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The Buchanans #3
Bright Side
A firefighter with relationships gone wrong, a single mom who sparks a new romance and their second chance at Love.
After his relationship goes up in flames, Andrew Buchanan accepts a position as captain of a firehouse near his hometown.
Determined to invest the extra time with family and the new community, the last thing on his mind is romance...until an opportunity presents itself in the form of Bianca Perez.
She’s a single mom run ragged, but ready to step back into dating after being a widow for five years.
Falling for a hot firefighter is crazy enough. Making a fool of herself in front of Andrew Buchanan is not part of her plan—if she had a more definite plan, she would know better than to fantasize about a man who would never give her the time of day.
When her fantasy unfolds to reality, and both realize how much they need a chance to love again, will Bianca be willing to risk losing another man in the line of duty?
Bright Side is the third book in the standalone in series; The Buchanans
After his relationship goes up in flames, Andrew Buchanan accepts a position as captain of a firehouse near his hometown.
Determined to invest the extra time with family and the new community, the last thing on his mind is romance...until an opportunity presents itself in the form of Bianca Perez.
She’s a single mom run ragged, but ready to step back into dating after being a widow for five years.
Falling for a hot firefighter is crazy enough. Making a fool of herself in front of Andrew Buchanan is not part of her plan—if she had a more definite plan, she would know better than to fantasize about a man who would never give her the time of day.
When her fantasy unfolds to reality, and both realize how much they need a chance to love again, will Bianca be willing to risk losing another man in the line of duty?
Bright Side is the third book in the standalone in series; The Buchanans
- GenresChristian Fiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
123 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 27, 2020
Originally posted on Diversity Between the Pages
"You look at me like I'm going to light a match and set you on fire."
With a sweet romance, a fun family-centered storyline, and bits of humor sprinkled throughout, author Rose Fresquez creates a captivating contemporary romance novel that her readers will be sure to enjoy. Even though Bright Side is the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Buchanans series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. This wonderful interracial firefighter romance series follows the three Buchanan siblings (Ezra, Renee, and Andrew) as they discover love when they least expect it.
After a failed engagement, fire captain Andrew Buchanan is hesitant to enter a relationship again. Bianca, a widow with a young daughter, is afraid of losing another person she loves. Add in the crazy antics of coaching a youth soccer team and you have the recipe for a humorous and fun novel.
Personally, I love series that focus on close family and friend relationships, so I was thrilled that all the Buchanan siblings and their significant others played a role in this book. Readers will fall in love with this family and will want to go back and read the first two books in the series if they have not already.
Bright Side is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance. If you haven’t read any books by this author yet, this is the perfect opportunity! I am looking forward to reading more books from Rose Fresquez in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
"She was not about to admit to him that he ignited a fire within her, something she hadn't experienced since her first love, or even ever before."
"You look at me like I'm going to light a match and set you on fire."
With a sweet romance, a fun family-centered storyline, and bits of humor sprinkled throughout, author Rose Fresquez creates a captivating contemporary romance novel that her readers will be sure to enjoy. Even though Bright Side is the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Buchanans series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. This wonderful interracial firefighter romance series follows the three Buchanan siblings (Ezra, Renee, and Andrew) as they discover love when they least expect it.
After a failed engagement, fire captain Andrew Buchanan is hesitant to enter a relationship again. Bianca, a widow with a young daughter, is afraid of losing another person she loves. Add in the crazy antics of coaching a youth soccer team and you have the recipe for a humorous and fun novel.
Personally, I love series that focus on close family and friend relationships, so I was thrilled that all the Buchanan siblings and their significant others played a role in this book. Readers will fall in love with this family and will want to go back and read the first two books in the series if they have not already.
Bright Side is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance. If you haven’t read any books by this author yet, this is the perfect opportunity! I am looking forward to reading more books from Rose Fresquez in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
"She was not about to admit to him that he ignited a fire within her, something she hadn't experienced since her first love, or even ever before."
June 30, 2020
This is my first book of the series and I loved these characters. Love after loss, an adorable little girl, soccer, facing fears... a wonderful novel that I sailed through.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 30, 2020
Delightful romance as the 3rd in the Buchanan series. I love how each of these books are stand alone stories, yet allow for a continuation of characters you fell in love with in the other books. Like in this book, getting to get an after peek into Ezra and Leila and Jake and Renee lives. While in this story Andrew and Bianca have some awkwardness and some past relationship history to put behind them if they are to have a shot at a future together. And to complicate things Bianca’s daughter Daisy falls in love with Andrew, her soccer coach, which keeps Bianca from avoiding Andrew. O how relationships can be complicated. Can love conquer all? I love the family camaraderie that exists in each one of the Buchanan series, and this one is no different. I also love how this one included the embarrassment from blunt parents. Recommend this book for the romantics among us, just a enjoyable afternoon read.
June 28, 2020
Such a sweet book. There’s laughter that helps to balance out the pain that must be faced and overcome. There’s doubt…. doubt brought on from fear. There’s hope and there’s love… not the overnight kind of love, but love that builds from a firm foundation.
Both main characters, Bianca and Andrew, have to learn how to move on and face life after loss. They have to learn how to quit second guessing and start trusting. Ahhhh, but trusting makes one vulnerable to loss again.
The entire book is good, so don’t get me wrong when I say this, but the last two chapters before the epilogue simply were perfect. So as you turn the pages, just know that it all is building up to an understanding of what is to come. So, sneaking a peak ahead will not help you.
... Below are a couple of scenes you have to look forward too at the wedding:
❣️ Loved Ezra right from the start when he asked his brother, Andrew, a question. Here’s the playback:
“Hey, Drew. Do you know where they keep a fire extinguisher in here?” Ezra asked.
Andrew tore his gaze away from the woman. “What for?” Ezra looked around the room, empty now, since all the chairs had been moved upstairs for the reception.
“If you stare at that poor girl any harder, she’s going to burst into flames,” Ezra said, jerking his chin at Bianca. 😇
❣️ Now picture this: four firefighters all dressed up for a wedding… a wedding that is out in the boonies, miles away from everything. Usually that would not be a problem. But when there’s a pregnant bridesmaid having contractions … well, there is a problem. Not worry though, remember we have first responders on hand in that wedding party. Surely they have experienced delivering a baby before, right? Hmmmmm….. Weeeeell, emergency first aid training did include delivering babies. But when it’s family, it’s a whole new ballgame.
Soon to be Uncle Andrew, knows what he must do. Taking a calming breath, he takes over, and soon there not only was a wedding, but a birth . Actually there were two births that day, because this also was the birthing of a real love story. This is Andrew and Bianca’s story.
And that love story just might develop into something strong …. if Bianca’s mama doesn’t ruin everything. She has a bad case of diarrhea of the mouth!
👁 OBSERVATIONS:
✓ Daisy: such a sweet little girl that will melt your heart.
✓ Bianca: At times I got really frustrated with her insecurities. But then having your husband take his last breath on a war-torn battlefield, I can understand her fears. Then add on the fact that realizing your baby girl will never get to know her daddy, then Bianca’s fears and insecurities are more than reasonable. Also, having a mother like Carman would have to make her second guess everything.
✓ Andrew: Hard to imagine any woman not wanting an Andrew. He had lost at love once, came to terms with it and opened his heart once more. I’d say a great step-dad but there was nothing step about him and Daisy. He was just the daddy Daisy needed and perfect for Bianca.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my thoughts, views and opinions. Good job Rose.
Both main characters, Bianca and Andrew, have to learn how to move on and face life after loss. They have to learn how to quit second guessing and start trusting. Ahhhh, but trusting makes one vulnerable to loss again.
The entire book is good, so don’t get me wrong when I say this, but the last two chapters before the epilogue simply were perfect. So as you turn the pages, just know that it all is building up to an understanding of what is to come. So, sneaking a peak ahead will not help you.
... Below are a couple of scenes you have to look forward too at the wedding:
❣️ Loved Ezra right from the start when he asked his brother, Andrew, a question. Here’s the playback:
“Hey, Drew. Do you know where they keep a fire extinguisher in here?” Ezra asked.
Andrew tore his gaze away from the woman. “What for?” Ezra looked around the room, empty now, since all the chairs had been moved upstairs for the reception.
“If you stare at that poor girl any harder, she’s going to burst into flames,” Ezra said, jerking his chin at Bianca. 😇
❣️ Now picture this: four firefighters all dressed up for a wedding… a wedding that is out in the boonies, miles away from everything. Usually that would not be a problem. But when there’s a pregnant bridesmaid having contractions … well, there is a problem. Not worry though, remember we have first responders on hand in that wedding party. Surely they have experienced delivering a baby before, right? Hmmmmm….. Weeeeell, emergency first aid training did include delivering babies. But when it’s family, it’s a whole new ballgame.
Soon to be Uncle Andrew, knows what he must do. Taking a calming breath, he takes over, and soon there not only was a wedding, but a birth . Actually there were two births that day, because this also was the birthing of a real love story. This is Andrew and Bianca’s story.
And that love story just might develop into something strong …. if Bianca’s mama doesn’t ruin everything. She has a bad case of diarrhea of the mouth!
👁 OBSERVATIONS:
✓ Daisy: such a sweet little girl that will melt your heart.
✓ Bianca: At times I got really frustrated with her insecurities. But then having your husband take his last breath on a war-torn battlefield, I can understand her fears. Then add on the fact that realizing your baby girl will never get to know her daddy, then Bianca’s fears and insecurities are more than reasonable. Also, having a mother like Carman would have to make her second guess everything.
✓ Andrew: Hard to imagine any woman not wanting an Andrew. He had lost at love once, came to terms with it and opened his heart once more. I’d say a great step-dad but there was nothing step about him and Daisy. He was just the daddy Daisy needed and perfect for Bianca.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my thoughts, views and opinions. Good job Rose.
June 25, 2020
This book has all the feels for me. Romance, family, and conflict, along with the perfect blend of characters.
I loved Andrew’s sibling relationships. They had me smiling and remembering fun times with my own brother and sister. The teasing yet obvious love they had for each other was written in a way that made me feel like part of the family.
Bianca was vulnerable, yet strong. I loved her family, especially her mom. Rose’s words painted a perfect picture of her character. I could imagine myself sitting in her kitchen with her.
Daisy pretty much stole the show for me. She was so cute and her relationship with Andrew was sweet. She was the glue that bonded Andrew and Bianca together.
I loved how Andrew and Bianca’s relationship evolved as they each chose to put hurt and fear behind them and reach for something new.
This book was given to me courtesy of the author, and this is my honest review.
I loved Andrew’s sibling relationships. They had me smiling and remembering fun times with my own brother and sister. The teasing yet obvious love they had for each other was written in a way that made me feel like part of the family.
Bianca was vulnerable, yet strong. I loved her family, especially her mom. Rose’s words painted a perfect picture of her character. I could imagine myself sitting in her kitchen with her.
Daisy pretty much stole the show for me. She was so cute and her relationship with Andrew was sweet. She was the glue that bonded Andrew and Bianca together.
I loved how Andrew and Bianca’s relationship evolved as they each chose to put hurt and fear behind them and reach for something new.
This book was given to me courtesy of the author, and this is my honest review.
June 13, 2020
This book can be read as a stand alone although previous characters do make appearances. This is the story of the new fire chief Andrew Buchanan and single mom, Bianca Lopez. Bianca has had a thing for Andrew for quite some time, but has not had the courage to act on her attraction. While at his sister's wedding, Andrew feels Bianca looking at him, but he cannot catch her eye and he cannot figure out what he has done to make her react the way she does when he comes near her. Little does Andrew know that Bianca's embarrassing reactions are caused by her nerves. It will take Bianca's daughter's soccer team and her mother's meddling to bring Bianca and Drew together, but can their relationship survive her feeling's towards her dead husband's and the reappearance of Drew's ex-girlfriend? Read this touching, feel good story to learn the answers.
July 8, 2020
This was a great read that I really enjoyed. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone book. I have not read any of the other books in the series, but do plan to go back and read them soon. Rose Fresquez is a new to me author, and I am so glad that I found her. This book was sweet, heart string tugging, thought provoking, and highly entertainning.
Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with a HEA ending. Good story line, good characters. Bianca was a bit flaky, but I still enjoyed her character and watching her personal growth. Andrew was so sweet. Everyone needs an "Andrew" in their life. Good character development. All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with a HEA ending. Good story line, good characters. Bianca was a bit flaky, but I still enjoyed her character and watching her personal growth. Andrew was so sweet. Everyone needs an "Andrew" in their life. Good character development. All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2020
I loved Andrew and Bianca's story!! Bianca has crushed on Andrew for awhile, but he's been involved with someone else. Bianca doesn't want to admit to herself or anyone else that she feels more for Andrew than she feels she ought to. Bianca keeps comparing herself to others and falling short. When she and Andrew finally start seeing each other, she's torn. Andrew's not sure what's going on, as one minute she acts like she likes him, and the next she doesn't. When Bianca finally realizes that she's pushing Andrew away because of fear, she realizes she can't live that way anymore. Love the growth of Bianca throughout the book!! And I love the way Andrew is there for her, every step of the way!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
June 27, 2020
This book was AWESOME!!! I loved Daisy right from the start...kids are brutally honest lol. Both Andrew and Bianca lived thru events that shook their beliefs in relationships, but God had another plan for them. Nothing like grace and mercy to get one thru tough times. It took Drew’s near death experience for Bianca to let go of her fears. This story brought tears to my eyes because the messages sprinkled throughout touched my spirit and gave me gentle reminders of Who’s REALLY in control. Can’t wait for the next one!!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 8, 2021
This is the third book in the Buchanan family series and I definitely recommend reading all of them in order. I think the beginning of this book might have been a little strange, if you haven’t read them all. The Buchanan family is awesome! I loved that each sibling found their match, and that the family was so close. All of the characters are in each book.
I was looking forward to Bianca and Andrew’s story since the first book. It did not disappoint! I loved the development of the sweet relationship between Daisy, Bianca’s daughter, and Andrew. The story of Andrew and Bianca’s relationship was also really sweet and it was a cute book!
I was looking forward to Bianca and Andrew’s story since the first book. It did not disappoint! I loved the development of the sweet relationship between Daisy, Bianca’s daughter, and Andrew. The story of Andrew and Bianca’s relationship was also really sweet and it was a cute book!
June 30, 2020
I liked this sweet story mixed with hope, religion , and starting over after losing a spouse a few years ago. The story quickly pulled me in right at the start and did not let me go until I had finished the book.
I really liked the Buchanan family with their closeness. I also liked Andrew Buchanan and his firehouse family and his sense of community involvement. I enjoyed his relationship with Bianca and her cute daughter, Daisy. So glad things worked out for him! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I really liked the Buchanan family with their closeness. I also liked Andrew Buchanan and his firehouse family and his sense of community involvement. I enjoyed his relationship with Bianca and her cute daughter, Daisy. So glad things worked out for him! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
October 29, 2020
This was a touching story about two people finding each other after having experienced loss. Bianca lost her husband; Andrew’s girlfriend decided to leave to another state across the country, leaving him behind. As both work through their issues, new challenges arise in their relationship. Fear hinders Bianca to fully accept Andrew. He deals with rejection. Until both remember that God is in control of their lives.
I found the characters were very relatable and endearing and enjoyed this book immensely.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found the characters were very relatable and endearing and enjoyed this book immensely.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2020
Great story
A great, interesting story.
The inspiration in this story is uplifting & helpful: persistent love & persistent faith.
Her fears owned her & had for a long time. The little girl & her faith were uplifting. There are some funny scenes with Mama & the little girl.
He struggled to identify his emotions but was so steadfast once he figured it out.
Fantastic writer & story teller.
A great, interesting story.
The inspiration in this story is uplifting & helpful: persistent love & persistent faith.
Her fears owned her & had for a long time. The little girl & her faith were uplifting. There are some funny scenes with Mama & the little girl.
He struggled to identify his emotions but was so steadfast once he figured it out.
Fantastic writer & story teller.
May 9, 2022
Loved this! A sweet story of slow evolving love. A little girl and her to the point grandma help make Bianca and Andrew realize they need each other. That just because their last relationships didn't work out doesn't mean that they are destined to be single. A cute read that ends with a HEA.
The narrative of the book was well done.
I was gifted this audio copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The narrative of the book was well done.
I was gifted this audio copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2022
I loved this story. Bianca's daughter steals the show, I think. Andrew & Bianca each have heartache to overcome when it comes to a relationship together. That's where Bianca's daughter comes along to steal the show. She is so adorable. Grandma is also very active & outspoken about the relationship, in a positive way. I very much enjoyed Ms. Joyce's narration of this story. She captured the personality of each main character. I received a copy from the author.
September 7, 2022
A great firefighter romance. Andrew is the eldest of the 3 Buchanan siblings, always good at giving others romantic advice, but his own life has fallen apart when he and his fiance split. He's sworn off another relationship. That is, until he meets Bianca and her feisty daughter Daisy. Plenty of ups and downs as Andrew and Bianca slowly find they're attracted to each other. Little Daisy steals the show, and Mama Carmen goes the extra mile in bluntness. A fun clean read by a great author.
July 1, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I intend to read all the others as well. My favorite part was when Daisy was asking about heaven and Jesus. I love how Andrew answered her. It can be so hard to overcome fears and move on, but by God’s grace and strength, we can do it! Very well done!
July 2, 2020
Another sweet romance. 2 people who have been hurt in love (one with death, the other being dumped) wade through new love. Both sides are unsure and misunderstandings and conflicts happen but it leads to better understanding and the willingness to trust and love. The idea of 2nd chances at love is explored. Can be read as part of the series or as a stand-alone.
July 2, 2020
Andrew has taken a firefighting position in his home town after a romance that did not work out. Bianca lost her husband in the military and is busy raising her daughter Daisy.
When they meet their chemistry can not be denied but they are cautious because of their past.
Loved it when they finally took a chance and little Daisy just makes this sweet story.
When they meet their chemistry can not be denied but they are cautious because of their past.
Loved it when they finally took a chance and little Daisy just makes this sweet story.
July 3, 2020
When God closes one door, another opens. When Andrew and Bianca find themselves single again, will a door to love open? Real love looks beyond first appearance to the heart, as God or as a child does.
This is an extra special romance and I truly loved it! I will be reading this new-to-me author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an extra special romance and I truly loved it! I will be reading this new-to-me author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2020
I have to say that this was a very enjoyable clean read and will definitely look for more stories about the Buchanans. Andrew Buchanen is a fireman who is asked by Ezra to coach 6/7 year old soccer and gets more than he bargained for when he meets Bianca. The story grabs your interest from the beginning and then the ending comes all too soon.
August 11, 2020
Andrew fell in love with Daisy, a fatherless sweetheart of a child that he coaches. Than he met her single mom Bianca and both felt the undeniable connection. These were amazing characters that drew me in from the beginning. The storyline was one I could easily have kept on reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2021
OH MY WORD! This book is AMAZING! This is the third book in the series and honestly I was concerned that I would be lost not starting with the first book. NOPE....It is WONDERFUL!
If you are looking for a read that takes you on a fantastic ride of emotions then this book is for you!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you are looking for a read that takes you on a fantastic ride of emotions then this book is for you!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2022
In Bright Side(The Buchanans#3) by Rose Fresquez that I received through BookFunnel in return for an honest review, A firefighter burned out on romance, a single mom who sparks his interest. Will Bianca be willing to risk losing another man in the line of duty? I enjoyed reading this story about possible second chances and recommend. This book is available on Amazon
April 30, 2025
So often in stories, the guy is tongue tied and does crazy things because the girl gets him so tied up and knots. But this one’s a bit reverse. Bianca can’t even talk around Andrew. And she is frustrated over that fact and the fact that she has any feelings toward him. It’s really fun to watch all that play out.
June 25, 2020
This was a really good love story! I love how the relationship developed between the daughter and the firefighter. I loved reading every page of this book. This is a clean read. Well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2020
The third book in The Buchanans series a well written story that I enjoyed reading. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2020
What an amazing read.
This author is fairly new to me but I have really enjoyed all her books.
This one is no exception.
The characters are multi-faceted and so real to life.
The plot is well-written and I found that I didn't want to put it down.
This author is fairly new to me but I have really enjoyed all her books.
This one is no exception.
The characters are multi-faceted and so real to life.
The plot is well-written and I found that I didn't want to put it down.
November 23, 2021
At last
Andrew is the oldest sibling, he is dealing with the abandonment of his finance. Bianca has been raising her daughter on her own after her husband was killed. They slowly begin a relationship. Can they make it work?
Andrew is the oldest sibling, he is dealing with the abandonment of his finance. Bianca has been raising her daughter on her own after her husband was killed. They slowly begin a relationship. Can they make it work?
December 1, 2024
Absolutely a bright side!
What a beautiful and delightful continuing story of the "The Buchanans" family. The storyline had me praying, wishing and hoping along with each character. The story elicited compassion and empathy for each character. "Daisy" is my favorite!
What a beautiful and delightful continuing story of the "The Buchanans" family. The storyline had me praying, wishing and hoping along with each character. The story elicited compassion and empathy for each character. "Daisy" is my favorite!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews