Stand-alone Hope Falls romance, complete with HEA—and plenty of heat and heart along the way!
What if the one that got away was the one you never had?
Marco Reyes had no plans to attend his ten-year high school reunion, but when the sinfully sexy and perpetually single firefighter unexpectedly finds himself in his hometown one fateful weekend, that’s exactly where he ends up—and it’s where he reunites with the only girl that had ever tempted him to want more than his bachelor life.
Sydney Prince’s last name might conjure images of fairy tales, but her life was far from that. The frogs she’d kissed had never transformed into anything remotely resembling a handsome prince. That was fine by her, though. She preferred the glass slippers to Charming himself. But what happens when the girl who never believed in romance is swept off her feet by the only man who she’d ever imagined a Happily Ever After with?
Will Marco and Sydney finally admit what they feel and find their way to one another? Or will life have other plans?
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
Sweetly sexy, emotionally thrilling and quirky yet charming small town second change romance that makes a highly entertaining late night read. Always love visiting Hope Falls and this visit did not disappoint at all.
Marco Reyes is a charming, sexy and hot alpha male firefighter that finds himself visiting home the same weekend of the ten year high school reunion he had plans to avoid. Life has a way of changing things when you least expect it though. Sydney Prince is a sweet, sassy and fun hometown girl that has not had any real luck in the love department, she is also the one woman that Marco has ever considered giving up his fun loving bachelor life for. Loved the struggle and journey between this adorable couple.
Sometimes it is not just about second chances, sometimes it takes several, brave, out of your comfort zone jumps to make your dreams come true with you one true soulmate. This touching, fun, and scorching hot story had a smile on my face through the tale. Yes, there are wrenching emotions from deep valley to high mountaintop. No, the life has not been easy for either Marco or Sydney, and their encounters are not always filled with delight and happiness. Yet there is such a joy in the knowledge that the other exists. Even if and when they are not together, just knowing the other one is out there somewhere, and what they mean to each other even through the years of living their lives separately, that purely unconditional love and support towards the other was tangible on each page of the tale radiating such positive vibes, I could not help but smile. Of course, that joyfulness was also paired with light and fetching banter of two lifelong friends who knew each other way back when. The pop culture references had me cackling, so well embedded in the story and giving relatable references. I admire how well they knew each other, Marco and Sydney, the connection between them is undeniable, nearly visible, and definitely filled with passion, heat, and adoration. Yes, the heat level is in the other atmosphere, Marco and Sydney burn for each other, and every time they do come together in fervor, it not only shows the depth of their emotions but also the development of their feelings and relationship, thus being a valuable, inseparable part of the plot. I loved Sydney's independence, smarts, and dedication. Her need to save the world even if just one person at the time is admirable. She is generous, kind, and loving person with feets on the ground, and smile in her eyes. She is one of those female leads who is extremely easy to relate to, care and cheer for. I admired Marco's loyalty and honesty. The way he owned his shortcomings and talked about past misunderstandings without drama made me respect him even more. Marco and Sydney were so intuned with each other, they made a remarkable team when the need arises, he stood up for her, helped her, and cherished her, and had me sighing and swooning, and yes, smiling. Visiting Hope Falls makes me always feel like coming to a home away from home, the warmth of the people is palpable, the welcome is always there. Marco and Sydney's story is filled with yearning, affection, ardor, joy, and hope, a perfect fit to the marvelous series! ~ Five Spoons
I absolutely love the Hope Falls series and Fire and Romance definitely does not disappoint. Melanie Shawn’s books always have a way of pulling you into the characters lives. Marco and Sydney have a past, they were friends in school and have feelings for each other. Hey meet up again at their high school reunion and reveal their true feeling for each other and their chemistry is off of the charts. I loved Marco and Sydney together. Marco is so sweet towards Sydney while Sydney tries to be independent and not lean on anyone. What a great story!
4 1/2 stars. #15 in Melanie Shawn's, Hope Falls series. I am loving Hope Falls. I want to move, or at least visit there. Sweet. Steamy, and romantic. I loved Marco and Sydney's story. Especially the best friends to lover's element. My favorite trope. I loved them reuniting at their High School reunion. Both very likable characters with great chemistry. Marco was yummy! I especially loved Marco with Sydney's Nephew and Niece. I love seeing a hero, so great with kids. I also loved the addition of Marco's dog, Lady. And why he named her Lady. I liked that we got to see how their relationship was in Middle and High School. Just a great story. I received an ARC for an honest review.
How many times do you get a second chance with the one that got away? What about a third chance? Marco and Sydney use to be best friends in high school then went their separate ways. Fast forward ten years to their high school reunion and everybody in the room is talking about how much Sydney has changed. Marco has followed her on Facebook but has not seen her in ten years. Once they start talking they pick up just like old times but a misunderstanding sends them their separate ways again. Is the third time a charm?
**Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I adore the Hope Falls series! It is one that never fails to bring a smile to my face and it always allows me to escape while I'm visiting this awesome town.
Marco Reyes really didn't want to or plan to attend his 10-year high school class reunion, but since he's back in his hometown due to his grandpa being in the hospital, his mother encourages him to go. He finally decides to go and once he's there, he reconnects with his old friends, realizes how much they have all changed and determines he may not want to stick around for all that long. That is until everyone starts talking about how hot Sydney Prince looks. She's the one that Marco always wanted, but she friend zoned him a long time ago and he never pushed it.
Sydney Prince wants to be anywhere else but at her high school reunion. While there is a part of her that wants to be there to see if she'll be less than invisible this time, she really doesn't want to deal with it all, especially since she's never really been seen. With a pair of sexy as all get out shoes and a knock out dress, she goes to the reunion and she is definitely noticed many times over. When she literally runs into the man she's always wanted a relationship with, Sydney takes the time to catch up with Marco.
As Sydney and Marco catch up, flames ignite between them and they give into the passion they have always felt. Will a huge misunderstanding end up derailing what could be what they both have always wanted?
The chemistry between Sydney and Marco was off the charts and I really enjoyed the other characters in the book too, including Sydney's niece and nephew. This was a best friends to lovers story that left me smiling and all warm and fuzzy that they got their happily ever after! Looking forward to the next book in this series!
I enjoyed Fire and Romance by the amazing duo Melanie Shawn, book 15 in their Hope Fall series. Hope Falls firefighter Marco Reyes never thought he would run into the only girl that ever tempted him to give up his bachelor life again. Sydney Prince’s life was good, but she wanted to get past the frogs in her life and find her Prince Charming, if he was still out there and available. Not that Sydney believed in romance so much as the wearing of glass slippers, think expensive designer shoes. When these two friends meet up at their high school reunion, sparks fly leaving the rest of the attendees in their dust. Marco and Sydney were friends who were afraid to let the other know how they really felt in high school. Following a hot night together and a mistaken message when Marco retruns, it takes two additional years before they reconnect again. It is then that they discover the love they share for each other and a hope that they can share a future together, despite the obstacles thrown into the paths. This book crosses many tropes; teenager’s first love, friends to lovers, and even a second chance at love.
Through their amazing and vivid writing Melanie Shawn did an outstanding job tackling this love story and the magic of Hope Falls. I genuinely enjoyed reading Fire and Romance and was pleased that Melanie Shawn found a way for Marco and Sydney to open their hearts, share their love and find a way to a happy forever. Although this book is part of a series, it can also be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next story in the Hope Falls series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Marco Reyes hadn’t planned on going to his ten year reunion, but his mother had called and told him his grandfather wasn’t doing well and was in the hospital. He came to check on him and his mother talked him into going to the reunion. The only person he really wanted to see was Sydney Prince even though he saw on Facebook she was in a relationship. She is the only woman he has ever loved, but she put him in the friend zone back in school. They hung around in school, but he had a girlfriend that was off and on. Sydney was quiet while her older sister had always been the life of the party. Sydney was now a beautiful women in her own right that all the men at the reunion stood up and took notice. Sydney’s crappy boyfriend didn’t show up for her reunion, and then he accidental texted her telling his other girlfriend he got out of leaving that weekend. Sydney called him and told her it was over. Marco and Sydney actually ran into each other that night night and started catching up in more than one way!
This is such a good Series, and this book is good like the others. There are feelings of inadequacy on both Sydney and Marco’s parts that cause them not to be honest with each other even though they had been such good friends. There are also misunderstandings going on, and some cute kids that melt your heart. I loved Marco and Sydney together, and of course I can’t forget the cute dog! I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
"Fire and Romance" is written by Melanie Shawn, and it is the 15th book in the Hope Falls series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. It features Marco Reyes and Sydney Prince.
This was such a sweet story! It starts out 2 years earlier when Marco and Sydney see each other at their high school reunion. They were always close friends back then, but nothing more came out of it. But when they see each other at their reunion, their chemistry is still there, and it's stronger than ever! To be honest with you, I was so engrossed with the scenes at their high school reunion. When the story fast forwarded to the present, I gasped because while I knew the scenes were in the past, I wasn't prepared for the story to jump forward because I was too emotionally involved with how the story was playing out.
The present scenes answered a lot of questions of what happened between Marco and Sydney since then and their misunderstanding. It broke my heart because they weren't there for each other during that time. But when they did get back together, it put a smile to my face and made me content. Marco and Sydney are meant to be together.
There are just some stories where you're just fully engrossed that the twists and turns take you for a loop. I enjoyed this story a lot! "Fire and Romance" is so sweet, and it was a feel good story! Kudos to this sister duo of Melanie and Shawna!
Whether you have read just a couple of the stories in this series, like myself, or all of them, you can rest assure that you will be reading a touching and wonderful story. This one gives us Marco Reyes and Sydney Prince. These two were great friends since sixth grade and parted ways after graduation. Neither telling the other that they had feelings for them. Fast forward ten years. Marco is now a firefighter in Hope Falls and Sydney is a nurse in Los Angeles. They meet again on their 10th HS reunion but what could have become a second chance turns out to emotionally destroy both of them. But life is full of surprises. Two years later Sydney , who has been helping her sister with her life and kids after an accident, is hired as a nurse to help Pop, Marco’s grandfather. Will they have a third chance at love, or will this time be the last one? Will they ever declare their love to each other, or keep quiet? A heartbreaking, but also heartwarming story not only about obligations, misunderstandings, self-doubts, and fears, but also about family.hope, and love. Another well written, engaging story , with well developed characters. Can’t wait to read what these authors have in store for us next. I was gifted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Sydney & Marco were friends in high school. Neither of them was aware that the other's feelings had changed & deepened. A misunderstanding split them apart. Years later, they reconnect at a high school reunion. They have one night together & fate intervenes again. Will they manage to get it right this time or will they split up for good?
I love visiting Hope Falls & all of the familiar characters. It's like coming home. Sydney is a nurturer. She takes care of everyone except herself. Marco is a poor student on scholarship to a school of rich people. Due to his athletic abilities, they all want to be him. He becomes a firefighter to keep the adrenaline rush going. The chemistry between them is intense from the beginning. It seems like misunderstandings continue to keep them apart. The supporting characters added depth & insights into the main characters feelings. I really enjoyed this story!
Marco and Sydney have known each other since 6th grade. Both have had feelings for each other but life and circumstances have always prevented them from being together. After high school Marco and Sydney go their separate ways. When they reunite at the 10 year reunion sparks fly but is the fire hot enough to not be doused by life’s waves?
Watching these two have so many stops and starts is heart breaking on so many levels. The first level is you know they have to get through life before they can come together. On the second level you just feel like they are being robbed of time together. However, the journey is always worth it and these two are no exception.
I couldn’t put this book down I read well into the wee hours of the morning and then was sneaking in chapters at any free moment during the day. I love getting lost in any story that involves Hope Falls. I love this series so much because Hope Falls is this magical small town we all wish was a place you could live in real life.
Fire and Romance, by Melanie Shawn, is another great book, in the Hope Falls series. It is a touching story of two people, who were best friends in high school, but wanted more. Marco, is a firefighter in Hope Falls, & Sydney, is a nurse in Los Angeles. After deciding to attend their HS Reunion, sparks fly, when they finally see each other. After spending a passionate night together, it ends abruptly, because of a family emergency, & then a unexplained misunderstanding. Fast forward two years. Marco & Sydney, see each other again. This time in Hope Falls. Things could not be anymore awkward. The disappointment was still there, from not seeing each other again, after their night together. Will Marco & Sydney, finally admit how they feel about each other? I loved this story & really enjoyed reading it!! A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
I love this series and every book in it. This book is no exception It was amazing from start to finish. To me this story is about a second chance at romance that they did not get back in high school. Maco is a firefighter in Hope Falls while Sydney is a nurse in Los Angeles. They connect at their high school reunion and sparks fly. They spend a passionate night together but it ends abruptly because of a family emergency, There is a misunderstanding and things just end before they have even really had a chance to start. We go ahead 2 years and we are back in Hope Falls where they run into each other again. Things are not easy between them. Will they be able to admit to each other how they really feel? Will they be able to overcome everything and come together again? Pick up the book to find out. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another new installment of the Hope Falls series does not disappoint.
Junior and senior high buddies, Marco and Sydney were always in the friend zone. Unbeknownst to each other, they both wanted more. But it wasn’t until their ten-year reunion that they picked up where they left off and then some.
Circumstances and misunderstandings lead to another separation of ways. Cue to finally getting together with a little matchmaking by Marco’s mom and finally the timing appears to be on point.
The characters Marco and Sydney have such an easy rapport between them. It was fun to go back in time to when they were teenagers and find out how that relationship was. And then in the present they acted the same way.
Lots of sexiness and spice, prudes need not read.
*I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Marco & Sydney are the epitome of misunderstanding sidetracking a chance at love. Close friends since high school they've both had deeper feelings for each other that they kept hidden for reasons that turned out to be misguided. Then when they finally give in to their attraction at their high school reunion their chance gets sidetracked yet again by another huge misunderstanding. But when they get thrown together once again a couple of years later by Marco's mom who hires Sydney to take care of his grandfather while she's away and Marcos doing training for the hotshots, it seems the third time might be the charm. Even though there are circumstances that still won't make it a walk in the park they will manage to find their way and get their happy ending.
This book was filled with some sugar and some spice which made it very very nice! Their love started to kindle when they were in middle school and only developed from then on. The only issue is neither of them shared their love for one another with each other until the high school reunion. Then a short night of magic, some misunderstandings and two years pass without more contact. They were back together, cleared the air, and let their love grow.
This is a sweet story that incorporates a little spice to make it more enticing. I love Hope Falls and I am super excited for my next adventure there!
Fire and Romance is book 15 in the Hope Falls series. This is such an awesome 5 star read. We get the story of Marco and Sydney. This is a second chance kinda friends to lovers book. I kept hearing myself yelling saying come get it together already. The characters are such great characters to fall in love with. We see how they both have sacrificed for their families. I also love that we get to see past characters in this book. We tend to, well me at least, fall in love with characters and want to know more about how they are doing and this is an awesome way of knowing they are doing ok. The authors have such a talent for story telling. I’m hoping they aren’t done with Hope Falls anytime soon.
Sydney and Marco met when they were kids and became the best if friends, as time went on their feelings changed, but neither wanted to ruin their friendship. At their 10 year school reunion type are reunited and the sparks fly, they spend one perfect night together, but a misunderstanding tears them apart for the next two years. I was cheering them on all the way and prayed they would find their happy ever after. This is another amazing read from Melanie and Shawna, but I wouldn't expect anything less..
It's always a ton of fun revisiting Hope Falls, and Marco and Sydney's story was the perfect remedy for the cold upcoming winter blues.
Melanie Shawn's stories always manage to drop you right in to the middle of everything, and make you feel like you are a true part of the story. The character are all realistic, relatable, and never so "perfect". They have flaws and that helps you really connect with them on a much deeper level than other stories that are so crazy and out there.
Marco and Sydney suffer with their relationship throughout, and can never seem to get their timing right. I don't want to get too much into details or spoil anything, but just get the book. :)
This book was a fun and fantastic read. It won't disappoint!
Hope Falls is easily one of my favorite series. The characters are wonderful and they continue to be book after book. This one was no different. Right from the beginning you felt connected to both Marco and Sydney. The chemistry that had was well written and easy to believe and you just wanted them to be happy right from the beginning. Not only were they great, but all the secondary characters in it really add to the story as well. The ending did seem kind of quick and abrupt, but it may be just because I wanted more!!! :)
Marco and Sydney were friends in high school, both wanted more but miscommunication kept them in the friends zone. They meet back up at a high school reunion and have off the charts chemistry. They connect and then another miscommunication changes things again. Flash forward two years and they are being thrown back together again. Can they get things right this time? I loved Marco and enjoyed this book especially after the twist at the end of the reunion. I always look forward to any book in this series!
Fire and Romance is the fifteenth novel in the Hope Falls series by Melanie Shawn. In this story you get to know Marco Reyes, local firefighter on the HFFD.
Macro Reyes has everything he thinks he wants. Convinced that he never wants to marry or have kids, he has always liced the bachelor life - no strings attached. What happens when a blast from the past makes him question everything?
Sydney Price doesn't believe in fairy tales. In a long term relationship, she beliebrs that what she is feeling is normal. Her outlet is her expensive high heels. When she goes to her high school reunion and gets a reaction she doesn't exactly expect she is tempted to just leave.
When Marco and Sydney are reunited it's like the last decade never happened. Can they ever get passed being just friends? What happens when life gets in the way?
I loved Marco and Sydney's story! The new characters you meet are wonderful. I absolutely recommend this story!
Marco and Sydney were best friends in school. Both of them had feelings for each other but never said anything. After years of no communication, they run into each other at their high school reunion and sparks fly. After a smokin hot night, someone from her past shows up and ruins it. Will they be able to rekindle their friendship, or maybe something more? This book was really good. I love a good best friend to lovers book. We also get to hear from some of the other people in Hope Falls. Another great read!
There really is nothing better than a Melanie Shawn book. They are always guaranteed to make you laugh, swoon, blush and fall in love. A super sexy best friends to lovers story that was 10+ years in the making. I loved Marco and Sydney. Their chemistry was hot from the first minute and their story was one without too much drama but a lot of love. Great read!!!
Marco & Sydney... I loved this story! Between the history between these two friends and the present circumstances they found themselves in, I was immersed in the story the entire time. Marco was so sweet and sexy, and Sydney was basically super woman! I'm so glad they were able to finally talk about their past and work through all the baggage. Yay for HEAs!
If you enjoy friends to lovers stories, high school reunions and a lot of sexy times, then this is the book for you. Marco and Sydney have been best friends since the sixth grade and though they never had more than a friendship, the love has been there all along. I read an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
I love this series and was really looking forward to Marco's story!!! Love the friends to lovers story!! Sydney and Marco had great chemistry..highly recommend this book!! This is a stand a lone book but you would enjoy it better if you read the other books and fall in love with everyone from Hope Falls!!
There’s nothing like waking up and realizing there’s a new Melanie Shawn book released.
Sydney and Marco are perfect together. It took time, a few misunderstandings (both past and present) and some meddling family members to get these two their HEA, but it was so worth it. I was drawn in from the beginning, and these girls did a perfect job on this story. I would definitely recommend this read!!!
Marco and Sydney have been best friends since what seems like forever. Marco is a firefighter in Hope Falls while Sydney is a nurse in Los Angeles. A high school reunion and an aging family member will bring these two best friends back together. Another great addition to the Hope Falls collection.