He’s fire. She’s Ice. Sparks will fly, and her greatest source of irritation might just become her saving grace …
Ian Douglas is tired of being set up on blind dates. It seems that everyone wants to go out with a firefighter-paramedic, but no one wants to settle down and get serious. He's looking for something lasting, a woman who will be by his side for the rest of his life. Children, grandchildren, dogs running around in the yard—he wants the whole package, and he's not willing to settle for anything less.
Alicia Teague gave up on romance a long time ago. She's much more comfortable in her laboratory poring over her microscope. Science makes sense in a way people never will, and she appreciates the organization and logic of facts and figures. When her sister Tammy calls from Jackson Hole and tells her about a family emergency, she drops everything and flies out there—but she's less willing to comply with Tammy's second request, to go out with one of the guys from the nearby fire station.
He may be hunky and heroic, but who has time for yet another broken heart?
When Ian and Alicia meet, however, sparks begin to fly. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is their annoyance with each other. They both want what's best for Tammy, but their goals are completely opposite. It's going to take a whole lot of conversation and compromise to bring this fire under control.
Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream. Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique. Jennifer has a BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University Hawaii where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times. She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
There's something pretty exciting about a big, tough firefighter, especially when he can't seem to put out the sparks of romance, try as he might.
Ian is hesitant to be set up on yet another blind date, but when he catches a glimpse of Alicia, he's whipped. She feels the same connection, but feels they're too different to make things work, and that's exactly when hard work and effort, which these characters are no stranger to, comes into play.
It was a treat to watch the romance unfold in the midst of a traumatic situation, as well as the minor day-to-day of Ian's job. I love the Jackson Hole area and was delighted to be able to vividly picture the setting, which was an added bonus to this sweet romance. In fact, my husband and I spent many hours hiking around this area while we were busy falling in love, so I was definitely cheering Ian and Alicia on for the same fate.
As entrancing as this sweet romance was, I wanted just a tad more. I felt there were a few gaps in developing feelings and events, and while it was easy to piece together, obviously, I wanted to savor it.
This was my first in this series and could definitely stand alone. And it won't be my last!
Content: mild romance; mild violence/peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Sometimes, nothing beats a fun romance book. This is a contemporary story that features two people being set up for a blind date. They meet before they could be set up. It really is a fun plot for a story.
Saving Grace is the third novella of the Jackson Hole Firefighter Romance Series and continues Ms. Youngblood’s string of five-star novellas. Once again, I was pleased with the way Christian values are included in the story without coming off as preachy. [Spoiler Alert] In this instance, when Alicia is in great danger, Ian feels a strong impression to leave the lobby of the apartment complex and check on Alicia. He arrives just in time to prevent Alicia from being shot by her former boss. Christians will assume that God is the source of the prompting.
Alicia is the younger sister, yet she acts as the caretaker for her older sister, Tammy. As the story progresses, Alicia, with the help of our hero, Ian, comes to appreciate her sister’s maturity and capacity. It is fun to watch how, right from the very start, Tammy encourages a match between Alicia and Ian. One of my favorite scenes entails a prank involving a harmless garter snake and a rookie fireman. You will just have to get the book and read it for yourself. Once again, I award five-stars for this offering by an outstanding author of clean romance.
Not as good as the first two books but entertaining nonetheless
This was a happy mental escape kind of story. It was entertaining but it just didn’t draw me in so I couldn’t put the book down like the other books in this series. 3.5 stars. I liked the fireman, Ian. He seemed to be trying to balance his life as a fireman with helping his mom at the ranch and putting his future family on hold. Alicia seemed nice but I didn’t connect with her because of her bossiness in her sister’s life. I definitely liked Ian’s character better. I do think it’s good to follow the whole series even though each book is stand alone, you get to know the characters of the whole series better. I’m not a snake fan at all, but I loved the little garter snake story! Still waiting for Gage’s story. That is one I’m dying to read about! Rating: G, family friendly, clean
Poor storyline, weak character development, dialogue seemed artificial, unrealistic, and the great setting of Wyoming was barely mentioned! So disappointing!
Another great addition to the Jackson Hole Firefighter Romance series. While this is a series, each book will read well as a stand-alone and may have cameo appearances by other characters in previous stories. The story is a sweet, clean contemporary romance that will bring two people together by a mutual friend. While Tammy Teague knows they are ‘perfect’ for each other, neither Ian Douglas or Alicia Teague want to be a part of a blind date scenario.
The story will have Tammy Teague, owner of Sweet Caroline’s Bakery telling customer and friend, Ian Douglas, that she has the perfect woman for him. But Ian isn’t a fan of blind dates. When the call comes in that there is a fire at the bakery, it is near the station and brings a quick response—but also the shock of seeing Tammy inside trying to fight the flames.
Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Alicia is running a test on soil samples and not happy with what she is seeing and needs to report to her boss, Mr. Calvin Ross. When he plans on covering it up, she can’t accept that and quits—and then heads to help her sister, Tammy, who just had a fire at her bakery. Flying to Jackson Hole to help, she intends to convince Tammy to forego the bakery and move back to Chicago. What she didn’t expect was to meet Ian Douglas—and the wonderful townspeople of Jackson Hole.
The meeting of Ian and Alicia comes with mixed emotions, some interesting sparks, a touch of angst, and a few fireworks in the form of disagreements. Neither Ian nor Alicia are ones to go on blind dates—and the set up from Tammy comes with its own set of sparks. Can Tammy help both of them see past their preconceived notions to give each other a chance?
“Listen, Alicia—would you rather have a relationship, or would you rather be right?”
Ian talks to his mother about Tammy, trying to set him up with her sister, Alicia. She is in favor of the idea, wanting to see Ian find happiness—and if that means marriage and grandchildren, that makes her even happier.
“Well, I think you’re giving up too easily. If there are sparks, there’s a fire, isn’t there? You should know that better than anyone.” She laughed at her own joke.”
“Yeah, but there’s the kind of fire that keeps you warm and the kind of fire that burns you.”
The story will have Alicia realizing that maybe it is time to accept that Tammy has made the best decision for herself, moving from Chicago and to Jackson Hole. Unlike a major city, the people in town are supportive, helpful, and friendly. Tammy has more support than money can buy. With Alicia between jobs, in a beautiful area, and meeting a man that gives her hopes and dreams, could she move to Jackson Hole too?
The story will have a touch of nostalgia, a bit of angst, and a sweet romance, with a touch of danger. When Alicia returns to Chicago to pack her belongings, will having an influential job offer make her want to stay after all? What will happen between Ian and Alicia and the future?
Not really a romance, more of a firefighting training manual.
Characters: Alicia Teague - age unknown - environmental scientist. Ian Douglas - age unknown - paramedic / firefighter. Tammy Teague - age unknown - bakery owner, Alicia's older sister.
Summary:
Alicia travels to Jackson Hole from Chicago after a fire in the bakery owned by her sister. She also quits her job before leaving due to finding out that her boss is fudging reports. Ian is a firefighter there and a "good" friend of Tammy's. Neither Alicia or Ian want to be set up on a blind date, Tammy is doing her best to make that happen.
My Review:
I didn't like this book. Since I finished it, I'm giving it a very generous 2-star rating. Alicia is not a likable character. She's cold, selfish, controlling, and demanding. Ian is also not very likable. The author writes him so simply that he comes off as childish. Their romance is practically non-existent. They don't meet till 20% of the way into the book, this is a short story so the author wasted time. When they do meet, they don't like each other. They have zero chemistry other than insta-lust. Ian has better chemistry with Tammy, Alicia's older sister. The way he talks about Tammy and thinks about her, I was sure he was in love with her.
Ian and Alicia meet around 8 times. They are only alone 3 of those times. They go on exactly one semi-date (hiking). Their romance is not believable. Their first kiss lacked any sort of heat or sizzle. The author kept tossing around words like they were highly attracted to one another. Perhaps if she had spent more time on their relationship and less time on them being apart, I would have believed it. More time is given to Ian fighting fires and Alicia talking to Tammy than to them being together.
The majority of this relationship occurs in their heads while they're apart. It was frustrating and if the book wasn't so short, I would have stopped reading. The incidence with Alicia's former boss was silly and came out of left field.
The ending was so weak and disappointing. I'm not really all that surprised given how little effort was put into this romance.
Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Romance Rating: This is a clean romance with very little kissing, no sex, and no swearing. The romance is not believable. The HEA is so weak that it's pathetic. There is no epilogue.
Favorite quote:
Kissing just for the sake of kissing was nothing more than lip aerobics.
Do blind dates ever work out? What if you had a perfect guy to set up with your sister? Tammy is a baker in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Ian is a paramedic who comes in everyday for coffee and a muffin and a scone. Tammy is trying to set him up with her sister Alicia from Chicago. Ian refuses to go on anymore blind dates. When the bakery catches on fire, Alicia comes to help. Alicia and Ian are introduced and sparks fly, but will it be enough to keep the romance fire burning? Would Alicia move to Jackson Hole? Would long distance work? Should Tammy move to Chicago to be with Alicia? What about Ian? Find out in this fast paced contemporary romance. Beautiful scenery, and wonderful characters that weave you into their story! I highly recommend this book! Happy Reading!
When Ian's favorite bakery catches fire, Ian not only pulls Tammy from danger but is ready to support her rebuild as well. Tammy's sister Alicia is beautiful, but Ian doesn't agree with Tammy that Alicia is the woman for him. Alicia feels that Tammy needs to move back to Chicago and open a bakery there instead. Ian and Tammy are attracted to each other, but they clash over how best to support Tammy. I received a free copy of this eBook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I really like Tammy and hope that she is able to find love in a future book. Both Ian and Alicia are very likable characters. I like how Alicia had such strong ethics and how Ian is very sweet and supportive. This is a sweet and clean romance, which I enjoyed very much.
Ian&Alicia are so awesome together an Tammy knew it all along. They wasted so much time by not listen to her.i was so confused with Mr Ross. I didn't think he had it in him I chose 5 St ears because it keep you think what was coming next. It was hard to put the book down. I am going to read all of them they make want see what going to happen to the other fireman.
Ian&Alicia are so awesome together an Tammy knew it all along. They wasted so much time by not listen to her.i was so confused with Mr Ross. I didn't think he had it in him I chose 5 St ears because it keep you think what was coming next. It was hard to put the book down. I am going to read all of them they make want see what going to happen to the other fireman.
Although this is primarily a romance, obviously it has an element of the need for fire fighters or paramedics. In this great story, there’s a need for both. It has a wonderful plot about 2 sisters who love each other, but also have a lot to learn about the other sister. There were a couple of unnecessary words used early in the story. However It was worth the read.
I really like how this story explored overcoming our less than perfect character traits in order to make a relationship work. While the sparks were flying in a good way, Ian and Alicia still had to learn to be forgiving and patient with one another. I liked the pacing even if things moved along quickly in a few places. The interaction between the firefighters is fun too. I am enjoying this series and looking forward to more!
Ian was a firefighter -paramedic who frequented a local bakery. When the baker wanted to introduce him to her sister, he was reserved about it. When Alicia finally came from Chicago, things got complicated real quickly. The bakery fire, their hike, the rebuilding and traveling back to Chicago were all so confusing for Alicia. What would she decide was best for her sister, Ian, and herself?
Exciting book from page one. The nerd, the smart & cocky one and the wise one made the story very interesting. Tammy was the wise sister, Alicia was the nerd of science & biology and Ian was the smart and cocky fireman. After a rough start Alicia & Ian fall in love. They had trials and some dangers to overcome. Recommend this book.
Ian and Alicia were just meant to go on a blind date, because Alicia’s sister knows they’d be perfect together! Alicia ends up coming to help after the fire and quitting her job due to her boss’s lack of integrity. Ian and Alicia immediately feel attracted, but put off by each other. They both have very strong personalities! I really enjoyed this story!
This is the first book in the series that I've read. Ian is a firefighter in Jackson Hole. Alicia's sister owns a bakery in Jackson Hole. When it burns down, she comes to help her sister -- but hoping she can get her to leave Jackson Hole. Will Ian be able to douse the flame of her wanting to leave?
I enjoyed this story. Yes, it had a bit of conflict but not a hard as the last book. It also had an underlining kind of a mystery to it that I thought was interesting. I enjoyed how two truly opposite people found common ground in love. Clean, enjoyable, fast, and easy read with a bit of depth. Just what I wanted for a summer read.
What great characters. What a great community. A great story, with lots of wit and spark and fun. Love the relationships, and Ian's great heart, fantastic insight, direct speech, and unapologetic loving relationship with his Mom. Didn't want the book to end, i enjoyed it so much! Can't get enough of it. Definitely recommend it for a fun, yet deeper and insightful story.
Having a paramedic firefighter grandson lets me appreciate Ian’s love for his job. Alicia finds herself having to make some major life changes and decisions. Coming to her sister’s side after a fire gives her time to make some needed changes. I enjoyed this book.
A sweet and hopeful love story between a handsome fire fighter and the obstinate sister of his friend. A bit of a tragedy strikes and said sister finally comes to visit and falls in love with the town and the fire fighter.
It's nice to enjoy this writer's clean and romantic books. I love that they don't drag on endlessly. One gets to know the characters quickly as she has a gift of making them come alive.
What more can you ask for? These are very refreshing to read. Most novels have women sleeping with a man minutes into meeting (not really but you get my meaning). This was more along the line of love at first sight with issues to iron out.
I love this story of Ian and Alicia! I loved how they worked out their differences as they got to know one another. I loved the excitement and suspense. And I liked the happy ending.
Good clean romance. He was tired of blind dates, but then he met the woman his friend wanted to set him up with. Both so hard headed and stubborn, but still the attraction was there.
This is a story about a young woman who started a bakery and coffee shop by herself and her sister comes to visit only to decide to stay when she meets one of the paramedics who work with the local fire department. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill