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Firefighters of Station 1 #1
Her Sexy Challenge
Caitlin Tyler doesn’t do bridges—she just doesn’t know it until she lands her dream job and freezes halfway across her new town’s towering death span. Cue the cocky, infuriating fireman who goads her off the bridge. He’s hot, but he’s also exactly the kind of guy she wants to avoid…which she manages to do for a whole four hours.
Lt. Shane Hendricks is only two weeks away from leaving Dry Rock. He sure as hell doesn’t need to get involved with a woman he has to rescue twice in one day. The fact that she’s clearly annoyed by him doesn’t deter him from throwing down a challenge—one that proves hard to resist for all the wrong reasons.
They’re moving in different directions. Leaving should be easy, but falling for Caitlin might be the one fire he can’t put out…
Lt. Shane Hendricks is only two weeks away from leaving Dry Rock. He sure as hell doesn’t need to get involved with a woman he has to rescue twice in one day. The fact that she’s clearly annoyed by him doesn’t deter him from throwing down a challenge—one that proves hard to resist for all the wrong reasons.
They’re moving in different directions. Leaving should be easy, but falling for Caitlin might be the one fire he can’t put out…
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2017
182 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ballance
33 books692 followersSarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 3, 2017
DNF at 22%.
I like Sarah Ballance's romances so I was stoked to get approved for this ARC. Unfortunately, I just didn't get along with the hero and after he did something which crossed a line for me I gave up reading this book.
Caitlin Tyler has a number of phobias which (from the little I read) stem from the circumstances surrounding the horrific death of her parents. She lands her dream job but unfortunately getting there requires her to overcome one of her phobias - fear of crossing running water. On the day she tries, she freezes halfway and has to get rescued by the fire brigade, specifically Shane Hendricks. Strike #1, he assumes Caitlin is attempting suicide, although probably just attention seeking, and is less than sympathetic. Then a fire in the furnace in her book shop requires him to save her again. Again, his behaviour is less than professional. Strike #2, he is described as smirking waaaay too often.
Shane then decides that it is his duty to make Caitlin face her fears - he has no training in the correct way to help people who have been traumatised face their fears, oh no, he just decides to badger Caitlin into going on a non-date with him, promises that he won't force her to do anything she doesn't want to, then carries her onto the middle of a bridge over a river. I am in no way an expert (not even an amateur) at treating phobias but this was a total red flag incident for me. He had no idea whether she would completely freak out, have a panic attack (as she did on the bridge at the start of the book) or have hysterics. I found his whole attitude to be smug and arrogant and as he himself describes it 'low-key stalking'. So I have to say I didn't like this book and stopped reading at this point. I see that other people have reviewed this and found it hysterically funny - I don't see it myself.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I like Sarah Ballance's romances so I was stoked to get approved for this ARC. Unfortunately, I just didn't get along with the hero and after he did something which crossed a line for me I gave up reading this book.
Caitlin Tyler has a number of phobias which (from the little I read) stem from the circumstances surrounding the horrific death of her parents. She lands her dream job but unfortunately getting there requires her to overcome one of her phobias - fear of crossing running water. On the day she tries, she freezes halfway and has to get rescued by the fire brigade, specifically Shane Hendricks. Strike #1, he assumes Caitlin is attempting suicide, although probably just attention seeking, and is less than sympathetic. Then a fire in the furnace in her book shop requires him to save her again. Again, his behaviour is less than professional. Strike #2, he is described as smirking waaaay too often.
Shane then decides that it is his duty to make Caitlin face her fears - he has no training in the correct way to help people who have been traumatised face their fears, oh no, he just decides to badger Caitlin into going on a non-date with him, promises that he won't force her to do anything she doesn't want to, then carries her onto the middle of a bridge over a river. I am in no way an expert (not even an amateur) at treating phobias but this was a total red flag incident for me. He had no idea whether she would completely freak out, have a panic attack (as she did on the bridge at the start of the book) or have hysterics. I found his whole attitude to be smug and arrogant and as he himself describes it 'low-key stalking'. So I have to say I didn't like this book and stopped reading at this point. I see that other people have reviewed this and found it hysterically funny - I don't see it myself.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2017
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance.
The storyline was entertaining, sweet, emotional and fun to read.
I liked both Caitlin and Shane, I found them funny, smart, passionate and they had great chemistry.
I found myself connecting with Caitlin from the first few pages. Suffering from my own fears I found her relatable and felt everything she was going through.
I liked how Shane helped her to work with her fears and encouraged her to live life.
Shane was one of those characters I liked one min, then wanted to punch him the next lol BUT by the end he had won me over and knew he was the perfect man for Caitlin =)
Overall, Her Sexy Challenge is a great start to the Firefighters of Station 1 Series and I'm looking forward to the next book.
*Purchase Links*
KINDLE ➝ http://amzn.to/2w1vH3Q
KINDLE UK ➝ http://amzn.to/2uyNIHd
Kindle CA ➝ http://amzn.to/2vQDiSS
Kindle AUS ➝ http://amzn.to/2uQW205
Paperback ➝ http://amzn.to/2uzeleR
NOOK ➝ http://bit.ly/2wENZpn
KOBO ➝ http://bit.ly/2uz4vJS
IBOOKS ➝ http://apple.co/2hVwYE7
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*
I really enjoyed Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance.
The storyline was entertaining, sweet, emotional and fun to read.
I liked both Caitlin and Shane, I found them funny, smart, passionate and they had great chemistry.
I found myself connecting with Caitlin from the first few pages. Suffering from my own fears I found her relatable and felt everything she was going through.
I liked how Shane helped her to work with her fears and encouraged her to live life.
Shane was one of those characters I liked one min, then wanted to punch him the next lol BUT by the end he had won me over and knew he was the perfect man for Caitlin =)
Overall, Her Sexy Challenge is a great start to the Firefighters of Station 1 Series and I'm looking forward to the next book.
*Purchase Links*
KINDLE ➝ http://amzn.to/2w1vH3Q
KINDLE UK ➝ http://amzn.to/2uyNIHd
Kindle CA ➝ http://amzn.to/2vQDiSS
Kindle AUS ➝ http://amzn.to/2uQW205
Paperback ➝ http://amzn.to/2uzeleR
NOOK ➝ http://bit.ly/2wENZpn
KOBO ➝ http://bit.ly/2uz4vJS
IBOOKS ➝ http://apple.co/2hVwYE7
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*
June 29, 2022
This was my first time reading or listening to this author. This was a pretty good book that I listened to on audio. Caitlin Tyler doesn’t do bridges she is rescued twice in one day about a hot sexy firemen. Lt. Shane Hendricks is only two weeks away from leaving Dry Rock for his dream job in Denver. Caitlin has just purchased a bookstore that's on the other side of the bridge. I liked both of these characters. Caitlin is very loveable and funny but she is also a hot mess she has a fear of bridges. Shane is a hot sexy firemen (A hero) who thought she was a jumper but Shane loves getting under her skin. I listened to this book on audio and this was my first time listening to this narrator. I am looking forward to reading or listening to the next book in this series.
August 22, 2017
Caitlin hates bridges, well, at least the one she's currently stuck on, and those over water... However, when Shane, the sexy firefighter, comes to her rescue, literally, her situation doesn't seem as dire. After she's saved, and the two indulge in some witty and flirtatious banter, Caitlin continues going about her day, as does Shane.
Shane is counting down the days until he leaves his small town life behind for a position at a Denver station which will allow him to fight fires as he was trained to do. But, he can't help but be intrigued by Caitlin, and later, when he sees her again, he's curious for a different reason as her business is in flames.
As Shane begins spending time with Caitlin, regardless of her attempts to dissuade him, the two start enjoying one another's company and though Caitlin knows Shane is leaving soon, it doesn't stop her from falling for him. Shane, still determined to start over in a big city, knows it's wrong to begin a relationship with Caitlin, even temporarily, yet his feelings for her only grow stronger as the days go by.
However, Caitlin has her own issues she's struggling with as does Shane with his desire for change. But what happens when it's time for Shane to leave? Will he still go, chasing the ideal of the man he believes he's supposed to be? Or will he stay, wanting happiness with Caitlin? Can Caitlin overcome her fears? Why does water terrify her so much? Will Shane and Caitlin find a way to be together? Is a HEA in their future?
One-click now and follow along as two people meet just as one of them is preparing to start a new life somewhere else.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Shane is counting down the days until he leaves his small town life behind for a position at a Denver station which will allow him to fight fires as he was trained to do. But, he can't help but be intrigued by Caitlin, and later, when he sees her again, he's curious for a different reason as her business is in flames.
As Shane begins spending time with Caitlin, regardless of her attempts to dissuade him, the two start enjoying one another's company and though Caitlin knows Shane is leaving soon, it doesn't stop her from falling for him. Shane, still determined to start over in a big city, knows it's wrong to begin a relationship with Caitlin, even temporarily, yet his feelings for her only grow stronger as the days go by.
However, Caitlin has her own issues she's struggling with as does Shane with his desire for change. But what happens when it's time for Shane to leave? Will he still go, chasing the ideal of the man he believes he's supposed to be? Or will he stay, wanting happiness with Caitlin? Can Caitlin overcome her fears? Why does water terrify her so much? Will Shane and Caitlin find a way to be together? Is a HEA in their future?
One-click now and follow along as two people meet just as one of them is preparing to start a new life somewhere else.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
June 14, 2018
I had a very hard time finishing this book. I almost shelved it several times as it just couldn’t keep my interest but I plugged along hoping it would get better. It was pretty much a two star read for me, until the sweet ending, which I’m a total sucker for, so I bumped it up to 3 stars. But it won’t be a reread for me...
July 27, 2017
This book was full of fun, awkward and tender moments. The witty banter that ensued from the very first time Caitlin and Shane met blended with the sweet moments where Shane worked with Caitlin to overcome her fear and the easy way they began to open up to each other, this book was so fun to read. Don't even get me started on the chemistry between them. There was just enough angst to keep the story from being overly sweet but not so much that it changed the overall tone.
This looks to be a great start to a fun series that I will definitely be reading.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
This looks to be a great start to a fun series that I will definitely be reading.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
August 18, 2017
What a great story that gets you from the beginning and does not let you go until the end. You are introduced to Caitlin Tyler while she is stuck part way on a bridge and cannot make it across the rest of the way. Now for some reason she does not her the sirens or that even traffic has been stopped. Enter fire Lt. Shane Hendricks who cannot wait for the transfer out of this small town to Denver were he won’t be rescuing damsels off bridges but fighting fires like real firemen should be doing. That is until he get close enough to Caitlin and she actually takes his breath away. She also missed a button on her blouse and though she may not be able to cross the bridge she can tell the sexy firemen (which she thinks is a job requirement), that her eyes are up here and hence the banter between these two begin. Once off the bridge and thinking her day cannot get any worse her book store begins to have black smoke billowing out from it. Not seeing any flames but remembering seeing a fire extinguisher in the back she is shock by a noise and proceeds to spray one said Lt. from this morning’s bridge fiasco with its contents. This of course makes a lasting impression not only on Shane but on the day. Not including when he asks her if she has any fans, and she like the ones on Facebook, and he says no like the ones to circulate air to get the smoke out. His next day off as a public service to the town he decides to show up at her book store to spend the day with her. Her not wanting him there so she gave him cinnamon roll flavored coffee when he wanted regular, and she told him to go to a convince store. He also wanted to read a book so she gave him a 100 year old book on child birthing, then a book on feminism, and finally “Private Sex Advice to Women”. These different types of books in her store were left there by the previous owners and would come up throughout the story. She would also find out that he would be leaving for Denver in two weeks and though she did not want to go out with him she did. She also fell in love with him and when he left everyone told him he was an idiot because she was the only person that not only kept him on his toes but gave it right back to him and good as he dished it out. He was a USDA IDIOT. She does face her fears and sends him a picture of her crossing the bridge without him showing him she is moving. From there the story continues and actually gets better, the ending was better than even I was expecting. Her fears are explain and I could actually understand them growing up in an area where flash floods would happen so fast without any warning. Overall this is a fantastic story and I liked Lexi, Marco, his mother, and all of the characters in the book. The banter between the two main characters does not let up and believe me that only adds to the story. A wonderful book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 31, 2017
Her Sexy Challenge is the first book in Sarah Ballance’s Firefighters of Station 1 series and it’s a great start!
Coming to Caitlin Tyler’s “rescue” on the town’s bridge, fireman Lt. Shane Hendricks is immediately drawn to this woman, even if she has stopped traffic and caused all emergency crews to come to the scene thinking she’s a possible jumper. Caitlin is deathly afraid of bridges and water among other things due to a traumatic experience from her past. She doesn’t appreciate his attitude when he comes to help her, but she also can’t deny how sexy he is. That only frustrates her more. Getting off the bridge safely and getting to her newly purchased book store is all she wants to do.
When Shane has to come to her aide again later in the day for something at the bookstore, she just can’t believe her luck, and not in a good way. But there’s an undeniable attraction between these two. Caitlin & Shane grow closer as he helps her face her fears. He tries to keep from getting too close, but it’s a lost cause. There’s no denying the heat between them.
Unfortunately, Shane is planning on leaving Dry Rock in two weeks and moving back to Denver where he grew up and live out his dream of working at the firehouse his late father worked at. He’s looking for bigger and better in his job, even though Dry Rock is where his mother, sister and friends are.
Will Caitlin be able to change his mind and convince him that what they have is worth staying for? Or will he leave her and everyone behind to fulfill what he thinks is still his dream?
This was a fun, sexy read with great chemistry between the characters, funny banter and a good storyline. The side characters were great too and I look forward to their stories in the future!
**I was given an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Coming to Caitlin Tyler’s “rescue” on the town’s bridge, fireman Lt. Shane Hendricks is immediately drawn to this woman, even if she has stopped traffic and caused all emergency crews to come to the scene thinking she’s a possible jumper. Caitlin is deathly afraid of bridges and water among other things due to a traumatic experience from her past. She doesn’t appreciate his attitude when he comes to help her, but she also can’t deny how sexy he is. That only frustrates her more. Getting off the bridge safely and getting to her newly purchased book store is all she wants to do.
When Shane has to come to her aide again later in the day for something at the bookstore, she just can’t believe her luck, and not in a good way. But there’s an undeniable attraction between these two. Caitlin & Shane grow closer as he helps her face her fears. He tries to keep from getting too close, but it’s a lost cause. There’s no denying the heat between them.
Unfortunately, Shane is planning on leaving Dry Rock in two weeks and moving back to Denver where he grew up and live out his dream of working at the firehouse his late father worked at. He’s looking for bigger and better in his job, even though Dry Rock is where his mother, sister and friends are.
Will Caitlin be able to change his mind and convince him that what they have is worth staying for? Or will he leave her and everyone behind to fulfill what he thinks is still his dream?
This was a fun, sexy read with great chemistry between the characters, funny banter and a good storyline. The side characters were great too and I look forward to their stories in the future!
**I was given an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 2, 2019
A riveting, memorable story to what is sure to be a captivating series by Ms. Ballance. I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming, funny book. Smoldering firefighter Shane and adorkable bookstore owner Caitlin are both so likeable, and their chemistry in and out of the bedroom is palpable. The story and these adorable characters are amazingly realistic; these are people you'd want to know, dealing with issues real people deal with, and living in a town we'd all like to live in. This book is also a perfect length--it didn't get bogged down in scenes that seemed like fluff, so it didn't take a ridiculous amount of time to read. I really look forward to reading the follow-up books in this series. I'm hoping Lexie and Matt are next!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2020
Caitlin doesn’t do bridges—she just doesn’t know it until she lands her dream job and freezes halfway across her new town’s towering death span. Lt. Shane Hendricks is the fireman who talks her off the bridge. Shane is two weeks away from leaving Dry Rock. He sure as hell doesn’t need to get involved with a woman he has to rescue twice in one day.
This story had a good premise and some really good (and deliciously awkward) moments. However, it moved really slowly for the first 80% of the book and then sped through the last 20%. The female lead had a traumatic experience which led to her fear of bridges that builds and builds for the entire story. When she finally shares it with the make lead he says, "Did anyone die?" and when she says "no" they totally move on to a new topic. No discussion. It was so weird.
This story had a good premise and some really good (and deliciously awkward) moments. However, it moved really slowly for the first 80% of the book and then sped through the last 20%. The female lead had a traumatic experience which led to her fear of bridges that builds and builds for the entire story. When she finally shares it with the make lead he says, "Did anyone die?" and when she says "no" they totally move on to a new topic. No discussion. It was so weird.
June 26, 2020
This started out pretty great. but it quickly became boring and repetitive.
I enjoyed the early interactions between Shane and Caitlin, the way he constantly teased her about needing rescuing and being a drain on city resources. It was cute and playful. But that didn't last long.
The rest of the book mostly consisted of inner dialogue filled with denial and doubt on both sides. No matter what was happening in the scene, every other sentence was something about Shane moving away and the fact that their relationship can't go anywhere and that they don't care and it's only temporary and blah blah blah.
It was too much. And when literally every single person reading can guess from the beginning that there will definitely be a happy ending, having the whole book revolve around his "move" is really pointless.
I enjoyed the early interactions between Shane and Caitlin, the way he constantly teased her about needing rescuing and being a drain on city resources. It was cute and playful. But that didn't last long.
The rest of the book mostly consisted of inner dialogue filled with denial and doubt on both sides. No matter what was happening in the scene, every other sentence was something about Shane moving away and the fact that their relationship can't go anywhere and that they don't care and it's only temporary and blah blah blah.
It was too much. And when literally every single person reading can guess from the beginning that there will definitely be a happy ending, having the whole book revolve around his "move" is really pointless.
August 12, 2017
Her Sexy Challenge (Firefighters of Station 1) by Sarah Ballance
Ms. Ballance talent lies in her understanding of the three H's. With humor, heart and heat she sets out to charmingly seduce readers and seldom does she ever miss the mark. Laughter has the power to heal, uplift and unite. Heart brings commonality making it easier to relate to the words on the page and the characters that bring them to life. Heat gets a reaction and draws readers in to the connection between the main characters. Put these three vital factors together and you get an irresistible tale like Her Sexy Challenge, an addictive and entertaining bundle of fun.
Ms. Ballance talent lies in her understanding of the three H's. With humor, heart and heat she sets out to charmingly seduce readers and seldom does she ever miss the mark. Laughter has the power to heal, uplift and unite. Heart brings commonality making it easier to relate to the words on the page and the characters that bring them to life. Heat gets a reaction and draws readers in to the connection between the main characters. Put these three vital factors together and you get an irresistible tale like Her Sexy Challenge, an addictive and entertaining bundle of fun.
November 9, 2017
I loved this book! There's no doubt in that. The only thing that I felt though was that the scene descriptions were dragged out unnecessarily. For example, that scene on the bridge where Caitlin was scared to cross the bridge because she had a fear of water, the scene took almost five pages. There were other instances where I felt that if the scene descriptions could have been minimized, it would have been better. Also, Shane didn't get to know the reason to Caitlin's fear of water. So, that piece of wasn't revealed. I thought Shane would get to know the reason later in the book. Anyways, apart from all these minor slips, I enjoyed my time reading this book.
July 23, 2017
When Caitlin and Shane meet, she has just followed her dream and opened a bookstore in Dry Rock and he is going to Denver in two weeks to follow his dreams. So the timing is not good, to say the least. But attracted to each other they have a steamy fling. Will Shane stay in Dry Rock for Caitlin, when he has dreamt for 20 years to step into his father's footsteps?
I love fireman-heroes and Shane is is yummy. I enjoyed this romance!
There are some secondary characters I can't wait to read about (Lexi and Matt).
I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I love fireman-heroes and Shane is is yummy. I enjoyed this romance!
There are some secondary characters I can't wait to read about (Lexi and Matt).
I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
July 18, 2020
Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance a fancy four-star read. I have really enjoyed other reads by this author so knew I couldn’t miss this one, hunky firefighters what more could you ask for. Dry Rock sounds like a nice place to live, idyllic a river to dip your toes in a hot firefighting department all that it needed was a bookstore to pick up all the goodies and Caitlin Tyler seems to bring that. This is a sun story with some great romance and steam, I didn’t give it five-stars as I really enjoyed it but I didn’t devour it like I have other works by this author.
July 26, 2017
I love a book that can make you laugh out loud. I had a permanent smile on my face while reading Her Sexy Challenge.
Caitlin and Shane made an adorable pair. They were funny and snarky with each other and with their underlying chemistry were an ideal pair. Too bad Shane is on his way out of town while she's just getting settled.
It was a fast paced read that kept me entertained from the first word to the last.
I received an arc for a honest review
Caitlin and Shane made an adorable pair. They were funny and snarky with each other and with their underlying chemistry were an ideal pair. Too bad Shane is on his way out of town while she's just getting settled.
It was a fast paced read that kept me entertained from the first word to the last.
I received an arc for a honest review
August 11, 2017
Her Sexy Challenge was a quirky, fun romance. I loved the interaction between the characters and the great storyline that kept me interested throughout. I would recommend this book and would like to read more by this author.
September 23, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was such a cute book, iIt was such a light-hearted, funny and sweet to boot. Caitlin (Heroine) was not a pushover, and I love that. I also liked Shane, their banter was fun. Read it you wont regret it. Can't wait til next one.
July 15, 2018
It’sI love the banter between Shane and Caitlin, it’s funny and sexy and adorable. The only thing that kind of ticked me off is that Caitlin didn’t really call him out on the way he ended things. I think she really should have let him have it and let him apologize but... sweet story non the less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
The MFC Caitlin Tyler is green-eyed, red-haired, bespectacled, small and of curvy frame. She has an English Literature degree and is the new proprietor of the used book store “Shelf Indulgence”, which is wedged between an old-fashioned ice-cream parlour and a candy store. The store is located in the downtown trendy district of Dry Rock, Colorado, where she has just moved from Wyoming on buying it.
Over six-feet-tall Lieutenant Shane Hendricks is the MMC. He has coffee-coloured eyes, a square jaw and broad shoulders. He has nearly ten years’ experience as a first responder with the Dry Rock Fire Department. Shane has only a fortnight left of work in Dry Rock as he has signed up with the Denver Fire Department, where he can fight “real” fires, continuing his father’s legacy.
Shane hates Dry Rock, which according to him only pretends to be a city. He knows he helps people but feels that he will never measure up to what he wants from his career. He wants to make a “real” difference like his father had. His father had died a hero. Shane helps cats out of trees and, at least once a month, talks people off the bridge that links the suburban sprawl of Dry Rock to the downtown area. He doesn’t consider these the most heroic of jobs.
Shane and Caitlin meet on the bridge, over the rushing waters of the river. Caitlin was clinging to the railing about half way across the span. Vehicles passed by, churning exhaust in her face and sending road grit pinging against her legs. She was breathing in road dust, motorcycles passed too closely and semi-trucks roared by, sending a few brute tonnes of steel and concrete swaying beneath her feet. Gusts of wind also rocked her, threatening to send her glasses into the river.
My comments:
- This story has a small-town vibe to it, which was comforting and not stifling.
- I found the book to be easy listening, positive and community-minded.
- I loved the “brick-and-mortar bookstore revival” concept. The situation between the old-fashioned ice-cream parlour and candy store was perfect. I wish something like that really existed.
- I appreciated the growth that occurred in Shane, not only his recognising things but also admitting what he’d learned. He’d associated Dry Rock with “routine” and had gone looking for new challenges and excitement.
- I like the important role that the bridge played in Shane’s and Caitlin’s lives on three separate occasions.
- The book had the expected HEA.
My favourite quote was the text on the coffee mug: ”I’m single because apparently the only good men are fictional.”
Over six-feet-tall Lieutenant Shane Hendricks is the MMC. He has coffee-coloured eyes, a square jaw and broad shoulders. He has nearly ten years’ experience as a first responder with the Dry Rock Fire Department. Shane has only a fortnight left of work in Dry Rock as he has signed up with the Denver Fire Department, where he can fight “real” fires, continuing his father’s legacy.
Shane hates Dry Rock, which according to him only pretends to be a city. He knows he helps people but feels that he will never measure up to what he wants from his career. He wants to make a “real” difference like his father had. His father had died a hero. Shane helps cats out of trees and, at least once a month, talks people off the bridge that links the suburban sprawl of Dry Rock to the downtown area. He doesn’t consider these the most heroic of jobs.
Shane and Caitlin meet on the bridge, over the rushing waters of the river. Caitlin was clinging to the railing about half way across the span. Vehicles passed by, churning exhaust in her face and sending road grit pinging against her legs. She was breathing in road dust, motorcycles passed too closely and semi-trucks roared by, sending a few brute tonnes of steel and concrete swaying beneath her feet. Gusts of wind also rocked her, threatening to send her glasses into the river.
My comments:
- This story has a small-town vibe to it, which was comforting and not stifling.
- I found the book to be easy listening, positive and community-minded.
- I loved the “brick-and-mortar bookstore revival” concept. The situation between the old-fashioned ice-cream parlour and candy store was perfect. I wish something like that really existed.
- I appreciated the growth that occurred in Shane, not only his recognising things but also admitting what he’d learned. He’d associated Dry Rock with “routine” and had gone looking for new challenges and excitement.
- I like the important role that the bridge played in Shane’s and Caitlin’s lives on three separate occasions.
- The book had the expected HEA.
My favourite quote was the text on the coffee mug: ”I’m single because apparently the only good men are fictional.”
October 13, 2024
A bookstore owner with phobias falls for a restless firefighter on the verge of leaving town.
I obtained free access to this contemporary romance in audiobook format via my Audible membership. I probably would not have read it otherwise. I'm not typically a fan of small town romances and, unfortunately, this book did not improve my opinion of that particular romance subgenre. There is too much redundant, passive, internal angsting over the sole romantic conflict: The MMC will very soon be leaving behind boring Podunk, USA, for a much more exciting job and endless entertainment opportunities in the big city.
There is, of course, only one possible HEA, given this is a small-town romance. Whether it is an MC who initially plans to move to the big city, as in this story, or an an MC who starts out only intending to be temporarily in the small town before returning to the big city, the MC with the itchy foot ultimately decides to scratch that itchy foot on the other MC's bedpost and sticks around the small town. To make this choice appealing, ideally the story presents a small town that is a truly enticing place to live, to the point of being a Hallmark, alternate-universe creation that doesn't exist in the real world. This book doesn't quite hit the mark on that necessary accomplishment. But then again, few small-town romances do.
I obtained free access to this contemporary romance in audiobook format via my Audible membership. I probably would not have read it otherwise. I'm not typically a fan of small town romances and, unfortunately, this book did not improve my opinion of that particular romance subgenre. There is too much redundant, passive, internal angsting over the sole romantic conflict: The MMC will very soon be leaving behind boring Podunk, USA, for a much more exciting job and endless entertainment opportunities in the big city.
There is, of course, only one possible HEA, given this is a small-town romance. Whether it is an MC who initially plans to move to the big city, as in this story, or an an MC who starts out only intending to be temporarily in the small town before returning to the big city, the MC with the itchy foot ultimately decides to scratch that itchy foot on the other MC's bedpost and sticks around the small town. To make this choice appealing, ideally the story presents a small town that is a truly enticing place to live, to the point of being a Hallmark, alternate-universe creation that doesn't exist in the real world. This book doesn't quite hit the mark on that necessary accomplishment. But then again, few small-town romances do.
September 8, 2023
Shane and Caitlin
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Audible Premium Plus borrow. Dual POV; single narrator. The narrator read well. Firefighters of Station 1 series, book 1. Content warnings: h and her family were caught in a flash flood when she was young (all survived); H firefighter father died in a fire after saving a woman when H was 10; the H is a bit of a bully forcing the h to confront her fears.
Caitlin Tyler just purchased a bookshop in Dry Rock. Firefighter Lieutenant Shane Hendricks has two weeks left in Dry Rock until he moves to Denver to work for his father's former fire department. The two met on the towns bridge where Caitlin had frozen trying to cross. The fire department received a call that someone was going to jump. When Shane realized the misunderstanding he helped Caitlin cross safely but his heart wasn't safe from falling for her. Shane fights abutting he's fallen in love with Caitlin but the epilogue finds the two happy on their wedding day. JP
2 out of 5 on my spice scale
1st listen 09-07-23
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2018
Entertaining and Emotional!
I absolutely fell in love with Caitlin and Shane as soon as I read the first few pages. The story is well written laugh out loud funny at times, and other times emotional but always entertaining. Shane is a firefighter and set to leave for his dream job in Denver in two weeks when he meets Caitlin who he thinks is a jumper on a little bridge. She’s just purchased a little brick and mortar book store in Dry Creek, unfortunately it is on the other side of the little bridge that causes her great mental anguish because she and her family almost lost their lives as they tried to cross a raging river during a storm. Shane comforts Caitlin and the game of at and mouse begins between these two as they find that two weeks is long enough to fall in love with someone. The question is whether Shane can give up his dreams for Caitlin? My heart ached for them to the very last page!
I absolutely fell in love with Caitlin and Shane as soon as I read the first few pages. The story is well written laugh out loud funny at times, and other times emotional but always entertaining. Shane is a firefighter and set to leave for his dream job in Denver in two weeks when he meets Caitlin who he thinks is a jumper on a little bridge. She’s just purchased a little brick and mortar book store in Dry Creek, unfortunately it is on the other side of the little bridge that causes her great mental anguish because she and her family almost lost their lives as they tried to cross a raging river during a storm. Shane comforts Caitlin and the game of at and mouse begins between these two as they find that two weeks is long enough to fall in love with someone. The question is whether Shane can give up his dreams for Caitlin? My heart ached for them to the very last page!
May 28, 2022
(Shane & Caitlin): TRIGGERS: phobias. Well this book was freaking hilarious. A woman, thought to beat a jumper on a bridge, had managed to stop traffic. A firefighter, wanting more from his career than saving cats from trees in a small town vibes to her rescue. Almost immediately, these two begin bickering like they've known each other forever. Caitlin is afraid of almost everything and runs from her fears. Shane runs towards danger for his job. He offers to help her, but will he be the one to run when he realizes that she is what he fears most. They start as bickering towns mates, then become friends, then they decide to have a little fun and it is HOT 🔥. Even though he's leaving, it doesn't stop them from getting more involved. Such a good story and the two characters have really good backstories. I liked this book a lot.
August 15, 2017
3.5 stars.
To be honest, I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to.
I love Ms. Ballance, so this was a no-brainer, however, I found myself struggling to relate with these characters, particularly Caitlin. I didn’t dislike her, I just couldn’t love her, love her. And it was similar with Shane, I just didn’t fall in love with him.
They were good characters, with a lot of things to overcome, and I actually liked the second half way better than the first (loved that ending); I just couldn’t see them together for most of the book. I felt the connection more in the second part.
Still, there were some interesting characters here and I’d love to know more about them and their journey.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
To be honest, I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to.
I love Ms. Ballance, so this was a no-brainer, however, I found myself struggling to relate with these characters, particularly Caitlin. I didn’t dislike her, I just couldn’t love her, love her. And it was similar with Shane, I just didn’t fall in love with him.
They were good characters, with a lot of things to overcome, and I actually liked the second half way better than the first (loved that ending); I just couldn’t see them together for most of the book. I felt the connection more in the second part.
Still, there were some interesting characters here and I’d love to know more about them and their journey.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
September 5, 2017
Another swoon worthy romance from Sarah Ballance
I swear, I'm in love with all of the Firehouse men already, and I'm waiting impatiently for more books from this series.
The witty banter in this book makes it a quick, fun read, but the way that Caitlin and Shane turn every innocent word into a dirty thought had me laughing the whole way through. Their romance makes sense without seeming forced, as does Caitlin's geeky innocence, which is realistic due to great talent in weaving backstory.
I love how the story's hero has a hero complex, and his heroism is the main conflict. Shane made me madder than heck once, and only once, but it led to one of the greatest HEA's I have ever read. All is forgiven.
I swear, I'm in love with all of the Firehouse men already, and I'm waiting impatiently for more books from this series.
The witty banter in this book makes it a quick, fun read, but the way that Caitlin and Shane turn every innocent word into a dirty thought had me laughing the whole way through. Their romance makes sense without seeming forced, as does Caitlin's geeky innocence, which is realistic due to great talent in weaving backstory.
I love how the story's hero has a hero complex, and his heroism is the main conflict. Shane made me madder than heck once, and only once, but it led to one of the greatest HEA's I have ever read. All is forgiven.
May 20, 2018
Ballance/her sexy challenge
It was an ok read if you are bored. The story was really bland , hard to keep you focus on the story. About a girl from a small town, wanted to get away, ended up in another small town to open up a bookstore, but has vices she need to overcome and the fireman who helps her overcome them . But the fireman , shane, came from big city to same small town as the girl caitlan, but wants to go back to big city to be a hero just like his dad who die from saving someone in a fire. Don't get me wrong , I do have respect for firemen and policemen alike, but this story was just too plain and boring, no challenges or good plot to it . Sorry , but the author needs a break and try to be more creative.
It was an ok read if you are bored. The story was really bland , hard to keep you focus on the story. About a girl from a small town, wanted to get away, ended up in another small town to open up a bookstore, but has vices she need to overcome and the fireman who helps her overcome them . But the fireman , shane, came from big city to same small town as the girl caitlan, but wants to go back to big city to be a hero just like his dad who die from saving someone in a fire. Don't get me wrong , I do have respect for firemen and policemen alike, but this story was just too plain and boring, no challenges or good plot to it . Sorry , but the author needs a break and try to be more creative.
August 6, 2021
Sweet romance read, I'd almost call it a slow burn because 75% of the story leads to their romantic adventure. In addition to making me laugh periodically, I kind of swooned over Shane. Hot firefighter with a heart of gold? Who WOULDN'T swoon?! Shane is on his way out of town in two weeks, the fight to keep his growing feelings for Caitlyn in check is obvious.
Caitlyn has some past trauma and is afraid of a lot, Shane challenges and encourages her to face her fears. He isn't pushy, he's letting her set the pace. I thought they were cute together and it was the happily ever after I wanted for them.
Caitlyn has some past trauma and is afraid of a lot, Shane challenges and encourages her to face her fears. He isn't pushy, he's letting her set the pace. I thought they were cute together and it was the happily ever after I wanted for them.
dnf
July 23, 2022DNF @ chapter 8
This was thankfully free, because I just couldn't. It was bad and so cliche, but in a bad way. He's sexy firefighter that every woman wants, and she's this inexperienced (she have off that vibe, I haven't listened far to find out), beautiful, sexy librarian, but she doesn't know it, she needs a man to show it to her. And she also needs a man to help her get over her fears, but he's planning to leave, and he isn't looking for a relationship, but they're getting close, and he's so persistent in wanting to spend time with her.
I tried to push through because it wasn't that long, but I couldn't.
This was thankfully free, because I just couldn't. It was bad and so cliche, but in a bad way. He's sexy firefighter that every woman wants, and she's this inexperienced (she have off that vibe, I haven't listened far to find out), beautiful, sexy librarian, but she doesn't know it, she needs a man to show it to her. And she also needs a man to help her get over her fears, but he's planning to leave, and he isn't looking for a relationship, but they're getting close, and he's so persistent in wanting to spend time with her.
I tried to push through because it wasn't that long, but I couldn't.
May 9, 2018
Sarah Ballance captivates
The only thing I love more than firemen are cowboys but after reading Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance I think I need to readjust my frame of mind because after meeting Shane and his crew from the station I've decided they the and might even edge out cowboys.
This book is excellent and I absolutely loved the humor that all the characters exuded. A definite winner of a romance !
Now I'm on the lookout for any Sarah Ballance books I've recently missed because I need to rectify my neglect of such a talented author !
The only thing I love more than firemen are cowboys but after reading Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance I think I need to readjust my frame of mind because after meeting Shane and his crew from the station I've decided they the and might even edge out cowboys.
This book is excellent and I absolutely loved the humor that all the characters exuded. A definite winner of a romance !
Now I'm on the lookout for any Sarah Ballance books I've recently missed because I need to rectify my neglect of such a talented author !
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