Don't miss this brand-new sexy romance by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte! Bree Gilchrist won't give firefighter Tex McGovern the time of day, but he's got a plan to make her see how well they might fit...
Firefighter Tex McGovern struck out with Bree Gilchrist the first time. And the second. And the third... He should probably just stay away. After all, Bree's father is his boss, and pursuing her goes against the firefighter brotherhood. No matter how much he desires her, Bree is off limits. Period. But as things start to heat up between them, Tex decides some codes are meant to be broken...
Bree distrusts Tex. The displaced cowboy-turned-rescue-worker is too wild and wicked for his own good. Then she sees him helping people with no thought to himself, and she can't help wondering what could be if she were suddenly his. But her father will not have his daughter dating a firefighter, and he can break Tex's career. That's a heavy burden to place on anyone, and Tex and Bree are forced to decide if the sparks between them are enough to risk the fallout to them both.
Praise for Marie Harte's Donnigans series: Dramatic and emotional scenes that will touch your heart.--Night Owl Reviews Top Pick for Just the Thing Expertly balances fun and sexy shenanigans with deeper themes.--Fresh Fiction for Just the Thing
Important:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
Did anyone call for a hot firefighter? In Marie Harte’s second installment in the Turn Up the Heat series, BURNING DESIRE features another firefighter who can’t help keep getting burned by fire. Despite striking out numerous times with Bree, Tex won’t give up. With his cowboy ways, he certainly was persistent as he courted Bree despite her turning him down.
Now I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tex. He came off as too overconfident and pushy, so he wasn’t my style of hero. I think this kind of impacted how much I enjoyed this book because it took me a bit longer to read as a result. However, despite the slow start, I warmed up to Tex eventually. Harte’s humor played a big part in this, so I realized just how integral this was to the series. The lighthearted nature definitely won me over in the end.
If you’re a fan of hot firefighters and great banter, then BURNING DESIRE is the perfect book for you! Rife with humor and heart, this book will have you laughing and swooning!
Audiobook/real book combo. Alyssa and I started this back in February after getting it as a “blind date” book from Inklings. We thought it would be funny to read aloud together. We quickly switched to audiobook format where we could speed it up to get it over with quicker. The plot was virtually nonexistent and/or confusing throughout the book. The dialogue was atrocious. And the sex scenes just made me feel icky. It was also clear that the author was not a native Washingtonian and did not do much research regarding Seattle or Washington in general. Overall a very painful read. Would not recommend.
Overall, I liked this one better than the first one. Not the narrator! But the storyline. Except the archaic overprotective dad bullshit. C'mon. Let's stop that crap. In real life too. But I liked this relationship and I just really like Tex!!
Did anyone call for a hot firefighter? In Marie Harte’s second installment in the Turn Up the Heat series, BURNING DESIRE features another firefighter who can’t help keep getting burned by fire. Despite striking out numerous times with Bree, Tex won’t give up. With his cowboy ways, he certainly was persistent as he courted Bree despite her turning him down.
Now I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tex. He came off as too overconfident and pushy, so he wasn’t my style of hero. I think this kind of impacted how much I enjoyed this book because it took me a bit longer to read as a result. However, despite the slow start, I warmed up to Tex eventually. Harte’s humor played a big part in this, so I realized just how integral this was to the series. The lighthearted nature definitely won me over in the end.
If you’re a fan of hot firefighters and great banter, then BURNING DESIRE is the perfect book for you! Rife with humor and heart, this book will have you laughing and swooning!
Burning Desire was a hilarious story of two people that kept having their worlds collide and then catastrophe would send them bouncing away again until the time was finally right for them to be together. Sometimes, first or even second impressions aren’t enough to show the true nature of a person and if you feel that connection you have to keep trying. Tex was a sexy and dedicated hero that was willing to put up with a lot in order to have the woman he loved in his life and ultimately was willing to give her everything she needed as well. Bree was the perfect match for him, both fun and determined to succeed, smart and sassy, and ultimately strong enough to stand up for him and their love in order to give them the chance they both needed to have an HEA. The chemistry between Bree and Tex was there from the very first moment they met, in the previous novel, and we could see that chemical reaction heating up until it finally exploded in their passion and then mellowed into an intensely burning love. I am dying to know what comes next for this little group and see who falls in love next. Marie Harte always captures my attention and steals my heart with her realistic characters, endearing antics, and deep understanding of relationship dynamics. If you are looking for a sexy, deep, and fun read you cannot go wrong with Marie’s Burning Desire.
A LOL, what else can go wrong, can Tex ever win the girl, can Bree ever get her dad to believe she is grown up and can I get a copy of the Fireman Calendar...lol.
Whew! Is it hot in here? Marie Harte takes you back to Seattle's Station 44 and the hot firemen who work it. Tex, former marine and Station 44 EMT/firefighter wants the battalion chiefs daughter from the get go. But things aren't so easy. Harte takes you on a roller coaster ride of comic antics and steamy attraction with some moments that will tug at your heartstrings.
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't think it was possible for a formulaic contemporary romance to go so terribly wrong, but here we are. I honestly can't imagine what the author was thinking when she chose to start the book not only after the lead couple had already met but after two failed dates as well. Where was the romance? The sparks of desire? Off-screen. That's where. It was an awful way to sequence events and completely demolished any build-up for what should have been the main theme of the book. You know, actual romance.
To make matters worse, I didn't like the main male lead. His macho boy's club banter with his coworkers and friends wasn't appealing. It felt very cliché, including the dialogue. You may ask, what about the main female lead? If you see her, let me know. Several chapters into the book, and other than a brief run-in, there was very little to be seen of the characters outside of the male lead's pining for her. I honestly can't tell you anything about her personality at all beyond the fact she wore demon's horns to a bachelorette party.
At 6% into the book, I gave up. I wasn't engaged, I didn't get to know the characters, and there was no romance to be seen. I don't know where this went wrong, but it felt like the book still needed some heavy content editing. Although the narrative was clear and easy to follow, I think the overall writing just missed the mark.
Nice change of pace for firefighter romance: I received an ARC on this book and was so happy I had the chance at it. I felt like Tex and Bree and even the supporting characters had more depth than many in this trope. The challenges they faced felt more "real" as opposed to checking off the dramatic challenge the couple needs to overcome to reach their HEA. Plenty of steam, heart, and strength to go-around. Definitely enjoyed it and will read again.
I received an ARC Copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is a well written book with character who are different. The male character starts as a player but over the first few chapters you see him change. The right woman can change a man to some degree. This may not be everyone's idea of a good story but I would encourage everyone to give this one a chance it is worth your time.
BURNING DESIRE is the second instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult TURN UP THE HEAT erotic, romance series focusing on a group of first responders in the Seattle Fire Department. This is twenty-nine year old, former US Marine turned Seattle firefighter Roger ‘Tex’ McGovern, and twenty-seven year old, photographer Bree Gilchrist’s story line. BURNING DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tex and Bree, BURNING DESIRE follows the building but forbidden romance and relationship between twenty-nine year old, former US Marine turned Seattle firefighter Roger ‘Tex’ McGovern, and twenty-seven year old, photographer Bree Gilchrist. After three disastrous attempts to date Bree Gilchrist, firefighter Roger ‘Tex’ McGovern has been assigned as Bree’s tour director while our heroine photographs the firefighters at rest and on the job but Tex has been forewarned by Bree’s father, the Seattle battalion chief, that to mess with his daughter could mean the end of his job. Trying to keep their distance was a complete and utter failure but falling for one another would prove to be the hardest secret of all. What ensues is the forbidden romance and relationship between Breen and Tex, and the potential fall-out when Bree’s father discovers what has been going on behind his back.
Tex McGovern has been trying to ‘woo’ our heroine for several months but every attempt is met with disaster and failure. ‘Assigned’ to tag along with our story line heroine, Tex sees his chance to seduce Bree Gilchrist until orders from above threaten his job with the Seattle FD. Bree Gilchrist is an award winning photographer whose father is unable to cut the chord. Threatening our hero with the loss of his job means Chief Gilchrist is about to face the wrath of his daughter but not before facing the wrath of his own man.
Throughout the story line we are introduced to Bree’s step-sister Melissa, and her step-mother Charlie, as well as her best friend and attorney Carrie. Melissa and Bree’s relationship is slowly spiralling out of control, and when Carrie interferes, Bree may not only lose her sister, but her best friend as well.
The relationship between Bree and Tex begins acrimoniously as one disaster after another befalls their attempts to get to know one another. Tex is determined to claim Bree as his own but Bree struggles with her father’s threats, threats that may destroy the man that she loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include shift lieutenant Ed O’Brien, battalion chief John Gilchrist, EMT Brad Battle and Avery (Make Me Burn 1), Reggie, Air Force Mack, Hernandez, Washkowski, Marcus, as well as Tex’s brother Wyatt, and his cousin Josh.
BURNING DESIRE is a story of power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is edgy; the sexual tension is palpable-the chemistry is hot; the characters are animated and feisty.
An excellent story of brotherhood, second chances, seeing beyond the surface and forgiveness. I loved everything about this story. Marie Harte does small group banter and family perfectly. Then you toss in hot chemistry between two people and you have a great story that looks under the surface of things and gets to the heart of people. It was so well written I felt like I was living the story with the characters. Marie Harte is a master at this.
This is Tex's story, the charmer of the firefighter group of friends who's fallen head over heels for the Battalion Chief's daughter. He didn't know who she was during their first date but he did soon after and was still enthralled, even though he knew it would complicate his job. I loved how they fought to be together after he won her over. For Tex women come easy but this one he had to work for. That made the story worth reading.
Tex is 29, former military from a ranch family in Texas . He chose to continue to serve his country by being a firefighter to save people. I loved his hero's heart. He's looking for a forever love like his parents have so he's pretty much dated everything in skirts. Bree Gilchrist, 27 a photo journalist is leery of him because of his reputation of a serial dater. Her first date with him was interrupted by his supposed girlfriend (former) and the 2nd didn't happen because his phone was destroyed in a fire and was his only copy of her phone number. She won't give him a 3rd chance . So when he sees a way to prove to her he's worth her time he begs his Lieutenant to be the one who escorts her for 2 weeks around the fire stations for a photo gallery exhibit. I loved how Tex stayed professional while they got to know each other. They started dating after the assignment was done. Their relationship is complicated by her father telling her NEVER to date a fireman. You knew from the onset that when their relationship came to her father's attention it was going to hit the fan! I think the resolution was well written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book that was given to me by the author with no expectations.
A love that is meant to be…this is a book that captures your attention immediately because of the characters. I absolutely love Tex. He’s so adorable with his eagerness to make a good impression on Bree. Tex manages to trip over his own words and never really knows when to stop talking when it comes to Bree. He’s smitten. Bree is a complex character. She’s an adult but, tries to abide by her father’s demands. It is a very difficult road for Bree to navigate and there are some bumps she needs to overcome in all of her relationships before she admits her heart’s desire.
Tex and Bree’s relationship has sparks as well as drama so, it is never a dull moment. Between, the photography project, Bubbles, Tex’s fire station crew and their families, there is constant entertainment with laughs and a couple of tears.
For as much as I love Tex and Bree, I’m not such a fan of Carrie, Bree’s best friend and Melissa, Bree’s stepsister. The way they interact with Bree and the others is off-putting and doesn’t sit well with me but, they do give the story extra drama…a lot of extra drama.
I love how this story shows the personal growth and strength that is needed for Tex and Bree to realize what is important in life and in love. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Tex McGovern struck out with his dream woman Bree Gilchrist 3 times because crazy things kept happening to him. She swore she was never going to give him another chance, until they get stuck together. Well he volunteered. She needs someone to take her around to fires so she can take pictures of firefighters in different stages of their job. The one problem Tex has, is her father the Battalion Chief, forbade her from dating firefighters.
The chemistry between Tex and Bree is there from the second they first met, and they grew to like each other over text and talking on the phone. Tex will do whatever he has to do to be with Bree, but will it cost him his job, his friends, and everything he loves?
I love the brotherhood the guys have in this series, they are always there for one another, and pick on each other like brothers would. Bree matches Tex, with her sassy attitude, determination to succeed, and strength to stand up for Tex and their love showing they deserve their chance. Their attraction blew up at first, but as they got closer and began exploring their relationship it became more of a simmer. I love Marie Harte's ability to create realistic characters, build a world we can love, and keep us coming back for more. If you want a sweet, sexy, and fun read this book is recommended.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I liked this couple better than the couple in book 1. Tex just can’t seem to catch a break while trying to get a date with Bree. Of course we have some animals that need adopting. Tex was very cliched but at the same time I think it fit for him and this story. He was just looking for a hook up but after getting to know Bree he really started to fall and couldn’t get enough of spending time and talking. Bree was stereotyping Tex for sure but I think she was changing that once she spent time with him and got to know him and not just what she physically saw. The story was a little slow in some areas but in the others not so much it seemed to flow well. There was some family issues in Brees family that was causing some stress and anxiety. I think Bubbles was a great addition to the story she was needed for several characters. Overall I enjoyed the book even the slower parts it was a fun romcom.
Tex is a firefighter who would like nothing more than to find the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, but he hasn’t had much success which has caused him to have a reputation with the ladies. From the moment that he met Bree he knew that she was the one however since they didn’t get off to the best start it will require persistence and determination.
Bree believes that Tex already has two strikes against him which are the fact that he is a firefighter, and her father is the Chief and that their attempts at dating were a disaster. When they find themselves working together on a project, she realizes that she didn’t really know him at all but are the feeling they have for each other strong each to overcome all the challenges they are facing?
Tex knew what he wanted which was Bree and wasn’t about to let anyone or anything stand in their way, and I did enjoy the evolution of Bree’s character as she showed her independence as the story progressed.
Written from multiple POVs, I was taken by the emotions and just the general thinking of the male perspectives, they weren’t sugar coated they seemed like somewhat immature real guys. Tex was acting and thinking like a player, sometimes even after getting with Bree. He was also sensitive and at thirty thinking of what he wanted for his future. Bree as a beautiful blond ex-model has assumptions thrust upon her that are not in the least true. Tex and Bree’s story is full of angst, but also personal growth, not only in their relationship. The storytelling elevates this tale of everyday people, their problems, their joys, their sexy coupling to a tale that you just don’t want to put down.
Slightly better than book one but this series is definitely not one of Ms Harte’s best efforts. I enjoyed the second half more than the first. The jumping timeline in the beginning was annoying and really gave nothing to the romance between these two, because by the time they become a couple, their emotions were already falling into place. We get eight months of no relationship and then everything happens in four weeks. Tex was good but a bit of an idiot for some of the time. He really only showed his good side with Bubbles, his brothers and when he stood up for himself against Bree’s ridiculous father. Bree was okay if a bit annoying and took some warming up to with her unforgiving nature. The whole reasoning for how her father behaved was a bit weird. He had made the mistake of cheating on his first wife, over 25 years previously, so therefore every firefighter was a cheater too. This is my honest review of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5 stars. The first few chapters seemed to have little interaction between Tex and Bree, so I found it a little hard to get into the book. At times, subplots and time spent with secondary characters threatened to overwhelm what was supposed to be the main storyline. I assume the author was trying to show how important these other people were to the main characters, but it impacted the pace of the plot. Finally, the author repeatedly stressed how physically beautiful everyone was (though we can't forget that Bree is also intelligent). It was just overkill, and made the characters less likeable. Despite all of this, there were parts of the book I did like. I also wonder if Carrie will get her own book. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Bree and Tex have history…a history of dates that went bad or didn’t happen. Bree decides to follow her dad’s advice and not date a firefighter. Then she lands a grant to shadow and take pics of the local firefighters to showcase what they do. Of course, Bree’s liaison is non other than Tex! Tex was a serial dater until he met Bree, then fate played cruel trucks on him. Now he has a couple of weeks to show Bree that he really is a good guy. The pair grow close and begin to secretly date but will Bree’s dad change his stance on his daughter dating a firefighter? Oh, did I mention that Bree’s dad is the battalion chief, whom could mess up Tex’s career? Lots of drama, steam and laughter. Worth the read.
There are 3 main characters. Tex, Bree and his manwhoreness. Geez! His internal monologues throughout the entire book are about sex with his way too many exes. His friends constantly talk about is manwhoring. He brags about his manwhoring to her and anyone who will listen. He tells her he’s so good in bed because of all his past “dates”. Is it really called dating when you have sex a couple times and then stop having sex? He claims to be a “love them and always leave them” guy. A new flavor of the week kinda guy. He’s admitted he’s never been alone real relationship and looks for sex. Why is this the main premise of the book?
Knowing what a ho bag he is she decided that he was clean and could forgo the condom. Really?
Burning Desire by Marie Harte is the second in her Turn Up the Heat series, set in beautiful Seattle, Washington.
Tex McGovern and Bree Gilchrist get off on the wrong foot. Unfortunately. Multiple times.
While Bree and Tex seem to share some intriguing chemistry, circumstances repeatedly conspire to keep these two from making anything of that hinted at connection. It takes some persistent determination, great friends, loving family, and one beleaguered dog to help these two navigate the rocky road to their HEA…
Marie Harte’s trademark humor and heart shine in this story, and Burning Desire is a keeper!
When your father doesn't want you dating fire-fighters, maybe, just maybe, giving in to a sexy, displaced cowboy names Tex, might be a way of rebelling. And if he happens to help a few with no hestitation to running into danger, hold a puppy with nothing but kisses, and provide support for choosing the best photos, then Bree would be silly to turn him down. But will she make the choice to give him another chance? Can she put aside her preconceptions and allow him to make a move? Will she defy her father and take Tex on a date?
I really enjoy books by Marie Harte because she blends friendship, heat, family and drama very well. Tex and Bree were a fun couple, they got off on the wrong foot (twice) and he's the firefighter falling for the Battalion Chief's daughter (is that a new concept, no, but is this written really well and super fun to read, hell yes!) I really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for a book about a hot/irresistible firefighter falling for the girl he's not supposed to, look no further and start reading!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Tex already has two strikes against him with Bree - he is a firefighter and she believes he is a player. Her two attempted dates with him just seem to reinforce her beliefs. Tex isn't about to give up though. When Bree wins a photography grant from the city, he is quick to get assigned as her escort. He will win her over slow and steady and let her see what kind of man he really is. He just has to keep from getting into trouble over it with his bosses, one of whom is her father! You find yourself rooting for Tex to win her over.
Hot firefighter trying to date his boss’s daughter? You know this is going to be interesting! Add a rescued older dog, a group of firefighter “brothers”, real brothers from Texas, a jealous, bitter sister and your BFF who is a sharp lawyer and...whew! Makes for a great story with wonderful MCs and supporting characters!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
I have been waiting for this book because Tex is such a dynamic character. I was dying to know what would happen between him and Bree. I was not disappointed at all. I got everything that I hoped for and more. Bree was a terrific match for Tex in heart and humor. Bubbles added a unexpected element to the story that I loved. Now I want Reggie to get his HEA because he is so sad. This is a great series!
This was a steamy, entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced, held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #2 in the Turn Up the Heat series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.
...tension, witty banter, firefighter action, sexy times, family & Friends bruh-ha-ha, strong supporting characters, previous characters pop up, descriptive world-building...are classic Marie Harte Style. Tex and Bree are amazing together, go read Burning Desire! 😊🌴🌺 I received an ARC for my honest review.