Hot Mess

Into the Fire #4

by J.H. Croix

One night, a surprise baby. I’m playing for keeps.

Susannah

One night. Four years ago.
We nearly set each other on fire, but I never thought I’d see Ward again.
Then he comes walking back into my world.
I can’t withstand the heat.
We take another chance, thinking we can burn this fire to ashes.
But that’s only the beginning.
It’s a mess — he’s my boss and now…
He’s about to be a father.

Ward

Susannah is the only woman who’s ever tested my control.
Fighting fires is my life, but I can’t put out the fire between us.
I tell myself I can keep my distance, tell myself it’s nothing more than a little fun.
She fills every corner of my thoughts, kicks my control to the curb.
Still, I have this. I can handle her.
Then I find out she’s pregnant — with our baby.
All bets are off.
I’ll do anything to protect her, anything to keep her safe, anything to make her mine.

*This is a steamy, full-length standalone romance with a guaranteed happily-ever-after. No cliffhangers. Nothing but steamy romance & HEA!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Ebooks, Anthologies, Firefighters

238 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


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Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ok. Not anything great. I didn't really connect with Savannah or Ward. It seems like they did too much canoodling and didn't do enough getting to know each other. I mean she ended up pregnant and they didn't even really know each other. Even through the book they didn't really get to know each other. I feel like there wasn't enough character development and enough storyline to be a great book. But it wasn't horrible. I like that built up romance not the "wham bam thank you ma'am" kind I guess.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Savannah hot and cold act lasted way too long.

[MissKitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. Do I believe in their HEA? Not so sure.

This is more a case of sexual infatuation. The main characters had met 4 years previously and had a steaming hot consensual one night stand. Then they go their separate ways. They obviously don’t miss each other too much because they both go on with their lives. Neither makes an effort to look up the other one.

Now, by chance they are going to work together. They decide on another one night stand to scratch their itch, because well, ok their chemistry is strong! However, accidentally, the heroine gets pregnant.

The hero is a decent enough guy to want to standby by her and accept his responsibility, but now neither one knows if their relationship really would have developed naturally. They continue their sexual relationship though because, well, it is good! However, both are conflicted since they can’t really tell whether this is lust or love, but now they are bound by their baby.

They kinda declare themselves in the end, but even myself as I read their story, it was all sexual chemistry... so 3-stars.

[Mom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was ok. But I was totally put off by the idea of an internal AND an external ultrasound at 22 weeks? And the patient holds the “wand”?

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (8/14/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Ward
Susannah is the only woman who’s ever tested my control.
Fighting fires is my life, but I can’t put out the fire between us.
I tell myself I can keep my distance, tell myself it’s nothing more than a little fun.
She fills every corner of my thoughts and kicks my control to the curb.
Still, I have this. I can handle her.
Then I find out she’s pregnant—with our baby.
All bets are off.
I’ll do anything to make her mine.

Susannah
One night. Four years ago.
We nearly set each other on fire, but I never thought I’d see Ward again.
Then he comes walking back into my world—the epitome of tall, dark & dangerous.
I can’t withstand the heat.
We take another chance, thinking we can burn this fire to ashes.
But that’s only the beginning.
It’s a mess—he’s my boss and now…
He’s about to be a father.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four years ago Susannah and Ward spent one night together that neither can forget. Now Wardis Susannah's boss and has relocated to Willow Brook, Alaska and in charge of the firefighters and Susannah is one of them. Ward knows it is only a matter of time before he and Susannah reconnect which they do once , but Susannah is fighting hard to keep things strictly professional between them. Now Susannah is pregnant, Ward is thrilled but can he prove to Susannah he is in it for the long run or will she fight him at every turn.

This was a fun read and Susannah was struggling to come to terms with what Ward meant to her. Ward was pure alpha male, I liked the way he took into consideration Susannah's feelings and tried his best to do right by her and at her pace. Great read.

[Virginia Boylan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only finished this story because it's it the middle of a boxed set and I've read everything ahead of it, but I started skipping the sex scenes. That's not because they were badly written--they were well done--but because they happened so often it got boring. Ward and Susannah were in constant mating season and no other reason than lust was shown for their attraction. Hot sex, no matter how great, is never enough for a sound, lasting relationship, but this is exactly how too many romance novels portray the idea of love. Susannah is supposed to be a tough hotshot firefighter, but we never see that. Her emotional state is portrayed as entirely hormonal and blamed on her pregnancy, yet nothing changes between their separation and reunion when she suddenly decides to accept Ward's love. I want romance between two intelligently competent adults, not animals disguised as humans made helpless by lust.

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this series after book one, but I have been enjoying subsequent books less and less. This one was seriously annoying.

Spoiler alert: when Hero Ward finds out Heroine is pregnant and she asks to have a serious conversation about what that means for the two of them and the baby, his overriding thought is: I am super horny, and yea we can now have unprotected sex, so let's get right to it??

Then she was annoying when he finally stepped forward. I am now finished with this series. Final Rating: 1.5 Stars TOASTED from my Ebook Library.

[CI · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather boring

Pretty much an entire book spent on how much geing in each others presence made their 'naught bits ' tingle or throb or clench. For all that was said about how great the sex between them was, it didn't get much more air time than thrust, thrust and we're done.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade and Susannah were definitely meant to be! You knew they were something special once you met them! I loved how Wade was by her side no matter what she said to him! So happy they got the ending they both deserved! 💙

[Somia]

Freebie on Amazon 3rd November 2019

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Susannah and Ward had a one night stand. Susannah ends up pregnant. Ward handles everything well. However, she takes her time deciding to actually be him and make things work. Thankfully she gets their in the end and they get their happy ending.

[Dorel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only thing I liked about this story 📖 is the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I'm sorry the storyline was boring.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Mess by J.H. Croix is part of her Into the Fire series. In this book we are introduced to Ward and Susannah. They have a fiery chemistry between that can’t be denied. Ward is moving Willow Brook, Alaska to take on the job of superintendent. He and Susannah trained together years before back in Montana. Neither one of them expected to see each other again. Ward has to leave town to see to his mother who has been moved to hospice, but he gets Susannah to agree to “one last night” together before he returns to become her boss. One more one night stand of red hot chemistry, and then they both move on and pretend that nothing ever happened. Too bad things don’t work out for them. When Susannah learns she’s pregnant now she and Ward must decide what it is that they want besides hot steamy sex.
Hot Mess by J.H. Croix is an engaging steamy romance novel. True to form J.H. Croix gives us two characters that have steamy red hot chemistry. Both characters are head strong and strong willed. Wade is used to getting what he wants, so when he learns Susannah’s little secret he’s torn on what to do and how to act. He knows he wants her, but she’s not going to make it easy for him. Susannah is really reluctant to let him in and I’m honestly curious to know why. I like that we get some of Ward’s background and a glimpse at the potential explanation for his issues. Overall, I like how well Ward’s character is done. He’s been through some things because of his past, but he doesn’t let those things totally jade him. The storyline progresses very well throughout.
This is a good book overall, but there were moments of where I wanted more. I was disappointed that the author doesn’t delve into Susannah’s issues. She is so hesitant to let Ward in, but it’s never explained as to why. She sees him stepping up, but she still attempts to push him away. I get that she’s a head strong female, but that doesn’t explain everything. I was a bit disappointed that overall the drama is contained to just the two of them for the most part. I thought that one of the conflict characters would have made more than just a couple of appearances. Also, since they are both fire fighters, I was disappointed that we never got any firefighting scenes.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. The scenes between Susannah and Ward are steamy and intense. This storyline is familiar yet different in its own unique way. I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. I like the story for the most part, but I would have liked a couple of explanations in connection to Susannah and at least one firefighting scene. For those who enjoy steamy scenes, this is a book that you will definitely enjoy.

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just say that this day couldn't get any better. Imagine open your Kindle and find out you got the book you've been impatiently waiting for... Got the picture? How would you feel? Let me just say that I was ecstatic and couldn't star it fast enough... Dayum..
This amazing author has given me amazing stories to read and dream about and being a greedy girl I always want more.
J. H. Croix is a magician with a pen. Her stories have so much to offer that you will feel like your riding an intricate rollercoaster full of ups and downs. Her writing is hot, wild, intense and with so much feeling between every chapter. Are you ready to read a series full of heroes and heroins? Grab Into The Fire Series and prepare yourself for the ride.
Hot Mess is her latest release and it's the 4th book from the series I've already said. This book tells the stories of Susannah and Ward.
It's imperative that you read all books in order because despite they are all standalones you need to know all the characters. Trust me. You will not regret it.
Susannah is a Hot Shot Firefighter. She loves her job and is respected by her coworkers. It's not easy to achieve greatness in a world dominated by man but she has proven her value to everyone. She's a very independent woman that is used to have things done her own way and doesn't ask for help.
4 years ago she had an explosive one night stand with one of her colleagues back in training. She thought that it ended the day she left and lost track but now he's back.
Ward was sent to Willow Brook Alaska to become the superintendent of an Hot Shot Crew. This could be easy if it weren't for a small detail. His hot redwoman is one of the crew members and that could be a problem. He's all muscles and stuff but hides a big heart with a soft spot just for Susannah.
What will this mean to these two? Will they be able to work together? Will they give themselves to desire?
Let me just say that a surprise will rock their world's...
Sweet, intense, feisty and real, these are the words that crossed my mind once I ended the book.
Amazing plot, very well written, super engaging. The interation between the characters is beautiful, intense but these two are so stubborn.
The way the story progressed left me wanting more and more each time and I couldn't stop reading.
And girls... Guess what? You'll got some pretty hot scenes...
J. H. Croix you're amazing. This series is getting better and better and it's so good to keep reading about the other characters. I can't wait for the next book...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Into the Fire series is about courageous firefighters and the person who comes to love them. In the fourth book, both individuals put their lives on the line and help wherever needed as being a hotshot firefighter is their career choice. Both Savannah Gilmore and Ward Taylor have dedicated their lives to giving assistance, but when it comes to facing a personal situation neither anticipated, they often do not know how to respond. I thoroughly enjoyed all the varied circumstances that occur to this couple when she becomes pregnant, and each moment was very true-to-life. J.H. Croix has written an emotional story of unexpected experiences filled with sincerely honest reactions, and HOT MESS is repeatedly steamy with fiery sexual encounters.

When Ward Taylor arrives in Willow Brook, Alaska to become the superintendent of a local hotshot firefighting crew, he quickly realizes fighting his attraction to one team member is going to be extremely difficult. He and Savannah Gilmore had one night together when they both completed their hotshot training, and the passion they shared has never been forgotten. Savannah also vividly remembers what they did during those hours that night. So they decide giving in once more before he officially becomes her boss may not be smart, but perhaps it will help to cool the heat they feel when near one another. While the night was once again memorable, it also left Savannah pregnant. Though certainly not planned, their futures are now very much connected.

HOT MESS is constantly captivating because of all the heartfelt emotions expressed by Savannah and Ward time and again. J.H. Croix expertly depicts their actual sentiments with much intensity, and I could easily sense just how deeply they were affected, whether it involved sex or only feelings. This couple has to made several very important decisions throughout the story, and how they came to their conclusions was often helped along by some beloved past characters. I was entertained by many of the conversations in HOT MESS, as wisdom is dispensed along with candid thoughts. Ward and Savannah are very likable, and they both had to go through some troubling uncertainties before happiness could ever be theirs. The one area where they had no problems is having gratifying sex, and scenes in which they reached much fulfillment are definitely scorching. I am really hoping there will be lots more future books focused on these hotshot firefighters.

I voluntarily wrote a review after receiving a copy of the book via Booksprout - 4.5 Stars

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Yeah....this is a definite MUST READ!!!! Hot Mess is a great addition to the Into The Fire series with it combustible chemistry between Ward and Susannah. Four years ago Ward and Susannah trained together in California to become Hotshot firefighters and had a one night stand figuring they will never see each other again. WRONG!!! Ward is the new superintend in Willow Brook Alaska for one of the Hotshot teams, Susanna's team. The chemistry is most definitely there but Ward is going to be her boss. He is only here for a few days then is leaving for a month to be with his mother while in hospice care. When being together in the same room becomes too much for them to handle they give in and have another night together to get it out of their systems, or so they think. When Susannah finds herself pregnant, after using protection, she realizes she wants to have the baby and doesn't expect anything from Ward. She wasn't prepared for the acceptance he shows and his instance on being there for the long haul. One major problem for Ward is how to get Susannah to believe his feelings for her are real and not just the explosive sex they have. With her moods all over the place due to the pregnancy hormones, she is not sure which side is up and which is down. You have to read this story to see how this Hot Mess turns out, and trust me you don't want to miss it. J. H. Croix takes you on an outstanding journey in every story she writes no matter which series you are reading. Each book gives a description of the place and characters that will make you want to move in next door and visit the places you see through her eyes. I have read every single book J. H. Croix has written and she is an automatic one click author for me. Now I'm waiting for the next book Burn So Good where Caleb gets a blast from the past and hopefully a second chance with the woman he can't get over. Each story can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order so you get more a backstory on the characters. His/her POV, climatic chemistry, strong hero's and just as strong women, no cheating and no cliffhanger, just a teaser for the next story.

Thank You J. H. Croix!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wear protective gear while reading this one because it will burn your reader up. Hot Mess is an inferno of heat between these two strong willed characters. Suzanna is a Hot Shot Fire Woman at Willow Brook Alaska. She has her life in order, her own home, really good friends and a job she loves more than anything. Suzanna is as you guessed a very independent woman who takes things into her own hands and certainly doesn't need a man to take care of her. Oh but sometimes life has other plans for us and along comes Ward. Suzanna had the hottest sexual experience of her life 4 years ago when her and Ward trained together and now he is coming to her hometown to be the superintendent of her Hot Shot crew. She could handle this, right? Surely the explosive desire they had for each other that one night has burned out. Wrong! When Ward arrives and sees Suzanna he is on fire again for her and convinces her, easily I might add to have one more night before he officially becomes her boss to get this "thing" between them out of their system. Did it work? No LOL. It only poured hot molten fuel to their already burning desire for each other. This story is so touching besides being flaming hot, Suzanna is a strong, independent woman but she discovers she needs someone, she needs Ward. And Ward is alpha male all the way, no sweet, mushy heart feelings for him right? Wrong! There is a soft mushy heart beneath all those delicious muscles that beats for Suzanna and he won't let her go no matter what. Lots of things are going on in this book that will not only melt your panties but also your heart. I received an advanced readers copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I loved this book and this entire Into The Fire series. They are all stand alones but if you haven't read the others I highly recommend those as well, they are all great books and the characters in this small Alaskan town will pull you in and wrap your heart around them. JH Croix paints us a beautiful picture of this wilderness town that makes you want to crawl into the book and become part of the story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, J. H. can grip you with her pairing of characters that just work. I do not know but the women of Alaska are a strong lot for sure. I love how she writes her women so strong and capable and yet, so loving, and compassionate at the same time finding a special balance.

The best part is the men they attract, are no slackers that is for sure. Like the stories before her Susannah is a tomboyish independent all-woman character. She is a hotshot. One of only two in this area of Alaska. She is earned great respect among her fellow workers.

Four years ago, when she left her training there was a guy that pushed all those girlie buttons. Wade was the guy who was always sure of himself. A true alpha-male. He knew what he wanted and went after it. Even her, on the last night before they were all sent to their assignments, he wants her for only one night. It rocked both their worlds.

Now, four years later, a superintend position has opened up and Ward is coming to fill it. He says he did not know that Susannah was in Alaska but he did and he wants her bad. He gets the job. He is only there a week and he gets horrible news his mom is put on hospice and he has to leave for three weeks to be with her.

He takes a month off to be with her and there when she passes. But before he goes, he needs to be with Susannah. When he returns, all he can think of is her. She, him but, for a totally different reason. She wants him of course but will he want her when he finds out the news?

When all the truths are revealed I am truly enthralled with this story. Not with Susannah and how she was feeling. Because she was a crying mess. Something expected from an Alpha female so that was an interesting surprise that did keep me reading. Yet, just not her meanness at time.

But, how J.H. conveys Ward as the one who is the one, not the runner and wanting the relationship and wanting to be a part of hers and their bundle of joys life. This to me seemed like a role reversal compared to most stories. Keeping me hooked.

I give this: 5 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is a total 5-alarm fire! I have loved every single trip to Willow Brook this author has taken me on, and this novel is another great example of that. The HotShot Firefighters of Willow Brook, Alaska are an elite, professional, and close-knit unit. We’ve read the stories of many of them falling in love by now. But this is the first time we’ve witnessed two of the HotShots falling in love with each other. This takes the combustibility to a whole new level, and the heat…well, “off the charts” may sound cliché, but it definitely fits here.

Adding to the many characters we already knew well (if you’re familiar with any of the other books in the series), this story gives us more insight into Suzannah, one of only two female HotShots in the unit. She’s bright, fit, confident, independent, and stubborn; traits you’d expect in a woman who works in such a male-dominated field. Her confidence, however, takes a bit of a tumble when another firefighter from her past moves to the area to become her supervisor. Ward is strong, smart, a good leader, loyal, and sure of himself as well as what he wants. What he wants is more of Suzannah, who he shared a one-night stand with several years ago in training.

Ward and Suzannah are seriously hot, and their predicament truly becomes one hot mess as things seem to spiral out of control. But while Suzannah seems to have difficulty determining what she wants and how she wants it, I love the fact the Ward’s character displays a magnificent strength. Ward doesn’t waver from what he wants and maintains amazing control in some very trying circumstances.

If this is the first book you’ve read in the series, no problem. They can easily be read as stand-alones. But the best enjoyment of these characters is, of course, to read ‘em all. Readers will find mature language as well as fiery love scenes (duh) in this flamin’ story.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Spellbinding, sexy, absolutely amazing, a CAN'T-MISS story - all readers of ROMANCE must buy!
At first, “Hot Mess” felt like an insta-love, a flash-burn, a short, thrilling fire that could not sustain, but then it wasn’t instant, it wasn’t quick, or minute, or OUT! The story would not let me go, and I could not put my kindle down. As a result, I can now imagine what that deep and cosmic kind of ecstasy is all about thanks to J. H. Croix masterful writing. Intense. Yes, intense is perhaps the best word I can come up with right now to describe, “Hot Mess���, the story of Ward and Susannah. Their emotions, their relationship, their intimacy and their courtship were all intense – as was this reader/reviewer’s reaction! I could not put this book down except to eat, and even then, I thought about Susannah and Ward and their story. For those of you who have never read a story written by J. H. Croix, YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT!! “Hot Mess” is an amazing place to begin, but a warning: once you start this book, it may not let you go. It will inspire you, titillate you and may even leave you without sleep. (And there is a possibility that you may develop a repetitive urge to move to Alaska . . . ) However, it will also give you a story full of “food for thought” that will keep your mind churning for a very long time. While I was given an ARC copy of “Hot Mess” to prepare this honest voluntary review, I have already preordered a copy of my own in support of this outstanding author. I STRONGLY suggest that your purchase your copy of the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED novel, “Hot Mess”, today. Happy pages! 😉

[Sharon in SF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this next book in the Into the Fire series. Our heroine, Susannah, and our Hero, Ward meet and have a one night stand at a training for hotshot firefighters. This book takes place four years later when Ward takes the Superintendent's position in the Alaskan town where Susannah lives and works.Their relationship becomes complicated when they decide to have one more one night stand before Ward officially becomes her boss. We learn she's pregnant fairly early in the book. The author proceeds to lead us through Susannah and Ward's journey as they continue their sexual relationship in spite of the possible Boss/subordinate conflict, while trying to figure out how to handle the pregnancy.
Since the story is told from a dual POV, we can eavesdrop on Susannah's fears of how to raise the child alone, her confusion of whether their relationship is based purely on sex or whether she wants there to be more. Likewise, Ward knows what he wants but isn't sure how to convince Susannah he's truly in, and not just because of the baby.
The author wrote Susannah as a strong and fearless woman who normally faces things straight on, but it's fun to see her vulnerable side as her pregnancy plays havoc with her emotions and her sex drive! I really respected Ward for his patience in trying to find ways to show Susannah he's the right guy for her without going "caveman" and forcing her into a decision about their relationship. She makes some really tough personal and professional decisions that I'm glad the author did not gloss over as it made this story more real, and their HEA more satisfying.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Ward and Susannah

Romance trope: one night stand
Series: Into the Fire
Length: 240 pages

Plot: AWard and Susannah had a hot one-night stand several years ago and thought they wouldn't see each other again. But now Ward is back to lead their fire station and their fire is just as hot as ever. So hot, in fact, that Susannah ends up pregnant. Now they'll have to navigate a new type of relationship and one of them is more enthusiastic than the other.

Commentary: Susannah was getting on my nerves a little, if I'm honest. She was so resistant when it was just stubbornness - there was no real reason other than she just didn't want people to tell her what to do. Ward was interesting because I felt like he was ready to make a go of it before he was even sure he wanted to. But they had the advantage of enjoying spending time together, even if only in bed. I do like this author's writing and I enjoy the setting of her books as well.

Also, I've read this book twice, both times in an anthology: Romance on Main Street and Small Town Ever After

Previous book in the series: Burn So Bad
Next book in the series: Burn So Good

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this read all that was left was a big happy sigh with how it all ended with Ward & Susannah. They are both hotshot firefighters and had one amazing night years ago. Now Ward had accepted to be the supervisor of Susannah’s team, which may lead to complications since they had that one night. But the fire still burns between them and they have one more night before he leaves to be with his mom before he comes back and officially starts his position. That one night leads to surprising news and now that he’s back he can’t think of anyone except her and that she is his. When he gets surprising news from her and the fact that they can’t keep their hands to themselves, he has a choice to make and so does she.
What an amazing read with steamy scenes and different from others that I have read which makes it that much more amazing and refreshing. I loved Ward’s reaction to the news and everything that happens after as well as how Susannah deals with it which is understandable considering her condition. But what really stood out was the fact that the story was about them two, dealing with their emotions, figuring it out, and making surprising discoveries about each other and themselves in the process. The author also doesn’t waste time, delving right into it with no extra drama between the discovery and the revelation to Ward....loved loved loved it !!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Not So Hot Mess

The stars are for Ward and the town of Willow Brook. Firstly, the author managed to write the male lead in the alpha role pretty well. Ward had all the makings of a good man, respectful, protective, gentlemanly, and hot as sin. Secondly, I love the town of Willow Brook and where it's located. The author made that a place to want to visit and never leave.

Unfortunately, whilst I liked the premise of this book, again she wrote the female lead so disappointingly. There is nothing about her in this book that comes off as a strong, independent and knows what she wants kind of woman. It's that she is just coming off as a bitch at times towards Ward, being wishy washy, and not knowing how to handle herself in situations. To me her inner dialogue comes across as an early twenties girl with no experience, and someone who just can't figure things out, but she's supposed to be this confident, hard knuckles hotshot firefighter. I was trying to find her backbone in this book, but it never materialized.

It would have been so much better, had the female lead been written with the confidence the synopsis led us to believe. Also these books are pretty short. I'm sorry to say I can't recommend these books for readers looking for confident female leads.

[Carolyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzannah and Ward find themselves in one of the most terrifying and stressful situations two people without a relationship can find themselves in, yet somehow this becomes the catalyst for a gift neither had dreamed to hope about. We got to see Suzannah, an independent and tough woman, struggle with losing part of the independence she defined herself with and fighting against being backed into a future she feels they were both thrown into. As a result, she doesn’t trust her own instincts or Ward’s intentions. Meanwhile, we had take-no-shit Ward propelled from being master of his universe to being at a complete loss with a tsunami of feelings he wasn’t sure how to deal with and wanting a woman who didn’t know what she wanted despite his legitimate desire to step up. This ‘hot mess’ was sweet because of how Ward and Susannah came to mean so much to each other at such a vulnerable time in their lives, and hot and spicy because of the off-the-charts chemistry that was both the starting point and the backdrop of their story. I had blurry, watery eyes and my heart pitter-patter on and off during the entire book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome romance by J H Croix. Ward is the need boss of the 3rd hotshot crew stationed in Willow Brook. He found out after he took the job the Susannah, the girl from the hottest one night stand he has ever had, will be on his crew. Because his mother is sick he only takes long enough to move and meet the other hotshot leaders and the police chief, but he makes sure that he has another night with Susannah. He is gone for a month and when he gets back he has a plan to let Susannah know that he intends to keep seeing her.

Susannah thinks that she can finally get Ward out of her system if she has just one more night with him. She is not the type to get involved with her boss, so she tells him before he leaves to take care of his mother that it is the last time. Just before Ward gets back she realizes she is late. She has to figure out how to tell him and wants to make sure that he doesn't fell obliged to be a part of her baby's life. When he confronts her for avoiding him, she lets it slip that she is having his baby.

Two strong individuals who seem to clash about everything other than the chemistry between them, this is a must read for those who enjoy the foreplay of any good romance.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Mess is the 4th book in the Into The Fire series. It's a stand alone with interconnecting characters, a surprise baby trope, likeable characters, LOTS of sex and a HEA. I recommend this book if you like this trope and this author.

Ward Taylor has accepted the Supervisors position in Alaska of a Hotshot Fire Fighting crew and he's on his way back to the states for a month to be with his sick mom whose on Hospice care. But before he goes he wants another night with his team member Susannah Gilmore like he had 4 years ago with her.

Susannah Gilmore remembers Ward and their unforgettable ONS 4 years ago in California while training together. She knows he's going to be her boss but he's not yet and it will be only another ONS. Zanna needs to know if Ward is as good as her memories think he is.

Ward returns back to Alaska after burying his mom and wants to pick up with Susannah where they left off. He's never lost control over a woman before but the chemistry with her keeps his mind fried. Plus she informs him that they are about to have a baby.

Susannah knows she wants Ward but doesn't know if she wants to be in a relationship with her baby daddy. Ward always get what he wants and Zanna don't like to be told what to do. So, what a hot mess they find themselves in...

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lightning Striking ⚡Again, And Again⚡, And Again⚡

This is another book in the "Into The Fire🔥 Series", about the 🔥hotshot forest firefighters🔥🚒 of the fictitious town of Willow Brook, Alaska.
In this installment, the old superintendent has retired, and Tall, totally 🔥hot and naaasssty bad boy, Ward🐺🍆🌋🔥, comes up from The States and takes the two year contract job.

He has a big🍆 reason, he is a hunk of burning🔥 lust🍆🌋 in love with Suzannah💋🚒, a woman firefighter🔥🚒 in Willow Brook. He had a flaming 🔥hot, explosive💥 one 🌙night, all nighter⚡ with her during firefighter🔥 training in the lower 48. He never forgot it......

He knows he's going to be Her boss, and needs to get her burned 🔥out of his system, but dang! It happens again⚡! They hook up at the local bar🍺 his first 🌙night in Willow Brook. Suzannah💋🚒🔥 is infatuated and hot🔥for Ward, too. What they have together is burning🔥🔥🔥 hotter than any 🔥fire........

YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

🔥Adult xxx 🔥hot romance! The story is told from dual points of view. Recommend!z

ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so Hot! The writing is so vivid, so well done that it makes me feel every emotion, every desire, and every physical need right to the tip of my toes!!! Absolutely love J. H. Croix’s writing style!! Ward and Susannah’s story certainly hit home for me. How do you decide to go ahead and start a relationship with someone, when you’re pregnant, your emotions are in a mess, and you’re therefore not in a state to be making such a decision… It’s a huge dilemma when the relationship would be with the father of the baby you are carrying! The chemistry between Ward and Susannah is off the charts, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Even though they used protection, accidents happen. This child is certainly wanted by both Ward and Susannah, and Ward definitely wants Susannah in every way… but even though Susannah’s heart is telling her to embrace Ward, Susannah’s thinks she’s not in a state to make such a decision. To make matters worse, Ward is now Susannah’s boss…. What a Mess!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.