Coming out was supposed to fix everything. Once firefighter David Newsome found the courage to admit his sexuality, he expected life to get better. Instead, studying to become an arson investigator is kicking his ass, his father's critical voice plays relentlessly on his mind, and he still can't get to first base with another man. Scoring a date at a charity auction might have meant things were looking up… if only the man who’d won him was gay. Love is guaranteed to break your heart. After losing his wife to a drunk driver, Quinn Harper only has two raising his son, and finding a job. When his sister pawns off the “date” she won at a charity auction, he’s definitely not looking for love. Especially not with a man. The holidays add stress I don’t need right now. With the holidays bearing down on them, the two concoct a plan to fake a relationship together. Keeping well-intentioned, matchmaking friends and family off their backs seems like a great idea… but will the lie they’ve trapped themselves in deny them the chance for true happiness? Truth on Fire is a steamy, standalone gay for you romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhangers.
*I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.*
Um.... Huh?
Ugh, let me get my head on straight.
See, the book started out GREAT. Amazingly great. So great, in fact, that I was going to recommend it to a dear friend of mine mid-book. Boy, am I glad I didn't!
First, what happened? What just happened to Quinn and David? They both started off as this sinfully witty couple, who got along really well. David was enamoured by Quinn, and Quinn was becoming bold because of the ease with which David brightened up his life.
And then things started going sour when the 'freakout' happened. The story fell through for me then. I just lost all interest. I kept on reading, mind you. I don't give up easily, but it was hard. Real hard. I kept waiting for something that didn't happen - for things to get interesting again.
Second, what was up with Brian? He sounded alternately like a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old. What's up with that? If Brian had been his age throughout and not have had that character inconsistency, I would have soldiered on. But, alas, it wasn't meant to be. And I'm sooooo disappointed. Disheartened, really. I was gushing about the book like a fanatic to my friends, and for what? For a book that misled me to great heights, only to drop me off so hard?
"What was the point about being more nervous about this get-together than any of his real dates with real gay men?"
"He was still stunned at how willing Quinn was to talk about football. It proved that you couldn't judge a man by his appearance." (He's a muscular, 6'5" firefighter...)
"He knew his son was getting older every day..."
Yeah, kids tend to do that. It's fucking bizarre.
"...but it was still scary to start letting him do more risky things."
He's dipping food in chocolate fondue...
"... All the sudden... "
"... At a gay party..."
"I'm at least part gay."
"We're both men here. We both have hot, aggressive burning desires. Stop treating me like a delicate flower and fuck me like a man."
Hey, Zach Jenkins; the 18th century called. It wants its gender biases back.
I don't know about the truth being on fire, but I'm pretty sure this book should be.
I liked this book well enough but I enjoyed book one better. In book two, Quinn is a widower, father of a 6-year-old, and straight; David is a firefighter and newly out of the closet. Quinn and David decide to pretend date in order to avoid being badgered about their love lives over the holidays by well-meaning friends and family. Huh. Oooookay.
Things get wonky when they act on their mutual physical attraction. As their budding friendship begins to blossom to romance, Quinn freaks a little and kinda bails. I enjoyed the angst but didn't like that David was very near to doormat territory. Happily, this story didn't go there but it was close. The wrap was satisfying but Quinn was too dense for my liking.
David is a recently out firefighter who longs to be in his first relationship. After a series of bad dates and insipid efforts he stumbles upon Quinn, a widowed father who wins David by proxy in a Bachelor auction. Quinn is straight and actually was gifted David by his sister. There was no indication that his sister thought Quinn may be gay/bi nor was there any serious intent on either of their parts for Quinn to date. We are presented with this scenario as a fait accompli and are left to deal with it. The story develops from this scanty premise but seemed to be going in a decent direction. The banter had me smiling, the personalities were engaging until BAM we were invited in and introduced to a slammed door. Whammo. Right in the kisser. By the time I picked myself up and brushed myself off, the story had shifted in the most bizarre direction.
The burgeoning attraction between the MCs started to feel forced and then out of the blue, Quinn morphed into an unholy, indecisive asshole. He was so conflicted for reasons that could have been valid if the author presented the story differently but as it stood was just short of unfeeling. I am not exaggerating when I reveal how turned off I was by Quinn. His approach to David's feelings were so uncaring and cold, the estrangement so unnecessary and distracting that when they made up again I was waaaaaay past caring. I couldn't believe in the love and simply wanted to warn David to stay far far away. While we are at it, let's discuss how pathetic David became so much so that he was just barely supportive of his lifelong best friend's wedding. Then can we briefly point to the son Brian's inconsistent characterization? What the hey, I just can't with this review either. Just ...no
I had high hopes for this book. The start was so damned promising but here we are with this pitiful tale about something, with a main character that I almost despised and I am simply annoyed. After racing through to the end just to be done, I give this 1 pitiful star for execution. 2 stars for promise. Average 1.5.
This was my favorite of the three books in this series. Brian was adorable. David and Quinn were the biggest dorks. They gave each other a high five after having sex the first time. It was just a sweet story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
David and Quinn are just so adorable together! This story is a bit of a roller coaster with numerous ups and downs... It is a complete emotional workout and defintely more than worth the read! Not too mention you get not only an adorable 4 yo but more of Ezra & Clay as well! It's a no-brainer; you hjust have to read it!
I loved that Quinn and David accidentally ended up dating. The circumstances around them meeting and deciding to fake a relationship were delightfully silly. I also loved seeing Quinn learn that he isn't as straight as he had always assumed.
It was interesting that all of the adults that Quinn came into contact with were not only ok with him being with a man, but accepting and supportive of it. But Quinn kept freaking out because of random teenagers making homophobic comments in his hearing; as if all of his peers were nothing, but pubescent posturing would somehow define everything in his life if he came out as not straight. I'm very glad that Quinn's family and David's friends were able to make both men see how fear isn't a good place to start from when making choices about love.
This is a cute story. The Holidays are hard on most singles and some find dates to protect themselves from well meaning family members. The guys in this story decide to have a pretend relationship during the holidays to get everyone off their backs. It shouldn't matter that one is gay and the other is straight, but when lines start to blur, what will happen to their new friendship?
I really liked this book. The characters are done well and the story it cute.
I guess I would call this a fluff story...The only angst is really between the MCs. The setting was in a place that was rather hard to believe...But just fluffy fun, I guess.
I loved it. Love the series in fact. Great characters. David was just what Quinn and Brian needed. Plus, He is funny. I hope there are more in the series.
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
Whereas I didn't warmed up really at the first book of the series I liked this instantly. The connection between David and Quinn felt more natural for me than Clay and Ezra.
Their meeting is quite unconventional but I liked it and it was a funny start of their relationship.
I really lost my heart at David, maybe it's because I can't really neutrally judge a guy with the name David because of another beloved character in a series - who knows xD But aside this spleen of me I liked this character and I felt his development stronger than Clay's or Ezra's character in book one. Quinn was a little problematic at first but this fact was soon fade away. I really liked how he act as a parent - he is a great rolemodel and I can say I also love his son. His son Brian, however was... he confused me sometimes. He was sweet and charming but sometimes I was a bit confused about the child's age... He sometimes spoke very adult like, very wise in a lack of a better term for know...
The problems in the book were realistic told and it felt everything quite natural for me. I'm satisfied with this read. :)
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review...
I admit for some reason there were times that I found myself losing interest in the book. There were times it just didn't seem to be going anywhere. But I am so glad that I stuck it out. I love David and Quinn - gotta admit I love David just a little more. The characters are well written and are easy to associate with. I'll admit I even cried a couple of times. Overall I loved the story and hope to see more of them in the future!!
I liked this story. These two liked each other upon their initial meeting and both decided to fake a relationship to get family and friends to stop harassing them about their dating lives or lack there of. What started off as fake leads to something more. We are able to see how they navigate the changes.
4.5 stars... Simple and sweet... full of love and passion... one of the best read M/M book I've read... loved the passion and the simplicity of the story...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This book was great. I loved all the characters and all the struggles that were thrown at them. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I definitely will be reading more. Thank you for allowing me to read your work!
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we get David's story and we meet Quinn. David has realized that he is gay and realized after his friend Clay found the love of his life in Ezra (which we find in Love on Fire). David is willing to try dating men but so far he just hasn't met one that has meant anything to him. As in there are no second dates on the horizon. So when he gets talked into being a bachelor in a charity auction he thinks this is the worst idea ever. But this is the night he will meet a man who will change his idea of no one is worth a second date, the only problem this man is straight. Can he finally be with a man who is worthy of more or is he destined to only first date guys?
Quinn has lost is wife less than a year ago and is solely focused on his son. Though his family has been pushing him to get back out there, he just doesn't feel he is ready yet. So when he meets David he is not sure what he feels but he knows at least he has found a new friend. The problem is the more time they spend together them more Quinn is confused about how he feels about David. His other thought is it's not just about him he has a son to think about to. What happens when he finds that it is all to late and the person he wants might not be the one he can have for the long haul?
What do you do when the one you want doesn't want you back? Do you fight for the chance or just hope and pray it will all work out? This is a great story about two men who have different ideas about what they want their future to be. The more they try and fight to figure out what it is they really want the more they are confused about what they can really have. This is a great book about finding out what you are willing to fight for and what you are willing to walk from. I think this is a great book that will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.
This is book 2 of the Firefighters on the Fox series but can be read as a standalone with no problem.
Quinn and David meet in an interesting way and have a “date.” They connect as friends then agree to have a pretend relationship (even though Quinn is straight) to keep their friends and relatives from fixing them up with bad dates during the holidays.
Quinn and David soon grow close but Quinn has a son, Brian, to think about and he’s concerned that Brian will be hurt once his pretend relationship with David is over.
I felt the connection between David and Quinn. I know a lot of people have problems with a “gay for you” storyline but I usually enjoy them and this one was no exception. Quinn has the most difficult situation, I think, because he’s straight and has to make his family and friends believe that his relationship with David is real. Once he realizes that he has real romantic feelings for David he gets cold feet and the path to Quinn and David’s HEA gets pretty rocky.
David has issues to overcome because of how he was treated by his father. I loved that Quinn was able to help him overcome some of those issues with his skills as a teacher.
Overall this was a very good read for me.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
WOW!! They just keep getting better!!! Zach Jenkins has done a great job writing this HOT, Sexy, and emotional series. This is the second novel of the series and the Firemen just get hotter. David is a long time fireman that has just realized he was really gay, but has never experienced sex with any other man. He is going to be auctioned off at a favorite charity for a date and dinner. Quinn is a substitute teacher who is currently unemployed. His wife died 3 years ago and has not wanted to date again and with a five year boy he never finds the time. Quinn's sister bids on David for her brother at least for friendship. They get along great, but Quinn is straight so they eventually agree to pretend to be boyfriends so their family and friends don't set them up during the holidays. But their good intentions get them in a lot deeper than intended. Quinn is so afraid that he and his son will be hurt when David leaves when their pretend is over, so he walks away.... A very emotional story and a heartfelt one as well. They both deserve a HEA❤️
I received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review.
Quinn and David made a fantastic couple when they eventually pulled themselves together. I could understand they were both apprehensive but if they had talked a little more as things were developing then half the book wouldn't have happened. I was very frustrated with them and the story as Quinn kept doing about turns throughout. Quinn had been hurt and was reluctant to be hurt again but eventually he saw sense. There was lots of sweet moments and you could feel a connection between the two Mcs. They were both first timers in the whole gay relationship stakes. They did really well for parts but then acted like kids at other times. I loved seeing Clay and Ezra again and other friends that were in the first book of the series. To say this is the second book it can be read as a standalone. It was a good book I did enjoy it.
3 1/2 stars because I love a gfy-ofy story and butt virgins. This story has both but I felt something was missing. What I find appealing about a gfy/virgin story is the journey and the discovery. When both are developed to their full potential, that's a winner to me. This is the second book of the series but can be read as a stand alone. I liked it better than the first one. In this installment, we get to see a little of Clay and Ezra, from book 1, since they are friends with David. The MCs were likeable guys, especially David. Quinn had more issues but they were understandable due to his story and the fact that he had a kid. The sexy times were not very steamy. I was put off a little by their dialogue. And I felt that the author could have done so much more with the white canvas that were David and Quinn. Overall an ok read and I got it free with Amazon Kindle.
David is a newly out firefighter who has had all the blind dates from hell. Quinn is now a single father since the death of his wife. He also tried the dating scene but decided it was better to stay home and concentrate on raising his son. Convinced by his best friends to be a bachelor to be auctioned off for charity David is dismayed when there are no gay men in the audience to bid on him. A last minute bid from the table at the back saves David from an embarrassing situation. When the winner arrives (a woman) she is accompanied by her handsome brother-Quinn. The sister passes the date on to Quinn and from here on ensues a tumultuous love story. The characters are warm and sympathetic. The plotlines interesting with fun, angst and miscommunication. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing the characters in future books.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book * I loved this book, and I've got to say it was even better than book 1. I stayed up all night so consumed by the story that I could not stop until I reached the last page. I loved how Quinn was open to explore the relationship with David and how David easily connected with Quinn's son, Brian, and other family members. I enjoyed how they explored their sexual relationship since they both were new to the whole experience. Seeing Clay and Ezra was great a treat! And that ending with David having a special gift and question he had for Quinn was a great ending. *I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book *
I enjoyed this sweet romance. It hooked me from the beginning and I had trouble putting it down. I really loved Quinn and David`s story there emotions and issues felt real and there chemistry and love came through. A sweet enjoyable gay for you romance hi recommend . I can't wait for the next book in this series by Zach Jenkins I was given an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved it. I loved the first one and this one was just as great. This has been a great series. I am really enjoying this author's work. I thought it was well written with nicely developed characters. I am looking to see what comes out next. i hope to see some of the secondary characters get their own stories. I can't wait to read more. It was totally with the time.
David is a firefighter and having problems finding the man for him. He meets Quinn who is jobless and taking care of his child. They meet under some different circumstances.
They develop a friendship first before a relationship. David must overcome issues with his dad and had Quinn to help.
I liked this book as I had liked the first in the series too. Check it out.
Firstly let me say this series is HOT! Zach does a great job with laying out a great storyline, making his characters believable and draws readers in. I Love how he continues building on the storyline of his previous book so the story never leaves out the characters you fall in love with before.
Truth in Fire Quinn lost his wife and is raising his son. His sister bids on a sexy fireman and gives him the date. David has just come out and is looking for love. Quinn and David are sweet and since they are both single decide to pretend to be dating through the holidays to keep family and friends from offering more blind dates. Pretend turns into real. Sweet story.
I enjoyed this book. It had a lot of cheesy moments, but it was still fun to read. Sometimes cheese has its place, and the author rolled with it well. This is a good quick read if you are not looking for something too engaging, but cute and light.