detective Melissa Ryan and you get fireworks from the word go. I enjoyed the fireworks between these two. But I am thinking these two need to live in a safety bubble.
I loved how all the guys/gals of Station Five are always there for each other too. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series for us.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
CLAY!! I am so glad that we finally go Clay’s story. As all of the guys/gals start to fall in love Clay finds himself the odd man out. But he is okay with that or he thought he was. There is nothing like almost dying to put your life into perspective.
Clay is great. I really liked his grit and determination to get back into the Station house. Throw in the tough new Detective Melissa Ryan and you get fireworks from the word go. I enjoyed the fireworks between these two. But I am thinking these two need to live in a safety bubble.
I loved how all the guys/gals of Station Five are always there for each other too. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series for us.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
November 11, 2018
Our Rating:
The Hook: Clay Montana is desperate to prove himself worthy of returning to the firehouse, now that he’s almost completely healed from the near-fatal accident that left him in a coma for a short while. He almost feels like his old self; now he just has to get everyone else to see it. And when he meets a sexy, red-headed cop at a crime scene, he’s more than ready to get back in the saddle. But crime in Sugarland is always at work, and the cop he’s falling for is a target for danger…
The Verdict: I originally got hooked on Jo Davis’s Firefighters of Station Five series, and when it ran out, I grabbed everything I could find in her Sugarland Blue series. But it’s been a while, and I honestly thought the series was over — until this book jumped off the screen at me on NetGalley. I was planning on re-reading the previous books so I could finally review them (and have it be fresh in my mind), but I just couldn’t pass up the chance to get the next book when I had the chance. I still remember reading about the accident that nearly killed Clay, and since the firefighter series ended, I figured we’d never really find out much more. Needless to say, I was so excited to realize that the rest of his tale is a romance with one of Sugarland’s finest!
Clay was a bit of a womanizer before his accident, and that’s the only part of his old life he doesn’t really want back. So when a fiesty redhead catches his eye, he’s interested in more than a convenient and quick fling. Their initial meeting was kind of sweet, with Melissa looking out for him but letting him keep just a bit of his pride. But their second run-in was awesome, with a few flirty barbs thrown around as she arrested someone just on the other side of his fence. Even though they’d just met, there was some witty chemistry going on.
Melissa’s fairly new to the force, but Sugarland isn’t new to her at all. A pretty tragic loss during her childhood left her in the custody of a criminally minded uncle in Sugarland, but another relative soon whisked her away for a much better upbringing. Now that she’s back, her uncle knows she’s wearing a badge, and she knows he’s up to his usual crimes, so it’s just a matter of time before things blow up between them.
As with all the books in these two series, there’s danger around every corner, and it’s really kind of crazy how many times our favorite characters escape certain death. But all that drama and adrenaline certainly fosters a fast-developing romance, and with these two, it felt more like meant-to-be than insta-love. They were falling in love and heating up the bedroom in no time at all — between hospital visits, that is.
The one thing that didn’t really work for me, though, was all the supposed-to-be-sexy talk. I say supposed-to-be because these two really didn’t know each other that well, and it almost felt like they were trying way too hard to keep things turned on and up. I actually found myself skipping a few of the “love scenes” because the dialogue was just so over the top.
Still, Face the Flames was a quick, fast-paced, rollercoaster of a read, and it just adds another piece to an already great series!
March 30, 2017
This review was written by Marie for a guest review post on Ever After Book Reviews blog:
3.5 Stars
I’m going to review this book with a little What I Liked/Didn’t like, as I feel it’s probably the best way to really grasp my opinion on this story.
What I Liked
The Characters
Clay is someone that deserves his HEA. He’s sexy, sensitive, sweet and extremely charming. Not to mention the fact that he’s a firefighter (rawr!). Melissa, the female of Clay’s desire, is a down-to-earth, strong and sweet woman.
The Chemistry
Clay and Melissa had a cute and fun rapport. Their chemistry wasn’t over the top steamy, but they were definitely made for one another. From the moment they met, they knew they were made for each other.
The Story
Ms. Davis did a wonderful job of bringing Clay and Melissa together. The robbery/hero/rescuer play was brilliantly done, and made their quick-to-fall-in-love romance all the more believable.
What I Didn’t Like
The Sex
I know. This is weird. And perhaps I should clarify… I don’t mean the sex itself, I mean the language used to describe the sex. It was hokey and ridiculous most of the time, and made the sex comical instead of steamy. It was not the usual “sex talk”, and it made me uncomfortable for Clay and Melissa. To the point that I skipped over all of these scenes.
The Villain
Without giving anything away… I don’t like how the villain was almost forgotten about in the first half of the story. It bothered me that he was just mentioned as “evil”, but wasn’t given any “screen time”, as they’d say in the movies. The villain was such a pivotal part of the story, and should have been given their due.
Overall
All things aside, I really did enjoy Clay and Melissa’s story. They were a cute couple that were brought together under the perfect of circumstances. It was fun to watch them reach their happily ever after, and while there were pros and cons to this story, it is a quick, enjoyable read.
Fans of Jo Davis will enjoy Clay and Melissa’s story.
***I read and reviewed a paperback copy of the book offered to the blog by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
3.5 Stars
I’m going to review this book with a little What I Liked/Didn’t like, as I feel it’s probably the best way to really grasp my opinion on this story.
What I Liked
The Characters
Clay is someone that deserves his HEA. He’s sexy, sensitive, sweet and extremely charming. Not to mention the fact that he’s a firefighter (rawr!). Melissa, the female of Clay’s desire, is a down-to-earth, strong and sweet woman.
The Chemistry
Clay and Melissa had a cute and fun rapport. Their chemistry wasn’t over the top steamy, but they were definitely made for one another. From the moment they met, they knew they were made for each other.
The Story
Ms. Davis did a wonderful job of bringing Clay and Melissa together. The robbery/hero/rescuer play was brilliantly done, and made their quick-to-fall-in-love romance all the more believable.
What I Didn’t Like
The Sex
I know. This is weird. And perhaps I should clarify… I don’t mean the sex itself, I mean the language used to describe the sex. It was hokey and ridiculous most of the time, and made the sex comical instead of steamy. It was not the usual “sex talk”, and it made me uncomfortable for Clay and Melissa. To the point that I skipped over all of these scenes.
The Villain
Without giving anything away… I don’t like how the villain was almost forgotten about in the first half of the story. It bothered me that he was just mentioned as “evil”, but wasn’t given any “screen time”, as they’d say in the movies. The villain was such a pivotal part of the story, and should have been given their due.
Overall
All things aside, I really did enjoy Clay and Melissa’s story. They were a cute couple that were brought together under the perfect of circumstances. It was fun to watch them reach their happily ever after, and while there were pros and cons to this story, it is a quick, enjoyable read.
Fans of Jo Davis will enjoy Clay and Melissa’s story.
***I read and reviewed a paperback copy of the book offered to the blog by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
August 1, 2017
These type of books are pure candy. A sexy, hot romance with some over the top drama thrown in and BAM - entertainment.
Meet Clay Montana - local paramedic/firefighter who gets in a horrible accident while on his way to answer a call. A year later finds him working hard to get back to the life he knew. Having to relearn basic motor functions hasn't deterred him and he's determined to get his place back on his team. While out on a walk one day he happens upon a robbery where the clerk was shot. That's when Melissa Ryan enters. A detective new to the area - or rather back from a long break - she is instantly taken with Clay and the feeling is mutual. But funny thing about small towns, turns out her cousin is the one who caused Clay's accident. Talk about an awkward connection.
The story itself was pretty solid. I enjoyed Clay's relationships with his teammates. You could really feel the trust and loyalty between all of them and that added to the story. Melissa was also fairly solid just she had the added drama of a legit crazy family. The two of them together flowed nicely. They had an instant connection, but not instalove. They went out on dates and had conversations so that we could feel their connection.
But I do have to say, the drama was a little much. I mean, how many times can one guy hurt his head in such a small amount of time? And then another family has a son that gets shot and then the dad is in an accident. I mean, I get that it's a small town but geez. These people must just have extremely bad luck. Also, if it's such a small town with it's own hospital, how does that hospital suddenly become so over busy that it needs beds? Is the entire town coming in? I feel like this may be something I missed because this is the first I've read in this series and it is number 6.
All in all, a solid romance with a hot fireman. What more could you want from a quick read?
Meet Clay Montana - local paramedic/firefighter who gets in a horrible accident while on his way to answer a call. A year later finds him working hard to get back to the life he knew. Having to relearn basic motor functions hasn't deterred him and he's determined to get his place back on his team. While out on a walk one day he happens upon a robbery where the clerk was shot. That's when Melissa Ryan enters. A detective new to the area - or rather back from a long break - she is instantly taken with Clay and the feeling is mutual. But funny thing about small towns, turns out her cousin is the one who caused Clay's accident. Talk about an awkward connection.
The story itself was pretty solid. I enjoyed Clay's relationships with his teammates. You could really feel the trust and loyalty between all of them and that added to the story. Melissa was also fairly solid just she had the added drama of a legit crazy family. The two of them together flowed nicely. They had an instant connection, but not instalove. They went out on dates and had conversations so that we could feel their connection.
But I do have to say, the drama was a little much. I mean, how many times can one guy hurt his head in such a small amount of time? And then another family has a son that gets shot and then the dad is in an accident. I mean, I get that it's a small town but geez. These people must just have extremely bad luck. Also, if it's such a small town with it's own hospital, how does that hospital suddenly become so over busy that it needs beds? Is the entire town coming in? I feel like this may be something I missed because this is the first I've read in this series and it is number 6.
All in all, a solid romance with a hot fireman. What more could you want from a quick read?
March 7, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed a lot about this story. I particularly liked that when we initially meet Clay (aside from the prologue), he is not at his best physically, but is recovering from an injury that was sustained on the job. This is an interesting twist to a firefighter story, as usually they are the macho heroes with no weakness. I liked the difference.
I liked that Melissa was a police officer. That they were on equal footing when it came to being in public service, but that she was recognized as being capable of doing her job. There was some mention of the idea of women in traditionally male roles, but it was definitely not the focus, which I also liked.
The evolution of the relationship between Clay and Melissa felt authentic and I believed it. I thought they acted as people who were in a relationship that is just beginning, and who are a little reluctant to get involved due to where they each are in their lives and the things they are facing.
I liked going along for the ride, so to speak, with Clay as he worked to get his position back with his team (no spoilers on how that goes) and I thought the resolution was handled fairly well.
I thought there was, at least in my opinion, a little too much time and focus on the secondary characters and while it did enhance the story, I also thought it pulled away, a little, from the central narrative. But not enough for me to say I didn't like the story. I did.
I recommend this book.
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed a lot about this story. I particularly liked that when we initially meet Clay (aside from the prologue), he is not at his best physically, but is recovering from an injury that was sustained on the job. This is an interesting twist to a firefighter story, as usually they are the macho heroes with no weakness. I liked the difference.
I liked that Melissa was a police officer. That they were on equal footing when it came to being in public service, but that she was recognized as being capable of doing her job. There was some mention of the idea of women in traditionally male roles, but it was definitely not the focus, which I also liked.
The evolution of the relationship between Clay and Melissa felt authentic and I believed it. I thought they acted as people who were in a relationship that is just beginning, and who are a little reluctant to get involved due to where they each are in their lives and the things they are facing.
I liked going along for the ride, so to speak, with Clay as he worked to get his position back with his team (no spoilers on how that goes) and I thought the resolution was handled fairly well.
I thought there was, at least in my opinion, a little too much time and focus on the secondary characters and while it did enhance the story, I also thought it pulled away, a little, from the central narrative. But not enough for me to say I didn't like the story. I did.
I recommend this book.
March 15, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fa...
Face the Flames
Sugarland Blue, Book #6
By Jo Davis
ISBN# 9780451477002
Author’s Website: http://www.jodavis.net/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
After a severe wreck, on his way to a call firefighter/paramedic, Clay Montana, was dealt a severe head injury. He has spent the last year recovering and had to relearn how to do just about everything including walking! Now he’s chomping at the bit to get his job back and is so close he can taste it!
While taking a walk one day, he hears gunshots, he follows them to a gas station where he sees a man fleeing, and he knows he can’t catch the gunman, but goes inside and saves the young clerk from bleeding out until help arrives. Also, responding to the scene is fiery little redhead, Melissa, who Clay instantly knows he wants to see more of!
Melissa’s uncle is a career criminal, but one that is very smart and careful. Nobody has been able to touch him, but Melissa has moved back to Sugarland with the sole purpose of finally taking him down! But her uncle is well aware of her intentions and is determined to take her out before she gets the chance!
I usually like this series and I wanted to like this installment, but unfortunately I just didn’t. I found the romance between Clay and Melissa to be rather cheesy. And their first hook-up looked like a start to a bad porno, and unfortunately their later couplings weren’t a whole lot better.
“Anything I can do to speed along your recovery?”
Giving her a smoldering look from under his lashes, he said, “I thought you’d never ask.”
Then he reached for the towel secured at his hip, and flung it aside.”
They drove me nuts both referring to the other as “my lover” in their thoughts or “my man” and “my woman,” very rarely did they think their actual names.
A sexy firefighter and a bad-ass cop, I thought for sure I would love this book. But I found Melissa to be pretty weak, the proverbial damsel in distress. And Clay really wasn’t much better. He’s been trying to get back with his team for a year and he finally gets back and all he cares about is his ‘woman’. He was pretty whipped if you ask me.
I found all that happened to this couple all at once to be too much to be believable. And, they spent way too much time in the emergency room!
I found the idea of this book to be good, but it just lost it in the execution, which is a real shame.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Face the Flames
Sugarland Blue, Book #6
By Jo Davis
ISBN# 9780451477002
Author’s Website: http://www.jodavis.net/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
After a severe wreck, on his way to a call firefighter/paramedic, Clay Montana, was dealt a severe head injury. He has spent the last year recovering and had to relearn how to do just about everything including walking! Now he’s chomping at the bit to get his job back and is so close he can taste it!
While taking a walk one day, he hears gunshots, he follows them to a gas station where he sees a man fleeing, and he knows he can’t catch the gunman, but goes inside and saves the young clerk from bleeding out until help arrives. Also, responding to the scene is fiery little redhead, Melissa, who Clay instantly knows he wants to see more of!
Melissa’s uncle is a career criminal, but one that is very smart and careful. Nobody has been able to touch him, but Melissa has moved back to Sugarland with the sole purpose of finally taking him down! But her uncle is well aware of her intentions and is determined to take her out before she gets the chance!
I usually like this series and I wanted to like this installment, but unfortunately I just didn’t. I found the romance between Clay and Melissa to be rather cheesy. And their first hook-up looked like a start to a bad porno, and unfortunately their later couplings weren’t a whole lot better.
“Anything I can do to speed along your recovery?”
Giving her a smoldering look from under his lashes, he said, “I thought you’d never ask.”
Then he reached for the towel secured at his hip, and flung it aside.”
They drove me nuts both referring to the other as “my lover” in their thoughts or “my man” and “my woman,” very rarely did they think their actual names.
A sexy firefighter and a bad-ass cop, I thought for sure I would love this book. But I found Melissa to be pretty weak, the proverbial damsel in distress. And Clay really wasn’t much better. He’s been trying to get back with his team for a year and he finally gets back and all he cares about is his ‘woman’. He was pretty whipped if you ask me.
I found all that happened to this couple all at once to be too much to be believable. And, they spent way too much time in the emergency room!
I found the idea of this book to be good, but it just lost it in the execution, which is a real shame.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 5, 2017
I just . . . couldn't. Now, I like a firefighter book as much as the next person but this one was too much. Too much insta-everything. Insta-love between the main characters. They literally just met at a crime scene and later that night (or approximately) they were in bed? Insta-ability to do his job as a firefighter. I mean, at the beginning of the book he was limping along with a cane and out of shape. But he goes to the firefighter training compound the next day (or approximately) and all of a sudden he's running the obstacle course three times? Insta-stalker? She moves back to her hometown and without any contact it's assumed that it's her asshole uncle that's stalking them? Insta-horse sense. The girl (can't remember her name) shows him, briefly, one time on how to feed her horses and he's an expert on getting them settled for the night and they are fine with him? And then the rattlesnake. That's where I had to stop. Oh, and Clay's mom was pretty cool and they seemed like they had a good relationship but it really could have turned into a momma's boy situation really fast. I mean, yeah, she took care of his life while he was in the hospital so he owes her but it seemed to be a bit much at times.
February 12, 2017
Lets return to Sugarland- the land of hot fireman and cops. Clay is a fireman/EMT and is hurt while on duty. He meets detective Melissa while recoperating and thats all he wrote. But family has a way to interfere with true love but these two make it through -another hot Sugerland book. from netgalley/night owl review.
February 5, 2017
I have been a fan of Jo Davis for a long time, and her firefighter and police heroes have been some of my favorite reads, however this one just didn't work for me. It wasn't bad, the writing wasn't bad, the storyline wasn't bad.... I just didn't CARE. I didn't love Clay and had a hard time seeing him as hero material. I gave up on this halfway through because I was bored. So disappointing!
June 13, 2018
Ii could have been a good book, unfortunately, I had to rate it only 2 stars because there's a great lack of consistency and too much “lovers”. There are so many errors I don’t know how the Sugarland Universe has not crumbled. Also, I think the author could make it easier to everybody if she renamed the main characters. If they are always going to think about the other as his/her lover and nearly never use the actual name, Clay should be called “loverboy” and Melissa “lovergirl”. It was hard to digest so many sentences of the sort “his lover was going to come home with him” or “her lover gave her the strength she needed at the moment”
I have to say that to me it’s difficult to understand how a writer can start a new book on a series without being aware of the previous developments along the story arc. No notes taken along the way? Never re read? Who did the proof reading and didn’t realize? Someone needs memory aids?
Some examples here:
1. Sugarland Blue is a spinoff of Firefighters of the Station Five. The first book of the Firefighters series tells the story of Howard Paxton. He was an abused child left to die in the woods and later adopted by Ben Bentley and his wife. When he comes of age, he drops his own family name and takes his middle name (Paxton) as such, not the Bentley name. Now in Face the Flames, former Chief Bentley (Howard’s father), is called Ben Paxton… Nope, I’m, sorry but Ben Paxton is Howard’ son, not his father.
2. Along the Firefighters series it comes the time when Big Boss Chief Bentley finally retires, and that means a lot of carrier ladder. So, regarding to Station 5, Captain Tanner becomes Battalion Chief and leaves the Station, Lt. Howard Paxton becomes the new Captain, Zack Knight -the FAO- becomes the new Lieutenant and Julian Salvatore the new FAO. But… we never see Julian as FAO and driving the truck as the previous FAO did, just Julian with Clay or Eve in the ambulance. Not on any Firefighters book, not on any Sugarland Blue book. If Julian doesn’t act as FAO nor does Clay (who was FAO to another shift prior to his incorporation to the A shift at Station Five), who the heck is the FAO now?
3. We are told at the beginning of this Sugarland universe that the FAO drives the truck with the Captain riding shotgun, and the Lieutenant goes shotgun in the ambulance (sometimes drives). What do we find on Face the Flames? We’ve seen we don’t know who the FAO is nor who drives the truck, and also we do not know where the Captain rides. Now is the Lieutenant who rides shotgun in the truck. Is the author adapting it to Chicago Fire?
4. On Sugarland Blue book five we discover out of the blue (pun not intended!) that there’s a police lieutenant on Sugarland PD called Danny who we did not know nothing about before book five. No mention on the firsts four books even if he is supposed to be the Captain’s partner. Reading this sixth book, we find no Danny, he’s disappeared again. Where is Danny?
And so on, a total mess. It was a pity to give the book only two stars, but the author put me on that position, I couldn’t do any other thing if I was going to be honest.
I have to say that to me it’s difficult to understand how a writer can start a new book on a series without being aware of the previous developments along the story arc. No notes taken along the way? Never re read? Who did the proof reading and didn’t realize? Someone needs memory aids?
Some examples here:
1. Sugarland Blue is a spinoff of Firefighters of the Station Five. The first book of the Firefighters series tells the story of Howard Paxton. He was an abused child left to die in the woods and later adopted by Ben Bentley and his wife. When he comes of age, he drops his own family name and takes his middle name (Paxton) as such, not the Bentley name. Now in Face the Flames, former Chief Bentley (Howard’s father), is called Ben Paxton… Nope, I’m, sorry but Ben Paxton is Howard’ son, not his father.
2. Along the Firefighters series it comes the time when Big Boss Chief Bentley finally retires, and that means a lot of carrier ladder. So, regarding to Station 5, Captain Tanner becomes Battalion Chief and leaves the Station, Lt. Howard Paxton becomes the new Captain, Zack Knight -the FAO- becomes the new Lieutenant and Julian Salvatore the new FAO. But… we never see Julian as FAO and driving the truck as the previous FAO did, just Julian with Clay or Eve in the ambulance. Not on any Firefighters book, not on any Sugarland Blue book. If Julian doesn’t act as FAO nor does Clay (who was FAO to another shift prior to his incorporation to the A shift at Station Five), who the heck is the FAO now?
3. We are told at the beginning of this Sugarland universe that the FAO drives the truck with the Captain riding shotgun, and the Lieutenant goes shotgun in the ambulance (sometimes drives). What do we find on Face the Flames? We’ve seen we don’t know who the FAO is nor who drives the truck, and also we do not know where the Captain rides. Now is the Lieutenant who rides shotgun in the truck. Is the author adapting it to Chicago Fire?
4. On Sugarland Blue book five we discover out of the blue (pun not intended!) that there’s a police lieutenant on Sugarland PD called Danny who we did not know nothing about before book five. No mention on the firsts four books even if he is supposed to be the Captain’s partner. Reading this sixth book, we find no Danny, he’s disappeared again. Where is Danny?
And so on, a total mess. It was a pity to give the book only two stars, but the author put me on that position, I couldn’t do any other thing if I was going to be honest.
July 14, 2017
Face the Flames is the sixth book in the Sugarland Blue series by Jo Davis. I have not tread the previous books in the series, but was still able to fully enjoy the series. Those that have read the other books will likely get more out of the read just because of the prior knowledge about the characters that appear as secondary players in the story.
A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life. Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she s no stranger to Sugarland. It is where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities. Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions
Face the Flames is a small town, first responder romance. Clay is towards the end of his recovery after a serious accident that almost killed him and Melissa is a police office a little obsessed with busting the Uncle that runs a huge illegal moonshine operation. When they meet they instantly connect, and almost instantly start dating. I think the getting together was a little too easy, and while sometimes it really does work like that I felt like they never really talked about any issues or expectations they had about their relationship. They only focused on the external or danger related issues. I was a little bothered by a couple things- like how Clay's internal dialogue got all cave man when Melissa was hurt or in danger. She is an officer, it is going to happen- and pretty regularly, even though the circumstances at the time were a little out of the ordinary. I also got a a little frustrated with the lack of concern about Clay and his head injuries. I have known people that have been told to avoid alcohol and change jobs after receiving too many concussions- I would think that Clay would fall in that category by the end of the book. While I enjoyed the read, I was a little annoyed with how little the two discussed anything and how many twists put them in danger and the hospital.
Face the Flames is a romance that seemed both too easy and too hard to me, but kept me happily reading and entertained for a summer weekend. I think fans of the series will consider this a must read, but those that want more character development might not want to start the series here.
A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life. Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she s no stranger to Sugarland. It is where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities. Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions
Face the Flames is a small town, first responder romance. Clay is towards the end of his recovery after a serious accident that almost killed him and Melissa is a police office a little obsessed with busting the Uncle that runs a huge illegal moonshine operation. When they meet they instantly connect, and almost instantly start dating. I think the getting together was a little too easy, and while sometimes it really does work like that I felt like they never really talked about any issues or expectations they had about their relationship. They only focused on the external or danger related issues. I was a little bothered by a couple things- like how Clay's internal dialogue got all cave man when Melissa was hurt or in danger. She is an officer, it is going to happen- and pretty regularly, even though the circumstances at the time were a little out of the ordinary. I also got a a little frustrated with the lack of concern about Clay and his head injuries. I have known people that have been told to avoid alcohol and change jobs after receiving too many concussions- I would think that Clay would fall in that category by the end of the book. While I enjoyed the read, I was a little annoyed with how little the two discussed anything and how many twists put them in danger and the hospital.
Face the Flames is a romance that seemed both too easy and too hard to me, but kept me happily reading and entertained for a summer weekend. I think fans of the series will consider this a must read, but those that want more character development might not want to start the series here.
March 6, 2017
I was excited to read this book for several reasons 1) I've never read a book by Jo Davis and 2) I love firemen stories. Also, I'd like to say that even though this is book 6 in the series, this is the first one I've read and it could be read as a stand alone.
Clay is a fireman on the way to a call when his truck is hit by someone running a red light. His injuries are extensive which puts him out of commission as a fire fighter for a year. He's chomping at the bit to return to work but knows he's got to be his best so he can help others. By chance, he hears s gun fire and sees two men fleeing from a store. He goes in to help the victim (who works there and also is kin to a cop). Detectives show up and he sees ......Melissa. His playboy days could be in danger with this one. He thinks she's beautiful and has a list going of things he'd like to do to her.
Melissa is from Sugarland and has returned to take down her uncle. He's evil and since the local police department can't nail him, she's here to do the job. She goes on a call where someone has been shot at the convenient store and there she sees a gorgeous specimen of a man....Clay.
Melissa and Clay clicked from the beginning and quickly became an item. But, what happens when someone is after Melissa? She suspects it's her uncle but has no proof so far. Can Clay protect her?
I enjoyed this book. To me, it was very "real life", which made for a captivating story! These two have so many dangerous situations that you are on the edge of your seat wondering if they'll make it through. Loved Clay, but then who doesn't love a hot, sweet, sexy fireman! The only thing that kinda irritated me was when they were so polite to each other after sex. Maybe, it's just me, but it annoyed me.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Clay is a fireman on the way to a call when his truck is hit by someone running a red light. His injuries are extensive which puts him out of commission as a fire fighter for a year. He's chomping at the bit to return to work but knows he's got to be his best so he can help others. By chance, he hears s gun fire and sees two men fleeing from a store. He goes in to help the victim (who works there and also is kin to a cop). Detectives show up and he sees ......Melissa. His playboy days could be in danger with this one. He thinks she's beautiful and has a list going of things he'd like to do to her.
Melissa is from Sugarland and has returned to take down her uncle. He's evil and since the local police department can't nail him, she's here to do the job. She goes on a call where someone has been shot at the convenient store and there she sees a gorgeous specimen of a man....Clay.
Melissa and Clay clicked from the beginning and quickly became an item. But, what happens when someone is after Melissa? She suspects it's her uncle but has no proof so far. Can Clay protect her?
I enjoyed this book. To me, it was very "real life", which made for a captivating story! These two have so many dangerous situations that you are on the edge of your seat wondering if they'll make it through. Loved Clay, but then who doesn't love a hot, sweet, sexy fireman! The only thing that kinda irritated me was when they were so polite to each other after sex. Maybe, it's just me, but it annoyed me.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
July 3, 2017
It was good to see the series end with Clay's recovery and return to work. Although I think he spent as much time in the hospital as he did with his new girlfriend, Melissa Ryan.
There are many similarities between this book and others in the series, including the question of one crew member's sexual preference and some of the exact same lines. Again, some mysteries are not solved, such as why firefighter Jamie is always bruised.
Some details are a bit far fetched. Shane's ward, Drew (the biological son of a former NFL star) is now 19. He is wounded while working in a convenience store. I don't know many parents who would allow or be happy with their child working at a convenience store, simply due to the possibility of armed robbery on the job.
Also, Melissa's cousin has apparently broken out of prison, but no mention was made of it until he shows up with menacing intentions. Melissa and her detective coworkers, as well as Clay, his former victim should have been aware of his escape.
There are many similarities between this book and others in the series, including the question of one crew member's sexual preference and some of the exact same lines. Again, some mysteries are not solved, such as why firefighter Jamie is always bruised.
Some details are a bit far fetched. Shane's ward, Drew (the biological son of a former NFL star) is now 19. He is wounded while working in a convenience store. I don't know many parents who would allow or be happy with their child working at a convenience store, simply due to the possibility of armed robbery on the job.
Also, Melissa's cousin has apparently broken out of prison, but no mention was made of it until he shows up with menacing intentions. Melissa and her detective coworkers, as well as Clay, his former victim should have been aware of his escape.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2017
This is the story i have been waiting for Clay's.
Clay is involved in a major accident still few a few months on from the accident Clay is in rehab, pushing himself to the very limits in the hope that he can go back to work but Clay is far from being fit let alone returning back to work.
One day Clay is out walking on one of his walking exercises when he spots a attempted robbery taking place he gets there in time to save the day but the attempted robber gets away. Its here that Clay meets Detective Melanie Ryan as she is the Detective on the scene and case. As soon as they spot one another their is a immediate attraction between the two of them.
I can't say to much more without giving away any spoilers but i will say this Melissa came back to bring down her criminal uncle but will someone like her uncle go down easily?.And what happens when Melissa's uncle finds out about her involvement with Clay??
Clay is involved in a major accident still few a few months on from the accident Clay is in rehab, pushing himself to the very limits in the hope that he can go back to work but Clay is far from being fit let alone returning back to work.
One day Clay is out walking on one of his walking exercises when he spots a attempted robbery taking place he gets there in time to save the day but the attempted robber gets away. Its here that Clay meets Detective Melanie Ryan as she is the Detective on the scene and case. As soon as they spot one another their is a immediate attraction between the two of them.
I can't say to much more without giving away any spoilers but i will say this Melissa came back to bring down her criminal uncle but will someone like her uncle go down easily?.And what happens when Melissa's uncle finds out about her involvement with Clay??
March 7, 2017
Face the Flames by Jo Davis is the 6th book in her Sugarland Blue series. We have been waiting for Clay’s story, and it did not disappoint. Almost immediately, we see Clay in a major accident driving the Fire station emergency vehicle. The story then shifts to months later, as Clay is still in rehab, pushing himself to be able to prove he can go back to work at the Fire House, but Clay still has a way to go.
While painfully pushing himself doing walking exercises, Clay notices a robbery attempt. He was just in time to save the young boy behind the counter, but the robber got away. It is here that we meet our heroine, Detective Melissa Ryan, as she reports to the scene of the crime.
Both Melissa and Clay are attracted to each other from the start, as their chemistry heats up the place quickly. Clay has always been a playboy, and teases his co-workers who have found their mates; but his perspective after the accident changes him, and he slowly begins to see that maybe just maybe he wants to find one girl to spend his life with. Though he is somewhat handicapped, he is determined to court Melissa.
Melissa is new to Sugarland and the police force. She has been a cop for years, but decides to return home to help bring her criminal uncle to justice. The focus of this story besides Clay and Melissa’s scorching hot romance, is the tense danger that both Melissa and Clay will be put in the middle of, as her Uncle and his men will stop at nothing to bring them down.
Rather than tell too much more would be spoilers, but the story is intense at times, and very sexy other times. I thought that this story did have more sexual scenes then in the other books, which at times did take away somewhat from the other tense story line. I love seeing the other characters from Sugarland play a part, especially Melissa & Clay’s co-workers. Both Clay and Melissa were wonderful together, and Melissa was very supportive in Clay’s determination to be able to go back to being a fire fighter. Face the Flames was a wonderful exciting story, with a great couple, great supporting cast, and a evil villain. I suggest you read the entire Sugarland Blue series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
While painfully pushing himself doing walking exercises, Clay notices a robbery attempt. He was just in time to save the young boy behind the counter, but the robber got away. It is here that we meet our heroine, Detective Melissa Ryan, as she reports to the scene of the crime.
Both Melissa and Clay are attracted to each other from the start, as their chemistry heats up the place quickly. Clay has always been a playboy, and teases his co-workers who have found their mates; but his perspective after the accident changes him, and he slowly begins to see that maybe just maybe he wants to find one girl to spend his life with. Though he is somewhat handicapped, he is determined to court Melissa.
Melissa is new to Sugarland and the police force. She has been a cop for years, but decides to return home to help bring her criminal uncle to justice. The focus of this story besides Clay and Melissa’s scorching hot romance, is the tense danger that both Melissa and Clay will be put in the middle of, as her Uncle and his men will stop at nothing to bring them down.
Rather than tell too much more would be spoilers, but the story is intense at times, and very sexy other times. I thought that this story did have more sexual scenes then in the other books, which at times did take away somewhat from the other tense story line. I love seeing the other characters from Sugarland play a part, especially Melissa & Clay’s co-workers. Both Clay and Melissa were wonderful together, and Melissa was very supportive in Clay’s determination to be able to go back to being a fire fighter. Face the Flames was a wonderful exciting story, with a great couple, great supporting cast, and a evil villain. I suggest you read the entire Sugarland Blue series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
October 31, 2017
A good addition to this series.
August 27, 2018
Love this series
June 18, 2025
Library book.
Spicy.
Spicy.
September 21, 2025
Too much hospital time.... Not ideal. Also, three times (?) 'this isn't going to last'.
March 16, 2017
It seems like if it wasn't for bad luck Clay would have no luck! I loved how as he was getting his life back together that he ran across Melissa and felt an instant connection and neither shied away. It's just too bad that the bad luck that Clay had followed the two of them. Every time they turned around one or the other was getting hurt. The best part of this book was everyone, police and fire do what they could to help Melissa and Clay, especially at the end!
March 10, 2017
✦Review: Face the Flames (Sugarland Blue Novel) by Jo Davis http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8cR
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I love the Sugarland Blue series, who doesn’t like hot first responders, and Clay is no exception. He had a realistic quality that I found quite endearing and only made him sexier. Melissa was also very likeable, so that I cared what happened to her right off. The story was sexy and full of constant danger. My only complaint would be that some of the situations were rather improbable and a few times, unnecessary. That being said, it was a fun, quick read that has me looking forward to the next installment.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I love the Sugarland Blue series, who doesn’t like hot first responders, and Clay is no exception. He had a realistic quality that I found quite endearing and only made him sexier. Melissa was also very likeable, so that I cared what happened to her right off. The story was sexy and full of constant danger. My only complaint would be that some of the situations were rather improbable and a few times, unnecessary. That being said, it was a fun, quick read that has me looking forward to the next installment.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2017
A really exciting read
February 26, 2017
Jo Davis never disappoints, I love this series!!!
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