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Fire Protection Specialists #5
Burning Heart
Air Force Fire Protection Specialist, Declan Rivers, gave his heart once, and it got charred beyond recognition. While deep down he still wants it all, the career, the wife, the family, he can’t put himself out there. That is until his best friend’s wedding where he finds comfort in the arms of Becca Knowles, a sexy senior firefighter and co-worker. He’s had eyes for Becca since she first stepped onto the base, but after one hot night, they decide it’s best if they remain friends.
Well, he decides thanks to that aforementioned reluctance.
Becca Knowles understands a broken heart and after a one-night stand with Declan, she vows to give up on men for a while and focus only on her career. Only that declaration lasts just one measly month when she first finds out she’s pregnant, and then that her younger sister is missing. Not knowing where to turn, she asks Declan for his help, to which he readily agrees, not knowing about the baby.
While searching for her sister, they find themselves dealing with betrayal, lies, and a love so deep it burns the heart.
Well, he decides thanks to that aforementioned reluctance.
Becca Knowles understands a broken heart and after a one-night stand with Declan, she vows to give up on men for a while and focus only on her career. Only that declaration lasts just one measly month when she first finds out she’s pregnant, and then that her younger sister is missing. Not knowing where to turn, she asks Declan for his help, to which he readily agrees, not knowing about the baby.
While searching for her sister, they find themselves dealing with betrayal, lies, and a love so deep it burns the heart.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2018
142 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Jen Talty
229 books510 followersJen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors.
Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).
She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.
Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).
She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.
Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
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October 16, 2018Review copies can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
November 21, 2018
After reading this book and then seeing all of the positive reviews -- I really wondered if I had read the same book! I was just so not impressed by it. It wasn't awful, just not very good.
Basically, the entire gist of the story is Declan being all over the board on how he feels about Becca. Okay, sure, the guy suffered a big blow from his last girlfriend. But GET OVER IT ALREADY!! My goodness! He just whined like a toddler, incessantly, forever. And, of course, in typical male fashion, he apparently wanted to have his cake and eat it too with Becca, not committing to her because of how badly damaged her was, but still screwing her, and getting her pregnant no less.
And Becca doesn't do much more than vascillate between whether or not she can live with not getting anything more from Declan out of their relationship than solid friendship and occasional interest. Not that she has much of a choice in the matter! The one time they are together even, he sneaks out of her house before she's even had a chance to change her shirt.
There are some subplots and sidetrips that don't coalesce into much of a coherent plot, but which do give the various players a chance to interact. But there were just so many things that didn't jive, such as Becca's Mennonite parents' are way too chill about her not only bringing home a non-believer apparent boyfriend, but certainly about her being pregnant out of wedlock with his child. And the whole human trafficking thing leaves a lot to be desired as far as addressing the seriousness of the issue, let alone the ease they had in thwarting this obviously well-funded and organized criminal group.
There were a lot of inconsistencies in items both big and small within the story. And I really hope that the copy I read was an early version, because the editing was horrible. Being the fifth in a series of books, I would definitely expect this one to be more polished at whatever stage it was in.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from Xpresso Book Tours, and have willingly provided an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the So Few Books blog at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2018/....
Basically, the entire gist of the story is Declan being all over the board on how he feels about Becca. Okay, sure, the guy suffered a big blow from his last girlfriend. But GET OVER IT ALREADY!! My goodness! He just whined like a toddler, incessantly, forever. And, of course, in typical male fashion, he apparently wanted to have his cake and eat it too with Becca, not committing to her because of how badly damaged her was, but still screwing her, and getting her pregnant no less.
And Becca doesn't do much more than vascillate between whether or not she can live with not getting anything more from Declan out of their relationship than solid friendship and occasional interest. Not that she has much of a choice in the matter! The one time they are together even, he sneaks out of her house before she's even had a chance to change her shirt.
There are some subplots and sidetrips that don't coalesce into much of a coherent plot, but which do give the various players a chance to interact. But there were just so many things that didn't jive, such as Becca's Mennonite parents' are way too chill about her not only bringing home a non-believer apparent boyfriend, but certainly about her being pregnant out of wedlock with his child. And the whole human trafficking thing leaves a lot to be desired as far as addressing the seriousness of the issue, let alone the ease they had in thwarting this obviously well-funded and organized criminal group.
There were a lot of inconsistencies in items both big and small within the story. And I really hope that the copy I read was an early version, because the editing was horrible. Being the fifth in a series of books, I would definitely expect this one to be more polished at whatever stage it was in.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from Xpresso Book Tours, and have willingly provided an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the So Few Books blog at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2018/....
February 12, 2019
3.5 Stars
Burning Heart.. is Declan and Becca's story they are good friends and work together but the chemistry between them is off the charts. I liked these characters but the storyline was missing something. I loved seeing Abe, Wolf , Mozart and Tex's characters pulled into this story. The storyline was great but it lacked something...I loved the mystery around trying to find Becca's story, I loved how open Declan was with Becca once he decided to pursue her in full trottle. I hated that Becca kept putting of the discussion about their relationship.
I felt the rescue missing was lacking...we all know Wolf leads when he is a story..and everyone falls inline. I understand that not everything will be the same but I have read many of the books in Special Forces Operation Alpha World series..and any author who put Wolf in had him leading on a rescue mission. The rescue mission fell short, the main characters had no idea what the team was doing and tried working with the team but instead did what they wanted. I felt left in the dark.. I wanted to see the action of Abe taking over the two bad guys and as well as the rest of the team. Zack and Garrett come to help on this rescue mission as well.
I also wanted to know what happened to Trish...why was she taken..did she fight back. Lots of unanswered questions. I enjoyed the first 4 books of the series but number five fell short. I would still recommend this story because you have to see Declan and Becca together. Its Hot!!Happy Reading!!
Burning Heart.. is Declan and Becca's story they are good friends and work together but the chemistry between them is off the charts. I liked these characters but the storyline was missing something. I loved seeing Abe, Wolf , Mozart and Tex's characters pulled into this story. The storyline was great but it lacked something...I loved the mystery around trying to find Becca's story, I loved how open Declan was with Becca once he decided to pursue her in full trottle. I hated that Becca kept putting of the discussion about their relationship.
I felt the rescue missing was lacking...we all know Wolf leads when he is a story..and everyone falls inline. I understand that not everything will be the same but I have read many of the books in Special Forces Operation Alpha World series..and any author who put Wolf in had him leading on a rescue mission. The rescue mission fell short, the main characters had no idea what the team was doing and tried working with the team but instead did what they wanted. I felt left in the dark.. I wanted to see the action of Abe taking over the two bad guys and as well as the rest of the team. Zack and Garrett come to help on this rescue mission as well.
I also wanted to know what happened to Trish...why was she taken..did she fight back. Lots of unanswered questions. I enjoyed the first 4 books of the series but number five fell short. I would still recommend this story because you have to see Declan and Becca together. Its Hot!!Happy Reading!!
August 21, 2018
Burning Heart is the fifth book in the Air Force Fire Protection Specialists Series, but also set within the Operation Alpha world. Declan and Becca had a one night stand a month ago, but while Becca was willing to try for more, Declan pulled away, especially because they work together and are great friends. Just as Becca finds out she’s pregnant, her mom calls, letting Becca know her sister is missing. The first person she runs to for help is Declan, who is realizing he’s ready for more from Becca. Together on a mission to find her sister, danger surrounding them, how will Declan react to her news, and can they ever have a relationship based on love?
Oh my goodness, this book was the perfect blend between intense action mixed with some softer romantic scenes between Becca and Declan. I loved that they had so much in common, like their religious backgrounds and their protective streaks, but I loved that their differences drew them together. Becca was caring and emotionally understanding while Declan was cautious and hurt from his past. Their coming together was passionate and meaningful, and I loved that their close friendship just carried over into their becoming more. I thought it was great that her parents were involved, I loved all of their personal growth, and I also really enjoyed all of the suspense surrounding Becca’s sister. I have absolutely loved this series, and loved this addition!
Oh my goodness, this book was the perfect blend between intense action mixed with some softer romantic scenes between Becca and Declan. I loved that they had so much in common, like their religious backgrounds and their protective streaks, but I loved that their differences drew them together. Becca was caring and emotionally understanding while Declan was cautious and hurt from his past. Their coming together was passionate and meaningful, and I loved that their close friendship just carried over into their becoming more. I thought it was great that her parents were involved, I loved all of their personal growth, and I also really enjoyed all of the suspense surrounding Becca’s sister. I have absolutely loved this series, and loved this addition!
August 21, 2018
Becca Knowles has tried to get over her feelings for Air Force Protection Specialist Declan Rivers. They spent one wonderful evening together, but he thinks he should only be interested in her friendship as they are coworkers. Previously, Declan was hurt badly by his ex-fiancé…he doesn’t want to talk about it and is not ready for a new relationship. Later, Becca gets some unexpected news…she is pregnant, the result of that wonderful evening, and knows that she needs to tell Declan. Before she can do so, her parents notify her that her younger sister is missing. Fearing for her sister, Becca approaches Declan to ask for his help. Declan has resources that can aid her in the search for her sister. When he realizes that Becca is leaving for Ohio, he also realizes that he has stronger feelings for Becca and offers to accompany her. There is danger in their search and the team jumps in to aid Becca and Declan. We catch up with Brodie & Harper, Ace, Jax & Hunter as well as other characters that have appeared in and out of the series. I love how Ms. Talty brings us up to date on the many characters from her previous books…it is like reading about family or close friends. Such great characters that we remember their stories with fondness. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
November 17, 2018
Becca has never hidden that she has feelings for Declan, but she's tired of the hot/cold attitude he keeps giving her. Just when she's ready to tell herself to finally forget him, she discovers that their lives will be permanently intertwined, but family trouble pulls her attention in another direction.
Declan is running scared from love but his co-worker, Becca, is testing his resolve to stay away. However, when he finally decides what he really wants, Becca has trouble of her own that requires that he put his feelings aside for the moment and help her family.
This short romance has lots of suspense & humor with a bit of heat as two people grapple with their faith and the fact that life has different plans than yours, at times.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Declan is running scared from love but his co-worker, Becca, is testing his resolve to stay away. However, when he finally decides what he really wants, Becca has trouble of her own that requires that he put his feelings aside for the moment and help her family.
This short romance has lots of suspense & humor with a bit of heat as two people grapple with their faith and the fact that life has different plans than yours, at times.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 10, 2019
I recieved this ARC for an honest review
Becca has been in love with Declan forever.
They share one night. But although Becca wants more Declan is gun shy.
After her sister goes missing Becca turns to Declan and his good friend Tex for help.
After discovering that her sister's boyfriend is caught up in human trafficking. It is going to take a family to help out.
As they plan what to do about her missing sister she and Declan get closer how will he react when she tells him that one night had consquences.
Another fine read from Ms Talty your swept up in their story that keeps you reading
Some of the protecting guys make an appearance.
Becca has been in love with Declan forever.
They share one night. But although Becca wants more Declan is gun shy.
After her sister goes missing Becca turns to Declan and his good friend Tex for help.
After discovering that her sister's boyfriend is caught up in human trafficking. It is going to take a family to help out.
As they plan what to do about her missing sister she and Declan get closer how will he react when she tells him that one night had consquences.
Another fine read from Ms Talty your swept up in their story that keeps you reading
Some of the protecting guys make an appearance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
Who is Becca Knowles? Who is Declan Rivers and why is he telling Becca to wait? What was Becca's nickname growing up and why? What I learned about Becca's background early on surprised me. Who are Trisha and Byron? Why do Becca and Declan drop everything and go to Ohio? What happens while they are there? Why is the cavalry called in? I need to read the previous books in this series now!!!! Enjoy the read. It was not what I expected, but definitely much more!!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
August 19, 2018
We started to see the seeds of this relationship in the previous book, and I was already a little invested in seeing Declan and Becca find their balance. This pair has a rocky start that quickly goes from bad to worse before it has a chance of getting better. To me, this story was all about family; both the one you’re born into and the ones you choose. I especially liked the way religion was handled in this book. That it’s important in the lives of the lead characters and their families, but it was never overwhelming.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this story.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this story.
August 22, 2018
Burning Heart
Jen Talty
If you like action, romance, suspense, and humor, you will love this story.
Becca and Declan have circled the wagons for awhile because both have baggage and are afraid of getting hurt again.
Enter Becca’s sister going missing and the two are thrown together to find her. Their friends join them in their mission.
I laughed so much it took awhile to read the hotel room scene.
A page turner from start to finish.
Love this series Air Force Fire Protection Specialists.
Jen Talty
If you like action, romance, suspense, and humor, you will love this story.
Becca and Declan have circled the wagons for awhile because both have baggage and are afraid of getting hurt again.
Enter Becca’s sister going missing and the two are thrown together to find her. Their friends join them in their mission.
I laughed so much it took awhile to read the hotel room scene.
A page turner from start to finish.
Love this series Air Force Fire Protection Specialists.
September 22, 2018
Sigh, I just adored this one! Declan and Becca are a great match, and I liked watching them explore their feelings for each other. There was a little push and pull, but it never felt like too much and I enjoyed coming along for their journey. The mystery element also kept things interesting, and I liked the bit of action at the end. I thought Ms. Talty did a good job of integrating characters from Ms. Stokers's series seamlessly into the story. I just adored the epilogue! Can't wait for more!
August 22, 2018
Great read!
I really like Jen Talty’s books. This is a good story with a lot of heart and soul. The couple has to over come some things to get their HEA, but was a good read to get there. Declan and Becca make a great couple. As usual, men can be so stupid!
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
I really like Jen Talty’s books. This is a good story with a lot of heart and soul. The couple has to over come some things to get their HEA, but was a good read to get there. Declan and Becca make a great couple. As usual, men can be so stupid!
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
January 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just couldn't get enough of it and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I recommend that you read it.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
November 8, 2020
Friends to lovers
A cute story that was a fast friends to lover romance. They both have concerns to make it more but they are moving past that when two hiccups occur...a pregnancy and missing sister. The story moves fast and has some good moments regarding family, love and loyalty. Fairly predictable but sweet.
A cute story that was a fast friends to lover romance. They both have concerns to make it more but they are moving past that when two hiccups occur...a pregnancy and missing sister. The story moves fast and has some good moments regarding family, love and loyalty. Fairly predictable but sweet.
January 3, 2022
Love and danger
Declan has wanted Becca since she joined the team. Badly burned by his ex, he keeps rejecting her. After one night of passion, he walks away again but this time it won't be so easy. As he helps her looking for her missing sister, he tries to get their relationship back on track. Becca knows she loves Declan but won't settle for less than all of his heart.
Declan has wanted Becca since she joined the team. Badly burned by his ex, he keeps rejecting her. After one night of passion, he walks away again but this time it won't be so easy. As he helps her looking for her missing sister, he tries to get their relationship back on track. Becca knows she loves Declan but won't settle for less than all of his heart.
August 14, 2018
Every now and then a book comes along that is better then amazing, and let me tell you Burning Heart is that book. From cover to cover it consumed me. Action, drama, love and loyalty this is a book for everyone. A must read for all.
August 23, 2018
VERY ENTERTAINING ADVENTURE
An interesting story blending slightly religious backgrounds, a unit of men from the Air Force Fire Protection unit, kidnapping, slave trafficking and a budding romance with surprises.
An interesting story blending slightly religious backgrounds, a unit of men from the Air Force Fire Protection unit, kidnapping, slave trafficking and a budding romance with surprises.
August 2, 2019
Good read
Declan had his heart broken when his girlfriend aborted his baby. Now after one encounter Becca is pregnant with his child and her sister has come up missing. So everything is put on hold until they can find Trisha
Declan had his heart broken when his girlfriend aborted his baby. Now after one encounter Becca is pregnant with his child and her sister has come up missing. So everything is put on hold until they can find Trisha
August 22, 2018
Fantastic
I so loved reading Declan and Beccas story. Your books are one of my favorites to read and can't wait to see what is next
I so loved reading Declan and Beccas story. Your books are one of my favorites to read and can't wait to see what is next
September 15, 2018
Burning Heart
Another great book by Jen Talty in this series a must read and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Another great book by Jen Talty in this series a must read and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
September 15, 2018
My favorite of the pack.
February 10, 2019
Great series
September 30, 2019
Great read... loved the characters... and for a novella managed to get a plot in which was resolved and made sense... and didn't feel short-changed!
November 19, 2020
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, sexy, full of action and loving! I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾😁😁
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, sexy, full of action and loving! I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾😁😁
August 21, 2018
A great book within the special forces world and within the fire protection specialists series. Declan and Becca are team mates but for the last year she has been providing hints that she really likes him, he gets flirty but doesn’t do anything about the attraction. Declan thinks Becca is hung up on her ex and Becca thinks Declan is hung up on his so what are they to do?
They are brought together as Becca’s sister goes missing and it’s a race against time to find her as Declan and the team, with help from wolf, dude and Tex, track down the person who may have her. With a pregnancy thrown in do they get Trisha back in time? Will Declan put his past and hurt behind himself to get his true HEA? I loved all of the characters in this book and the story had me right from the beginning. With the two leads dancing around their feelings then the race to catch the traffickers. A great read from start to finish.
They are brought together as Becca’s sister goes missing and it’s a race against time to find her as Declan and the team, with help from wolf, dude and Tex, track down the person who may have her. With a pregnancy thrown in do they get Trisha back in time? Will Declan put his past and hurt behind himself to get his true HEA? I loved all of the characters in this book and the story had me right from the beginning. With the two leads dancing around their feelings then the race to catch the traffickers. A great read from start to finish.
August 21, 2018
Great little novella. Declan and Becca clearly have a deep, burning desire to be with each other, yet each is afraid, of being hurt, of loving again and of revealing their true feeling towards each other. But after one night of hot sex, Becca is pregnant. Becca knows she has to tell Declan about the baby, but with his past has no idea how he will react, and now with her sister missing and in grave danger she needs Declan's help to find her. As they close in on where Becca's sister was taken and Becca tells Declan she's pregnant, the pair still find themselves unable to tell each they truly feel. Can they over come the danger and rescue Becca's sister? Will it bring them closer together or end in tragedy? Will they finally reveal how they really feel about the baby and each other?
January 15, 2019
Great read! I really enjoyed Declan and Becca’s story; they are wonderful characters with a lot of heart. They have both been burned by love and relationships in the past but their family, friends and faith keep them going. They both have a strong bond of unity within their fire unit, a feeling of family though not by blood and they have strong roots within their actual families to fall back on. They have had their eyes set on each other from when Becca joined the unit, but have vowed to remain good friends, never to cross the line. Until one night pushes them over that boundary line and everything changes for them both. But does it change for better or worse? The secret Becca carries will be life changing for them both and when Becca finds out the reason for Declan’s reluctance to trust and build a new relationship with her and knowing history is, in part, about to repeat itself, will she have the courage to push forward and grab on to what she wants? For Declan, he thought his future dreams had been shattered in his past and vowed never to put himself out there again. He barely survived the first time and knows he will not again. But Becca changes all the rules, his head and heart are constantly at battle over what to do. When she comes to him for help to find her missing sister, he knows he will do whatever he has to, cross whatever line, to help her find the truth and bring her sister home. Little did he know that his past fears and future dreams would collide in an unexpected way. Can he overcome his demons and open his heart before the best thing he could have is lost to him for good?
This was a wonderful story that will keep you entertained from start to finish. It contains a great cast of characters, laughs, witty banter, the bonds of family and friends, faith, suspense, action, danger, lies, betrayal and romance. *I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a wonderful story that will keep you entertained from start to finish. It contains a great cast of characters, laughs, witty banter, the bonds of family and friends, faith, suspense, action, danger, lies, betrayal and romance. *I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 3, 2020
Declan is still reeling from what his ex did. He really likes Becca but can't let himself go there except for this one night.
Becca just found out her sister is missing. She also finds out another secret but needs to concentrate on her sister. Hopefully with help from Tex and the Seal team along with the guys from their unit, they will find her sister.
Becca just found out her sister is missing. She also finds out another secret but needs to concentrate on her sister. Hopefully with help from Tex and the Seal team along with the guys from their unit, they will find her sister.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews