Forged by Fire

Forged by Fire #1

by Eddie Cleveland

I destroyed everything, I shattered Karen's heart. I had to sacrifice us to save her.

When I forced her out of this small town, the promise of fiery death no longer scared me. Fighting fires helped me forget the black hole burned in my heart.

Now Karen's back and she can't even look at me. She hates me. There isn't much time to make her mine again. Can I get her to forgive me? To stay? Or will our love be lost forever?

Forged by Fire is the first stand alone novel in a small town firefighter romance series. If you like deeply emotional romance with plenty of steam and a guaranteed HEA, you'll love this! Get sucked into the sizzling firefighters and charming love interests of Pine Grove by grabbing your copy now.

Genres: Romance, Firefighters, Second Chance, Contemporary

215 pages, ebook

First published November 11, 2018

About the author

Eddie Cleveland is an Amazon bestselling author who, after over a decade of military service, took a chance on his dream and wrote his first book. Since publishing his debut novel in 2016, he has soared to the top of the best-seller list several times in multiple categories. Now Eddie is living his passion of writing full time.

His characters are so realistic you'll wonder if you've known them your entire life. These aren't just interchangeable, faceless men. These book boyfriends will seize a piece of your heart forever. Each book drags you into a world of lighthearted laughter, heart wrenching romance and sizzling sexual tension that holds you captive until the last word.

After leaving the military, Eddie found his perfect place by the sea—a small East Coast town. Now, he's living his dream with the love of his life, their adorable little girl, and their goofy golden retriever, who reminds them that life is better with wagging tails and slobbery kisses.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a bit raunchy

New Adult books are not my favorite and this one just reminds me why. It was a little too raunchy during the intimate scenes. I really didn't feel any romance. And obviously as much as he loved her, he hadn't stayed celibate while they were apart like she did. But I really didn't care as much because I didn't feel love between them. Lust, kinda but love no. I need more romance. I did read the whole thing and I am glad I read it on KU for free. There are so many five star reviews for this I was a little shocked that I didn't like it so please don't judge it based on my review. This author has a lot of fans. But it just was meh.

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Start To A New Series - A Must Have Read
Oh Mr Cleveland - what a fabulous start to your brand new series about firefighters in a small town!  Eddie Cleveland introduces us to Karen and Luke who are high school sweethearts. She has a family that she badly needs to get away from and when she gets a place at a great university the plan is for him to follow her. However, tragedy strikes as his Dad, a firefighter, dies whilst working and Luke must stay to help his mum.  But he knows that if he doesn't go that she will throw away this unbelievable opportunity and stay with him - which he just can't let her do. She is such a wonderful young woman and he loves her too much so he makes her believe that he doesn't love her and so she leaves.  Four years later Luke has just been appointed as deputy fire chief and she's back. She hates him! Luke still loves her! How can he possibly prove to her that he is worth a second chance? These two characters are so well written that it is so easy to like them and I certainly wanted them to get their second chance together.  There is humour peppered throughout the book which makes it even more enjoyable and also realistic.  As I said tat the beginning , this is a fantastic start to the series and I wonder who will get their HEA in book 2.  Looking forward to reading it with anticipation.  I received a reader's copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here.  Most Definitely Recommended!!

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie Cleveland is one of my auto-buy authors. Whatever he's selling, I'm buying it. While his first book, American Bad Boy, remains one of my favorites, this book is giving it a run for its money. I honestly believe it's his best ever. Who doesn't love a second-chance romance? And, this one is as sweet and sexy as they come. I'm hoping this becomes the first in a series of small town firefighters. My advice? Read it! And, if you haven't yet, enjoy the whole Cleveland library!

[Linda Arbuckle-Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances at love

Karen and Luke heartbroken by tragedy get a second chance at love. Touching heartwarming and full of emotions. I found myself crying and laughing and touched by love... not to mention the passion and sexual heat between them.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Eddie has another fabulous romance with Forged by Fire! Luke and Karen are high school sweethearts with plans to head to NYC in the fall. Thought he fire house is both their families lives, her family never makes it easy for Luke or his family. Their plans are shattered when tragedy strikes at a fire right before they are set to leave. Luke thinks he is doing the noble thing by rejecting Karen and forcing her to head to NYC alone. Four years later Karen is back in town, still nursing a broken heart, not realizing that Luke is too. The chemistry is still there, but will she give him a chance to explain himself, or shut him out of her life for good? This is fabulous story of a small town fire department and the men and women who's lives revolve around it. It's heart breaking, yet passionate and sweet and has such a great story line...I loved it!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second... almost third chance romance. Luke and Karen had been together forever, high school graduation wasn't going to stop that, Luke would follow Karen to New York, far from their small town in Oregon. Everything was planned, well Luke still had to let his father know that he wouldn't be following in his footsteps. But plans and life never seem to follow the same path smoothly, life happens, words are said and dreams can't be stunted leaving two broken hearts on both coasts. But when fireman Luke and newly graduated Karen meet up feelings come into play, not all hearts and roses, that's for sure but what happens when you battle through just to come to the conclusion that your lives are still coasts apart? Lots of feels, great characters and a wonderful story line! Can't wait for the rest of this series as how it begins, bring on the heat!!!!

[Brenda Motza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's no person's right on this earth to stand in the way of anyone's dreams."

Gah! I just love a second chance romance and Eddie nailed this one. There were a few times this book made me tear up and I loathe crying when I read, But, you know what? That just goes to show you what a great author that Eddie is.

Luke and Karen were inseparable until one fateful night. Luke did and said everything he could to send Karen off to the big city to make her dreams come true even though he couldn't go with her like they had planned. Now, 4 years later and Karen is back in town for a short time and things get heated between her and Luke, verbally and physically.

This book is a great start to a series that I believe is only going to get hotter.

A total must read!!!

**** I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book ****

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town of Pine Grove's Volunteer Fire Department is bursting at the seams with hot, and heart heavy feels!!
When Karen is ready to leave the town that doesn't understand her behind to move onto a new and exciting life, the plan was for Luke to follow. You know what they say about the best-laid plans...
Or is it?
Woo! I am hooked!
What a smart-n-sexy, hearts in bloom wit-filled romance!
I loved these well developed down to earth characters and the fast-moving, perfect mix of heavy and light storyline, with a thrilling kick, that left me better place than when I started and ready for more!
A Must Read for anyone who enjoys a sexy, firefighter romance with emotional whirlwind and great character connection!
I cannot wait to see what's next!

[Lene Norway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous! It's a thrilling story and the chemistry between Karen and Luke is beautifully written. I read through the pages in suspens of what would happen next, between them and to them. It's a sexy, steamingly hot and emotional read.

A lot of scenes is laugh out loud funny, but the part with Bernice and Jeremy is the most hilarious scene I've read in a long time.

If you want to snuggle up with a fun and heartwarming story, then you can't go wrong with reading one from Eddie Cleveland's book. And this is no exception.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously smoking hot embers between Karen and Luke!! Even though my heart broke when Luke pushed Karen away when they were teens I knew he did it because he loved her so much. And after such a tragedy Luke fell into the responsible roll for his family. A few years later when Karen returns to their small home town suds instantly thrown into Luke’s path. After some deep conversations and soul searching they realize their love hasn’t died. But with Karen’s future calling will it truly be a happily ever after??

I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Margaret Herman]

I loved this book. I added to my to be read list on Goodreads on November 6. I received an advanced reader copy from Eddie Clevleland. Downloaded it right away but did not start reading it until November 11. I enjoy Luke and Karen's love story. How they met as school children and how Luke was always on Karen's side even though school mates made fun of her because of her family's reputation in town. Karen was basically raised on the wrong side of the train tracks in town. Her brother, Todd, is a bully and always bullied her. Luke is the only one to stand up for her. Karen received scholarship to go to college in New York. The day before Karen and Luke were to go, Luke had a fight with Karen to make her go by herself. After a few years, Karen returns home for a visit and reconnects with Luke. Both are older and wiser. Luke and Karen find out that true love will stand the tests the couple throws at it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

Once again Eddie Cleveland made me miss my bedtime! Unless you start earlier than I did, it will happen to you also. It's so easy to get involved in the love story of Karen and Luke. They've been in love since Elementary school. But with life getting in the way there will be heartache, families, and growing up to go through. They're definitely compatible when it comes to sex. 🔥🔥🔥 Terrific book.

[Bexbookrex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance

Charming small town romance with requisite small-town drama. Lovely story, colorful characters, reality, with just enough dream-come-true to make your heart flutter.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

This book was fantastic, was not sure if luke and Karen would make it
But their love for each other overcame everything else. Loved this book
Great job Eddie

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars Small town, Hot Romance Second Chance!! 5*****
November 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Small towns are wonderful but they always have that right and wrong side of town. Family egos usually make a mess out of things that are meant to be. Misunderstanding happen, dreams are changed and hurtful things are said. Even if they mean well, words hurt. This is the story of Luke and Karen. She has dreams of making it in a big city far away from their small home town. She needs to escape her overbearing father and brothers. He is willing to go with her but hasn't figured out a way to let his father know that he won't be following in his footsteps. He wants to be a part of her dreams and make them his dreams also. A firefighter's job is very dangerous and yet they are willing to put their lives in jeopardy in order to save another's. The unthinkable happens and Luke has to stay behind while Karen goes off to fulfill her dreams. Several years go by and Karen is back in town, but only for a little while. Luke has a second chance to get Karen if he can make her understand why he sent her off so terribly years ago.

This was a wonderful story and I fell in love with Karen and Luke. I was laughing and a few tears were shed, words can hurt and I get totally invested in the book I'm reading, other times I was gripping my kindle so hard I'm surprised that I didn't crack the case. Emotions run very high in this book and I felt like I was a part of the background characters. That's what great writing can do to you while you read. I loved this story and I love ready stories written by Eddie Cleveland and I'm looking forward to more stories in this firefighter series. I did receive a ARC and this is my honest review. I will also be borrowing the book from Kindle Unlimited. 5*****

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another emotionally explosive book by Eddie Cleveland! This second chance romance between Luke and Karen, a couple of high school sweethearts who go their separate ways only to find love again will have you tearing up!

Luke and Karen grew up together in a small town in Oregon. Both their parents worked in the local fire company and so they did a lot of things together from the time they were very young. As they grew up, those feelings of friendship turned into real love. Luke and Karen had big plans to leave for New York so that Karen could go to school to become an interior designer. It had been her dream to leave their town for as long as she could remember. After tragedy hits Lukes family he realizes he can’t leave, but can’t hold Karen back from her dreams, so he does the only thing he can think of to make her leave. Unfortunately for him, it worked. Karen leaves and heads to NY to start her new life alone. Years go by and Karen goes back home to visit her family after graduating while she waits to hear from a prestigious interior design firm she applied for a job with. Of course, in a town as small as theirs, it doesn’t take long for Karen and Luke to bump into each other. Karen is still having trouble getting over the heartbreak Luke caused her, and Luke is trying desperately to get Karen alone so that he can explain why he did what he did all those years ago. When they finally reconnect, the passion between them was enough to set my kindle on fire!

This is an amazing story that really pulls at your heartstrings! More than once, I wanted to smack some of Karens family upside the head! I was rooting for Luke throughout the whole book and was so happy with how things worked out. This is a definite must read!

I read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged by Fire is the first book in a new small town series, focusing on firefighters and those they fall in love with. Luke and Karen have grown up side by side, were each other’s first everything’s, but after his father died in a fire, Luke’s goals quickly changed and he let Karen go to chase her dreams. Four years later, Karen is graduated and back in town, trying her best to avoid the man who crushed her heart, but he wants so much more. Could this be their second chance at love or will her dreams call her away again?

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and can’t wait to see where everything is going to lead! I loved Luke and Karen’s second chance romance, I really enjoyed some of the additional side characters, and I loved the strife and conflict that came with the fire house, small town, and the couple, too! Luke and Karen were so effected by the events right after they graduated high school and I loved that while Luke perhaps went about it the wrong way, he pushed Karen away for a good reason. Karen was so heartbroken and I loved that she wore her heart on her sleeves. She had a crazy family, and I hope we get more of their stories. They had a lot that they needed to overcome, but they had the passion, love, and support to try to weather the storm and fires. This was a great book to introduce the series and I really enjoyed my time spent reading this book!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is one heartfelt 2nd chance love story. This story is about Karen and Luke who have grown up together in the same small town in Oregon and love one another, planning to leave after they graduate high school and experience NY City while Karen goes to her dream college. Both of their dads are firefighters with Luke’s dad being the chief and Karen’s dad and brothers are volunteers. With a couple weeks before they leave Luke’s dad is called to a fire and does not make it out. Their lives fall apart and Luke finds himself doing the most hurtful thing, pushing Karen away and making her hate him so she leaves and goes to college so he can stay and help his mom with her grief. I felt so emotionally connected to Karen and only wanted Luke to take back what he said to her! The love they have for one another never fully goes away and four years later Karen returns to visit before starting her job back in NY. Luke tries many times to explain what happen and once he does their love picks up where they left off. Their siblings are not happy and cause them some problems but with their determination they will not let the others interfere. I loved the ending of their journey and look forward to the other stories in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story about a young man who sacrificed his love and happiness for the young woman he loved with every ounce of his being. This story is an emotionally charged story that will have you crying at the loss of a hero who sacrificed his life for another, and will have you laughing at the moment shared between a young couple who get caught in a very compromising situation.
Luke has plans to go to NY with Karen but he is forever changed in one fateful night, his v card is stamped and than his Dad/hero dies and that leads to him pushing Karen away by saying everything he can to break her and make her hate him.
Fast forward four years and while in a scuffle with her brother over becoming deputy fire chief she walks back into his life, and she’s not the same girl who left.
The journey back together is emotional and yet beautiful to see that their love never faded. The ending was absolutely amazing. One of the things that was great about this story was how he put a version of himself in the book as the character Dan. Another masterpiece by this very talented Canadian author

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAPTIVATING FIERY ROMANCE

FORGED WITH FIRE - Touched my soul. Second chances don't happen often but when they do you grab onto them and never let them go. The reality of this story drew me in and kept me engrossed until the last word. The characters are so believable I couldn't help feeling their emotions. Molten-hot scenes that are so vivid left me breathless. The humor left me smiling and filled with laughter. Tears streamed down my face caused by the sadness. The action had me a bit tense. I beamed with joy at the heavenly ending.

SUPERB CAPTIVING well-thought out page-turner read. I have read many firefighter stories; but only two are memorable and this is one of them. The author has done a fantastic job creating this story and praise-worthy characters. The love between Luke and Karen is touching and quite genuine. Relished this story {of my own volition, without stipulations, I reviewed a pre-released copy.}Without hesitations, I recommend this read.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with sweetness and heartbreak. I really liked this book. The story line was so well written and totally realistic. Luke and Karen's second chance romance is very emotional and moving. My heart broke for these two. Young love and future plans are thwarted by cruel fate. Poor Luke finds himself in such a horrible position and he does what he thinks is best but in possibly the worst way ever. I could also really feel for Karen. Feeling so out of place, ashamed of where she comes from and with big dreams of big cities and school. I think many readers will relate to her. I was so happy that these two got another chance at their HEA. There were also many compelling secondary characters that I would love to see get their own stories in future books. I am posting a honest, voluntary review.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAPTIVATING FIERY ROMANCE

FORGED BY FIRE - Touched my soul. Second chances don't happen often but when they do you grab onto them and never let them go. The reality of this story drew me in and kept me engrossed until the last word. The characters are so believable I couldn't help feeling their emotions. Molten-hot scenes that are so vivid left me breathless. The humor left me smiling and filled with laughter. Tears streamed down my face caused by the sadness. The action had me a bit tense. I beamed with joy at the heavenly ending.

SUPERB CAPTIVING well-thought out page-turner read. I have read many firefighter stories; but only two are memorable and this is one of them. The author has done a fantastic job creating this story and praise-worthy characters. The love between Luke and Karen is touching and quite genuine. Relished this story {of my own volition, without stipulations, I reviewed a pre-released copy.}Without hesitations, I recommend this read.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second chance romance between Luke and Karen. They were high school sweethearts that planned to leave their small town of Pine Grove and move to New York while Karen went to NYU. The night Luke told his father he was leaving instead of joining the fire department, tragedy struck and Luke felt he couldn't go to New York. Luke knew Karen had to go, so he broke her heart and said things he didn't mean so she would go. Now a few years later, Karen is back and Luke wants to explain. Luke knows he still loves her and Karen never got over him, but can she forgive him? i loved this book. I really found their journey emotional and couldn't put it down. I laughed at parts and almost cried at others. I really look forward to reading more of this series.

[Linda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a colourful bunch of characters I laughed, cringed, cried as I read their story. Sometimes it hurt to see the sacrifice’s they were intent on seeing through to the end. I so excited to read some more books from this series and learn more about the characters.

They’ve known each other since early childhood, growing up in the same small town. Luke’s dad is the fire chief and it’s expected he’ll follow in his fathers footsteps. Karen is counting down the days before the start of her new life in New York. They are skipping town together so she can escape her crazy dad and brothers. Karen has been accepted into NYU and Luke will find work. Sometimes we need to sacrifice our hopes & dreams or the hopes & dreams of our loved ones.

[Chasity Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Second chance

Karen and Luke were childhood sweethearts. Life was planned they were gonna move to New York so Karen could go to school while Luke figured out what he wants to do. Those were blown away when tragedy strikes Luke's family. Luke stayed and Karen left for New York broken hearted. Four years later Karen has graduated from NYU and is home visiting waiting to hear on a amazing job opportunity in New York. Luke is now the Deputy chief of the fire department. When they meet again all the old feelings are still there. But can Karen let Luke in again after he hurt her? Will Karen get the job and leave again? Will they get a HEA?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Karen were high school sweethearts who planned to move to NYC together and start a new life. Both their families were volunteer firefighters. Shortly before graduation, Luke's dad tried to rescue a family from a burning house and did not come out alive. Luke did not feel like he could leave his mom, and he didn't want Karen to pass up the opportunity, so he told her some very ugly things and that he didn't love her. Years later, after graduating college, she comes home and tries to stay away from Luke. They both are still in love with one another. What will happen to their relationship? Does she get the job in NYC that she has dreamed of? I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story. Well written, the characters were down to earth and completely relatable. Their story had heartbreak and loss as well as happiness and joy. Luke just wanted what was best for Karen which was setting her free to live her dreams. He could have gone about it in a better way, but that's the beauty of hindsight. Karen feels betrayed, but after not seeing Luke for four years, when she finally returns home all those old feelings resurface.

A great book makes you feel and this definitely had my emotions running. I laughed, cried and was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Loving this new small town firefighter series and can't wait to see what's next. I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story. Well written, the characters were down to earth and completely relatable. Their story had heartbreak and loss as well as happiness and joy. Luke just wanted what was best for Karen which was setting her free to live her dreams. He could have gone about it in a better way, but that's the beauty of hindsight. Karen feels betrayed, but after not seeing Luke for four years, when she finally returns home all those old feelings resurface.

A great book makes you feel and this definitely had my emotions running. I laughed, cried and was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Loving this new small town firefighter series and can't wait to see what's next. I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[💋Meme Chanell Book Corner💋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were sweethearts and were supposed to leave to New York together, but plans changed and Luke ends up breaking Karen’s young heart when he tries to do what he thinks is best for her. Luke suffered a lost and wanted to do what was best for his family also.

Karen omg her family I see why she needed to leave but now she is back for a short time and Luke wants to talk after those hurtful things he said to her four years ago, but she is not the same woman and is not having it, now they get their second chance and Luke knows not to blow it.

This is a perfect second chance romance , both characters made mistakes and they both are still very much in love with the other . I couldn’t wait to see how their story ended and it did not disappoint.

[Barb Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the first in a new series and is about Karen and Luke. The setting is Pine Grove, Oregon. You meet Karen and Luke when they are just graduating from high school. One of the scenes I felt was outstanding was the scene between Luke and his father. I could feel Luke’s angst, his nervousness and then his relief as the scene unfolded. The whole story is totally believable. When an author makes you laugh out loud and cry when reading a book, for me, it is indicative of a very good book. As this is the first book you are introduced to a number of characters. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!