Sweet Fire

(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian

I'm keeping this short and sweet :)Every time I read a book in this series all I want to do is pack up and move to Alaska.

I found Charlie and I have a lot in common. I just know how much it »costs« to ask for help. I adored Jesse. I felt for him more and more every time he found a way to help her relax and take her burden off her shoulders. Even when things got messy he wouldn't back down. I also love this small town and how they encourage them to be together.

With each book I’m adding a new couple to fall in love with. Something about this firefighters has my fire burning bright and I can’t wait to meet the next couple in line:)

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

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Marissa Chavez

1,373 reviews4 followers

June 4, 2024

Oh my! Jesse and Charlie were everything! They definitely brought all the feels! I loved how Jesse was there for Charlie and her family! He was such a sweetheart! I loved how everyone embrace Charlie and was there for her. So happy that they had each other! 🔥💚

1,988 reviews1 follower

Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading

Well, I’ve said every time that I love this series, and Ms Croix just keeps me spellbound with another great love story in Sweet Fire. This one is a bit different than the others—maybe a bit more tender because Jesse is perhaps a bit more kindhearted than the average Hotshot firefighter at Willowbrook (though they all have their moments). You’d almost think you were reading a sweet romance, if it weren’t for a few dead giveaways…like those super steamy love scenes, or the dirty talk that slips out during said fiery scenes (or just fantasizing about them)! Yep, not so much in the “sweet romance” category there.

But the sweet heat is evident throughout the story line as Jesse and Charlie discover just how much they are drawn to each other, and how they simply can’t ignore or deny this high-charged, super-heated raging fire any longer. Just as a fire will seek its own path, so will love. As Jesse put it, “The moment I saw her, my heart gave a hard thump, like a fist to my chest. It was as if my heart recognized her as its owner.”

Charlie is having a hard time reconciling the fact that it’s just not a “convenient” time in her complicated life for her to deal with the distraction of a man who might have feelings for her. Admittedly, her life is firmly fixed in the too-much-to-deal-with column. It would be enough to drive anyone crazy. But Charlie hasn’t caught on yet that life in Willowbrook has added benefits she’s not completely utilizing. Even though she hasn’t had much time to make friends, people here still care about her and her mom Olive and niece Em. She’s not as alone as she thinks, and doesn’t have to do everything by herself. Tough lesson for her.

The characters in this novel are well developed and amazing as always, although I’ll admit I was getting pretty frustrated with Charlie’s stubbornness. At one point it was simply beyond my ability to understand why she simply couldn’t understand how Jesse could merely want to be there to help her deal with the things that were going on and to help her by being strong for her. I wanted to shake some sense into her and tell her she was being an idiot. But isn’t that the mark of a great author that a character can have an impact like that on the reader? Several characters from previous books in the series appear in this story as well, both the firefighters and their spouses, making this an even more enjoyable read for those of us who have read the series. If you’re new to this remarkable series, however, don’t worry. It can be read as a stand-alone book.

As mentioned in the beginning, readers can expect raging forest-fire-hot love scenes and some adult language as well, making this a book you can share with your co-workers. It’s a great story, not only concerning the deep love between two people, but also deep family love—and of humility and a strength of compassion that puts others first. We sure could use a lot more people like Jesse and Charlie in this world.

Amelia

794 reviews19 followers

June 25, 2018

Life sometimes has a person going through one trial after another, and the sixth book of the Into the Fire series has Charlie facing very difficult circumstances. She is a doctor, so she knows how to think quickly during an urgent situation. Yet dealing with everyday family matters is personal, which causes her to feel stressful way too often. When Jesse becomes more than a patient, her life takes a turn that she never dreamed would happen at this time. J.H. Croix brings much realism into SWEET FIRE, where emotions are frequently conflicted while passion runs high. I thought the main characters in this story were not only likable, but also depicted believable individuals.

When Jesse Franklin hurt his shoulder while working as a hotshot firefighter, he had to see the new doctor in Willow Brook, Alaska. Although Dr. Charlie Lane is competent when it comes to medical treatment, she is rather standoffish in how she interacts with him. Secretly, both are attracted to the other, but Charlie’s family takes up all her time outside the office, while Jesse is concentrating on getting back to work. But when an incident lets her see just how caring the firefighter can be, it is hard to not think about how their feelings are growing stronger with every new meeting between them.

The picturesque Alaskan town of Willow Brook is once again portrayed as a wonderful place to live, where residents may be nosy but will do anything for a neighbor. Charlie is currently going through an exceedingly challenging period in her life, and she wants to do whatever is right but does not feel comfortable asking for any assistance. I definitely identified with her, as I know all about taking caring of a loved one and making tough choices. While I have liked all the men in this series, there was something extra special about Jesse. He is a true hero, as he gives so much of himself without expecting anything in return. As the relationship of Charlie and Jesse goes through numerous highs and lows, I felt their anxiety and hoped for the best. Another very engaging story from J.H. Croix.

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

1,495 reviews26 followers

July 5, 2018

Dr. Charlie Lane is barely keeping it together. After losing her father and sister within 6 month of each other, she found herself as caretaker to her mother who is suffering from the beginnings of memory loss and dementia and mother to her teenage niece. She’s also moved them all from Boston to Alaska in hopes of taking her mom where she had fond memories of her father and giving her niece a clean start from hanging with the wrong crowd at school. She never counted on meeting or falling for Jesse Franklin. She certainly has no time for a fairytale relationship . . . even though she wants one with her sexy firefighter neighbor.

Jesse Franklin, hotshot firefighter, just wanted to get back to work after a soldier injury. He didn’t expect to be attracted to the sexy, yet uptight Dr. Lane. When he starts to see just how complicated her life is, he knows he should walk away . . . he’s not looking for messy or permanent . . . yet, he can’t seem to follow his own advice. And, maybe Charlie’s “messy” life doesn’t seem as complicated to him as it should. And, maybe he wants permanent. And, just perhaps, he’s ready to help Charlie find her fairytale.

Sweet Fire really lived up to its name and truly was a sweet romance. When Charlie Lane describes her life as complicated, she isn’t kidding. She’s so used to being the rock for her mother and niece that she’s forgotten what it’s like to lean on or trust someone else. Jesse Franklin didn’t mean to step into the role of boyfriend, but it happens seamlessly. He sees Charlie as a desirable woman and not just as a professional or a caretaker. He really fits himself into her life and wants to be her rock and help make her life a bit less complicated and a whole lot more like a fairytale.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book, including Charlie’s mom and niece as well as the townspeople who help to make a small town feel like family. Sweet Fire was a lovely story about family and finding love and not letting it go when you know it’s right. It also has enough heat to keep you warm while reading and hoping that Charlie and Jessie find their fairytale ending. 4 stars.

Terri

898 reviews

June 26, 2018

Sweet Fire is a correct title for this one. Book 6 in the "Into The Fire" series and I think it's one of my favorite so far. All the characters that live and work in Willow Brook, Alaska have melted into my heart. I feel as though I know them and the author paints such a vivid image of the surroundings of the town I can see it in my mind as I read these fabulous books. They are all standalones but each book reflects back on past characters that you get to keep up with old "book friends" in each new book.

Jesse and Charlie's story will melt your heart. Charlie moved her family to Willow Brook several months back. They had suffered the loss of her father and her sister and now she is responsible for taking care of her mother who has dementia and also her teenage niece that she is now raising as her own. Charlie, or Dr. Lane is working and dealing with a very stressful life at home. She has no time or energy for anything else in her life until fate throws Jesse Franklin her way. Jesse is one of the Hotshot firemen in Willow Brook and a very sweet guy. He is seeing Dr. "uptight" Lane for an injury and he is furious with her because she won't release him to go back to work. Funny how life can change things in the blink of an eye. Jesse and Charlie are thrown together and find maybe they didn't quite see each other fully before and maybe just maybe there is something more to life than work and responsibilities.

I received an early copy of this book to read and review and give my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. Well written, believable real to life events, and the sweet heat between this couple is so loving and touching. I loved it an highly recommend it.

Lynn Lim

484 reviews3 followers

July 4, 2018

I absolutely loved this book on so, so many levels.
Small town romance: Check
Beautiful Alaskan backdrop: Check
Hot, wonderful firefighting hero: Check
Beautiful, smart heroine: Check
Hot steamy romance: DOUBLE CHECK
I could go on and on, but I will not.
I so loved Jesse. He is the type of hero that anyone with a complicated life would love to have in their life. I know I would. And, Charlie is perfect for him, with her complicated life. You have read the blurb, so I am not going to go into the complications.
This is the 6th book in Ms. Croix‘s Into the Fire Series, and I must say, is just keeps getting better and better. Not because ANY of the books were bad, but, for one I love series books. I love to read about more of the characters of a small town, and how they interact with each other. The total sense of community. I love to find out how some of the previous characters are doing. Then there is the hero firefighter genre of story… SIGH!! Although, this storyline went more towards the complications of life going on in Charlie’s life. I will say this, I cried like a baby when Jesse asked Charlie about Em and…. STOP!!!! Sorry Ladies no spoilers.
Kudos, Ms. Croix on another phenomenal book. Thank you SO, SO much for sharing your spectacular writing talents with your readers. Thank you for giving us the hours of entertainment you books provide.
Thank you for reading my review. I know you will love this book as much as I have, so, to hit that purchase button and start reading.

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Terri Eaches

571 reviews9 followers

It's great to be back in the beautiful town of Willow Brook, Alaska where J H Croix describes the town and people so well you feel like you are a part of the story. Jesse Franklin and Dr Charlie Lane don't quite see eye to eye on Jesse returning to work after a shoulder injury. The attraction and intrigue are there from both parties but neither will admit it. Charlie moved her family from Boston to Alaska in hopes to put her mother at ease and to give her niece a fresh start but at what expense. Charlie is stubborn and tries to do everything on her own but when Jesse and his dog, Waffle, rescues Charlie's mom she sees a different side of Jesse. Jesse knows Charlie is the one but can he prove it to Charlie?? Charlie just can't seem to get a break but her luck is about to change if she can just let go and accept help. Such a beautiful story about sad situations it will remind you how lucky you are. J H Croix is a definite one click author and if you haven't read her work you don't know what you are missing. All books in this series are great, the characters are lovable and real and these hotshot firefighters love with a passion they rival the fires they work hard to out.

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

Terrib

42 reviews2 followers

July 1, 2018

Jesse is a firefighter in Alaska. Charlie is Dr Lane. She is treating him for a shoulder injury he received on a job. She has just told him she wants him to give the injury 2 more weeks to heal. He is going crazy sitting around and doesn't react well. She thinks he doesn't like her. When at home Jesse hears noises at the back of his property. He takes his dog Waffle to investigate. I received an ARC and I am writing this review voluntarily. There they find an elderly woman who isn't dressed appropriately for the weather. He has no idea who she is. He decides being a firefighter, to take her to the small local hospital. As soon as she gets there he finds out that not only has she been missing for an hour but she is Dr Lanes mother and she has dementia. They haven't been in town very long and live next to him. Dr Lane. shows up grateful her mom is ok. Jesse finds out her name is Oiive. As soon as her mom is cleared she gets a call from her niece Emily. She promises Em she will grab a pizza and hurry home. When Jesse offers to help Charlie tells him Em is a vegetarian and lives with them. He suggests he will grab food and bring it to their house. From here relationships begin! Good storyline! Enjoyed the characters!

Sherri Babb

1,600 reviews9 followers

Wow I have to say that I love this series and it just keeps getting better and better. This book sure had a lot of heat to it. In the beginning Jesse is more annoyed with Charlie then anything else. Once he sees the real her the chemistry between them becomes combustible. They are so in tune with each other both in body and in mind. Charlie has so much going on in her life and she just does not think she has room for anyone else. Charlie is all Jesse can think about and he really is not sure what to do about that. I loved everything about this book. Jesse honestly holds all the traits that I think make a man sexy both inside and out. He is such a sweet heart. Charlie has had so much bad things happen in her life the past few years. She has struggle through it all but she came out on top. She still struggles with her feelings and things that are happening in her life. I could not put this book down. I cannot wait until the next book in this series. I highly recommend that you give this one a try. It is way more then a 5 star read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

2,295 reviews18 followers

What an amazing read that I couldn't put down about Jesse, a hotshot firefighter & the new Doc in town, Charlie. He meets her when he has to see her about his shoulder & is annoyed that he has to be off for a bit longer. Charlie isn't deterred & doesn't clear him for duty but their tense standoff sends sparks between them. Her life is a complicated mess, her mom suffers from dementia & she is raising her teenage niece. Jesse isn't deterred by her "mess" & likes being with her and helping her out...can she let him in ?
Once again this author delivers a read with plenty of emotions, a story line & characters that are above par. The intensity betwen these two along with the steamy scenes...oh my. Not only that, Jesse & Charlie felt real, their problems, their fears, their relationship and everything about them. I LOVED that there were no jealousies, no over the top drama, no other women or men getting between them. That's why I LOVE these reads by this author, who doesn't need any of the above to hold me captivated.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy & expressed my honest opinion*

Teresa Christianson

1,260 reviews6 followers

I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
What do you do when your dad dies and six months later your sister dies leaving you with custody of her 15 year old daughter and your mother who is in the beginning stages of dementia? Of course you take a job as a family practice physician in Alaska and try to deal with everyone's grief and problems by yourself. Charlie is dealing with a lot and feels that she needs to do it by herself. That if she lets Jesse be there for her to lean on she is being selfish. Jesse wants to help Charlie but she keeps pushing him away. They both know they are falling fast but neither admit it. There are a lot of emotions going on in this book and a lot of hard decisions regarding dementia patients. These were very well written. Can Jesse convince Charlie that he wants to be there to help her with both her mom and with Em and that it is not just sex between them? Will Charlie finally realize that leaning on Jesse doesn't mean she is being selfish?

Viper Spaulding

3,147 reviews25 followers

June 27, 2018

Pure romantic escapism! Hotshot firefighter and the sexy lady doc refuse to let life’s complications get in the way of true love. This story, and the entire series actually, is the perfect blend of small town values, family support, and a love so strong it solves all of life’s problems.

Jesse isn’t looking for a complicated love, but Charlie’s life is filled with demands on her time that leave her feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Their intense chemistry keeps pulling them together while her responsibilities keep them at arm’s length. Charlie has to learn to let others help her shoulder it all, and trust that her world won’t fall apart if she takes some time for herself.

I absolutely love this series, and each new book is like a return trip to see old friends. Jesse and Charlie are wonderful together, each the perfect match for the other. The secondary characters are also vividly developed, giving the reader a solid, heartwarming feeling from a book that ends far too soon. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Lisa

286 reviews

I'm never disappointed with this series

Sweet Fire is a great addition to the Into The Fire Series. I loved Charlie and Jesse's story, and seeing friends from previous books. Though not as complicated as Charlie claims, their romance is not without its bumps. Charlie is a hard working doctor caring for her recently widowed mother who suffers from dementia, as well as now being the adoptive parent to her recently orphaned niece. Rather than scare Jesse away, these complications only seem to make him fall harder for Charlie. Once again J. H. Croix creates characters that I can could behind, as well as scenes and dialogue that kept me readily turning the page.
I love all the aspects, ups and downs, of this couple's tale. Full of panty melting scenes, heartwarming feels and a couple of weepy moments, this book has it all. I can't wait to read the next story in this series. I am never disappointed. Without a doubt I have no qualms recommending this book, as well as the previous books in this series.

Lexee Toste

2,822 reviews19 followers

July 16, 2018

I really enjoyed this story! The characters were great and I loved the way that things unfolded for them. Charlie has a lot on her plate. She has had a rough few years with her father and sister dying within months of each other and her mom having dementia and raising her niece. She moved the family to Alaska hoping to give everyone a fresh start and getting her mom back where she wanted to be. Jesse is drawn to Charlie but doesn't look too far past seeing her as the uptight doctor until he finds her mom out on his property. It gives him an insight to her and he sees her in a different light. After that, he wants to know more. This story has a bit of a slower pace. There aren't really life and death situations that are happening. The story flows well and it kept my attention. The sex is explicit. The story is sweet and the characters are great. I liked getting some of the updates on the previous characters but the story stands alone. You don't need to have read any of the previous books in this series to completely enjoy this one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Raecharmed

9,295 reviews70 followers

June 29, 2018

Charlie has had some hard times happen with her and her family so she's not looking for anything when she meets Jesse. Jesse is a firefighter and when he is injured he has Charlie for his doctor. Sparks fly between them and even though she denies it everyone can se that there is something brewing between them. When her mother disappears its Jesse that finds her outside his place and brings her back safely. What begins as friendship quickly turns into something more. Jesse gets along with her mother and her niece Emily perfectly. However will Charlie see that they can be more to each other or use family obligations to push him away?

This is an amazing story once I started I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between Jesse and Charlie is sizzling hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. I enjoyed it so much I bought my own copy.

Tamara

291 reviews1 follower

July 6, 2018

He kissed her, now she won't be his doctor.

Omg, love this series. This is the story of Jesse and Charlie. Jesse is a hotshot and hates that he is on light duty because of an injury. He has been short with his doctor cause she won't clear him for full duty. When he sees the purple streak in her hair, his interest is peeked.

Charlie is a doctor, she is ne in town. She chose to move to Willow Brook because her pedants had always wanted to go back to Alaska. Since she was now taking care of her mom and her niece she felt the move away from big city life was best for all.

Their world's collide when Jesse finds Olive, Charlie's mom, wondering around in the woods behind his house and since he has never met Olive before and she seems a bit confused he takes her to the hospital. He instantly wants to know more about them.

This is a must read for all those who know what it is like to have a messy life and still be able to find love.

Robin

616 reviews14 followers

August 29, 2018

Welcome back to Willow Brook, the small town with a lot of heart. J. H. Croix, as always, has created characters that we all want to have as our friends. Meet Jesse and Charlie.

Hot shot firefighter Jesse Franklin thought all he needed from Dr. Charlie Lane is her release to return to work after a shoulder injury. The thing is, her buttoned up attitude tugs at him and makes him want to loosen her up. Jesse doesn't do relationships though; and he avoids complications like the plauge and Dr. Charlie is mired in complications.

Charlie has her hands full trying to settle into her new home in Willow Brook. She's trying to deal with her mother's worsening memory issues. At the same time, she's raising her 15 year old niece who is having trouble fitting in to their new home while dealing with the grief of losing her mother, Charlie's sister. Charlie doesn't have time for Jesse. Only Jesse won't take no for an answer.....and Charlie isn't sure she wants him to.

Tracey

1,301 reviews12 followers

I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A hot firefighter romance set in Alaska. 💖🚒🔥💦💖

In all fairness, I've been a fan of J.H. Croix since I first read Take Me Home the first book in her Last Frontier Lodge series. This latest series is just as good and is interconnected to it, which makes for a wonderful trip to places you feel at home with. Alaska is a beautiful setting for her books and she describes it so well that you feel like you been there and that's coming from someone who lived in Anchorage for a while. As for the storyline... Jessie is a "hot shot" firefighter who is recovering from an injury and is really attracted to his new doctor, Charlie. Charlie has moved her Mom and niece back to Alaska hoping for a fresh start. It's a great story with lots of emotions, angst, and passion. 💞😍💞

Cheryl Sanders

2,244 reviews31 followers

4.5 Stars
This is book 6 in the Into the Fire series and it features Jesse and Charlie. These two just meshed well right from the beginning. Charlie is just one of those people that thinks she needs to handle everything by herself and she’s has a lot going on. Jessie is just an easy-going guy that works hard and was blindsided by how much he cared for her. When he went to Anchorage to be with her it broke my heart and I think he had every right to be upset!

This is a super sweet, sexy and romantic story line with the same amazing characters we’ve come to expect in this series. The one single issue I had with this book is that there were no highs and lows. It all ran at the same speed. Don’t get me wrong, I still loved the romance but it needed a tiny bit more excitement. I can’t wait for the next book.

Chiquita Bee

854 reviews2 followers

July 4, 2018

A Blazing 5 Star Review

I was mesmerized by this smoldering story about Charlie, a doctor, aunt and caregiver for her mother who has dementia and Jesse, a tall, hot shot firefighter in Alaska. She’s overwhelmed with all her responsibility and hasn’t had time to even be out with a man in three years. He’s not looking for a relationship but when she is assigned his medical case for an injured shoulder, their sizzling chemistry keeps pulling them together. He’s ready to accept her with all her responsibilities if she is willing to let go and realize she’s worth the risk. Their story is rather predictable but not to say it is without its angst. It’s the beautiful love story between the two that makes reading this all worthwhile and the backstory of Charlie’s niece and her mother that will pull your heartstrings as well.

Maggie Brundage

117 reviews2 followers

Sweet Fire is a delectable addition to a series that has plenty of heart, body and soul...and lots of steamy sex! It was a definite treat to read and kept me up late. It has a super great story line with the Doctor with too much responsibility on her plate and the hotshot fire fighter who has the hots for her and will not give up. It is a very believable story. Jesse and Charlie have just too much to worry about at times, do not know their own hearts and are afraid to fall in love...but they do anyways. I loved this book from cover to cover. Highly recommend it and the entire series. J.H. Croix never fails to satisfy in the romance department. Hotshot fire fighters - nothing better! Great read. This series just gets better and better with each new book. I received and ARC of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it. Hope you enjoy!

Heather Hackett

288 reviews2 followers

Charlie had, had a hard year she had lost her Dad and her sister within 6 months of each other but also gained a daughter too while trying to look after her Mom who had dementia and was getting worse. Charlie also thought she didn't have time for a relationship as her life was to messy. Jesse loved his job as a hotshot fireman and was happy go lucky when it came to women. After injuring his shoulder he was placed under the care of Dr Charlie Lane who at first he thought was so up tight but was finding out there is a lot more to her. Brilliant story of two people finding that nothing else matters when you love someone and it's better to share the load than trying to carry it all by oneself. Very touching and at times hot with a laugh or two thrown in for good measure, everyone will love this story.

Britt Chaotic Creatives

1,414 reviews94 followers