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The Fireman's Pole
A small town/opposites attract/gay romance story.
Sparks of passion ignite between the lord of the manor and the hot, new firefighter. But when Ben’s home goes up in flames, will Dale be in time to save his life?
Dale runs from the big city to a rural fire station to nurse his broken heart. But he immediately incurs the wrath of the handsome lord of the manor when he knocks over the village maypole.
Ben is used to people avoiding him. But the sexy, new firefighter is not like everyone else. Everywhere Ben goes; Dale is there too, and Ben can’t ignore the magnetism between them.
Will Ben ever forgive Dale for knocking over the maypole? Will Dale wait for Ben to disentangle himself from a relationship he was forced into? Will the villagers, the fire fighters, and the staff at the manor house, stop interfering in their relationship?
So many questions and no time to answer them, as an arsonist’s crimes are escalating, and Dale is worried that Ben could be his next target.
Sparks of passion ignite between the lord of the manor and the hot, new firefighter. But when Ben’s home goes up in flames, will Dale be in time to save his life?
Dale runs from the big city to a rural fire station to nurse his broken heart. But he immediately incurs the wrath of the handsome lord of the manor when he knocks over the village maypole.
Ben is used to people avoiding him. But the sexy, new firefighter is not like everyone else. Everywhere Ben goes; Dale is there too, and Ben can’t ignore the magnetism between them.
Will Ben ever forgive Dale for knocking over the maypole? Will Dale wait for Ben to disentangle himself from a relationship he was forced into? Will the villagers, the fire fighters, and the staff at the manor house, stop interfering in their relationship?
So many questions and no time to answer them, as an arsonist’s crimes are escalating, and Dale is worried that Ben could be his next target.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2017
92 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Sue Brown
140 books841 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 4, 2017
I really don’t like leaving bad reviews for ARCs. But even it’s nice to have gotten an ARC, it still doesn’t make me like a book more. But if the blurb of this book appeals to you, please ignore this review.
This was such a mess. Especially the romance part. Well, actually the mystery/suspense part too. Who am I kidding, everything was a mess.
Let’s start off with Ben. Or should I say Lord Calminster, since he was royalty and all that. He was an utter and complete ass the first few times he and Dale met, but still Dale fell madly in love with him. No idea why…
The first time fireman Dale and Lord Calminster meet Dale is rescuing an old lady from a house and Ben is getting in his way with doing his job by demanding answers and by being an arrogant ass.
“Sir, get back behind the cordon, please. We’ll be able to answer your questions later. Let me get back to doing my job.”
“Don’t you know who I am?”
Dale’s fraying patience snapped. “I don’t care if you’re Lord Muckety-Muck himself, sir. Get back behind the cordon now!”
Oh yes, so charming, this lord.
The second time Dale accidentally runs over the maypole, which is unfortunate but since he offers to fix it I didn’t get why Ben went ballistic on his ass.
And those two meetings, where they spoke maybe 5 (angry) sentences to each other is apparently enough for both of them to fall in love. Because Ben breaks up with his girlfriend (beard), who he never was intimate with, because he has met Dale.
And Dale apparently is totally falling for the arrogant Lord Calminster because who wouldn’t like someone who chews you out in front of an audience for making a mistake.
After this they go for coffee, then dinner, and apparently they are in a fully committed relationship before the first kiss even happened.
This even happens then:
“Who’s your heir if you don’t have kids?”
“I’ve got a really nice cousin who lives in Australia. He’d be horrified if he inherited.”
“We can have kids,” Dale said.
(..)
“My sister offered to be my surrogate,” Dale said.
“Now?”
Dale chuckled. “I’m not talking right this second, but she and her husband offered if I ever found the right man."
Wow, that's fast.
And after the kids talk, Dale tells Ben they can’t have sex yet because Dale still feels vulnerable from his last break-up a few weeks before. Of course when Dale spends the night the next day, his ex is completely forgotten and Dale is fully on board with the sex, until the butler knocks on the door for breakfast. And of course they cannot ignore the butler so they go downstairs to eat instead of having hot monkey sex.
Oh, and I guess to make this book feel more real we suddenly have Dale scratching his armpit, belching and then burping, all on the same page. It just grossed me out. Not attractive at all. And it came out of nowhere.
There was no relationship development whatsoever in this entire book. These guys admit they like each other (no idea why), there is mention of amazing chemistry a lot (I also didn’t see this), they talk about future kids, there is some kissing, eventually there is some sex and oh, an arsonist is thrown in right before the I love yous.
And let’s talk about that arsonist. Somewhere halfway there is the mention of someone starting fires. Not long after this they find out who did it because someone simply comes up to Ben and tells him (talk about anti-climactic). It was just this silly side plot that totally fell flat and was simply there to fill a few pages.
So what bothered me most about this was the relationship, since a few conversations does not a relationship make. These guys had no chemistry at all and were boring individually and even more boring together.
Sorry, but I do not recommend.
------------------------------
An ARC of The Fireman’s Pole was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
This was such a mess. Especially the romance part. Well, actually the mystery/suspense part too. Who am I kidding, everything was a mess.
Let’s start off with Ben. Or should I say Lord Calminster, since he was royalty and all that. He was an utter and complete ass the first few times he and Dale met, but still Dale fell madly in love with him. No idea why…
The first time fireman Dale and Lord Calminster meet Dale is rescuing an old lady from a house and Ben is getting in his way with doing his job by demanding answers and by being an arrogant ass.
“Sir, get back behind the cordon, please. We’ll be able to answer your questions later. Let me get back to doing my job.”
“Don’t you know who I am?”
Dale’s fraying patience snapped. “I don’t care if you’re Lord Muckety-Muck himself, sir. Get back behind the cordon now!”
Oh yes, so charming, this lord.
The second time Dale accidentally runs over the maypole, which is unfortunate but since he offers to fix it I didn’t get why Ben went ballistic on his ass.
And those two meetings, where they spoke maybe 5 (angry) sentences to each other is apparently enough for both of them to fall in love. Because Ben breaks up with his girlfriend (beard), who he never was intimate with, because he has met Dale.
And Dale apparently is totally falling for the arrogant Lord Calminster because who wouldn’t like someone who chews you out in front of an audience for making a mistake.
After this they go for coffee, then dinner, and apparently they are in a fully committed relationship before the first kiss even happened.
This even happens then:
“Who’s your heir if you don’t have kids?”
“I’ve got a really nice cousin who lives in Australia. He’d be horrified if he inherited.”
“We can have kids,” Dale said.
(..)
“My sister offered to be my surrogate,” Dale said.
“Now?”
Dale chuckled. “I’m not talking right this second, but she and her husband offered if I ever found the right man."
Wow, that's fast.
And after the kids talk, Dale tells Ben they can’t have sex yet because Dale still feels vulnerable from his last break-up a few weeks before. Of course when Dale spends the night the next day, his ex is completely forgotten and Dale is fully on board with the sex, until the butler knocks on the door for breakfast. And of course they cannot ignore the butler so they go downstairs to eat instead of having hot monkey sex.
Oh, and I guess to make this book feel more real we suddenly have Dale scratching his armpit, belching and then burping, all on the same page. It just grossed me out. Not attractive at all. And it came out of nowhere.
There was no relationship development whatsoever in this entire book. These guys admit they like each other (no idea why), there is mention of amazing chemistry a lot (I also didn’t see this), they talk about future kids, there is some kissing, eventually there is some sex and oh, an arsonist is thrown in right before the I love yous.
And let’s talk about that arsonist. Somewhere halfway there is the mention of someone starting fires. Not long after this they find out who did it because someone simply comes up to Ben and tells him (talk about anti-climactic). It was just this silly side plot that totally fell flat and was simply there to fill a few pages.
So what bothered me most about this was the relationship, since a few conversations does not a relationship make. These guys had no chemistry at all and were boring individually and even more boring together.
Sorry, but I do not recommend.
------------------------------
An ARC of The Fireman’s Pole was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 15, 2017
This book is pure fluff. Which, let's be honest, fits perfectly within the Dreamspun Desires titles. And the cheeky title - hahahaha!
Here we have Dale, a firefighter who recently moved into the little village of Calminster, still smarting from a bad break-up with his closeted, cheating ex, hoping to lick his wounds and put his hopes and dreams for that relationship behind him. Unwilling to be in the closet himself, he's open about his sexuality, but has no aspirations to find himself another boyfriend.
Called out for a fire on his first shift, he manages to rescue the homeowner, a sweet elderly woman, and draw the ire of his Lordship at the same time. Shortly thereafter, he backs the big fire engine into the maypole, which was originally erected by his Lordship's great-great-grandfather. So, having blown his opportunity for making a good first impression, Dale offers to fix the pole in hopes to calm down Ben, Lord Calminster, who is behaving like an ass both during the fire and after Dale's unfortunate mishap with the big fire truck and the maypole.
Don't expect any kind of realistic or believable relationship development - there's none.
Ben, the lord of the manor, has kept his own sexuality hidden to the point where he's got a girlfriend/beard. Of course, he takes one look at our hunky firefighter, feels the stirring in his loins and finds the backbone to break things off with the woman he's been dating.
Dale was a nice guy, and I liked him. Ben, once he removed the stick from his ass, was a nice guy too. I liked him fine as well.
It's just that nothing here between Ben and Dale felt anything close to realistic. Dale states that he's still hurting from the break-up and doesn't want to fall in bed with yet another closeted man, but then shortly thereafter dismisses that notion and jumps right in with Ben.
Ben apparently, after meeting and tongue-lashing Dale twice, is willing to risk a whole lot for the possibility of being with Dale. Perhaps exchanging angry words with the firefighter turns him on.
There's a bit of mystery here with someone unknown setting fires all over the village, a subplot that culminates in an edge of your seat sequence of events that not only casts Dale as a hero again but also firmly pulls Ben right out of that closet for good.
Since I usually suspend disbelief whenever I read one of the Dreamspun Desires titles and don't expect anything realistic, I didn't mind the rapid development of the romantic relationship. What I did mind however is that we're merely told these two men have the hots for each other - we're not actually shown that they do - so this book ended up in three star territory. Sure, there are sexy times within, but I didn't really feel their passion - I was only told about it.
Still an enjoyable read that fits perfectly within this harlequin-esque series.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. **
Here we have Dale, a firefighter who recently moved into the little village of Calminster, still smarting from a bad break-up with his closeted, cheating ex, hoping to lick his wounds and put his hopes and dreams for that relationship behind him. Unwilling to be in the closet himself, he's open about his sexuality, but has no aspirations to find himself another boyfriend.
Called out for a fire on his first shift, he manages to rescue the homeowner, a sweet elderly woman, and draw the ire of his Lordship at the same time. Shortly thereafter, he backs the big fire engine into the maypole, which was originally erected by his Lordship's great-great-grandfather. So, having blown his opportunity for making a good first impression, Dale offers to fix the pole in hopes to calm down Ben, Lord Calminster, who is behaving like an ass both during the fire and after Dale's unfortunate mishap with the big fire truck and the maypole.
Don't expect any kind of realistic or believable relationship development - there's none.
Ben, the lord of the manor, has kept his own sexuality hidden to the point where he's got a girlfriend/beard. Of course, he takes one look at our hunky firefighter, feels the stirring in his loins and finds the backbone to break things off with the woman he's been dating.
Dale was a nice guy, and I liked him. Ben, once he removed the stick from his ass, was a nice guy too. I liked him fine as well.
It's just that nothing here between Ben and Dale felt anything close to realistic. Dale states that he's still hurting from the break-up and doesn't want to fall in bed with yet another closeted man, but then shortly thereafter dismisses that notion and jumps right in with Ben.
Ben apparently, after meeting and tongue-lashing Dale twice, is willing to risk a whole lot for the possibility of being with Dale. Perhaps exchanging angry words with the firefighter turns him on.
There's a bit of mystery here with someone unknown setting fires all over the village, a subplot that culminates in an edge of your seat sequence of events that not only casts Dale as a hero again but also firmly pulls Ben right out of that closet for good.
Since I usually suspend disbelief whenever I read one of the Dreamspun Desires titles and don't expect anything realistic, I didn't mind the rapid development of the romantic relationship. What I did mind however is that we're merely told these two men have the hots for each other - we're not actually shown that they do - so this book ended up in three star territory. Sure, there are sexy times within, but I didn't really feel their passion - I was only told about it.
Still an enjoyable read that fits perfectly within this harlequin-esque series.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. **
February 15, 2018
The Fireman's Pole is a sweet romance featuring opposites attract in keeping with the Dreamspun Desires brand promise of contemporary romance with heartwarming heroes.
The story is told from both firefighter, Dale Maloney, and Baron Calminster, Benedict Raleigh's, POV. Dale is new to Calminster village and doesn't make the best first, or second, impression on the Lord of the Manor.
However, Ben is still taken with Dale and the two eventually warm up to one another. While their relationship develops, Ben finds himself fending off a bitter business partner intent on taking over Calminster Hall and village, and both Dale and Ben deal with some mystery involving several fires suddenly cropping up all over the village.
Personally, I thought it ended too abruptly and I'm disappointed I didn't get the relationship HEA I was waiting for, and I was unsatisfied with the resolution for a couple of plot lines.
As for the narration, Finn Sterling uses distinctive character voices, he has good pacing and timing, and I love the emotion in his voice with his performance.
There are three things that keep me from giving this an enthusiastic thumbs up. First, Finn Sterling's English accents need work. Second, was the way Dale's accent and voice pitch kept changing throughout the performance. Third, I really wish Sterling wouldn't use a high falsetto for every woman's voice. There are multiple types of female voices with their own respective note ranges and I hope Sterling starts to use a range when voicing his future female characters.
Audio copy of The Fireman's Pole provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 16, 2017
2.75 stars rounded up
I requested the ARC because I was smitten with the cat. Well, the cat is NOT present in this book. If there was a cat, maybe I would have enjoyed it better. *shrugs*
Kidding aside, both the romance and the mystery didn’t work for me. Dale and Ben started off the book not with a good note. Ben was quite snobbish in the beginning. Heck, Ben was quite snobbish for the second meet too. So the whole process of them suddenly being attracted to one another, with Dale actually mentioning that his sister was willing to be a surrogate after only mere days when they hadn’t even consummated their relationship totally turned me off. I mean, do people really do that in real life? That is creepy, in my opinion. *sorry*
I felt that there were a number of plots scattered around the book but without real purpose. We had Ben’s ex-girlfriend whose father was a total douche who wanted her to get married to Ben so he could get his hand on Ben’s estate. We had Dale’s cheating ex suddenly appeared for only one scene. I didn’t get that part at all!
And that arsonist part felt totally random!
I am rounding this up because I happened to love the secondary characters, as in Dale’s firefighter friends AND Ben’s staff. Oh, and Ben’s dogs! They were great! I loved reading about them. They made this book bearable. I didn’t love Dale and Ben. In fact, I thought they were boring.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I requested the ARC because I was smitten with the cat. Well, the cat is NOT present in this book. If there was a cat, maybe I would have enjoyed it better. *shrugs*
Kidding aside, both the romance and the mystery didn’t work for me. Dale and Ben started off the book not with a good note. Ben was quite snobbish in the beginning. Heck, Ben was quite snobbish for the second meet too. So the whole process of them suddenly being attracted to one another, with Dale actually mentioning that his sister was willing to be a surrogate after only mere days when they hadn’t even consummated their relationship totally turned me off. I mean, do people really do that in real life? That is creepy, in my opinion. *sorry*
I felt that there were a number of plots scattered around the book but without real purpose. We had Ben’s ex-girlfriend whose father was a total douche who wanted her to get married to Ben so he could get his hand on Ben’s estate. We had Dale’s cheating ex suddenly appeared for only one scene. I didn’t get that part at all!
And that arsonist part felt totally random!
I am rounding this up because I happened to love the secondary characters, as in Dale’s firefighter friends AND Ben’s staff. Oh, and Ben’s dogs! They were great! I loved reading about them. They made this book bearable. I didn’t love Dale and Ben. In fact, I thought they were boring.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 26, 2021
I have one word for this one: messy.
February 13, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR
Ok, I admit it sometimes...I have no control over my inner 12 year old...
I mean let's talk about the elephant in the room...or in this case 'The Fireman's Pole' best book title. I admit it any book with a title that makes me blush and giggle like a twelve year old is totally ok with me.
'The Fireman's Pole' really is a fun and fluffy story about Dale Maloney the newest addition to the Calminster Fire Department and Benedict 'Ben' Raleigh, the Baron Calminster. Shortly after they meet Ben ends his relationship with his 'girlfriend' and the sparks between Ben and Dale ignite into a full scale fire. Unfortunately it's not the only fire in town as someone's been setting fires around town and there's also the whole incident of a certain fire truck hitting a maypole.
As if this isn't enough Ben's has an unscrupulous business partner trying to take control of his company and he's not going to stop just because he failed to get Ben to marry his daughter. A daughter that quite honestly everyone seems to have underestimated...this one's feisty and business savvy...oh hell, let's not lie here when it came to business this lady was a barracuda and even though he didn't want to marry her, Ben was pretty sure that when it came to business he wanted her in his corner.
From start to finish there's a lot about this story that's both unlikely and improbable but it's also just a lot of light fluffy fun. Filled with awkward moments, humorous disagreements and one of the busiest small town fire departments I ever remember coming across, 'The Fireman's Pole' is a cute modern day fairy tale. It's what happens when Cinderella (Dale only instead of the evils steps, he's got an evil ex) gets mashed up with Beauty and the Beast (Ben until Dale broke the spell he was under... complacency) and someone throws in a bit of dash of Sleeping Beauty for good measure (there's a fairy godmother in here masquerading as a sweet elderly housekeeper/cook) and of course there's a villain or two because really what's a good fairy tale without a villain or two?
This is the second book narrated by Finn Sterling that I've listened to and while the first one was just ok, not all of the voices worked for me, things definitely went better with this audio book and I enjoyed the voices that were given to these characters and the fact that they were unique, consistent and expressive...ticking off that basic check list of what I look for in an audio book quite nicely.
I was looking for a story that was just a bit of cute filled with fun and fluff when I listened to this book and it was. I smiled and chuckled my way through this adorable British romance and I have to admit this is one that for me was definitely more enjoyable as an audio book than it would have been to read.
*************************
An audio book of 'The Fireman's Pole' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, I admit it sometimes...I have no control over my inner 12 year old...
I mean let's talk about the elephant in the room...or in this case 'The Fireman's Pole' best book title. I admit it any book with a title that makes me blush and giggle like a twelve year old is totally ok with me.
'The Fireman's Pole' really is a fun and fluffy story about Dale Maloney the newest addition to the Calminster Fire Department and Benedict 'Ben' Raleigh, the Baron Calminster. Shortly after they meet Ben ends his relationship with his 'girlfriend' and the sparks between Ben and Dale ignite into a full scale fire. Unfortunately it's not the only fire in town as someone's been setting fires around town and there's also the whole incident of a certain fire truck hitting a maypole.
As if this isn't enough Ben's has an unscrupulous business partner trying to take control of his company and he's not going to stop just because he failed to get Ben to marry his daughter. A daughter that quite honestly everyone seems to have underestimated...this one's feisty and business savvy...oh hell, let's not lie here when it came to business this lady was a barracuda and even though he didn't want to marry her, Ben was pretty sure that when it came to business he wanted her in his corner.
From start to finish there's a lot about this story that's both unlikely and improbable but it's also just a lot of light fluffy fun. Filled with awkward moments, humorous disagreements and one of the busiest small town fire departments I ever remember coming across, 'The Fireman's Pole' is a cute modern day fairy tale. It's what happens when Cinderella (Dale only instead of the evils steps, he's got an evil ex) gets mashed up with Beauty and the Beast (Ben until Dale broke the spell he was under... complacency) and someone throws in a bit of dash of Sleeping Beauty for good measure (there's a fairy godmother in here masquerading as a sweet elderly housekeeper/cook) and of course there's a villain or two because really what's a good fairy tale without a villain or two?
This is the second book narrated by Finn Sterling that I've listened to and while the first one was just ok, not all of the voices worked for me, things definitely went better with this audio book and I enjoyed the voices that were given to these characters and the fact that they were unique, consistent and expressive...ticking off that basic check list of what I look for in an audio book quite nicely.
I was looking for a story that was just a bit of cute filled with fun and fluff when I listened to this book and it was. I smiled and chuckled my way through this adorable British romance and I have to admit this is one that for me was definitely more enjoyable as an audio book than it would have been to read.
*************************
An audio book of 'The Fireman's Pole' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2023
The story was sweet , but unfortunately I listened to the audiobook. The narrator had a very nice voice while reading the male parts. Every time he spoke a female voice it sounded like a character from Monty Python. It was so bad that I cringed.
I didn’t let it ruin the book for me, but it certainly didn’t help it.
I didn’t let it ruin the book for me, but it certainly didn’t help it.
Read
October 20, 20174 Hearts
I am going to jump up on a soap box for a moment… I adore the Dreamspun Desires stories as they reflect on the beginnings of my romance reading as a young girl. There is a comfort in knowing when I open one of these books, I am going to get a romance; not erotica or sex filled pages, but a romance between two men and how they fall forward toward an HEA. This series and I have had our ups and downs, but it delivers on the promise of the publisher, “Where the men are hot, the romance is rockin’, and there’s always a happily ever after!” I have said this house line reminds me of the Hallmark Movies I can’t get enough of, just with more diversity. Anyway, I think for anyone wanting to read a story in the Dreamspun line needs to be aware what the line represents before judging a book on what you thought you were getting…
*jumps down*
So, this story was fun. I am a fan of the author's work and this line fit Sue Brown’s story telling beautifully.
We meet Dale Maloney as he is starting a new job with a new firehouse after moving across the country to leave behind his old life. You see, Dale was dating a fellow fireman but they kept their relationship in the closet. When Dale was ready to propose, he caught his boyfriend in bed with another crew member, a female crew member. Devastated and betrayed, Dale is ready to move on but with his first call away to a cottage fire gives way to a terrible first impression of Lord Calminster and his attitude.
Benedict Raleigh, nineteenth Baron Calminster of Calminster Hall, is used to living life a certain way. He’s been raised with responsibility of being Lord of the Manor of Calminster. He also takes the lives of those who work for him seriously. When his cook’s cottage catches fire and he can’t get to her to make sure she is okay, he frets and takes his frustrations out Dale who has no clue who he is.
Granted, Ben and Dale don’t have a traditional meet cute as they more have a calamity of situations that throw them together, the men have a spark of enemies to lovers that I love. They truly aren’t enemies, they just rub one another the wrong way when they first meet but both men have an attraction and through both their POV’s we know how they feel.
I was worried when I found out Ben had a beard; a woman he’s been “dating” for a few years who is the daughter of a man he would like to merge business with. It’s bad to marry for business, but Ben has resigned the false life so that he could again do what’s right and produce heirs. I absolutely love that when Ben owns his interest in Dale, he decides to break off the relationship with Sabrina and their whole dinner conversation was fantastic. Thanks to the author for not making Sabrina out to be some vapid girl and instead makes her to be an amazing, strong and professional woman wants nothing for the best for Ben in his personal and professional life. Sabrina is pretty kick ass and I love how she remained in Ben’s corner even when her father was trying to destroy everything Ben has.
But back to the romance. Ben and Dale do take their time with the relationship. They acknowledge the attraction and respect one another’s boundaries; Ben wanting to keep the relationship quiet as he isn’t publicly out and Dale wanting to take things slow as he is getting over his breakup. Though Ben wants to keep things quiet at first, he does understand that Dale won’t go back in the closet and let’s just say that nothing in a small town is ever kept secret when everyone already knows your business.
These two were really sweet and the relationship was built on honesty and trust from the get go. Ben and Dale talk about their issues and share their dreams with one another. We know Ben has a fantasy of being rescued by a fireman and we know how much Dale’s mother would love to see a place like Calminster House in person. We get a small conversation about children early on with these two and I found it true to who the men were to be open about wanting kids someday, having them together and Dale commenting about the offer from his sister. I don’t think it was too soon to talk about anything when it came to their relationship or their future, even if the talks happened *gasp* before they fucked.
I adored the crew of the Calminster firehouse and the staff at Calminster Hall. It cracked me up when Dale would mention how hot Colson the butler was and when we learn about Joe, I felt for Dale wanting to hide from Colson and his hearing and yet I nodded along to the porn scenario. The small village feel of Calminster was warm and inviting. The added mystery of an arsonist was handled in a way I would expect of a small town where everyone knows one another and dealt with reasonably. That end was a bit rushed for me but I just wanted a bit more from the couple and wasn’t ready for the book to end.
The Fireman’s Pole (yes take every innuendo with that and you’d be right) was simply a light and sweet romance about two men met under non perfect conditions but found they wanted one another more than first impressions allowed. Ben and Dale were a delightful couple to get to know as they became friends, as they found dark corners, had sexy AF picnics and realized that letting go of the past allows them to live fully in the present and plan for one hell of a future together.
*side note*There is a cat on the cover and while the cat is not front and center of the book, there is a cat mentioned in the story. Ben’s dogs just take over and as a dog person, I am a-okay with that.
I am going to jump up on a soap box for a moment… I adore the Dreamspun Desires stories as they reflect on the beginnings of my romance reading as a young girl. There is a comfort in knowing when I open one of these books, I am going to get a romance; not erotica or sex filled pages, but a romance between two men and how they fall forward toward an HEA. This series and I have had our ups and downs, but it delivers on the promise of the publisher, “Where the men are hot, the romance is rockin’, and there’s always a happily ever after!” I have said this house line reminds me of the Hallmark Movies I can’t get enough of, just with more diversity. Anyway, I think for anyone wanting to read a story in the Dreamspun line needs to be aware what the line represents before judging a book on what you thought you were getting…
*jumps down*
So, this story was fun. I am a fan of the author's work and this line fit Sue Brown’s story telling beautifully.
“The minute I laid eyes on you, I wanted to….”
“To?”
“Do I really have to say this?”
“Yes, you do.”
“Dale Maloney, I wanted you to take me to bed and fuck me senseless.”
We meet Dale Maloney as he is starting a new job with a new firehouse after moving across the country to leave behind his old life. You see, Dale was dating a fellow fireman but they kept their relationship in the closet. When Dale was ready to propose, he caught his boyfriend in bed with another crew member, a female crew member. Devastated and betrayed, Dale is ready to move on but with his first call away to a cottage fire gives way to a terrible first impression of Lord Calminster and his attitude.
Benedict Raleigh, nineteenth Baron Calminster of Calminster Hall, is used to living life a certain way. He’s been raised with responsibility of being Lord of the Manor of Calminster. He also takes the lives of those who work for him seriously. When his cook’s cottage catches fire and he can’t get to her to make sure she is okay, he frets and takes his frustrations out Dale who has no clue who he is.
Granted, Ben and Dale don’t have a traditional meet cute as they more have a calamity of situations that throw them together, the men have a spark of enemies to lovers that I love. They truly aren’t enemies, they just rub one another the wrong way when they first meet but both men have an attraction and through both their POV’s we know how they feel.
I was worried when I found out Ben had a beard; a woman he’s been “dating” for a few years who is the daughter of a man he would like to merge business with. It’s bad to marry for business, but Ben has resigned the false life so that he could again do what’s right and produce heirs. I absolutely love that when Ben owns his interest in Dale, he decides to break off the relationship with Sabrina and their whole dinner conversation was fantastic. Thanks to the author for not making Sabrina out to be some vapid girl and instead makes her to be an amazing, strong and professional woman wants nothing for the best for Ben in his personal and professional life. Sabrina is pretty kick ass and I love how she remained in Ben’s corner even when her father was trying to destroy everything Ben has.
“Going out with Sabrina was lazy and convenient, but it was wrong of me to lead her along. Although I might have ended up marrying her, because I’m a coward.”
“But you’re gay.”
“I’m also someone who is expected to marry and produce heirs.”
“So what stopped you?”
“I met you.”
But back to the romance. Ben and Dale do take their time with the relationship. They acknowledge the attraction and respect one another’s boundaries; Ben wanting to keep the relationship quiet as he isn’t publicly out and Dale wanting to take things slow as he is getting over his breakup. Though Ben wants to keep things quiet at first, he does understand that Dale won’t go back in the closet and let’s just say that nothing in a small town is ever kept secret when everyone already knows your business.
These two were really sweet and the relationship was built on honesty and trust from the get go. Ben and Dale talk about their issues and share their dreams with one another. We know Ben has a fantasy of being rescued by a fireman and we know how much Dale’s mother would love to see a place like Calminster House in person. We get a small conversation about children early on with these two and I found it true to who the men were to be open about wanting kids someday, having them together and Dale commenting about the offer from his sister. I don’t think it was too soon to talk about anything when it came to their relationship or their future, even if the talks happened *gasp* before they fucked.
I adored the crew of the Calminster firehouse and the staff at Calminster Hall. It cracked me up when Dale would mention how hot Colson the butler was and when we learn about Joe, I felt for Dale wanting to hide from Colson and his hearing and yet I nodded along to the porn scenario. The small village feel of Calminster was warm and inviting. The added mystery of an arsonist was handled in a way I would expect of a small town where everyone knows one another and dealt with reasonably. That end was a bit rushed for me but I just wanted a bit more from the couple and wasn’t ready for the book to end.
The Fireman’s Pole (yes take every innuendo with that and you’d be right) was simply a light and sweet romance about two men met under non perfect conditions but found they wanted one another more than first impressions allowed. Ben and Dale were a delightful couple to get to know as they became friends, as they found dark corners, had sexy AF picnics and realized that letting go of the past allows them to live fully in the present and plan for one hell of a future together.
*side note*There is a cat on the cover and while the cat is not front and center of the book, there is a cat mentioned in the story. Ben’s dogs just take over and as a dog person, I am a-okay with that.
November 15, 2017
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Like others in this Dreamspun Desires series, this is a sweet M/M romance. The new fireman in town is Dale Maloney. His recent breakup from his long-term partner has shown him that it didn’t pay to stay in the closet at his last job so he immediately comes out to his fellow firefighters. They’re okay with him but rib him over many other things, including backing the rig into the town’s maypole. A historic pole, it’s a well-known centerpiece and the “lord of the manor” comes after Dale with a vengeance.
Ben Raleigh, the Baron Calminster, literally comes up to Dale and starts telling him off. Later embarrassed by yelling back and by what he says, the two stand toe-to-toe in the town square shouting at each other. But more than just a fight over the maypole takes place during this confrontation. The spark of an attraction is kindled. (Firefighter pun intended.)
Over time, the two get to know each other and they take a long slow-burn romantic route to consummating their love. Along the way, though, there’s plenty of small arson fires, a mystery to solve, and a decision Ben needs to make about coming out of the closet. Though he doesn’t know it, that secret really isn’t one at all. Ben has never been a stand-offish landowner, so his “people” know very well that he’s gay and that he’s fallen for Dale.
There’s a side plot about a woman named Sabrina who was dating Ben before Dale came on the scene. Ben breaks up with her and ends up with her as his new attorney. She helps him get clear of her father, who had really been behind their romance in the first place. He wants to merge the companies, and even near the end of the story, he’s still complaining that he won’t stop until he has his hands on Calminster Hall.
Without giving away the ending, I will say that I felt like the Sabrina thread and the business end of that with her father felt like they were dropped. Going back over the story, I see the threads were wrapped up, but they did still feel as if they were going to culminate in more drama. Maybe that’s because these stories follow old tropes and other authors have added that drama so I just assumed this one would as well.
Nevertheless, the story remained sweet, but not overly dramatic, and not anything I’d rate higher than 3 stars. If you are loving these Dreamspun books, and you enjoy a UK story with a good deal of local politics and lingo, you should definitely enjoy this one.
Like others in this Dreamspun Desires series, this is a sweet M/M romance. The new fireman in town is Dale Maloney. His recent breakup from his long-term partner has shown him that it didn’t pay to stay in the closet at his last job so he immediately comes out to his fellow firefighters. They’re okay with him but rib him over many other things, including backing the rig into the town’s maypole. A historic pole, it’s a well-known centerpiece and the “lord of the manor” comes after Dale with a vengeance.
Ben Raleigh, the Baron Calminster, literally comes up to Dale and starts telling him off. Later embarrassed by yelling back and by what he says, the two stand toe-to-toe in the town square shouting at each other. But more than just a fight over the maypole takes place during this confrontation. The spark of an attraction is kindled. (Firefighter pun intended.)
Over time, the two get to know each other and they take a long slow-burn romantic route to consummating their love. Along the way, though, there’s plenty of small arson fires, a mystery to solve, and a decision Ben needs to make about coming out of the closet. Though he doesn’t know it, that secret really isn’t one at all. Ben has never been a stand-offish landowner, so his “people” know very well that he’s gay and that he’s fallen for Dale.
There’s a side plot about a woman named Sabrina who was dating Ben before Dale came on the scene. Ben breaks up with her and ends up with her as his new attorney. She helps him get clear of her father, who had really been behind their romance in the first place. He wants to merge the companies, and even near the end of the story, he’s still complaining that he won’t stop until he has his hands on Calminster Hall.
Without giving away the ending, I will say that I felt like the Sabrina thread and the business end of that with her father felt like they were dropped. Going back over the story, I see the threads were wrapped up, but they did still feel as if they were going to culminate in more drama. Maybe that’s because these stories follow old tropes and other authors have added that drama so I just assumed this one would as well.
Nevertheless, the story remained sweet, but not overly dramatic, and not anything I’d rate higher than 3 stars. If you are loving these Dreamspun books, and you enjoy a UK story with a good deal of local politics and lingo, you should definitely enjoy this one.
October 20, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I have enjoyed many stories by author Sue Brown and her latest, The Fireman’s Pole, was no exception. Despite an occasional choppy feel to the pacing of the story, the two main characters, Dale and Ben, were well developed and the secondary cast added to the richness of the story. Perhaps the real gift this author offers in her novels is the realistic settings that almost become a character in and of themselves, prompting the reader to wish they were able to visit the villages she creates. There is something magical about the little hamlets these people inhabit and Calminster is no different. For me, the romance that developed between Ben and Dale proceeded at a nice pace even though the transitioning between scenes in the book itself was uneven, at times. There were some rather sudden place and time changes that jolted me from the flow of the novel and that led to an overall feel that the story may have needed a second edit in order to make it smoother.
The chemistry between Dale and Ben worked so well and I really felt for Ben as he struggled to come to terms with exposing his sexuality to those who had served his estate for so long. His sense of fear that somehow admitting he was gay would cause those he loved to feel he had failed them and the worry that opening his private life up for all to see could make him vulnerable to public disgust was a believable worry that grounded his character in reality—something which helped given he was modern day aristocrat in the 21st century. I liked that Dale was compassionate to Ben’s fears, but refused to allow their relationship to take a back seat to them in any way even at the potential cost of losing each other.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I have enjoyed many stories by author Sue Brown and her latest, The Fireman’s Pole, was no exception. Despite an occasional choppy feel to the pacing of the story, the two main characters, Dale and Ben, were well developed and the secondary cast added to the richness of the story. Perhaps the real gift this author offers in her novels is the realistic settings that almost become a character in and of themselves, prompting the reader to wish they were able to visit the villages she creates. There is something magical about the little hamlets these people inhabit and Calminster is no different. For me, the romance that developed between Ben and Dale proceeded at a nice pace even though the transitioning between scenes in the book itself was uneven, at times. There were some rather sudden place and time changes that jolted me from the flow of the novel and that led to an overall feel that the story may have needed a second edit in order to make it smoother.
The chemistry between Dale and Ben worked so well and I really felt for Ben as he struggled to come to terms with exposing his sexuality to those who had served his estate for so long. His sense of fear that somehow admitting he was gay would cause those he loved to feel he had failed them and the worry that opening his private life up for all to see could make him vulnerable to public disgust was a believable worry that grounded his character in reality—something which helped given he was modern day aristocrat in the 21st century. I liked that Dale was compassionate to Ben’s fears, but refused to allow their relationship to take a back seat to them in any way even at the potential cost of losing each other.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
February 3, 2019
This was a sweet romance with a Little bit of heat and a splash of action and the way ben and dale meet is hilarious and I liked the Setting of the English country side so all in all a sweet romance that made me smile
October 31, 2017
ARC provided by dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.
I was looking forward to read this story, because, well, I'm kinda like the snob royalty. LOL. Sue me.
But this one didn't really gave me the thrill about Ben. I can understand, at his age, being a landlord and a royalty is like having an elephant sitting on your shoulder. Between taking a space and being awkward is what Ben's do everyday.
But Ben is generous. A bit stupid, but he has an ex-girlfriend as his shields. So yeah, everything's good in the end after all.
Dale is good for Ben as a balancing element, I guess. The insta-love and insta-commitment didn't really sit well with me.
This is just an okay read, I think. Not memorable, but sweet enough for a weekend read.
January 16, 2021
Sometimes people fall in love despite themselves and the fact that they have totally different backgrounds and an almost opposite perspective on life. Dale and Ben prove this point after meeting under less than favorable circumstances, despite Ben’s irascible nature, multiple temper tantrums, and not hindered (much) by an arsonist and Ben’s crooked business partner. Set in a quaint British village, this tale offers twists and turns, a touch of mystery, quite some humor, and lots of British sarcasm and banter. It definitely made me grin more than once.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 16, 2021
Sometimes people fall in love despite themselves and the fact that they have totally different backgrounds and an almost opposite perspective on life. Dale and Ben prove this point after meeting under less than favorable circumstances, despite Ben’s irascible nature, multiple temper tantrums, and not hindered (much) by an arsonist and Ben’s crooked business partner. Set in a quaint British village, this tale offers twists and turns, a touch of mystery, quite some humor, and lots of British sarcasm and banter. It definitely made me grin more than once.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 20, 2018
A sweet story of a fireman and the Lord of the manor. It was a nice story but I felt that it could have been better if a couple of the side characters were expanded a bit more. There was little angst so all in all a sweet story to read.
April 12, 2018
Not for me.
October 10, 2017
3.5 Stars rounded up because, Fireman’s Pole *snicker* Review to follow.
Sue Brown has added yet another sweet romance to the Dreamspun Desires line of books. It’s filled with the charm of a small English town, where Dale the firefighter meets Ben, the local aristocrat and village benefactor, under less than ideal circumstances. An attraction builds but they go slowly due to recent breakups for both, and they’re kept busy with various events in the village. I really liked Ben, the unpretentious Baron with a soft spot for his estate staff and neighbors, who he befriended and helped. Dale was shown as caring, protective and empathetic, fitting the typical fireman mold quite well. A variety of characters from the village and estate fill out the story, adding warmth and good-natured humor. Fortunately, cheesy pole jokes were kept between Ben and Dale.
The story develops nicely, allowing easy visualization of the setting and a nice connection with all of the characters. It’s not the most passionate of relationships between Dale and Ben but I kind of liked the slow burn, low flame pace. All of the characters developed quite organically within the narrative. Most secondary players didn’t spend a great deal of time on page but they came across as real and vivid. I'm not sure this was a 200+ page story, as it was a pretty quick read. However, the ending came too abruptly and left the story feeling a bit incomplete. There was an HFN but I’d have preferred a solid HEA and perhaps a brief epilogue. Overall, it was engaging and a refreshing change of pace from serious and heavy themed books.
*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Jessie G Books Review blog, in return for an honest review*
Sue Brown has added yet another sweet romance to the Dreamspun Desires line of books. It’s filled with the charm of a small English town, where Dale the firefighter meets Ben, the local aristocrat and village benefactor, under less than ideal circumstances. An attraction builds but they go slowly due to recent breakups for both, and they’re kept busy with various events in the village. I really liked Ben, the unpretentious Baron with a soft spot for his estate staff and neighbors, who he befriended and helped. Dale was shown as caring, protective and empathetic, fitting the typical fireman mold quite well. A variety of characters from the village and estate fill out the story, adding warmth and good-natured humor. Fortunately, cheesy pole jokes were kept between Ben and Dale.
The story develops nicely, allowing easy visualization of the setting and a nice connection with all of the characters. It’s not the most passionate of relationships between Dale and Ben but I kind of liked the slow burn, low flame pace. All of the characters developed quite organically within the narrative. Most secondary players didn’t spend a great deal of time on page but they came across as real and vivid. I'm not sure this was a 200+ page story, as it was a pretty quick read. However, the ending came too abruptly and left the story feeling a bit incomplete. There was an HFN but I’d have preferred a solid HEA and perhaps a brief epilogue. Overall, it was engaging and a refreshing change of pace from serious and heavy themed books.
*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Jessie G Books Review blog, in return for an honest review*
October 15, 2017
I want to be honest here, the title of this book made me go back and forth on reading it. But the blurb sold me on it. This is a story about a rich Lord and a hunky fireman. That’s what got my attention too.
Dale has moved across the country because his then boyfriend was cheating on him. Ben is a Lord who starts off in a relationship with a woman. Then these two meet. There’s accusations of negligence, fires, crashing into poles, more fire, a lot of flirting, a slow burn, and a happily ever after.
This is a very low angst love story. Minimal suspense and I thought there was a mystery but there wasn’t. We are following these two guys seeing how they can make it work. A Lord and a Fireman is an odd mix but when these two are together there sure are flames.
What I loved was the chemistry between the MC’s. I believed each moment they were together was genuine. The communication was good and they were believable on a mental and physical level. I loved them. I also LOVED the secondary characters and Dale’s porn worthy dreams of the hot butler and the burly gardener. Hilarious.
I wished we saw more closure on the ex-girlfriend’s father. I thought the story was going somewhere with that but it really didn’t and I would have loved more there. I also wasn’t a fan of the abrupt ending. It was so sudden I thought my kindle screwed up somewhere and I was missing pages. I would have loved either an epilogue or a closing chapter.
It was enjoyable and sweet and if that’s your cuppa tea then go for it.
Dale has moved across the country because his then boyfriend was cheating on him. Ben is a Lord who starts off in a relationship with a woman. Then these two meet. There’s accusations of negligence, fires, crashing into poles, more fire, a lot of flirting, a slow burn, and a happily ever after.
This is a very low angst love story. Minimal suspense and I thought there was a mystery but there wasn’t. We are following these two guys seeing how they can make it work. A Lord and a Fireman is an odd mix but when these two are together there sure are flames.
What I loved was the chemistry between the MC’s. I believed each moment they were together was genuine. The communication was good and they were believable on a mental and physical level. I loved them. I also LOVED the secondary characters and Dale’s porn worthy dreams of the hot butler and the burly gardener. Hilarious.
I wished we saw more closure on the ex-girlfriend’s father. I thought the story was going somewhere with that but it really didn’t and I would have loved more there. I also wasn’t a fan of the abrupt ending. It was so sudden I thought my kindle screwed up somewhere and I was missing pages. I would have loved either an epilogue or a closing chapter.
It was enjoyable and sweet and if that’s your cuppa tea then go for it.
October 15, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
After a secretive break-up with his fellow firefighter, Dale takes the first job available somewhere away from his ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. Dale ends up in small-town Calminster. But after some mistakes, Dale has not made a good impression on the Baron of Calminster. The two clash from the first meeting, but as they see each other more, they can no longer deny the attraction.
Both characters took a little time to like. Dale was easier but he was so awkward. His first week on the job was awkward and I felt so bad for him. Ben really seemed like quite the a-hole and took a lot longer for me to like. Once getting to know him, his behavior made sense and he turned out to be a caring, down-to-earth man. Dale and Ben were a sweet couple and I enjoyed watching them find love.
There was a little mystery in the story and I would have loved more of it. It was a very small part of the story and did not overtake the love story taking place. Other than the arsonist, Calminster seemed a great place to live. I actually didn’t read the blurb for this book but the title of the book gave me a laugh and I couldn’t pass it up. And I was not disappointed in the story! This was a sweet romance with more of a HFN ending but you can definitely draw the conclusion that Ben and Dale got their HEA.
Rating: 4 stars
After a secretive break-up with his fellow firefighter, Dale takes the first job available somewhere away from his ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. Dale ends up in small-town Calminster. But after some mistakes, Dale has not made a good impression on the Baron of Calminster. The two clash from the first meeting, but as they see each other more, they can no longer deny the attraction.
Both characters took a little time to like. Dale was easier but he was so awkward. His first week on the job was awkward and I felt so bad for him. Ben really seemed like quite the a-hole and took a lot longer for me to like. Once getting to know him, his behavior made sense and he turned out to be a caring, down-to-earth man. Dale and Ben were a sweet couple and I enjoyed watching them find love.
There was a little mystery in the story and I would have loved more of it. It was a very small part of the story and did not overtake the love story taking place. Other than the arsonist, Calminster seemed a great place to live. I actually didn’t read the blurb for this book but the title of the book gave me a laugh and I couldn’t pass it up. And I was not disappointed in the story! This was a sweet romance with more of a HFN ending but you can definitely draw the conclusion that Ben and Dale got their HEA.
Rating: 4 stars
July 18, 2018
This is what I would consider the perfect representative of the Dreamspun Desires line; small English town where everyone knows everyone (and their business!), a Lord and a hot fireman who both love dogs. Add some crimes that need solving and a manipulative business man and our guys have their hands full until their well-earned happy ending. Which could have been spelled out in a bit more - I would have liked an epilogue. Still I really enjoyed this light, fluffy story.
December 12, 2018
This book had great promise but the ending was abrupt, and I feel cheated from the “I love you” moments!
January 15, 2021
The Fireman's Pole by Sue Brown is a standalone romance. It's about fireman Dale and lord of the manor Ben. I liked their story but it didn't blow me away.
October 2, 2022
2.5***
Cavity inducing sweet. Abrupt ending. Needed an epilogue.
Cavity inducing sweet. Abrupt ending. Needed an epilogue.
January 31, 2021
4.5 rounded up.
I loved Dale and Ben’s story. It has all the tropes I love about stories set in small towns/villages—someone new to village life, a community in which keeping secrets is impossible, and a wonderful supporting cast. I liked the mix of romance and humour, with a touch of drama and action.
The feel good vibe of this story pulled me in immediately and although I guessed who was behind the arsons, his final art of revenge had me turning pages to make sure these guys got their HEA. I loved them together, and how Dale speaks his mind and that the class difference between them isn’t an issue once they get to know each other. Dale’s ex is a total piece of work, while Ben’s ex, Sabrina totally rocks, but isn’t the person for him. I loved Sabrina. She’s a force to be reckoned with and I wouldn’t want to get on her wrong side. Dale and Ben are sweet together, and I loved their mutual attraction which quickly grows into friendship and more. They’re good for each other. Ben’s conviction that he can keep their relationship, and that he’s gay, from the village is naive, and sweet.
The supportive community of Calminster is a highlight of this story. I liked how Dale comes out at work immediately, and it’s very totally a non-issue. His team at the fire station feel like family, and I like how they all look out for each other. Mrs Wilson is wonderful, and I like how she and Colson have become Ben’s family since his parents died. The plot twist with Colson was perfect. Ben really is clueless about a lot of things, but totally onto it with anything business related. I liked how he doesn’t take any nonsense from Sabrina’s father, who is a bully and not a nice person at all.
The final arson scene is exciting and satisfyingly action packed. I loved seeing Dale in action as a firefighter. My only niggle with the story is that I thought it ended abruptly. I swiped the page, thinking I must be missing another scene. I’d love to see these guys again, and read another story set in Calminster.
I loved Dale and Ben’s story. It has all the tropes I love about stories set in small towns/villages—someone new to village life, a community in which keeping secrets is impossible, and a wonderful supporting cast. I liked the mix of romance and humour, with a touch of drama and action.
The feel good vibe of this story pulled me in immediately and although I guessed who was behind the arsons, his final art of revenge had me turning pages to make sure these guys got their HEA. I loved them together, and how Dale speaks his mind and that the class difference between them isn’t an issue once they get to know each other. Dale’s ex is a total piece of work, while Ben’s ex, Sabrina totally rocks, but isn’t the person for him. I loved Sabrina. She’s a force to be reckoned with and I wouldn’t want to get on her wrong side. Dale and Ben are sweet together, and I loved their mutual attraction which quickly grows into friendship and more. They’re good for each other. Ben’s conviction that he can keep their relationship, and that he’s gay, from the village is naive, and sweet.
The supportive community of Calminster is a highlight of this story. I liked how Dale comes out at work immediately, and it’s very totally a non-issue. His team at the fire station feel like family, and I like how they all look out for each other. Mrs Wilson is wonderful, and I like how she and Colson have become Ben’s family since his parents died. The plot twist with Colson was perfect. Ben really is clueless about a lot of things, but totally onto it with anything business related. I liked how he doesn’t take any nonsense from Sabrina’s father, who is a bully and not a nice person at all.
The final arson scene is exciting and satisfyingly action packed. I loved seeing Dale in action as a firefighter. My only niggle with the story is that I thought it ended abruptly. I swiped the page, thinking I must be missing another scene. I’d love to see these guys again, and read another story set in Calminster.
October 10, 2017
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
It was the innuendo in the title that caught my attention - I didn’t bother with the blurb. And the story does live up to it’s title. This is a light and easy romance about a wealthy minor peer and the new fireman at his village fire house.
When he isn’t damaging the village maypole, Dale and his fellow firefighters are trying to identify the arsonist causing problems in Calminster. Ben Raliegh, Baron of Calminster, is fighting hard to keep his home and businesses safe from a dastardly competitor. The two don’t necessarily have much in common, but once Ben forgives Dale for the Maypole mishap, the attraction between the two blossoms into something more.
This is a low heat, traditional romance. Ben’s staff and Dale’s coworkers provide colour and Calminster village provides a traditional setting. The arson storyline adds some excitement. But this isn’t an action story - it’s not even Midsomer Murders. This is a slow, sweet romance that gets a little bit steamy at times.
I have no idea what Sue Brown’s nationality is but I feel like she might be an American who has seen one too many episodes of Downton Abbey. Calminster is a little bit too idyllic, titles and addresses don’t quite ring true, the quirky characters are a bit too obsequious around their feudal lord - and honestly - a Georgian house with a dungeon? This definitely isn’t a story for readers who need their stories to feel authentic.
It was the innuendo in the title that caught my attention - I didn’t bother with the blurb. And the story does live up to it’s title. This is a light and easy romance about a wealthy minor peer and the new fireman at his village fire house.
When he isn’t damaging the village maypole, Dale and his fellow firefighters are trying to identify the arsonist causing problems in Calminster. Ben Raliegh, Baron of Calminster, is fighting hard to keep his home and businesses safe from a dastardly competitor. The two don’t necessarily have much in common, but once Ben forgives Dale for the Maypole mishap, the attraction between the two blossoms into something more.
This is a low heat, traditional romance. Ben’s staff and Dale’s coworkers provide colour and Calminster village provides a traditional setting. The arson storyline adds some excitement. But this isn’t an action story - it’s not even Midsomer Murders. This is a slow, sweet romance that gets a little bit steamy at times.
I have no idea what Sue Brown’s nationality is but I feel like she might be an American who has seen one too many episodes of Downton Abbey. Calminster is a little bit too idyllic, titles and addresses don’t quite ring true, the quirky characters are a bit too obsequious around their feudal lord - and honestly - a Georgian house with a dungeon? This definitely isn’t a story for readers who need their stories to feel authentic.
October 8, 2017
The Fireman's Pole by Sue Brown
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Arson, attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Dale and Benedict are an odd couple. You have a fireman and a Baron. You have a guy who seems to get along with everyone and then someone who has power over everyone. One who is out of the closet and one who hides himself.
While I did enjoy the mystery - who done it - part of the story, I found that the romance fell a little short. Considering what I'm used to reading from Ms. Brown, I just thought that this was not as good as what I've come to expect.
It was a quick read, but I also was dissatisfied with the ending and resolution for a lot of the characters in the story. Maybe it's a set up for a second book, but I just wanted more.
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Arson, attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Dale and Benedict are an odd couple. You have a fireman and a Baron. You have a guy who seems to get along with everyone and then someone who has power over everyone. One who is out of the closet and one who hides himself.
While I did enjoy the mystery - who done it - part of the story, I found that the romance fell a little short. Considering what I'm used to reading from Ms. Brown, I just thought that this was not as good as what I've come to expect.
It was a quick read, but I also was dissatisfied with the ending and resolution for a lot of the characters in the story. Maybe it's a set up for a second book, but I just wanted more.
February 27, 2018
as interesting as those subplots are, I would like to have seen the focus put on one of these and the intensity of that one fully explored and developed. This was a sweet romance with Dale and Ben sneaking around, but everyone already knew Ben was gay, so there was no real fear of rejection or hurt to fear for Ben if his relationship with Dale was discovered. If there had been more urgency, the story would have been more appealing to me. As it was, I found the story amusing and sweet. Both of the main characters are likable which makes the story easy to enjoy.
FULL REVIEW - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
FULL REVIEW - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
October 16, 2017
Worth a read
I loved the characters. I enjoyed the story, but ending was a bit abrupt for me - feeling a bit unresolved.
I loved the characters. I enjoyed the story, but ending was a bit abrupt for me - feeling a bit unresolved.
January 7, 2018
**2.5 Stars
October 29, 2017
2☆
This story just didn't work for me.
I didn't get the whole romance between the Mc's and the whole arson mysterie hmm well ...
This story just didn't work for me.
I didn't get the whole romance between the Mc's and the whole arson mysterie hmm well ...
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