Fighting the Blaze

Fire and Fury #4

by Avery Kingston

Brandi Turner has spent her entire life being the good girl. Good grades. Church every Sunday. Responsible alcohol use and never anything stronger. Certainly no one-night stands. Brandi has become an expert at playing it safe.

Ian Hodges (a.k.a. Blaze) has never muttered a truthful word in his existence. He's pompous, arrogant, and never beds the same woman twice. He’s a rebel who lives his life by no rules.

Blaze is the last person on earth Brandi should fall for.

But even so, something about this man lights a fire inside her. Brandi has spent her life being a good girl, but Blaze makes her want to be bad. Very bad.

As hard as she tries, Brandi struggles to resist Blaze’s charms. And she can’t help but wonder:

What if she just gave in?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2019

About the author

Avery Kingston writes sexy, emotional romance featuring wounded characters at a high heat level.

Avery is a wife to a man who’s demons play well with hers. Mom to a slew of crazy kids. Dog lover. Crazy cat lady. Artist. Free spirit. Lover of unusual beauty. Fitness junkie. Collector of boots and fonts. Angsty drama addict and avid wearer of yoga pants.

Avery is a military wife and a sucker for a good wounded hero story. She set out to write stories where the leading characters were smart, sexy, confident and strong. Avery began writing the type of romance novels she would want to read. Stories about real couples, wounded either physically or emotionally, with an open door into their steamy bedroom.

Avery loves to hear from her readers! Please contact her at averyjkingston@gmail.com

Avery loves to be social. Follow Avery on Facebook
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Reviews

[Candace Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

" PRICE CHECK! " Avery I laughed so hard while reading this I nearly peed myself!

Sorry readers I could not start this review without dropping Avery that line. You may not get it, right now, but you will...WHEN YOU BUY THE BOOK!
I received this book as an ARC and in exchange I'm going tell you how incredible this storyline is. Before I proceed, if you have not read the previous books STOP WHERE YOU ARE AND DO NOT PASS GO! Read the previous 4 books then you may come back here read about Fighting the Blaze.
Avery has had me hooked from the beginning. I have laughed, almost cried and I have gotten quite embarrassingly turned on, while I was at my mother-n-laws. Eek! I have learned my lesson, thank you very much.
Fighting the Blaze takes us in a slightly different direction than the predecessors. Dont worry you still get glimpses of our favorites, Tori and Scott, but Blaze and Brandie are center stage this round. Their story is one of a kind and I'm not just saying that. The push and pull between the two keeps you on your toes throughout the book and when you think you have a good grasp on what's about to happen Avery pulls the rug out from under your feet. Your heart will ache and you will want to curl up on the couch, along with our characters, and drink with them. Brace yourselves for, jaw dropping, surprises. This book is wild and carefree and will make you want to sing "blaze of glory" at the top of your lungs. Well you will want to sing or watch the wizard of oz.
Buy the book, buy the previous books. Point blank go spend some money and this to your collection. It earned a spot on my favorites list.

[Book Boyfriend Whoarder Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

#BlazeBelongsToMari

It feels like I’ve waited years for my man’s story. Now it’s finally here and all I’m complaining about is that it’s over.

I have never wanted to read a book for the first time again like I did with this one. It’s that good.

Ian Hodges is more than meets the eye, not your average bad boy bum. Hell no. He’s a survivor, a warrior, a loyal partner to anyone. I’m so happy he got his HEA. He of all characters deserved it.

Brandi, what can I say, I’m jealous af that she gets to fictionally be with my man. Not even gonna lie there. Lol. She was Blaze’s anchor, which I loved about her.

Avery Kingston did not disappoint with this one at all.

She wove a masterpiece with Blaze’s story, I was enthralled from the beginning till the end. Every scenario fit perfectly. There was so much depth and angst to these characters that I wanted more.

Let Avery take you on a whirlwind ride, filled with loss, redemption, love, friendships, and hope. You won’t be disappointed.

[Heather Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book !
Its a first from this author for me but I have to say she has found herself a new fan in me omg 😲 loved it ...
This book can be a standalone as past books have been explained in the start of this book but personally I think I should have read the others first but I will be remeding that asap !
Definitely a five star read absolutely enjoyed the whole book 📚

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting the BLAZE Burning Within Her!

This book NEEDS At least 20 STARS!

“I told you that you were locked in a cell, but it was me who was imprisoned. My cold heart had been locked up so goddamn tight, it took your warmth and light to lead me out.”

And that is what Avery Kingston does in this, book four in her Fire and Fury series, Fighting the Blaze. She shares her warmth and light to lead us to the lives of characters we can never forget. She burrows in and keeps us safe, when all hell is breaking loose. When hearts are breaking and loving and fighting and scared, and most of all, bleeding for the pain of another.

My handful of creative authors that I will share with the world, over and over again, has grown to include Avery. Starting with book one, Chasing Fire, then leading us through Scott and Tori’s relationship agonies in Smoke snd Mirrors, and Burn for You, you get the real deal from this storyteller.

My heart is full of just about every emotion you can have, because Avery Kingston is the Real Deal!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Blaze gave Scott a run for his money as a fabulous book boyfriend! 😁 I really enjoyed Brandi and Blazes dynamics, opposites attract, ying and yang kinda thing. I liked seeing them both open up and learn from each other. That twist toward the end was fantastic!!! You guys have got to check out this book but start at the first in the series Chasing Fire. These are a great set of characters w/ unique story lines! Must reads. Loved this one as well.❤️

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to Ian (Blazes) story for a long time. Avery brought Ian to the front and center and made him real. He is everything and more. I've had a couple of days to process how good Ian's story is. You understand why he got to be the man he is today. I was blown away with the intensity, heartbreak end angst that was Ian Hodges.
I loved Brandi and everything she went through up until then, you could see tbe vulnerability that is always there.. I loved seeing her let loose with Ian.
The flashback scene was just what I needed.. The hospital scene at the beginning was brutal.. And it made my heart hurt for Ian. As Ian and Brandi get to know each other you see them slowly peeling the layers they have built on to protect themselves. You can't help but fall with these two, the compliment each other so well.
The scene that stands out the most is when Ian meets Harper for the first time, I was yelling NOOO you can't do that.... I WANT more of Ian and Brandi.. Can you tell I loved Blaze!!

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly wait for the story of Blaze. But the waiting was well worth it. I already fell in love with Blaze in Scotts and Toris story and I recommend to read these books first.

The story of Blaze and Brandi shows that two people who seemed to have nothing in common can overcome prejudices and assumptions and learn a lot about themselves on the way. The story is about discovering the depths of someones hurt and trying to heal and mend the scars of the past which are well hidden in totally different ways. And all this happens with sexy and steaming scenes and a lot of fun and teasing. I couldn´t stop reading and the twist at the end kept me going.

Avery Kingston wrote another great story about two crazy and adorable people who had me smiling, crying and laughing till the end of the book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly Hot and Amazing 🔥🔥🔥🔥

This was an amazingly intense panty melting story! It was so passionate and so full of burning love. I was on fire reading it.

I absolutely loved the storyline and the main characters. The relationship roller coaster ride throughout is so remarkable and well written. I was cheering everyone on. Ian and Brandi have such intense feelings for each other and when they are together it is explosive! 💥

The writing is terrific and pulls you in right from the start. Everyone will fall in love with Blaze as he has so many layers to love. Not one part of this story will disappoint you. And that ending WOW! Amazing.

I can’t wait to read more stories from this incredible author. Highly recommend.

[Annabelle Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book of Avery Kingston so far. She just gets better and better! In this one, we finally get to hear Blaze’s story. And I’ve always loved Brandi through the series, so it was absolutely perfect to match the two of them up. I love enemies to friends romances, and this one didn’t disappoint. And the twist at the end was so great. I really loved this book!

[Cat Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give 5-star reviews. 5 is perfect and I'm convinced there is no such thing as perfect. Well, I was wrong. This was perfect! It had absolutely everything required for the ultimate HEA story. First, it had Scott and Tori and we all know how great that is. We had a perfect wedding; one I wish I had attended. Then we have a happy go lucky main man with a sad history which he's had to overcome to get where he is. Next is the high school sweetheart who was still in love. Add in several sad stories, alcohol, weed and you've got quite a story. One, I might add, I was sad to see end. Avery, can't we just go on forever???? I want to be part of this family and I want to watch Logan grow up. I want parents like Judith and Wayne.

Great job, Avery. Keep the stories coming!

This book was gifted to me by the author in return for an honest review. I feel privileged to get to read these books.

[Ida Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandi and Blaze didn’t seem like a couple who would get along very well at first. She was like a goody two shoe girl, prude, a rule follower, straight laced. And Blaze was the bad boy who was always doing something devilish, pushing your buttons, wanting to see how far she would go. No rules at all. The free bird. Love em and leave em. But there was something about Brandi he did like, and she was beautiful, so he was going to see how far he could get with her.
They made a deal to spend a week together at each other’s place , in Florida on Blaze houseboat, and a week in Texas. A great way to learn about each other. It was hysterical the things they did to loosen Brandi up, the church going girl, who wanted to experience alittle bit of sexual excitement., and even drinking whiskey, which she hated, smoke some pot. Try things out.
Blaze got a taste of how boring Brandi’s life is, meeting her parents, going to church, not quite thrilled with her choice of a boyfriend. But they did enjoy themselves. They found out how much they enjoyed each other , pulled their fantasy’s out into the open and experienced things together and let loose. Each helped each other through difficult times and emotional barriers that were tying them down. The book was awesome and funny. I was laughing, loving this story as much as the others, and can’t wait to read the next books about this group of friends. AVERY this is a fantastic series you have here. I can’t wait to read more. I loved it soo much. ❤️❤️

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and Avery did an incredible job weaving this love story between bad boy Blaze and good girl Brandi.

If you've read Avery's amazing Fire And Fury Series, then you know Blaze very well! I admit, I didn't see Blaze as much more than comic relief in the previous three books. But when I read his story, I fell for him immediately. Behind all his random hookups, houseboat life, and smartass sense of humor is a truly good guy with a big heart. It takes a while for Brandi to see that though and who can blame her? She's a good girl to the core and has only ever seen Blaze in the most compromising situations. She's lived her life always doing the right, sensible thing. But where has that gotten her? She lives a safe life that she's okay with, but there's zero passion--and that's where Blaze helps her out.

After bickering at each other at Scott and Tori's wedding, they realize there's an undeniable attraction b/w them. Oh a whim Blaze invites Brandi to let loose and live his life for a week to challenge her straight-laced ways. She agrees, but only if he'll agree to afterward live her sensible life for a week. What follows is two weeks of building attraction and some VERY steamy times.

But this book is more than just hot moments. It's also a wrenching story about forgiveness, second chances, and tearing down your walls for the right person. I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to spoil anything...but this book will have you feeling all the feels! Such a compelling read!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, Blaze totally won my heart. I loved meeting him earlier in the series and was so glad he got his own book. Blaze was such a fantastic guy...regardless of his reputation, his cockiness, and playboy ways, I could tell that the real Ian was still under there somewhere, even though he never let people see it. I was excited to get underneath all of that stuff to get to the real him. He was so well written and developed as a character that he kept surprising me in the best ways. He made the perfect match for Brandi, who I will totally admit, I didn't care for much originally. She really grew on me! Her development from a by-the-rules, uptight, shy woman to the open, loving, freer spirit was so beautiful to witness! Brandi and Blaze ended up bringing out the best in each other. And that surprise...I did NOT see coming at all...but after it was revealed I don't know how I missed it. The signs were there, I just didn't put them together. I loved the surprise though! It was perfect. As with every other book in this series so far, I just loved this book. Avery Kingston continues to amaze me with her talent to create such complex and beautiful characters and stories that make you laugh, cry, and swoon, almost all at the same time. I'm a major fan, and will continue to read anything she writes, whether it's this series, a new series in the future, or a standalone novel someday. I am here for it!

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need me a Blaze

Oh my goodness, let me just take a minute and fan myself. I've read the entire Fire and Fury Series and this one for sure takes the cake. I've been waiting to read Blaze's story since we met him in the first book.

Ian Hodges, Blaze, is the bad boy with an even worse past. Because of his heart being obliterated by his wife while he was trying to recover from his military injuries he'd sworn of love. Sex? Oh sex he loved and was good at it. But when he's drunk and makes a bet with his buddy's ex-girlfriend he may have met his match.

Brandi is the epitome of a good girl. She's a Texas girl who loves her momma and goes to church, always making the right choses. Until one drunken decision lands her on the houseboat of the last man in Earth she'd want to settle down with.

Over the course of their bet, both Brandi and Blaze learn things about themselves they never expected. Blaze brought out the wild and crazy side of Brandi she'd always loved to reveal, while Brandi showed Blaze love isn't meant to cause harm. No, love didn't cause pain, it healed you.

I loved this book and wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a feel good read or for something with a little kick in the nuts check out the first three books in this series.

[Heather Chaotic Creatives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says opposites don't attract?? That is just absurd, because let me tell you in this book they definitely attract and the attraction is off the charts. We get Blaze and Brandi's story in this book.

There is so much more to Ian " Blaze" Hodges than meets the eye. You are led to believe he is a beach bum who sits around getting high all the time. That is so far from the truth it isn't funny. He is loyal, trustworthy, and has a heart bigger than most. Yes he has had a very tough few years, but he has always come out on top. After what happens to him in the military he does what many said he couldn't.

Brandi is Scott's ex and We get more of her backstory. She is a follow the rules kind of gal. A complete opposite from Blaze in every way. She was invited to Scott's wedding where she meets the infamous Blaze. The two do not start off on a traditional sense of the word. They both push each other to be better than they are. Blaze helps Brandi come out of her shell, and helps remove the stick from her rear. Brandi teaches Blaze that it is ok to put your heart out there to love.

[DK Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than five stars. It is everything I love about romance: imperfect and compelling characters, steamy chemistry, and a dash of humor.
Blaze (Ian) and Brandi visited in the other books of the Fire and Fury series, and while I found them interesting and amusing, I wasn't prepared for how hard I fell for them.

Avery's series is meant to be read in order, but for this one isn't necessary. You won't be confused, nor will it give away much of the other books.

If you read one romance this month, make it this one. Trust me; you will not be disappointed.

[Christina Youngren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a journey. I feel like I just rode one of Blaze’s waves that took me on a emotional, thrilling and truly awesome ride. This book is such a mixture of sorrow, laughter,love and about two people finding themselves and letting go. Both healing from their pasts Blaze and Brandie take a journey most of us wouldn’t dare to take and come out with something truly special in the end. There is a lot of bumps along the way, but the ride is well worth it. I had a feel this book would be amazing and it passed my expectations with flying colors.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

This was one of the most unexpected delights I’ve read in a long time. I say that because I HATE third person and almost didn’t read this because of it. I’m soooooo glad I did. I met the author at a booksigning and she sold me on this one. I even bought the paperback before I read this one. It was easily the most heartwarming book I’ve read in a while. Gritty, sweet, sad, and beautiful all wrapped up in one blazing bow. Bravo Ms. Kingston! ♥️

[Brooke B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery always leaves me wanting more with every single book she writes. I got so lost in this one I almost missed a flight. This story is amazing and not what I expected at all. The ending......WOW what a surprise. Now to decide who I’m in love with more. Scott or Blaze? 🔥

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Avery

Loved the book! Blaze and Brandi’s story no words.... I just so enjoy a book that has all the feelings in it. Congratulations again!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIGHTING THE BLAZE (Fire & Fury Book 4) by Avery Kingston can be read as a standalone. I have lots of unread books and this was one of them. I've been very sick, so I decided to start reading some of my unread books. This was a hidden gem and should have read it before now.

Brandi Turner was a good girl all her life. She had no luck with her love life all of her life. She had passed up her high school sweetheart, when he had come home from the military and found out he was madly in love with someone else. She had a lot of trouble ever getting over losing him but thought she had done the only fair right thing. Every guy she had been with has been a lost cause. She'd given up on all men. Brandi could not believe that she had received a wedding invitation from Scott Harris to his wedding to Tori, the girl who had taken Scott away from her. It was the last place she would ever want to be. At the last minute, however, she had decided she would go. It's where she had met Scott's best man, Ian Hodges the name he went by was Blaze. He was a free spirit that did as he pleased bad boy. A total mismatch that connects and somehow hook up together. She being a good girl plays hard to get, but somehow, he wins her over, but not everyone is happy with a match between these two. It's a story that I didn't want to put down, should've read it sooner.

[Jenny The Spine Is Stitched · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Kingston is an author everyone should read. i can count on 1 hand that amount of characters I love and hate at the same time! To watch lan (Blaze) and Brandi not change for one another but to bring out the best in each other

“They weren’t changing each other, more like complementing each other in the strangest of ways. He made her want to be bolder, trying new things, and she made him a little less rough around the edges.”

You HAVE to love small towns where everyone knows your business! “Price check”🤣

With fighting the blaze you get happy, angry, sadness and redemption all in one.

Fighting the Blaze is book 4 in her Fire and Fury Series

“I told you that you were locked in a cell, but it was me who was imprisoned. My cold heart had been locked up so goddamn tight,
it took your warmth and light to lead me out.”

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandi and Ian meet at his BFF's wedding, who also happens to be Brandi's ex. She gets invited by the bride, Tori, and finds Blaze to be interesting, but has serious reservations about him in general. He thinks she is stuck up and they make a bet. She spends one week with him and he then spends one week with her so they each get a feel for each other's lives. Both of them do a good job of trying to look out for the other one. Brandi's parents were a bit much, especially her mother. Tori was not exactly likable during this book to me. She used Brandi to get Blaze interested in someone good. I did like how Blaze didn't beat around the bush much when it came to Brandi. He did right by her most of the book. I did want to shake him towards the end for not handling a difficult situation very well. Overall I liked their story.

[~*Michelle R*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful read! Loved Ian and Brandi! When I started this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it, partly I think because of the Scott/Tori involvement which felt awkward to me (a personal preference, not anything negative about the writers writing, especially since it is a part of a series that I haven't read yet) I kept with it and it completely drew me in once the focus was more on Ian and Brandi.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaze and Brandi!

What an amazing love story I did not see coming! I have loved Blaze the second he first appeared as one of Scott’s very best friends. In this book we got to see all sides of Blaze, and i loved every second. Blaze and Brandi are a perfect fit, and bring out the best in each other. Another brilliant 5 star read! ♥️

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew I was going to love Blaze from the snippets of humor we've gotten of him in the other books, and I was right. I absolutely adore both Blaze and Brandi. They are two people who need each other more than they know. Their growth throughout the story makes me love them even more.

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ! What a great story that shows that you can’t judge a book by its cover . Our past tend to guide us with what we show others of our true self . Beautifully written and the story draws you in.

[Ashley Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some blaze

I have love blaze from the first book. I was not sure what to expect with his story and was completely happy how it turned out.

[Marilyn Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book

This was a great story with a really good plot and great characters. What a wonderful author. This is worth the time to read.