Heart of Fire

by Sedona Venez

From USA Today bestselling author Sedona Venez comes a new, intense stand-alone firefighter romance about overcoming breathtaking losses at a young age, first love and second chances.


A friendship torn apart by fire…

Lukas was my best friend, the first kid to greet me when I moved from NYC to Vermont.

We never got past friendship, but when he disappeared shortly after his mother’s tragic death in a fire, I always wondered if we could have been more.

Back in New York City, working the beat, I got the wind knocked out of my sails—and found out what happened to the boy I’d known.


Even when we tell ourselves it’s just catching up between friends, I can’t deny that Lukas feels like home, even more than the place I grew up.

But I can’t be the carefree girl I once was.


I can’t trust myself to know what I want, or how to get it anymore.

I can’t trust anyone, even my grandmother, to understand my scars.


What happened to me as a cop haunts me, makes me question whether I chose the right career—but when a crime spree starts in my hometown, I can’t help but jump in.

And when Lukas shows me his scars, I know he can handle mine.

With a career with the NYPD beckoning me back to the city, and obligations pulling me back home, how can I know whether things with Lukas can even work, no matter how much we care about each other?


Heart of Fire is a stand-alone, Second Chance, Firefighter Romance.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Novella, Second Chance, Firefighters

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2020

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sedona Venez lives in New York City with her hot ex-military hubby--hooah--and their fur babies. She loves writing sizzling, sexy intricate stories about strong but broken characters who push limits, overcome their fears and risk it all for love.

Want a text alert when Sedona has a new release? Text "SedonaVenez" to 33222
Or if you prefer by email, Sign up for her Naughty Romance List to get all the newest hot releases, sales, great giveaways and a FREE Wolf Shifter Romance-->
CLICK THE LINK TO JOIN THE SV TRIBE!

Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[MiraJane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sweet in its own way, but sadly there wasn’t really anything in it for me. I mean, I’m a big romance fan and Heart of Fire sure was a romance. However, I just could not get into the story nor enjoy the relationship between the main characters as I wanted.

Considering the book is short I didn’t exactly expect an epic plot and relationship, but I did expect at least a heartwarming story with an impactful romance. I guess in a sense that’s what I got with the two close friends reuniting and reconnecting after years of separation. Both of them having gone through traumatic events on their own and having to get past that together. This is exactly the kind of thing I like to read about, especially since it is a recipe for drama and conflict as well as a strongly developed relationship. Too bad that the plot never really took advantage of any of this.

For having the plot it had the story was surprisingly drama and conflict-free. Sure, Kendra was suffering from PTSD and Lukas came from an abusive past. This however felt more like a mention in passing since neither of this seemed to impact any of the characters nor their relationship. I mean, Kendra did get some flashbacks of the shooting incident a time or two, but that was it. In between that there wasn’t much of any indication that neither struggled. The book was instead very focused on them getting it on and on Kendra’s future as a detective. Hell, Lukas traumatic past was just left as it was with no real explanation about what happened that night, why he really left without a word or what happened to his dad.

I thought perhaps his dad was somehow connected to the crimes happening in the book, you know going full circle, but that had no connection at all so Lukas trauma is pretty much as unresolved as when I started reading the book. Catching the perp did have a good conclusion though, making Kendra lock in her future and a HEA with Lukas, so all in all it ended on a good note. It also had a good note throughout the story with charming personalities (I especially liked her grandma), a sweet reunion and a happy ending.

I wanted more from the story when it came to drama and conflict, and perhaps a bit more personality from the main characters, but as it was I enjoyed it enough to give it three stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.0⭐️/DNF At the 37% mark, nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, of any consequence has occurred so far in the book! I don’t care whether Kendra can take the heavier suitcase or whether her grandmother should take it due to Kendra’s injury, and other mundane minutia that does zero to advance the story. This is boring me to tears, and I refuse to start 2021 reading a book that I have yet to connect with any of the characters. IMHO, a very exciting, captivating prologue may have helped hold my interest.

I am abandoning it for now.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (8/4/2023)! 🎁

[Jena Lysinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kaelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly was much better than I expected. Had a solid story line, but felt a little rushed when it got to the main characters getting together. Was a good read tho.

[Yalomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

TROPES:
-M/F
-Interracial couple
-Firefighter/Detective 29
-Friends to lovers
-Tall girl
-Insta-love
CW: mentions of shooting, PTSD, death of a parent(fire), arson, violence

[Dannelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me forever to finish. It was a start & stop situation. I think I read 5 books after starting this one. I refused to DNF the book. 2 stars because the synopsis hooked me. However, the actual book was a snooze for me.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! RTF ... eventually!

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOOHOO OH THIS IS HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!
Kendra was home. She had come home for her grandmothers birthday but there was another reason she was home. She needed to slow down and take a breath. Kendra is a detective with the NYPD and she had been shot twice one in the chest thanks to the vest they had to wear she was ok but she also got shot in the leg and it was taking time to heal. So coming back would give her that time. Her grandmother was a star she was sassy and full of life and if honest Kendra knew she had more of a life than she did in every department sadly. Being home brought back lots of memories. Good memories. Her best friend Lukas used to live across the road from her grandmothers, but after a house fire he vanished out of her life and she wondered what he was doing now.
At the birthday party which was massive, her friends had really planned it well and her Grandmother was loving the attention. Kendra was suffering with her leg today but she didnt want anyone to see her pain. When the cake was brought out by the towns fire department ( because of the amount of candles on it lol ) she was shocked to see a very sexy Lukas being one of them. And of course her grandmother was quick to call him over to keep Kendra company and once they started talking it was like old times but with flirting. Lots and lots of flirting!!!
Kendra had a lot of decisions to make, did she want to continue with the NYPD or try getting in the FBI like she dreamed. But there was something Kendra was hiding could she tell Lukas what she couldnt even tell her grandmother???
OMH once I started this book I just couldnt put it down, it was so addictive and exciting. The story of Kendra and Lukas was just heart melting the chemistry was on fire and the passion was enough to start a house on fire. A brilliant read!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book: Heart of Fire
Author: Sedona Venez
Rating: ⭐⭐/5
Series: None
Tropes: Second chance, Teen friends to adult lovers, Protectors-Law Enforcement/Firefighter, Interracial, Suspense, Small town
Content Warning: Past gunshot wound, PTSD, On page fire, On page home invasion

After an “officer-involved incident”, NYPD Detective Kendra Powell, visits her grandmother. Grandma Pearl’s birthday is good cover for the real reason for Kendra’s visit to the small town where she attended middle and high school. She’s recovering from a gunshot wound and PTSD from the incident that has made her question whether she sees the NYPD in her future.

At the birthday party, Kendra reconnects with her school friend, Lukas Koch. Kendra had lost touch with Lukas after his mother died and he split town. Lukas has become a firefighter and anchor of the community. Kendra has to eventually get back to New York but in the meantime, Lukas, the sexy firefighter is an excellent distraction.

I enjoyed the light meddling from Kendra’s grandmother, Pearl, and there were good sexy scenes. Overall though, this book just didn’t work for me. Everything felt very surface and convenient. I wish Venez had developed some elements she introduced a bit more. I understand “romance reasons” (as heard on @fatedmates) but that only works so far. That said I saw many positive reviews for the book on Goodreads and it might work for you. :)

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with strong leading characters!

Kendra and Lukas have been friends since high school. After his mother’s tragic death, Lukas left town immediately.

Kendra went through college and became a detective in the NYPD. Unfortunately, she was injured in the line of duty and has returned to her grandmother’s home in the town Kendra grew up in. Who does she see shortly after she arrives? Her old friend Lukas who is now a firefighter in town. As they catch up, they realize their friendship from the past could be so much more.

Part of this story is a wonderful romance, watching as Lukas and Kendra reconnect. Both have scars, physically and emotionally. And it’s that second part, dealing with the scars, that makes this story even richer.

Kendra has decisions to make about her future. While she’s healing physically, she emotionally must face her own demons from her line of duty incident. Luckily, she has Lukas and her grandmother as sounding boards - and that too is very heartwarming to watch!

Such an enjoyable story at a time when we need something positive and uplifting!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It’s a relatively quick read but I’m also a fast reader to your mileage may vary. It kept me entertained for several hours over two days. I’ll definitely be looking for more books by this author.

Kendra comes home to visit her grandmother and recuperate from a bullet wound she obtained while on duty as a cop with the NYPD. While at her grandma’s birthday party she runs into Lukas, a close friend from high school. Lukas left town to join the Army. He came home to join the fire department after he left the military. They meet up for coffee and realize they’re attracted to each other. Kendra isn’t sure what she wants. She’s suffering from PTSD and not sure if she wants to go back to the NYPD. Lukas is looking for something permanent in a relationship. Kendra feels she needs to go back to New York because she worked so hard to get to where she was in the department. Can they make it work? Will Kendra give up her career or will she realize that her dreams are changing?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this one. I love second chance romance books and that is exactly what this one was. But it was more than just that. Kendra comes home to heal. She is a detective with the NYPD and something happened to her while on duty. She comes home to heal from everything that she is dealing with. While home she meets back up with her best friend from high school. Lukas is now a firefighter in their hometown. These two hit it off right where they left off but things aren't as simple as they would like it to be. I enjoyed reading this one. It was well written, engaging, had two great characters who had their own struggles to work through. There was a little added suspense in this one with the added addition on a case in their town needing to be solved and Kendra gets asked to help. This was a great book that I highly recommend.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra was a NYPD detective. She went home to her grandmothers to recuperate after being involved in a shooting that she ended up being injured and was experiencing PTSD. Lukas had moved back to town and became a firefighter after he got out of the service. Kendra and Lukas were best friends in school. Now they were all grown up. Lukas knew that he wanted her. He needed to convince her along with her grandmother and the sheriff. But a bit of danger mixed in with a lot of love might get to an HEA for these two. Interesting and exciting

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marissa (rissareads13) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After NYPD detective is injured on duty, Kendra returns to her hometown to recover in the comfort of her grandma’s house. Her childhood best friend, Lukas, has also returned home. Together the friends heal past hurts and contemplate their futures and whether they can be end game.

A nice, quick read. I listened to this book and sadly cringed a lot during the spicy scenes, otherwise it was well performed. The book as a whole was pretty mediocre. The characters were mostly believable, they just lacked dimension. The scenes and drama weren’t fully flushed out and I didn’t care what happened next. Can be good for finishing a reading challenge though.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 


The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).

Chirp freebie on May 11, 2024   (currently $5.99 at Chirp and on sale at Audible for $6.58 as of writing this post)

I'm choosing to read some freebie audiobooks for #JIAM.  Heart of Fire looked good because it was short, had diversity in the characters, and they have careers of a cop and firefighter.

I enjoyed listening but there isn't a very big plot or character development.  The love is second chance but it was still very fast.   The sex happened early as did their commitment.   I didn't engage very much emotionally because everything happened so quickly and was not quite believable.

Narration:
These are experienced and talented narrators.  The chapters alternated in point of view between Kendra (narrated by Ava Lucas) and Lukas (narrated by Aaron Shedlock).  I was comfortable with the voices and there were only a few others than the main couple.  I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.



June COYER Diversity RAT

[Cheyenne Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book. My biggest complaint is that it wasn’t longer. The ending felt like the author got tired of writing and wanted to move on. So they quickly wrapped it up with a jump cut happy ending. I feel like there was so much more of the mystery/team up to find the arsonist murder that could have been fleshed out. I looked for a series but it is a stand alone. I would have been upset if this short of a story was then put into a series. But the characters were perfect. I will be looking into this authors other books.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas and Kendra were friends in high school and then the fire happened and Lukas’s mother died and he disappeared. Now Kendra as come home to recuperate after being shot in the line of duty as an NYPD Detective. Sparks are soon flying between her and Lukas but someone is committing robberies that turn to murder. Will they find out who is the robber? Fast-paced, sweet with great chemistry. A good story.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 star
This was a good read I just feel like it was missing something, Lukas and Kendra were good characters but I just didn't fully connect with them and I know it wasn't a long book but yeah didn't quiet hit the mark for me. In saying that, it was a good quick read with some suspense, romance and darn good laughs especially where Kendra's grandma is concerned as she is an absolute hoot!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Within The Pages Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

The promo for this friends to lovers romance intrigued me. Old friends turned cop and firefighter reuniting when sparks fly. A quick read with some hot scenes and drama lurking around the corner. At the same time I felt the story was a bit rushed and there could’ve been a bit more to it. All in all I will be checking out more by this author.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendra and Lukas were best friends growing up, but a tragedy separated them at the end of high school. Now they have reconnected as adults. They can't deny the pull toward each other but for them to have a future Kendra will need to leave her job in the NYPD. This is a steamy romance with a side of suspense.

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers

Kendra comes home after being injured in the line of duty. She see Lukas again. They were best friends in high school. They pick up where they left off and also act on their attraction. Kendra is afraid. Lukas loves her but gives her space. She eventually gets it together. 3.5 stars

[don · Rating 2 out of 5]

mid plot
v boring, like its cute but no real conflict or drama
weird obsession w militarization... like why is a black women apart of the nypd... fck 12
and he joined the army??? served in iraq and phillipines,,, like ya i guess its cool that hes perpetuating the us war machine with imperialism and colonialism.,, YUCK

[Shauntiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart of Fire was a nice, short read. This is a friends to lovers book and I thought main characters Kendra and Lukas good chemistry after not seeing each other for years. I read this as an audiobook and thought the narrators were really good, but where this fell short was the story. You had the love story between Kendra and Lukas and then a side story about an arsonist that just felt out of place. I liked the chemistry between Kendra and Lukas and their connection, but I don’t think the book needed the side plot. Overall, it was enjoyable.

[Cassie'sBookCorner · Rating 3 out of 5]

After overlooking some of the cringey dialogue, I had a good time with this novella.

Quick, intriguing, and cute!

🔸️friends to lovers
🔸️childhood friends
🔸️it's always been you
🔸️cop/firefighter
🔸️small town
🔸️neighbor


Content warnings: PTSD, loss of loved one, abuse by parent

My rating: 3/5

Spice: 2/5

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good second chance story about Lukas and Kendra. Both of them have stressful careers and a ccx cars to prove it. Can they have a second chance? I thought this book was hot and steamy and I also liked how they were together even though they had stressful jobs.

[Gaynor Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoke alarm!

Lukas and Kendra were friends in high school but then he left.
Years later they meet again and new feelings are in place but they will have to make some hard life decisions and survive danger before they find a HEA.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, witty, sexy and exciting

Sedona hits all the right notes in this friends fo lovers romance and I loved it, as per usual! She never fails to write a good story, with characters who are evolved, and whilst they aren't perfect, they are perfectly matched.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story

I adore Friends to Lovers romances. This one was just super sweet. Adding in dealing/living with PTSD and that makes this extra special for me. Kendra and Lukas really had that chemistry and intense steam for this short story.

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Sizzling story

This was a quick read and I enjoyed my time finishing this book. It's a sweet friends to lovers story. The hot scenes were sizzling. Never thought I would need a firefighter story.