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Firefighters of Station Five #1
Trial by Fire
Dont get burned...
Lieutenant Howard Six- Pack Paxton loves three things: being a firefighter, riding his Harley, and his bachelorhood. That is, until the curvaceous Kat McKenna falls into his arms at the scene of a fire and melts the six-foot-six tower of bronze muscle
But just as passion ignites between them and they explore new heights of ecstasy, a ruthless arsonist with a deadly secret and a thirst for vengeance becomes their worst nightmare.
Lieutenant Howard Six- Pack Paxton loves three things: being a firefighter, riding his Harley, and his bachelorhood. That is, until the curvaceous Kat McKenna falls into his arms at the scene of a fire and melts the six-foot-six tower of bronze muscle
But just as passion ignites between them and they explore new heights of ecstasy, a ruthless arsonist with a deadly secret and a thirst for vengeance becomes their worst nightmare.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2008
76 people are currently reading
4470 people want to read
About the author
Jo Davis
36 books753 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 349 reviews
November 20, 2015
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I am a huge fan of Romantic Suspense! Until recently, I had no idea there were so many authors who could write the genre and really do it justice, but lately I’ve had a windfall of great reads within the Romantic Suspense field, including this book, Trial by Fire, which happens to be my first Jo Davis read.
Kat McKenna is house sitting both her parent’s home, and the home of their neighbors across the street who are taking a cruise together. Like any house sitter worth her weight in whatever house sitters are worth, she stops by to water their petunias – which by the way was very believable to me – and notices a fire has started in the living room of the neighbor’s home. She calls 911, grabs a garden hose and rushes into the house to see what she can do while waiting for the fire department to arrive. She’s worried that maybe she left something on; a light, an appliance, something that might have caused this, but she was certain she’d been careful and this couldn’t have been her fault. As she’s there spraying water around, trying to control the spread of the blaze, she notices that the fire seems to have originated from right in the middle of the living room which was odd – very odd indeed. Realizing there was really nothing more she could do and having difficulty breathing, she comes stumbling out of the house and slams into the side of a barn – oh, wait, it wasn’t a barn, it was a man. A very large man.
Lieutenant Howard “Six Pack” Paxton is a firefighter – slash – paramedic with Sugarland Tennessee’s Station 5. He and his men are called to respond to a house fire which turns out to be the scene of a grisly crime. Approaching the house to go in and check for anyone who might be trapped, he’s nearly plowed down – well, not really because he’s so big, but before he can get inside, he ends up giving medical aid to a woman who came running out of the house. He’s instantly smitten by her – maybe it was the eau du smoke fragrance she wore – he is a firefighter after all – the soot decorating her high, lovely cheeks or her lush curves – and allow me to pause here to say how much I love that phrase, ”lush curves”, over the more crassly descriptive “fat ass” we occasionally run across – anyway, he knows he’s found the woman of his dreams, right there in the midst of catastrophe.
Even though she’s faced a blazing inferno inside her neighbor’s burning house, Kat can’t help but be flirty with the big, handsome hunk of man flesh. She’s been treated at the scene and released, and as she saunters away with a wiggle in her waggle, she lets him know she’s interested by subtlety hollering over her shoulder that her phone number is listed. That’s all it took for Lieutenant “I Haven’t Been Laid In Almost A Year” Paxton to decide it was time to come out of celibacy retirement. And he did it with a vengeance. The sex scenes were hot and plentiful, burning up the pages – no pun intended.
Now, all joking aside, this is a really good story, spanning 30 plus years. It grabbed my attention from the start and held it right through to the somewhat predicable end. But even though I really could “see that coming” the story was told in such a suspenseful, yet tender way that I’m really ok with the predictability of the ending. There were parts where the writing was amazing. Truly poignant, and elicited such strong emotions from me in places and left me struggling to hold back the tears. I didn’t always succeed.
Slight Spoiler alert:
I shed a tear or two when I read this about 5 year old Howard:
Crashing through prickly brush and skeletal trees behind him as he ran for his life. Gaining ground with every stride. He barely registered the limbs scratching his skinny arms and legs, tearing his favorite pajamas.
He wasn’t fast like his superheroes. Couldn’t fly into the air and away from here for good. Or turn and face the bad man, zap him with his superpowers and make Mommy happy again.
His heart filled his mouth nearly strangling his terror-stricken screams.
“No! Mommy! Mooommeeee!”
“Goddammit, come back here you worthless little shit!”
He ran harder. Knew what would happen if he obeyed. Daddy would hit him, not with the razor strap, but with the big stick in his hand. Hit and curse him, hit and hit and hit until he was bloody and still. Stiff and sticky like Andy Roger’s dog after daddy caught him sniffing around in the front yard. Like –
A cruel yank at the back of his collar jerked him clear off his feet. Screaming, he kicked and fought with everything he had, out of sheer instinct. A sixth sense his now-adult brain recognized as the knowledge that he had nothing left to lose.
That he was about to die.
He scratched and bit the arm holding him, sinking his tiny teeth in deep. Daddy’s enraged bellow gave him only a second’s satisfaction before he was slammed bodily to the forest floor.
Sucking in a breath, he started to let go another scream, but a hard kick to his stomach stole his chance. The blow lifted him off the ground, waves of sickening pain blowing to dust what precious little defense he had.
He’d never pretend to be a superhero again. Daddy was making sure of that. In Howard’s small, sad world, the bad man always won.
The horror of Howard’s childhood was written with such a depth of emotion that I could feel the little boy’s terror which made me fall all the more in love with the man he became.
So, not only is Howard dealing with the nightmares and flashbacks of his past, but he and Kat have a new problem to deal with. It seems that the murder that took place at the burning house where he met Kat was just the beginning. Someone was out to play games with Howard, and not the fun kind. Females are being murdered, and the killer is taunting Howard with little mementoes from the victims, and horrid images of their deaths.
I’m absolutely thrilled to find another Romantic Suspense author who can leave me begging for more.
Sexuality Content: Vaginal, anal, oral
Kat McKenna is house sitting both her parent’s home, and the home of their neighbors across the street who are taking a cruise together. Like any house sitter worth her weight in whatever house sitters are worth, she stops by to water their petunias – which by the way was very believable to me – and notices a fire has started in the living room of the neighbor’s home. She calls 911, grabs a garden hose and rushes into the house to see what she can do while waiting for the fire department to arrive. She’s worried that maybe she left something on; a light, an appliance, something that might have caused this, but she was certain she’d been careful and this couldn’t have been her fault. As she’s there spraying water around, trying to control the spread of the blaze, she notices that the fire seems to have originated from right in the middle of the living room which was odd – very odd indeed. Realizing there was really nothing more she could do and having difficulty breathing, she comes stumbling out of the house and slams into the side of a barn – oh, wait, it wasn’t a barn, it was a man. A very large man.
Lieutenant Howard “Six Pack” Paxton is a firefighter – slash – paramedic with Sugarland Tennessee’s Station 5. He and his men are called to respond to a house fire which turns out to be the scene of a grisly crime. Approaching the house to go in and check for anyone who might be trapped, he’s nearly plowed down – well, not really because he’s so big, but before he can get inside, he ends up giving medical aid to a woman who came running out of the house. He’s instantly smitten by her – maybe it was the eau du smoke fragrance she wore – he is a firefighter after all – the soot decorating her high, lovely cheeks or her lush curves – and allow me to pause here to say how much I love that phrase, ”lush curves”, over the more crassly descriptive “fat ass” we occasionally run across – anyway, he knows he’s found the woman of his dreams, right there in the midst of catastrophe.
Even though she’s faced a blazing inferno inside her neighbor’s burning house, Kat can’t help but be flirty with the big, handsome hunk of man flesh. She’s been treated at the scene and released, and as she saunters away with a wiggle in her waggle, she lets him know she’s interested by subtlety hollering over her shoulder that her phone number is listed. That’s all it took for Lieutenant “I Haven’t Been Laid In Almost A Year” Paxton to decide it was time to come out of celibacy retirement. And he did it with a vengeance. The sex scenes were hot and plentiful, burning up the pages – no pun intended.
Now, all joking aside, this is a really good story, spanning 30 plus years. It grabbed my attention from the start and held it right through to the somewhat predicable end. But even though I really could “see that coming” the story was told in such a suspenseful, yet tender way that I’m really ok with the predictability of the ending. There were parts where the writing was amazing. Truly poignant, and elicited such strong emotions from me in places and left me struggling to hold back the tears. I didn’t always succeed.
Slight Spoiler alert:
I shed a tear or two when I read this about 5 year old Howard:
Crashing through prickly brush and skeletal trees behind him as he ran for his life. Gaining ground with every stride. He barely registered the limbs scratching his skinny arms and legs, tearing his favorite pajamas.
He wasn’t fast like his superheroes. Couldn’t fly into the air and away from here for good. Or turn and face the bad man, zap him with his superpowers and make Mommy happy again.
His heart filled his mouth nearly strangling his terror-stricken screams.
“No! Mommy! Mooommeeee!”
“Goddammit, come back here you worthless little shit!”
He ran harder. Knew what would happen if he obeyed. Daddy would hit him, not with the razor strap, but with the big stick in his hand. Hit and curse him, hit and hit and hit until he was bloody and still. Stiff and sticky like Andy Roger’s dog after daddy caught him sniffing around in the front yard. Like –
A cruel yank at the back of his collar jerked him clear off his feet. Screaming, he kicked and fought with everything he had, out of sheer instinct. A sixth sense his now-adult brain recognized as the knowledge that he had nothing left to lose.
That he was about to die.
He scratched and bit the arm holding him, sinking his tiny teeth in deep. Daddy’s enraged bellow gave him only a second’s satisfaction before he was slammed bodily to the forest floor.
Sucking in a breath, he started to let go another scream, but a hard kick to his stomach stole his chance. The blow lifted him off the ground, waves of sickening pain blowing to dust what precious little defense he had.
He’d never pretend to be a superhero again. Daddy was making sure of that. In Howard’s small, sad world, the bad man always won.
The horror of Howard’s childhood was written with such a depth of emotion that I could feel the little boy’s terror which made me fall all the more in love with the man he became.
So, not only is Howard dealing with the nightmares and flashbacks of his past, but he and Kat have a new problem to deal with. It seems that the murder that took place at the burning house where he met Kat was just the beginning. Someone was out to play games with Howard, and not the fun kind. Females are being murdered, and the killer is taunting Howard with little mementoes from the victims, and horrid images of their deaths.
I’m absolutely thrilled to find another Romantic Suspense author who can leave me begging for more.
Sexuality Content: Vaginal, anal, oral
November 16, 2015
3.5 stars.
I ended up enjoying this one.
Like that the heroine was ordinary, curvy and not stick thin.
Some of the old cliches used ..."You're mine", which annoys me no end.
Interested in reading about the others at the Firehouse. Sean, especially.
I ended up enjoying this one.
Like that the heroine was ordinary, curvy and not stick thin.
Some of the old cliches used ..."You're mine", which annoys me no end.
Interested in reading about the others at the Firehouse. Sean, especially.
August 31, 2008
I really enjoyed this hot, fast-paced romantic suspense about a hunky fireman with a troubled childhood, and the fiesty teacher he falls in love with. This is the first book of a new series called "The Firefighters of Station Five", and it's a winner. If you enjoy the authors Beverly Barton or Karen Rose, I think you'll like this one. I will say although the suspense aspect of the story is similar to B. Barton's stories, the romance part is way hotter than either Barton or Rose. It's downright erotic at times! I just loved Lieutenant Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton--what a hottie (no pun intended)! I look forward to reading the next book in this series by this talented author, "Under Fire", due in May of 2009.
October 19, 2008
I took this out of my Purgatory shelf yesterday to give it another try. It now goes into my Mission Aborted shelf. The first few pages were okay but this second time around, I was convinced the author wanted to make firefighters look like horny adolescents with not a shred of good sense.
Why else would she make her hero have his brain wrapped about the heroine's breasts, in a house on fire? Seriously, I do not think ANY firefighter focuses on anything but getting the occupants out to safety and putting the fire out. Horny bastard he may be but he won't be ruminating about the softness of the woman's breasts while a fire is raging. I not only like my heroes to be disciplined on the job, totally focused and a professional I can trust not to be distracted in a dangerous situation, it's what turns me on. I would NOT be attracted to an idiot who can't keep his mind on the job.
And why a name like Howard?
Why else would she make her hero have his brain wrapped about the heroine's breasts, in a house on fire? Seriously, I do not think ANY firefighter focuses on anything but getting the occupants out to safety and putting the fire out. Horny bastard he may be but he won't be ruminating about the softness of the woman's breasts while a fire is raging. I not only like my heroes to be disciplined on the job, totally focused and a professional I can trust not to be distracted in a dangerous situation, it's what turns me on. I would NOT be attracted to an idiot who can't keep his mind on the job.
And why a name like Howard?
April 15, 2010
Opening Line:"Lieutenant Howard Paxton gritted his teeth against the burn, every muscle straining as he pumped three hundred pounds of iron from his bare, sweaty chest."
WELCOME TO THE MEN OF STATION 5
Howard "six-pack' Paxton loves being a fireman, in his down time this confirmed bachelor lifts weights (to perfect the six-pack) rides his Harley and hangs out with the other members of station 5. Everything changes however the night A' shift responds to a house fire and Howard finds himself administering first aid to the curvaceous Katherine McKenna. She has literally fallen into his arms suffering from smoke inhalation and once she opens her eyes the sparks fly. This pair can't deny their attraction to each other and even though Howard has sworn off woman (because he's tired of being used for his body and wants more out a relationship than just sex) he's willing to make an exception for the beautiful, blonde schoolteacher. Just as their relationship starts to smoulder an arsonist makes himself known and tangles Howard up in his demented plans of vengeance. Now those closest to him are in danger of becoming the next potential victims as a ruthless string of fires roars closer and closer to home.
TRIAL BY FIRE was a surprisingly great read full of action and suspense, smoking hot love scenes and a complex yet tortured hero. The multi-layered plot kept me guessing throughout and the antagonist was genuinely evil. However the first few chapters are really silly and after having it pounded into my head every few pages just exactly how good looking, muscular, strong and enormous (6'6 240) Howard is and listening to internal dialogue with the words "Shazaaam and Ka-pow" I then had to wipe away the tears of laughter at having his man-bits described as among other things; a divining rod and renegade (there is also mention of Mt St Helen's) before resigning myself to just sitting back and enjoying a complete cheese-fest.
However it's at this point that author Jo Davis confused me by writing a great story with an actual plot. Somehow she's managed a perfect mixture of corny fun with thrilling action and heartbreaking post traumatic stress. It's also obvious that Davis has done her homework here and spent time within a fire hall and with real firefighters because her technical descriptions as well as those of life in the `house' and the feeling of brotherhood among the men are spot on. I also enjoyed the relationship between Kat and Howard and loved the fact that Kat embraced her curves and had no desire to be a size 2. Her struggle to get Howard to open up about his nightmares and abusive past without shutting down and pushing her away were well done and their relationship as a whole was believable.
My only real problem was with Howard's abrupt change in character whenever he got his freak on. Outside of the bedroom he never swears and is a giant teddy bear of a man however get him between the sheets, against a wall or in the hot tub and he turns into a sexual dominant with a nasty mouth.
Thankfully we have also been introduced to the other hard-bodied men of station 5 and I can't wait to read their stories. Under Fire, is next up in this scorching new series. Cheers.
WELCOME TO THE MEN OF STATION 5
Howard "six-pack' Paxton loves being a fireman, in his down time this confirmed bachelor lifts weights (to perfect the six-pack) rides his Harley and hangs out with the other members of station 5. Everything changes however the night A' shift responds to a house fire and Howard finds himself administering first aid to the curvaceous Katherine McKenna. She has literally fallen into his arms suffering from smoke inhalation and once she opens her eyes the sparks fly. This pair can't deny their attraction to each other and even though Howard has sworn off woman (because he's tired of being used for his body and wants more out a relationship than just sex) he's willing to make an exception for the beautiful, blonde schoolteacher. Just as their relationship starts to smoulder an arsonist makes himself known and tangles Howard up in his demented plans of vengeance. Now those closest to him are in danger of becoming the next potential victims as a ruthless string of fires roars closer and closer to home.
TRIAL BY FIRE was a surprisingly great read full of action and suspense, smoking hot love scenes and a complex yet tortured hero. The multi-layered plot kept me guessing throughout and the antagonist was genuinely evil. However the first few chapters are really silly and after having it pounded into my head every few pages just exactly how good looking, muscular, strong and enormous (6'6 240) Howard is and listening to internal dialogue with the words "Shazaaam and Ka-pow" I then had to wipe away the tears of laughter at having his man-bits described as among other things; a divining rod and renegade (there is also mention of Mt St Helen's) before resigning myself to just sitting back and enjoying a complete cheese-fest.
However it's at this point that author Jo Davis confused me by writing a great story with an actual plot. Somehow she's managed a perfect mixture of corny fun with thrilling action and heartbreaking post traumatic stress. It's also obvious that Davis has done her homework here and spent time within a fire hall and with real firefighters because her technical descriptions as well as those of life in the `house' and the feeling of brotherhood among the men are spot on. I also enjoyed the relationship between Kat and Howard and loved the fact that Kat embraced her curves and had no desire to be a size 2. Her struggle to get Howard to open up about his nightmares and abusive past without shutting down and pushing her away were well done and their relationship as a whole was believable.
My only real problem was with Howard's abrupt change in character whenever he got his freak on. Outside of the bedroom he never swears and is a giant teddy bear of a man however get him between the sheets, against a wall or in the hot tub and he turns into a sexual dominant with a nasty mouth.
Thankfully we have also been introduced to the other hard-bodied men of station 5 and I can't wait to read their stories. Under Fire, is next up in this scorching new series. Cheers.
August 19, 2009
I enjoyed this first installment of the Firefighters of Station Five by Jo Davis. First off—I have to mention that the hero is a 6’6”260 pound hot fireman. Can you get more fantasy material that that? I don’t think so. It took me a few chapters to overlook the guy’s unfortunate name. ‘Howard’ just doesn’t cut it. I did really like Howard. He came from a horribly abusive childhood, and was eventually adopted by a wonderful couple. Now at 36 years old, he’s starting to have nightmares about his childhood. He is not sure if the dreams are memories or just nightmares. He’s also been celibate for a full year because he was tired of feeling used and empty afterward.
Kat is the school teacher Howard falls for when he rescues her from a burning home. They are attracted to each other instantly. I liked Kat, too. She was confident and smart, and *gasp* curvy. Howard is just so sweet to her. No Uber-alpha in this story, ladies. The sex is hot hot hot!
A serial killer is taunting Howard and Kat. It wasn’t too difficult to figure out the villain, but I think this is a very good read. Howard’s firemen brothers are quite an interesting group. I look forward to future books in this series!
Kat is the school teacher Howard falls for when he rescues her from a burning home. They are attracted to each other instantly. I liked Kat, too. She was confident and smart, and *gasp* curvy. Howard is just so sweet to her. No Uber-alpha in this story, ladies. The sex is hot hot hot!
A serial killer is taunting Howard and Kat. It wasn’t too difficult to figure out the villain, but I think this is a very good read. Howard’s firemen brothers are quite an interesting group. I look forward to future books in this series!
October 22, 2008
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would. There are some minor details that could have been better (like not using the word "shazaam" EVER in a romance book) but overall it was a fun read. The author wrote some very engaging characters and a fast-moving story. I love the firefighter theme, I wish more romances would include them. I will be reading the rest of the series, I can't wait to read about the hot Italian/Latin stud.
February 26, 2009
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
A very steamy romantic suspense, featuring a sexy firefighter hero, Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton, and a feisty female lead, a teacher named Kat McKenna, whose relationship burns hotter than a four-alarm fire! It's total fluff, but lots of fun, and seriously H-O-T!
A very steamy romantic suspense, featuring a sexy firefighter hero, Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton, and a feisty female lead, a teacher named Kat McKenna, whose relationship burns hotter than a four-alarm fire! It's total fluff, but lots of fun, and seriously H-O-T!
October 18, 2008
I didn't like this story for a lot of reasons: the hero was a bit too beta for my tastes, he had the unsexiest name imaginable (Howard!?), Davis' dialog is too often written with extremes or with silly expressions that go from formal to casual to gag me with the syrupy talk and just didn't work for me. The sex was hot but the whole relationship happened way too fast though you did get the feeling that they cared for each other when all was said and done. Kat’s artificial “independence” was annoying. She wanted to be with Howard all the time but had to make it look like she was this Ms Independent as if there was something wrong with him wanting to be there for her.
I thought that the villain was well-written and the author did a good job with his dialog. The horror he suffered as a child was very vivid and frightening. Oh, and the steam was steamy too ;)
The worst though was when he proposed to her at his apartment, ringless and after having attended his mother's funeral (where he broke down in a gut-wrenching emotional moment) --that’s just bad stuff --talk about a weird memory.
So not quite what I expected from a story about a sexy fire fighter :-/
FYI: There are some horrific scenes of child abuse in this novel that may disturb some readers
I thought that the villain was well-written and the author did a good job with his dialog. The horror he suffered as a child was very vivid and frightening. Oh, and the steam was steamy too ;)
The worst though was when he proposed to her at his apartment, ringless and after having attended his mother's funeral (where he broke down in a gut-wrenching emotional moment) --that’s just bad stuff --talk about a weird memory.
So not quite what I expected from a story about a sexy fire fighter :-/
FYI: There are some horrific scenes of child abuse in this novel that may disturb some readers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2010
I really enjoyed this book-the arsonist storyline was enhanced by getting the arsonist's point of view-but it wasn't over-done to the point of me thinking "really? more from the bad guy?"
I loved Howard, and I liked Kat a lot-but her corny phrases drove me nuts. And to be honest, the firemen were almost true-to-life, but not one had a potty mouth! I'm not one for cursing, I never have been, but sometimes men just cuss. Now I'm married to a fireman, have been for 8 years this month, and every last one of them swears. If you've read JR Ward's BDB, the firemen I've known sound like her men.
But other than that, the story was great. I liked how the romance wasn't overshadowed by the mystery/action. And I really liked how we could guess who the bad guy was about mid-way through...not too soon, and not too late.
The only thing I actually did not like, was that from the beginning either Howard or Kat would feel their hackles rise, feel like someone walked over their grave, or feel like someone was watching them...BUT they would shove it to the back of their mind! argh, really? It wouldn't have been a big deal to me, except that the author would make a point for us to know the bad guy was there, watching, would make a point of having Howard ignore his instincts, and then make a point of doing it over again. After the first or second time, I don't buy it. I mean come on, he already knew he'd been targeted by a psycho, and he ignored his instincts? I don't think so.
On the flip side, Howard was sweet and sensitive, but still dominant, and very male. I loved him, ached for the five year old boy he was, and the scene where he (at 5) realized his own father would kill him with this latest beating, I mean, good Lord what a tear-jerker.
Kat and Howard's relationship was great, until Kat pushed for answers he couldn't/wasn't ready to give her, and she left him. 3 days later, a previous fling picks him up at the gym, and while he tells her no, he lets her follow him home. And even though he decides on the drive, that no one but Kat will do, he still lets her grope him right there in the driveway, and kisses her for a bit before letting her down easy. But he doesn't get the chance to "let her down easy" since Kat had come to make up with him and caught him with his pants down!
I hated that it never got resolved to my liking. Too much happened in between that scene and the explosion to really do much. And even though Howard apologized, Kat's emotions were valid, "She couldn't handle his pain and confusion. Not when she couldn't handle her own."
I don't know why I love that line, but sine Howard's emotions are either hidden/repressed, or just in a turmoil, I thought it a very poignant reminder to the reader that Kat can't do everything in the relationship.
I give it 4 stars and I liked it a lot, but I don't think I'm all fired up to read the next one. Maybe later, but there are others on my to-read list that sound better.
I loved Howard, and I liked Kat a lot-but her corny phrases drove me nuts. And to be honest, the firemen were almost true-to-life, but not one had a potty mouth! I'm not one for cursing, I never have been, but sometimes men just cuss. Now I'm married to a fireman, have been for 8 years this month, and every last one of them swears. If you've read JR Ward's BDB, the firemen I've known sound like her men.
But other than that, the story was great. I liked how the romance wasn't overshadowed by the mystery/action. And I really liked how we could guess who the bad guy was about mid-way through...not too soon, and not too late.
The only thing I actually did not like, was that from the beginning either Howard or Kat would feel their hackles rise, feel like someone walked over their grave, or feel like someone was watching them...BUT they would shove it to the back of their mind! argh, really? It wouldn't have been a big deal to me, except that the author would make a point for us to know the bad guy was there, watching, would make a point of having Howard ignore his instincts, and then make a point of doing it over again. After the first or second time, I don't buy it. I mean come on, he already knew he'd been targeted by a psycho, and he ignored his instincts? I don't think so.
On the flip side, Howard was sweet and sensitive, but still dominant, and very male. I loved him, ached for the five year old boy he was, and the scene where he (at 5) realized his own father would kill him with this latest beating, I mean, good Lord what a tear-jerker.
Kat and Howard's relationship was great, until Kat pushed for answers he couldn't/wasn't ready to give her, and she left him. 3 days later, a previous fling picks him up at the gym, and while he tells her no, he lets her follow him home. And even though he decides on the drive, that no one but Kat will do, he still lets her grope him right there in the driveway, and kisses her for a bit before letting her down easy. But he doesn't get the chance to "let her down easy" since Kat had come to make up with him and caught him with his pants down!
I hated that it never got resolved to my liking. Too much happened in between that scene and the explosion to really do much. And even though Howard apologized, Kat's emotions were valid, "She couldn't handle his pain and confusion. Not when she couldn't handle her own."
I don't know why I love that line, but sine Howard's emotions are either hidden/repressed, or just in a turmoil, I thought it a very poignant reminder to the reader that Kat can't do everything in the relationship.
I give it 4 stars and I liked it a lot, but I don't think I'm all fired up to read the next one. Maybe later, but there are others on my to-read list that sound better.
October 19, 2008
This book had a really good premise, and I did finish it feeling satisfied with the outcome, but I had problems with the book as I read. My initial issue was the first meeting between the hero and heroine. The heroine has just recovered consciousness after a TSTL moment, the home of her parents' friends is burning, and a body has just been found handcuffed to the bed. This all manages to be overshadowed by her overwhelming attraction to the firefighter/paramedic, Howard Paxton, who is treating her, and she flirts, teases him by calling him "Howie," and makes certain that he knows her phone number is listed. In the situation they were facing, this lighthearted behavior did not ring true for me, and it set the stage for how I felt about the relationship between the hero and heroine for much of the book. I have read plenty of books where there is an immediate, overpowering attraction between the characters, but between these two it felt somehow forced and not natural in the begininng of the book. The day after this initial meeting, the hero and heroine go on a date and are already talking about a possible relationship between them. I didn't enjoy much of the dialogue between them (it was something about the language they used with each other), and I hated the heroine's continual use of "Big Guy" when she was talking to the hero. With all of that said, the hero and the heroine were both likeable, appealing characters. The hero had much baggage to overcome and the heroine desired to help in any way possible. By the end of the book, I finally felt that the feelings between the two were real and genuine. The author introduced several very interesting minor characters, one of whom will be the hero in the next book. Even though there was much I didn't like about the author's writing, I will read the next book. Her characters are just too interesting to not give her another try.
Kat McKenna is keeping an eye on her parents' home and that of the neighbors they are vacationing with, and she is shocked to discover the friends' house on fire. After entering the burning house with a garden hose, Kat is overcome by the fire, and passes out. Fireman Howard Paxton treats Kat, and the two are immediately attracted to one another. Howard calls Kat the next day and invites her on a picnic. As the two begin a relationship, the instigator of the fire that caused their initial meeting begins to send notes to Howard. Another similar fire soon occurs, and the arsonist/killer again contacts Howard. While Howard tries to come to terms with the fact that he is being targeted by this murderer, Kat is dismayed by Howard's inability to open up to her emotionally. While they struggle with relationship problems that are based on issues from Howard's past, Howard continues to be besieged by the killer. In order to have the possiblity of a future with Danni, Howard must be freed from the danger he faces, and he must remember and deal with the horrific events of his childhood.
I had plenty of problems with this book, but I do believe that the author is gifted with character development. Even though I found aspects of the book annoying and didn't enjoy the dialogue between the hero and heroine, I cared about what happened to them. Several minor characters were also introduced and given enough background to make me want to know what will happen to them. Davis' characters are interesting enough that I will definitely give her books another try, hoping that other features of her writing will improve.
Kat McKenna is keeping an eye on her parents' home and that of the neighbors they are vacationing with, and she is shocked to discover the friends' house on fire. After entering the burning house with a garden hose, Kat is overcome by the fire, and passes out. Fireman Howard Paxton treats Kat, and the two are immediately attracted to one another. Howard calls Kat the next day and invites her on a picnic. As the two begin a relationship, the instigator of the fire that caused their initial meeting begins to send notes to Howard. Another similar fire soon occurs, and the arsonist/killer again contacts Howard. While Howard tries to come to terms with the fact that he is being targeted by this murderer, Kat is dismayed by Howard's inability to open up to her emotionally. While they struggle with relationship problems that are based on issues from Howard's past, Howard continues to be besieged by the killer. In order to have the possiblity of a future with Danni, Howard must be freed from the danger he faces, and he must remember and deal with the horrific events of his childhood.
I had plenty of problems with this book, but I do believe that the author is gifted with character development. Even though I found aspects of the book annoying and didn't enjoy the dialogue between the hero and heroine, I cared about what happened to them. Several minor characters were also introduced and given enough background to make me want to know what will happen to them. Davis' characters are interesting enough that I will definitely give her books another try, hoping that other features of her writing will improve.
August 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this sweet romance with some suspense thrown in! I LOVED Howard...right up until he pissed me of A LOT!!! Well I still love Howard but I think I may have made him suffer more. I also loved Kat. She was open, honest, funny and not a stupid, vapid....
I recommend this book and am happy to move on to the next one!
Safety Gang Spoiler
I recommend this book and am happy to move on to the next one!
Safety Gang Spoiler
August 16, 2010
Contemporary books never seem to work as well for me as any other genre. I am extremely picky about the habits and personalities of the protagonists and assorted cast members. If the character seems unbelievably naive or irritatingly innocent it grates on me during the whole book. I can't fall into the story when I don't think your character could believably walk down the street without getting taken advantage of. Pollyannas need not apply in my preferred contemporaries.
The beginning of this book started off on a discouraging note. The heroine, Kat, and hero, Howard, both feel instant lust after Kat escapes from a fire. Funny, my first thought when playing medic to a victim or actually being that victim is not how hot the other person is. It wasn't just a stray though either, the characters dwelled on it. I could sympathize with Howard more because of the loopiness brought on by sleep deprivation, but I still thought it was weird.
I liked how shy and bashful Howard seemed. It was sweet. He was the uber-male, but he still wasn't overconfident. Kat actually had to nudge him into giving her a call sometime. I was really enjoying his character until he started harping on the fact that Kat's a "real" woman. He was really down on anyone thin or anyone who worked out. Not everyone has to be thin, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to work out and be healthy. How hypocritical was he anyway? His nickname at the firehouse was "six pack."
The sex came early in their relationship. They had only known each other a couple days. I can't remember the exact count, but it was under a week before they were doing it. While that's not a big favorite of mine, I don't hate it out of hand. I would have been fine with it if it had stayed confined to sex until they got to know each other better. Unfortunately, the same day they have sex he's thinking of her as "my angel" and she's starting to think long term. It just got way too mushy way too fast.
When Howard starts thinking about his sex preferences while he's performing his "test" about his attraction to any woman or a specific one, I was intrigued. He talked about no holds barred during sex and thought about a past encounter. The details there were a pleasant surprise. I rarely see that act in a romance when it's done to a girl, let alone a guy. It was nice though, because I was afraid the author would just describe something very vanilla and expect it to come off as racy.
With the initial description of the above sexual encounter I was expecting something pretty sexy. When it came down to to actually reading about Kat and Howard doing it I didn't like it very much. This author has a bad habit of using way too many adjectives all the time. It's hard to be caught up in a sex scene when you're giggling at the descriptions. If I read another "brawny shoulder" it will be too soon. I read the first full sex scene to my husband because he was curious about the sex scenes I read. :) He was really enjoying it until it got to this line on page 118:
After that line he cracked up and couldn't stop. The extremely weird analogies were too much for me, and apparently him. There was another part where the author wrote:
There just seemed to be a lot of unfortunate terms chosen in this book. Maybe it's a personal thing, but "stuffed" isn't sexy.
Kat was just too sweet and good for me. I could not imagine ever encountering someone like her in a real world setting. She makes Howard come which leads him to yelling out "oh, shit." She gets a thrill from having driven him to that. She brings it up afterward and he says something along the lines of "anything goes in the bedroom." Who are these people??? He said shit, that's one of the mildest curse words out there! It was just too weird.
I found it irritating that everything Howard did or said was compared to her ex-boyfriend. I know it was her only boyfriend, but she needs to get a grip and stop obsessing. I drove me nuts. Also, the "big secret" that Howard thought would stop a woman from loving him and being with him long term was stupid. There are so many options in this day and age that it seemed ridiculous. I'm so tired of authors creating pathetic "big secrets" that aren't a big deal.
There was one part of the story where Howard had a dream about his memories of the garden. I don't mind knowing about that stuff, but seeing a play by play of that was really disturbing and unenjoyable. Ever since I've had kids myself I've turned into the biggest weenie about that stuff. It's so upsetting.
I liked getting to know the people at the firehouse. The author did a really good job of making them distinct and showing us the dynamics of all of their relationships with each other. I really felt bad for Sean, but I feel even worse for Julian. I think that poor guy gets a really raw deal and no one cares enough to see that he's hurting.
I hated that Kat constantly called Howard Lieutenant. That really bugged me! It was so odd! Also, after seeing Howard have that reaction after they were only broken up for three days I don't have a lot of faith in him not crossing a line the next time they have a big fight too. I also had a big problem with Kat coming to the realization that she loved him two days after their first date. That's way too quick for me to believe that it's a real, lasting love. Also, I was incredulous that she kept waiting for Howard to reciprocate and also spill his dark childhood memories in that short time frame. It had been like two weeks in total. What reality does she live in that that's normal?
I was all set to give this two stars, but then things started to pick up toward the end. Not in the relationship, I could care less about that, but in the action. Finally we got tension and danger and eventually we even got answered. I was engrossed enough in the action that I bumped my grade up. I'd say it's more a 2 1/2 to 3 star book now. I wish more of the book was as fast paced and interesting as the end.
The beginning of this book started off on a discouraging note. The heroine, Kat, and hero, Howard, both feel instant lust after Kat escapes from a fire. Funny, my first thought when playing medic to a victim or actually being that victim is not how hot the other person is. It wasn't just a stray though either, the characters dwelled on it. I could sympathize with Howard more because of the loopiness brought on by sleep deprivation, but I still thought it was weird.
I liked how shy and bashful Howard seemed. It was sweet. He was the uber-male, but he still wasn't overconfident. Kat actually had to nudge him into giving her a call sometime. I was really enjoying his character until he started harping on the fact that Kat's a "real" woman. He was really down on anyone thin or anyone who worked out. Not everyone has to be thin, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to work out and be healthy. How hypocritical was he anyway? His nickname at the firehouse was "six pack."
The sex came early in their relationship. They had only known each other a couple days. I can't remember the exact count, but it was under a week before they were doing it. While that's not a big favorite of mine, I don't hate it out of hand. I would have been fine with it if it had stayed confined to sex until they got to know each other better. Unfortunately, the same day they have sex he's thinking of her as "my angel" and she's starting to think long term. It just got way too mushy way too fast.
When Howard starts thinking about his sex preferences while he's performing his "test" about his attraction to any woman or a specific one, I was intrigued. He talked about no holds barred during sex and thought about a past encounter. The details there were a pleasant surprise. I rarely see that act in a romance when it's done to a girl, let alone a guy. It was nice though, because I was afraid the author would just describe something very vanilla and expect it to come off as racy.
With the initial description of the above sexual encounter I was expecting something pretty sexy. When it came down to to actually reading about Kat and Howard doing it I didn't like it very much. This author has a bad habit of using way too many adjectives all the time. It's hard to be caught up in a sex scene when you're giggling at the descriptions. If I read another "brawny shoulder" it will be too soon. I read the first full sex scene to my husband because he was curious about the sex scenes I read. :) He was really enjoying it until it got to this line on page 118:
Biceps she couldn't span if she possessed three hands, ripped abs that looked liked he'd swallowed six miniature paint rollers.
After that line he cracked up and couldn't stop. The extremely weird analogies were too much for me, and apparently him. There was another part where the author wrote:
he stuffed her with his cock.
There just seemed to be a lot of unfortunate terms chosen in this book. Maybe it's a personal thing, but "stuffed" isn't sexy.
Kat was just too sweet and good for me. I could not imagine ever encountering someone like her in a real world setting. She makes Howard come which leads him to yelling out "oh, shit." She gets a thrill from having driven him to that. She brings it up afterward and he says something along the lines of "anything goes in the bedroom." Who are these people??? He said shit, that's one of the mildest curse words out there! It was just too weird.
I found it irritating that everything Howard did or said was compared to her ex-boyfriend. I know it was her only boyfriend, but she needs to get a grip and stop obsessing. I drove me nuts. Also, the "big secret" that Howard thought would stop a woman from loving him and being with him long term was stupid. There are so many options in this day and age that it seemed ridiculous. I'm so tired of authors creating pathetic "big secrets" that aren't a big deal.
There was one part of the story where Howard had a dream about his memories of the garden. I don't mind knowing about that stuff, but seeing a play by play of that was really disturbing and unenjoyable. Ever since I've had kids myself I've turned into the biggest weenie about that stuff. It's so upsetting.
I liked getting to know the people at the firehouse. The author did a really good job of making them distinct and showing us the dynamics of all of their relationships with each other. I really felt bad for Sean, but I feel even worse for Julian. I think that poor guy gets a really raw deal and no one cares enough to see that he's hurting.
I hated that Kat constantly called Howard Lieutenant. That really bugged me! It was so odd! Also, after seeing Howard have that reaction after they were only broken up for three days I don't have a lot of faith in him not crossing a line the next time they have a big fight too. I also had a big problem with Kat coming to the realization that she loved him two days after their first date. That's way too quick for me to believe that it's a real, lasting love. Also, I was incredulous that she kept waiting for Howard to reciprocate and also spill his dark childhood memories in that short time frame. It had been like two weeks in total. What reality does she live in that that's normal?
I was all set to give this two stars, but then things started to pick up toward the end. Not in the relationship, I could care less about that, but in the action. Finally we got tension and danger and eventually we even got answered. I was engrossed enough in the action that I bumped my grade up. I'd say it's more a 2 1/2 to 3 star book now. I wish more of the book was as fast paced and interesting as the end.
January 8, 2013
This book was extremely well-written and the suspense part was riveting BUT I have a particular pet peeve and it regards the hero (or heroine, but usually it's the hero) and infidelity. There is a point in the story where Kat has walked out on Howard because, as intimate as they are physically, he's still incapable of sharing his background and emotions with her and she realizes that he might not be capable of giving what they need to have a real relationship. They are both devastated at the breakup, but a scant three days later when he's at the gym late one night he's approached by a former bed buddy (who doesn't even know is actual name) who comes on strong and HE LETS HER. Yes, he knows he doesn't really want to this. Yes, he and Kat are actually broken up. But he takes it so far that he actually has her follow him home to have sex after some serious contact in the gym locker room. Granted he's ready to tell her he's not interested and have her go home (while her hand is in his pants in the garage) but you know what's going to happen. You got it, Kat was lingering in front of his house to try and make up and has to witness the two of them in a torrid embrace.
Howard is totally honest and they are both devastated (and clearly Kat goes to him as soon as Howard is injured in the fire, willing to try again) but I've got to honest - it ruined the whole book for me. I felt physically sick at his betrayal (he goes for a whole year without sex and can't last for three days after his breakup with a woman who he's in love with? For some woman who doesn't even remember his name and doesn't seem to care?) and I still feel ill when I think about this. Kat might have been able to get over this but I sure couldn't. Jo Davis is a great writer and I'm sure she's dead accurate - I think most men would have had a physical reaction and most men would have been torn, thinking about drowning their sorrows in a meaningless encounter. From a writing standpoint, it's a terrific example of how damaged Howard is and what his life was like before he started making changes. But I guess I don't want "most men" or a man who is actually more realistic, I want a romance hero who isn't going to make a destructive choice like this one. (My heart can't take it!)
Howard is totally honest and they are both devastated (and clearly Kat goes to him as soon as Howard is injured in the fire, willing to try again) but I've got to honest - it ruined the whole book for me. I felt physically sick at his betrayal (he goes for a whole year without sex and can't last for three days after his breakup with a woman who he's in love with? For some woman who doesn't even remember his name and doesn't seem to care?) and I still feel ill when I think about this. Kat might have been able to get over this but I sure couldn't. Jo Davis is a great writer and I'm sure she's dead accurate - I think most men would have had a physical reaction and most men would have been torn, thinking about drowning their sorrows in a meaningless encounter. From a writing standpoint, it's a terrific example of how damaged Howard is and what his life was like before he started making changes. But I guess I don't want "most men" or a man who is actually more realistic, I want a romance hero who isn't going to make a destructive choice like this one. (My heart can't take it!)
August 19, 2009
Thanks to this book, i have a new weakness. Firemen. Yes, the hero Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton was at times adorable, sweet, romantic, shy and tortured. As well as being incredibly stubborn and hard-headed. But then, no one is perfect.
Everything about this book worked, on so many levels. The characters (even the secondary ones) felt real and well-rounded. The mystery surrounding the serial arsonist was intriguing, and had a well thought-out resolution, and the step-by-step revel of the true horror of Howard's early childhood, was heart-wrenching.
I have to say, i loved the heroine, Kat. She was strong, feisty, flawed, and the perfect person for Howard. She stood up to his sometimes boorish behavior, and she stuck by him as he tried to come to terms with his fear of opening up. And i loved the fact that Kat was a gorgeous, curvy woman and that to Howard, she was the sexiest thing in the world. I only wish there were more men like him in the real world.
Can't wait to read more from this series, and author.
Everything about this book worked, on so many levels. The characters (even the secondary ones) felt real and well-rounded. The mystery surrounding the serial arsonist was intriguing, and had a well thought-out resolution, and the step-by-step revel of the true horror of Howard's early childhood, was heart-wrenching.
I have to say, i loved the heroine, Kat. She was strong, feisty, flawed, and the perfect person for Howard. She stood up to his sometimes boorish behavior, and she stuck by him as he tried to come to terms with his fear of opening up. And i loved the fact that Kat was a gorgeous, curvy woman and that to Howard, she was the sexiest thing in the world. I only wish there were more men like him in the real world.
Can't wait to read more from this series, and author.
January 9, 2011
WOW... I haven't read any thing like this before!!
Drama,sex and Action and it was a little thriller in there to!!
The story plot what ever was so good!!
I loved how we really get to no Howie!! hehehe (Howard what a name)
Loved all the characters, i am really looking forward to reading them all!!
This was a really good read it had me on a ride thats for sure, lots of action and the romance was so cute!!
It has to be one of the better books i have read lately!!
And OMG it had me crying and laughing and so mad i nearly threw my kindle at the wall!!
If you havent read it, you so should!!!
Drama,sex and Action and it was a little thriller in there to!!
The story plot what ever was so good!!
I loved how we really get to no Howie!! hehehe (Howard what a name)
Loved all the characters, i am really looking forward to reading them all!!
This was a really good read it had me on a ride thats for sure, lots of action and the romance was so cute!!
It has to be one of the better books i have read lately!!
And OMG it had me crying and laughing and so mad i nearly threw my kindle at the wall!!
If you havent read it, you so should!!!
May 5, 2017
Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton. Hero, fireman, Lieutenant...Sexual Dom? Oh yeah. And one with an intense libido, let me tell you. Well, I definitely liked Howard a lot. I loved that he's a fireman. I hated how secretive and closed off he was with Kat in the beginning, but I loved when he finally opened up to her and realized he loved her. And, this guy had waaay too many near-death experiences just in this one book. At the end when he comes to save Kat, I was screaming for him to take the gun because I knew Frank was going to get up and shoot him! Helllllooo! Also, he is way too sexy to be a "Howard"; that name is way to plain and boring for a guy like him.
I loved how honest and open Kat was with Howard from the start and how sure she always was with him, how she stood beside him. I love that she went along with all his sexual demands and how she loved him even when she feared he didn't love her back.
Janine, the little slut. I wanted to slap her for putting the moves on Howard, even if he did stop her eventually. I'm glad that he sent her away and Kat scared her off. I did feel really bad for her, though, when she was killed to get to Howard.
I should have known it was Howard's "father" doing all the killing and stalking. But, alas, I did not figure it out until he hung up on Howard when he had Kat. I did know it all had to do with his mother, though. And I should have figured out that Bentley was his real father, as it was mentioned many times how much Howard looked like him!
This was a very, very sexy book, meaning lots and lots of sex. And it was all great. Now, I don't have a lot of experience with reading about anal sex, so it struck me as a little odd that the most erotic sex scene for me was when they had anal sex in the hot tub. Just an observation...
I really liked this book and I'm definitely glad I read it. I felt it was rather well-developed, if a bit undeveloped at certain parts. I look forward to reading the others in the series and getting even more involved in the lives of the Firefighters of Station Five, especially Julian.
I loved how honest and open Kat was with Howard from the start and how sure she always was with him, how she stood beside him. I love that she went along with all his sexual demands and how she loved him even when she feared he didn't love her back.
Janine, the little slut. I wanted to slap her for putting the moves on Howard, even if he did stop her eventually. I'm glad that he sent her away and Kat scared her off. I did feel really bad for her, though, when she was killed to get to Howard.
I should have known it was Howard's "father" doing all the killing and stalking. But, alas, I did not figure it out until he hung up on Howard when he had Kat. I did know it all had to do with his mother, though. And I should have figured out that Bentley was his real father, as it was mentioned many times how much Howard looked like him!
This was a very, very sexy book, meaning lots and lots of sex. And it was all great. Now, I don't have a lot of experience with reading about anal sex, so it struck me as a little odd that the most erotic sex scene for me was when they had anal sex in the hot tub. Just an observation...
I really liked this book and I'm definitely glad I read it. I felt it was rather well-developed, if a bit undeveloped at certain parts. I look forward to reading the others in the series and getting even more involved in the lives of the Firefighters of Station Five, especially Julian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2012
So the phrase, "Sex on a stick."
Why does this phrase even work? Sex doesn't come on a stick. That would be painful.
Chicken Satay comes on a stick. Corndogs come on a stick. Kabobs come on a stick. Basically... meat on a stick. Well, then there's lollipops. Blow Pops. Tootsie Pops. Popcicles. More stick food.
"Sex on a stick" just doesn't make sense to me, yet I've seen it used over. And over.
I googled "Sex on a stick." Result:
And that just doesn't look sexy.
Now... if she'd have described our hero as "Sex on a Harley"... THAT, I can wrap my head around. Or, "Sex in fireman's suspenders..." "Sex on a screaming fire engine..." "Sex on a bed of flames..." No.. that one wouldn't work. A dude died like that. Bad form.
Sex. Sticks. Pick up sticks.
Anyhow... Barely got through this one. Took me long enough.
Why does this phrase even work? Sex doesn't come on a stick. That would be painful.
Chicken Satay comes on a stick. Corndogs come on a stick. Kabobs come on a stick. Basically... meat on a stick. Well, then there's lollipops. Blow Pops. Tootsie Pops. Popcicles. More stick food.
"Sex on a stick" just doesn't make sense to me, yet I've seen it used over. And over.
I googled "Sex on a stick." Result:
And that just doesn't look sexy.
Now... if she'd have described our hero as "Sex on a Harley"... THAT, I can wrap my head around. Or, "Sex in fireman's suspenders..." "Sex on a screaming fire engine..." "Sex on a bed of flames..." No.. that one wouldn't work. A dude died like that. Bad form.
Sex. Sticks. Pick up sticks.
Anyhow... Barely got through this one. Took me long enough.
October 13, 2008
Loved it! Great, well-developed characters that won This Reader's heart. A lot of secondary characters were set up for future books in this series and I was disappointed that the next book isn't due out until May 2009.
This romantic-suspense was packed with both suspense and romance! ;-) Some very steamy and erotic scenes ta' boot! (Emphasis on erotic.) There is a horrible "villain" in this one and his "deeds" are extremely gruesome. There was the perfect balance of suspense with romance all packed in this well written--very well written--book. This author had a wonderful way to write descriptions and further expand her character(s) emotions!
The author also used a terrific sense of humor to relay her character's true thoughts that had me chuckling and a few "one-liners" I had to write down. ;-)
Big thumbs up from This Reader and another for the Favorite's Shelf! ;-)
This romantic-suspense was packed with both suspense and romance! ;-) Some very steamy and erotic scenes ta' boot! (Emphasis on erotic.) There is a horrible "villain" in this one and his "deeds" are extremely gruesome. There was the perfect balance of suspense with romance all packed in this well written--very well written--book. This author had a wonderful way to write descriptions and further expand her character(s) emotions!
The author also used a terrific sense of humor to relay her character's true thoughts that had me chuckling and a few "one-liners" I had to write down. ;-)
Big thumbs up from This Reader and another for the Favorite's Shelf! ;-)
July 2, 2009
I would give this book a solid 5 stars. I loved this book, it was a very quick read, with some very steamy sex scenes. It had me teary eyed in the end, but of course there is a happy ending.
This was my first Jo Davis book and it will not be my last.
This was my first Jo Davis book and it will not be my last.
January 8, 2016
This one was just ok for me.. sure, it was cute an hot.. but Howard just didn't really do it for me. Sexy fireman but still missing a little something. Kat was funny and I really liked her character for the most part. Quick easy read
December 30, 2016
Too Cheesy For My Taste
June 4, 2010
HOT LIKE FIRE Y'ALL!!!
Let me introduce you to the men of Station 5, if your house is on fire or just your loins then these men will out that flame. I am thinking of starting a fire of my own and hoping such beautiful men like; Howard, Zack, Julian and Sean, shazam these fellows be hot and I am not just talking about their occupation. Calling all hot fire men. This is Howard’s story.
So Howard is big and tough but with his all manly looks comes with some serious problems, in charge of his men at Station 5 he is your exceptional boss, hardworking and knows how to throw down when the goings get tough. Howard has a horrible past, abused as a child to the point of death and suffering from nightmares because of it. He’s no longer the skinny kid who couldn’t take a beating he’s transformed himself into this big tough kicka$$ male, oh yeh I likeeee. After a call to a house fire he thinks he’s just met the girl of his dreams and with all good things there has to be a downer. That same house fire had a person in it and all the evidence is saying homicide. Something horrible is in store for these blazing hot firefighters.
Kat can’t believe the house she was sitting just got burnt to a crisp, talk about bad luck. After trying to save the house she got a little smoke in her lungs and almost got consumed by the flame that’s the last time she will think about playing hero. The night aint so bad, good things come in the form of six feet and a half of all sexy male by the name of Howard Paxton. Has Kat just met the guy of her dreams, at least she hopes so. Now because of said man she is now the target of a killer, yeh things certainly are looking up,pffft.
Someone from Howards past is taunting him with these house fires and the body inside being burnt to a crisp, Howard has a fragile mind and could this new set of incidents be his undoing or can he rise above and figure out who’s doing all these things before his time is up. Let’s just say all that he has known is about change for the better and also the worst. I liked the relationship between Kat and Howard i wasn’t in love with them but they did have some good qualities. The background characters were great and let me say I am intrigued to see where this series is going. Steam wise I give it a 2 ½ , but what it lacked in romance made up for some strong characters, I so will be reading the rest in this series and all I can say is “Burn Baby Burn”. Shazam.
Let me introduce you to the men of Station 5, if your house is on fire or just your loins then these men will out that flame. I am thinking of starting a fire of my own and hoping such beautiful men like; Howard, Zack, Julian and Sean, shazam these fellows be hot and I am not just talking about their occupation. Calling all hot fire men. This is Howard’s story.
So Howard is big and tough but with his all manly looks comes with some serious problems, in charge of his men at Station 5 he is your exceptional boss, hardworking and knows how to throw down when the goings get tough. Howard has a horrible past, abused as a child to the point of death and suffering from nightmares because of it. He’s no longer the skinny kid who couldn’t take a beating he’s transformed himself into this big tough kicka$$ male, oh yeh I likeeee. After a call to a house fire he thinks he’s just met the girl of his dreams and with all good things there has to be a downer. That same house fire had a person in it and all the evidence is saying homicide. Something horrible is in store for these blazing hot firefighters.
Kat can’t believe the house she was sitting just got burnt to a crisp, talk about bad luck. After trying to save the house she got a little smoke in her lungs and almost got consumed by the flame that’s the last time she will think about playing hero. The night aint so bad, good things come in the form of six feet and a half of all sexy male by the name of Howard Paxton. Has Kat just met the guy of her dreams, at least she hopes so. Now because of said man she is now the target of a killer, yeh things certainly are looking up,pffft.
Someone from Howards past is taunting him with these house fires and the body inside being burnt to a crisp, Howard has a fragile mind and could this new set of incidents be his undoing or can he rise above and figure out who’s doing all these things before his time is up. Let’s just say all that he has known is about change for the better and also the worst. I liked the relationship between Kat and Howard i wasn’t in love with them but they did have some good qualities. The background characters were great and let me say I am intrigued to see where this series is going. Steam wise I give it a 2 ½ , but what it lacked in romance made up for some strong characters, I so will be reading the rest in this series and all I can say is “Burn Baby Burn”. Shazam.
December 21, 2011
A really good start to a series. It was a great introduction to the future books and their casts. I thought this was going to be a light series with big, alpha firefighters, cocky man whores who save the world. Even though there was some of that there was definitely some gruesome murders and past child abuse that was not light at all. The mystery was pretty predictable and the chemistry between the H&h was hot, sex scenes hotter and they didn't take 20 pages to get naked- I usually bored by then. Sometimes things were a little rushed and corny, but the love story was very sweet too.
January 9, 2018
«Es fácil permanecer solo cuando apuntas bajo. Sin ataduras, sexo fácil. Entonces, cuando ella se vaya, tu corazón no recibirá una paliza en el proceso. Tuve un gran aprendizaje con los acuerdos a largo plazo.... la idea me asusta un poco.»
ARGUMENTO:
Tenemos por un lado a Howard "Six-Pack", y sí, su apodo es por los increíbles abdominales que tiene. Y no, no se lo puso él, no es un egocentrico, se lo pusieron sus compañeros bomberos, como una broma y se quedó así para siempre.
Por otro lado tenemos a Kate, o Katherine, como queráis llamarla, una profesora de niños de 6 años.
Ambos personajes tienen un encuentro, cuanto menos, accidentado. Kate es encargada de revisar la casa de los vecinos de enfrente de la casa de sus padres. Ambas parejas, sus padres y sus vecinos, se han ido a un crucero y ella se pasa de vez en cuando a recoger el correo. Pero un día, cuando ella llega la casa de sus vecinos está en llamas y le parece escuchar un grito, así que agarra la manguera del jardín y se mete dentro de la casa para intentar apagar algo. Obviamente no sale tan bien como parecía porque al final acaba siendo rescatada por un bombero, nuestro protagonista, Howard. Entre ellos surge una química instantánea, pero en la vida de Howard hay algo más, demonios que lo persiguen y que acabaran persiguiendo a Kate en consecuencia.
La historia realmente no es de lo mejor que se ha visto. Tengo la sensación de que hace años que la leí pero no la tenía apuntada como leída así que... y como no me acordaba mucho fue como leerla de nuevo.
A ver, hay un instalove surrealista entre estos dos. Es por ello que la relación avanza a pasos agigantados y llegó a un punto, que no estaba ni en la mitad de la historia que pensé ¿y ahora qué va a hacer la autora para rellenar las páginas que quedan? Porque ya habían llegado casi a lo máximo de su relación. Pero sí que supo que hacerle, Howard no hablaba de sus demonios así que la autora se centró en eso. Me cabreé un poco porque, al pasar tan rápido toda la relación, para mí es como si se conocieran de hace dos días, así que el hecho de que Kate no hiciese más que presionarle por hablar me ponía de los nervios. Era en plan ¿pero quieres darle un maldito respiro, joder?
En cuanto a la otra trama, los asesinatos y todo eso, el culpable fue predecible por ciertas cosas que decía Howard, aunque el mismo no sabía quién era.
La historia es entretenida, está bien, de hecho al final incluso me hizo llorar un poco, pero no es nada del otro mundo la verdad sea dicha.
ARGUMENTO:
Tenemos por un lado a Howard "Six-Pack", y sí, su apodo es por los increíbles abdominales que tiene. Y no, no se lo puso él, no es un egocentrico, se lo pusieron sus compañeros bomberos, como una broma y se quedó así para siempre.
Por otro lado tenemos a Kate, o Katherine, como queráis llamarla, una profesora de niños de 6 años.
Ambos personajes tienen un encuentro, cuanto menos, accidentado. Kate es encargada de revisar la casa de los vecinos de enfrente de la casa de sus padres. Ambas parejas, sus padres y sus vecinos, se han ido a un crucero y ella se pasa de vez en cuando a recoger el correo. Pero un día, cuando ella llega la casa de sus vecinos está en llamas y le parece escuchar un grito, así que agarra la manguera del jardín y se mete dentro de la casa para intentar apagar algo. Obviamente no sale tan bien como parecía porque al final acaba siendo rescatada por un bombero, nuestro protagonista, Howard. Entre ellos surge una química instantánea, pero en la vida de Howard hay algo más, demonios que lo persiguen y que acabaran persiguiendo a Kate en consecuencia.
La historia realmente no es de lo mejor que se ha visto. Tengo la sensación de que hace años que la leí pero no la tenía apuntada como leída así que... y como no me acordaba mucho fue como leerla de nuevo.
A ver, hay un instalove surrealista entre estos dos. Es por ello que la relación avanza a pasos agigantados y llegó a un punto, que no estaba ni en la mitad de la historia que pensé ¿y ahora qué va a hacer la autora para rellenar las páginas que quedan? Porque ya habían llegado casi a lo máximo de su relación. Pero sí que supo que hacerle, Howard no hablaba de sus demonios así que la autora se centró en eso. Me cabreé un poco porque, al pasar tan rápido toda la relación, para mí es como si se conocieran de hace dos días, así que el hecho de que Kate no hiciese más que presionarle por hablar me ponía de los nervios. Era en plan ¿pero quieres darle un maldito respiro, joder?
En cuanto a la otra trama, los asesinatos y todo eso, el culpable fue predecible por ciertas cosas que decía Howard, aunque el mismo no sabía quién era.
La historia es entretenida, está bien, de hecho al final incluso me hizo llorar un poco, pero no es nada del otro mundo la verdad sea dicha.
January 2, 2009
This book was a lot of fun. It was corny but cute. After the first "shazzam!" I didn't take it too seriously and I really enjoyed the humor. Jo Davis sprinkled about enough wit and personality to make me laugh and I had a good time.
The plot of this story, while not complicated, was sad. I'm an advocate of licensing for the priviledge of reproducing and this book just reinforces my beliefs as to why. While Jo Davis doesn't delve too deep into Howard's childhood memories (which I appreciated) it's definitely hinted at and then explained as one of the worst child abuse cases in Tennessee history. I figured out the whole plot almost right from the start - not because I'm super smart, but because it's that super easy - but I still enjoyed it.
I really liked Howard and Kat. Howard was so charming and so adorably bad boy, but he had just enough vulnerablility to make me want to give him a comforting squeeze. The way Jo Davis describes this group of hunky firefighters was interesting and intriguing. She has created a strong family unit out of the "A" Team and Lieutenant Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton heads the group as a sort of father figure. I think it was so sweet that someone who was so horribly treated and abandoned as a child could step up and be the glue-like central figure for a group of people. I just thought Howard was so adorable and I thought how Jo Davis made him this gentle giant was just "awww" worthy. Kat McKenna was also a nice heroine. I liked how she definitely didn't play hard to get, too. One thing that annoyed me was that Jo Davis definitely exploits the whole, men are silent, unscaleable fortress's and women only want to talk about their feelings, stereotypes.
**spoilers**spoilers**spoilers**
There is a moment where Howard almost cheats. It depends on how much you can handle and while I can handle a lot, I thought Howard went too far and waited too long before stopping. I can understand that he still has the whole bachelor mentallity, but still. Bad, Howard!!
While Howard is definitely a gentle giant, Jo Davis also paints him as a sexual dominant. I thought it was kind of awkwardly done and while the sex was fine, there's hardly any sizzle or heat. It was kind of clinical in it's tepid boringness and I found myself skimming them to get back to the humor.
Jo Davis is setting up all the individual stories here and since Howard is the kind of father figure, everyone comes to him with their problems and he can't help but be concerned for and about his brothers. There looks to be some interesting sequels in the future and I'm looking forward to them. I enjoyed this debut novel. It had it's weaknesses but I was able to push past them. Mainly I read it because I thought Howard was so cute and manly. Manly in an, "aren't you cute!" sort of way and I hope I get more glimpses of him in future books.
The plot of this story, while not complicated, was sad. I'm an advocate of licensing for the priviledge of reproducing and this book just reinforces my beliefs as to why. While Jo Davis doesn't delve too deep into Howard's childhood memories (which I appreciated) it's definitely hinted at and then explained as one of the worst child abuse cases in Tennessee history. I figured out the whole plot almost right from the start - not because I'm super smart, but because it's that super easy - but I still enjoyed it.
I really liked Howard and Kat. Howard was so charming and so adorably bad boy, but he had just enough vulnerablility to make me want to give him a comforting squeeze. The way Jo Davis describes this group of hunky firefighters was interesting and intriguing. She has created a strong family unit out of the "A" Team and Lieutenant Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton heads the group as a sort of father figure. I think it was so sweet that someone who was so horribly treated and abandoned as a child could step up and be the glue-like central figure for a group of people. I just thought Howard was so adorable and I thought how Jo Davis made him this gentle giant was just "awww" worthy. Kat McKenna was also a nice heroine. I liked how she definitely didn't play hard to get, too. One thing that annoyed me was that Jo Davis definitely exploits the whole, men are silent, unscaleable fortress's and women only want to talk about their feelings, stereotypes.
**spoilers**spoilers**spoilers**
There is a moment where Howard almost cheats. It depends on how much you can handle and while I can handle a lot, I thought Howard went too far and waited too long before stopping. I can understand that he still has the whole bachelor mentallity, but still. Bad, Howard!!
While Howard is definitely a gentle giant, Jo Davis also paints him as a sexual dominant. I thought it was kind of awkwardly done and while the sex was fine, there's hardly any sizzle or heat. It was kind of clinical in it's tepid boringness and I found myself skimming them to get back to the humor.
Jo Davis is setting up all the individual stories here and since Howard is the kind of father figure, everyone comes to him with their problems and he can't help but be concerned for and about his brothers. There looks to be some interesting sequels in the future and I'm looking forward to them. I enjoyed this debut novel. It had it's weaknesses but I was able to push past them. Mainly I read it because I thought Howard was so cute and manly. Manly in an, "aren't you cute!" sort of way and I hope I get more glimpses of him in future books.
May 9, 2009
"Trial by Fire" by Jo Davis was one smoking hot contemporary romantic suspense story! It came very close to the erotica line (for me), and sometimes rode the line, but never really crossed over. I will say that the sex was very well done and did contribute to the story, but the plot didn't hinge on the sexual part of the relationship.
Howard is a big, brawny fireman (dreamy sigh) who takes care of his crew and enjoys his job and his Harley. He used to enjoy women too, but for the past year his libido has been taking a break. Of course, it could be due to the nightmares about his childhood past that keep plaguing him...a past he can never quite remember, but leaves him sweating and scared. And he can't afford to be anything but sharp since it looks like they may have a serial killer on their hands--a serial killer who may be targeting Howard and the luscious blonde who single-handedly has jump-started his libido!
Kat can't quite believe the strange turn her life has taken. For a 'voluptuous' schoolteacher, things have certainly livened up ever since the fire at her neighbor's house where she was rescued by a hunky fireman. Howard seems too good to be true. He LOVES her body, he's strong and handsome, and he's thoughtful and kind to boot. Unfortunately, their relationship has also apparently made her a possible target of a serial killer!
I have to say that I found the plot a bit rough in spots. The mystery of the serial killer and his connection to the hero wasn't very difficult to figure out which made the hero, the cops, and his crew seem a bit slow. The relationship between hero and heroine was also rather rapidly developed and there was some irritating push/pull afterward. BUT, I did stay with the story and was interested to see how the author was going to play out the finish. And did I mention the sex was smoking hot?
"Trial By Fire" is the first book by Jo Davis in a series about firefighters from fictional 'Station Five'. Her next book in this series, "Under Fire", was just released in May09 and I plan to read that one too. All in all, I liked Ms. Davis' first story in this series and look forward to seeing how her writing develops.
Howard is a big, brawny fireman (dreamy sigh) who takes care of his crew and enjoys his job and his Harley. He used to enjoy women too, but for the past year his libido has been taking a break. Of course, it could be due to the nightmares about his childhood past that keep plaguing him...a past he can never quite remember, but leaves him sweating and scared. And he can't afford to be anything but sharp since it looks like they may have a serial killer on their hands--a serial killer who may be targeting Howard and the luscious blonde who single-handedly has jump-started his libido!
Kat can't quite believe the strange turn her life has taken. For a 'voluptuous' schoolteacher, things have certainly livened up ever since the fire at her neighbor's house where she was rescued by a hunky fireman. Howard seems too good to be true. He LOVES her body, he's strong and handsome, and he's thoughtful and kind to boot. Unfortunately, their relationship has also apparently made her a possible target of a serial killer!
I have to say that I found the plot a bit rough in spots. The mystery of the serial killer and his connection to the hero wasn't very difficult to figure out which made the hero, the cops, and his crew seem a bit slow. The relationship between hero and heroine was also rather rapidly developed and there was some irritating push/pull afterward. BUT, I did stay with the story and was interested to see how the author was going to play out the finish. And did I mention the sex was smoking hot?
"Trial By Fire" is the first book by Jo Davis in a series about firefighters from fictional 'Station Five'. Her next book in this series, "Under Fire", was just released in May09 and I plan to read that one too. All in all, I liked Ms. Davis' first story in this series and look forward to seeing how her writing develops.
March 12, 2011
Here I go again getting addicted to yet another series. Oh well, at least they're all available to be read and I don't have to wait for the next one to come out.
I will admit that this book was definitely packing the cheese factor in some areas. First off, as many other reviewers have already posted on here, what sexy man do you know who's name is Howard? And the Howie bit, ugh I cringe at the very mention of it. The nickname of "Six Pack" certainly didn't do any favors either. Luckily, the sexiness of Lt. Paxton more than made up for the lack of an appropriate name.:) Also, I found it funny that every single man in the battalion was hot. Seriously, I was waiting for the description of the always present beer bellied fireman. I guess in Sugarland, TN those kinds of firemen don't exist, at least not in this battalion. Lucky for me!
I had no trouble connecting with the heroine in this story, and as a woman with "lush curves" (thank you Ms. Davis), I certainly appreciated that Kat wasn't pencil thin with legs from here to China. She was spunky, full of life, and confident in her sex appeal to Howie (ughhh).
Lt. Howard Paxton, hot damn, this man had me drooling at some points. I felt like he had a bit too much drama though for my liking; the abused past, the unable to have kids part, the serial killer targeting him, seemed like a lot.
Favorite part of this book, hands down, the HOT HOT HOT HOT sex. These scenes were written so well and I was definitely turned on by them and, since they are plentiful in this story (thank you God!), I was very much engaged in the story.
I loved the sense of family that the author was able to portray in this book and it pretty much guarantees that I will read the rest of the series. She did a fantastic job of introducing the other characters and giving snipets of information that certainly got my attention and interest.
Overall this book was very good and a very easy read for me. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the rest of them.
December 10, 2011
I did not like this book really AT ALL. Most of the romantic "lines" between the hero and heroine (even in their own internal dialogues) were so cliche it bordered on ridiculous. The suspense plot was so transparent, if you have any intelligence at all, you will know who did it, what the missing piece of Howard's dreams are, etc, etc, etc. It was just not entertaining to me. In fact, mostly, I finished it because I'm trying to complete my book challenge for the year and...I didn't want to fall another book behind. In other circumstances, I woulda quit much earlier and just abandoned the thing all together.
Which is sad because it had potential - hot cover, 6'6" guy (love the big, fit guys, sue me) and he's a fire-guy - good elements. But this thing flops big time.
Which is sad because it had potential - hot cover, 6'6" guy (love the big, fit guys, sue me) and he's a fire-guy - good elements. But this thing flops big time.
December 25, 2016
Me gustó.
Muchos aspecto de la historia fueron predecibles, como los incendios, asesinatos y la persona detrás de ellos, desde el principio sospeché de quien se trataba y al final comprobé que no estaba equivocada ¿La razón? Esa si no la esperaba.
Los personajes me gustaron, Kat tiene una personalidad fuerte y a la vez dulce. Amé la reacción que tuvo cuando vio a Howard con otra mujer. Howie es un amor, tiene su lado macho alfa dominante pero también tiene un lado completamente cursi que me encantó. Su relación si fue un poco rápida para mi, pero al atravesar tantas cosas supongo que se unieron mucho más rápido.
Como sea, no esta mal. Me mantuvo entretenida por lo menos.
Muchos aspecto de la historia fueron predecibles, como los incendios, asesinatos y la persona detrás de ellos, desde el principio sospeché de quien se trataba y al final comprobé que no estaba equivocada ¿La razón? Esa si no la esperaba.
Los personajes me gustaron, Kat tiene una personalidad fuerte y a la vez dulce. Amé la reacción que tuvo cuando vio a Howard con otra mujer. Howie es un amor, tiene su lado macho alfa dominante pero también tiene un lado completamente cursi que me encantó. Su relación si fue un poco rápida para mi, pero al atravesar tantas cosas supongo que se unieron mucho más rápido.
Como sea, no esta mal. Me mantuvo entretenida por lo menos.
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