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Sharp's Cove #3

Three Times Ablaze

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No fire ever burned this hot.

Jessy

Jessy Long likes sharks better than people—both can bite, but in her experience sharks are less cruel.

As much as she likes Sharp's Cove, her bags are already packed, ready for when the sharks she's studying choose to move south. In the meantime, her plan is simple: keep herself to herself—and ignore the burning attraction she feels for Darryl Berner, Sharp Cove’s cocky, brawny fire chief.

Darryl might be a fearless firefighter and the town’s hero, but Jessy stopped believing in heroes a long time ago.

Darryl

Darryl Berner’s life used to be simple—now, not so much. The problem isn’t that he likes everything about Jessy, from the way her thong fits to her snarky wit, but rather that he can’t stop thinking about her, even when she’s made it clear she doesn’t want anything to do with him.


When Jessy’s past follows her to Sharp’s Cove, Darryl is the only one she can turn to for help.


Note to readers: This sexy action-packed romance novel is intended for adult readers. Although it is part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone book.

273 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2021

73 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

J.R. Pace

31 books71 followers

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5 stars
172 (55%)
4 stars
94 (30%)
3 stars
36 (11%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
9,375 reviews138 followers
May 24, 2021
This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters centering on Jessy and Darryl. The author does a great job building the relationship from not so good to sweet and sexy. There's romance and suspense with vividly painted scenes. The story moves fluidly and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Kathy Mccalmon.
3,721 reviews28 followers
May 26, 2021
This is book 3 in the sharps cove series. It is a standalone romance. Jessy is such a great character to read about along with Darryl and the other characters from previous books. A great action filled romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,156 reviews33 followers
May 25, 2021
HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Jessy was doing her daily run and couldn't help thinking that the sharks should have gone south by now, but it was October and they showed no interest in leaving. She was a marine conservation biologist and considered the sharks she has tagged as hers.

Since it was high tide she was running on the pier. In the past she would have run closer to the woods, but after her friend was kidnapped a few months ago by a serial rapist and killer she wasn't taking any chances.

As she's running she hears an animal crying, but then realizes it's not an animal but a man hanging onto the rocks getting pounded by the waves. Not seeing anyone to help her she grabs a life boey and dives in only to realize it's not a man but a teenager.

Darryl is Sharp's Cove Fire Chief and when he sees Jessy's windbreaker and sneakers he looks over the pier to see why the insane woman is in the water. He is going to kill her!

Darryl may have been the most attractive man she's ever seen, but he was a pompous a$$. After helping her when she first arrived in Sharp's Cove he tried to hook up with her and she was in no state of mind for that since her fiance's suicide.

When strange things start happening to Jessy Darryl insists she move in with him to keep her safe.

This is the third book in the Sharp's Cove series and it is just as amazing as the first two books. JR Pace's attention to detail really brings this story more to life for me. The depth of detail in underwater diving, firefighting and sharks gave the story more depth.

I love all the characters in this series as they are all so full of life. I can feel them gasping for breathe and the tears falling down their face. The sex scenes are smoking hot 🔥 and the chemistry between Jessy and Darryl is wonderful even when Jessy was determined to dislike Darryl.

The storyline is full of action, suspense and romance. I truly love JR Pace novels and think they would make amazing movies! Definitely highly recommend!
Profile Image for Bee.
426 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2021
This story is another well written JR Pace page turner. It is the third novel in the Sharp's Cove series. Books 1 and 2 followed a different story thread than this one and are well worth the read. "Three Times Ablaze" is a stand alone novel that includes all of our favorite characters from the first two books and then some.

The hero of the story, Darryl, loves being a firefighter. Facing difficult, dangerous situations is just another day at the office for him. Everyone in town loves and appreciates him. Everyone, except Jessy.

Jessy loves playing with sharks. She likes to be with these creatures more than she likes being with people. She makes a hasty judgement about Darryl when she first meets him and decides not to like him, forever. Fortunately, Darryl is not one to take no for an answer, forever. Little by little Darryl chips away at Jessy's judgmental attitude until she sees the real him. These two sizzle their way through quite a few chapters. Too bad for both of them, there is a crazy person from her past that is dead set against letting her find happiness.

The story is fast paced and has some very thrilling moments. Very entertaining. Great series. Very enthusiastically recommend this five star read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marga Benavides.
417 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
Novela de suspense romántica. 

En este caso los protagonistas son Jessy, Daryl, el agua y el fuego. 

Quizás de los tres es el que más expectante me tenía. Hay varios factores que lo hacen más interesante y más enigmático. 

Mantiene la dinámica narrativa que te hace volar por las páginas con escenas de acción trepidante y curiosidades como la preservación de los océanos. 

Digo curiosidades porque al final quien espera encontrarse con un tema así en un romance policíaco. 

Algo recurrente,  un trauma del pasado no resuelto emocionalmente y que sale al escenario por una melodia. Un enigma a resolver que irá in crescendo. 

Temas que salen a lo largo de la trama:

- la relación con los padres. 

- la elección del trabajo 

- el dilema de elegir entre dos cosas opuestas. 

- el valor de la amistad 

- la conciencia de hacer las cosas bien por principios aunque a veces no sea merecido. 

- reconocer lo que falta en tu vida cuando por fin lo tienes, pero que no sabías que necesitabas. 

Y vámonos, porque si os lo cuento todo para que vais a leer. Lo que sí digo es que deja miguitas para un cuarto que espero leer pronto.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
May 13, 2023
Marine biologist Jessy Long’s career has helped her live a nomadic life for the last three years. Surprisingly the whale pod she’s working with has stuck around Sharps Cove longer than expected, they must like it as much as she does. Jessy’s certain if it wasn’t for Fire Chief Darryl Berner’s very obvious interest in her, Sharps Cove would be perfect to set down roots.

Jessy begins to see Darryl in a new after looking at him beyond his interest in her and she likes what she sees. When they return from a night out, Jessy’s home has been broken into and she panics. She haltingly tells Darryl of her painful past, how since her grandmother’s death her family’s united in vehement disapproval of her and how they ignore her.

The largest piece of evidence from the break is a vivid reminder of Jessy’s happiness shattering, never to return, it was also the first of a string of personal attacks. Luckily, she and Darryl have gotten close enough for him to be support as they try to find out who caused the attacks and why and Jessy’s circle is small.
Rating: 3.5stars
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2021
This is the third book in the Sharps Cove series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone but you will come across characters from the previous books in the series. I haven’t read the first two books and I was able to enjoy this book without any issues. I definitely want to go back and read books one and two though. This one was very entertaining, had a nice mix of suspense and romance, it's definitely hot and steamy. Darryl and Jessy have been arguing with each other from pretty much day one of her moving to Sharps Cove they can't help but argue with each other whenever they talk to each other. No matter what Darryl says or does seems to change Jessy's mind that he’s a jerk but someone’s after Jessy and Darryl's going to protect her no matter what. They grow Closer to each other the longer they're together. Can they figure out who's after Jessy before it's too late?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
800 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2021
This book is a continuation of the Sharpe's Cove series but can be read as a standalone. Jessy is a passionate conservationist specialising in Great White Sharks. She moves from place to place as the sharks migrate leaving little room to make lasting friendships or relationships and is estranged from her parents. Darryl is the fire chief and apart from a short sting at college he has spent his whole life in Sharpe's Cove. An early bad impression means he cannot seem to get close to Jessy but that does not stop him wanting to. Jointly saving a drowning boy gives him a chance to make a better impression and an agreement to dinner just as Jessy's past comes calling. A fast paced action packed romantic suspense with a host of well written characters. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,098 reviews
May 24, 2021
Fiery passion and protection:
Whilst third in the series, this book can definitely be read as a standalone. True to form, this one delivers a strong and compelling suspense with a steamy side of romance.
I loved Jessy and Darryl together, although would have liked them to have discussed and worked through some of their issues more. I've been curious about Jessy since she was introduced in prior books and it was lovely finally getting to know more about this mysterious and previously aloof woman. Darryl was your typical protective alpha male but quite understanding and caring too which was sweet.
There was plenty of danger and unexpected twists which kept me guessing up until the end. Overall another great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,248 reviews8 followers
May 28, 2021
When Jessy and Darryl are close to each other it is combustible. Jessy is a Mari Mari conservationalist in Shaps Cove to study sharks. Darryl is the fire chief. He got on the wrong g side of her somehow and so she is on the lookout for a fight everyone she is around him. They are attracted to each other but do not act on it. That all changes whe. He puts her in protected custody for her safety when her life is threatened. And the protection detail only consists of hi., he moves her I I his house as that is the easiest way to protect her. Will they grow close or will this be the final straw to keep her away? Great story with Romance, intrigue, mystery and danger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews62 followers
June 9, 2021
Jessy is a shark conservationist and Darryl is the fire chief who got on her bad side on day one. He still looks out for her and ends up protecting her when someone from her past causes problems. Loved the main characters with all their differences and how they worked together. The sheriffs, FBI, fire personnel, and research staff all integrated really well and seemed to become friends. The storyline had a lot of suspense with a dead bird, kidnapping, arson and more. Very surprised by the culprit and how they fit into the mix. I guess you never know about some people. The ending was great and I can not wait to read more about this group.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,830 reviews
August 10, 2022
Jessy Long is only in Sharp's Cove for as long as the sharks she's studying stay in the area. She keeps to herself and tries to ignore her attraction to fire chief, Darryl Berner. Darryl's simple life has become more complicated with his attraction to Jessy since she wants nothing to do with him. But when her past comes calling, Darryl is the one who's there for Jessy.

I've really enjoyed this series, and this book is no exception. it's well-written with wonderful characters and a well-defined plot. This engaging read captured me from the beginning keeping me hooked throughout. Darryl and Jessy's story was captivating with both suspense and steamy romance. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
578 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2022
Adventure, anxiety and love

In the small town Sharpe’s Cove everyone was friendly and ready to help others. Darryl the fire Chief was respected by all alone with the female Sheriff who was on maternity leave when I arrived while I was following sharks. I was on an assignment expected to last a few months, nothing is permanent for me as I am still suffering from a personal loss. Darryl help,me change my tyre when he found me at the side of the road with the hand book out on how to change the tyre which I would have managed. He was a gorgeous hunk of a man, I found out later he didn’t have time or wanted a relationship so i was safe. Great book
Profile Image for Nysia.
264 reviews8 followers
October 20, 2025
En este tercer libro de la serie Sharp’s Cove, llega el turno de Jessy y Darryl 💞, quienes se ven envueltos en un perturbador caso de acoso por parte de un desconocido. Juntos, y con la ayuda de la policía, intentan descubrir quién está detrás de todo 🕵️‍♂️.

💫La historia combina romance y misterio de una forma muy acertada. Desde mi punto de vista, cumple con su objetivo: engancha desde el principio y se lee con mucha fluidez 📚. A medida que avanza, la tensión crece y la curiosidad por conocer el desenlace aumenta todavía más 👀.

👉En conclusión, no es una historia fuera de lo común, pero sí logra atrapar desde el primer momento 📖✨.
829 reviews
March 13, 2022
Watch out for land sharks

Jessy's in town to study the resident shark population and she prefers the apex predator to people. Darryl's intrigued from the moment he meets her but after a misunderstanding following their first encounter, they've not had a civil interaction since. Career day at the local elementary school brings about a second chance and Darryl seizes the opportunity. When Jessy's life is threatened, he steps up to protect her. A sexy, romantic thriller with two strong leading characters, great sexual chemistry and banter as well as action.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,770 reviews55 followers
May 27, 2021
Fun action and suspense with some steamy good romance! Love when there’s someone needing protection from someone out to do harm; love that suspense and excitement. Good chemistry between Jessy and Darryl; sweet and steamy with a bit of enemies to lovers scenario going on. Both are likable characters, and I love that Jessy works as a conservationist for sharks; cool job! Darryl as a fire chief is cool too! Overall, an entertaining fun suspenseful romance!
Profile Image for Holly.
2,811 reviews
May 29, 2021
It was good suspense romance. In this series books are interconnected but still standalone.
I’m definitely looking for reading them.
Jessy and Darryl are great together, strong characters with feet standing on the ground. Responsibility and good work etiquette was their life so how the love found the way to break walls they build around?
Enjoy reading

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MyBook Journey.
342 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2021
When Jessy and Darryl met, they instantly set off on the wrong foot, it isn’t until they are both doing a presentation about their work at the local school that Jessy sees the other side of Darryl and she becomes more open to spending time with him. When all sorts of nasty things start happening to Jessy, Darryl is right by her side being the protective man he is.
A good paced and suspenseful story with interesting and relatable characters.
Profile Image for Judi.
32 reviews
February 5, 2022
sharp’s Cove series

This is a series of three books right now. Hopefully more are coming. I really enjoy books that have intertwining characters but the stories for each are completely different. J.R. Pace creates believable and relatable characters. If I put down a book and wonder what the characters are up to while I’m doing something else, I consider it a good book. Action, suspense, and romance, what more can I ask for?
27 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2022
Great reading.

I really enjoyed all three of these books. Stories interesting and fun with lots of good characters. My only wish is that the books we were proof read better than they were. Book one was not bad but book two and three were not good. On page 148 book three the sentence reads "Is that's why he ran?". That is just one example. I will not stop reading your stories but would be better enjoyed without so many errors.
283 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2025
Worth the Read!

Wow! Jessy had a fiancé that, due to extreme depression, took his own life. Darryl had his own issues, they finally started to like each other when David’s brother showed and took her and Susan hostage. He tried to set fire to the old house to kill her. But Darryl stopped him and they made it to safety with Susan’s help. This whole story was amazing! Will probably read this series again!
1,898 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2021
This was a great book about two people that end up needing each other more then they either realized. Darryl and Jessy are at odds with each other, or rather Jessy gets rubbed the wrong way by his advances. When someone starts to target her she needs his help and protection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,535 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this one. I am not the biggest fan of the story being written in the third person, this is a deal breaker for me. However, Jessy's thoughts were in the first person. But it was an interesting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
864 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2021
Jessy and Darryl quickly steam up the pages and give this book an action-packed ride! Once I started it, it was very difficult to put down. They were very engaging characters and the way that the plot is written keeps you hooked I’m it’s grips until you turn the last page

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
821 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2022
Loved this series!

Every single book was wonderful. I read two books in one day, staying up until 4:00 a.m. to read the second one. The storylines were well crafted with likable characters. I hope the author adds a few more books to the series. There are plenty of characters to work with. This was a new author for me and I’m glad I took a chance!
183 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2022
Sharp’s Cove: Book 3

The third book find the good people of Sharp’s Cove doing well. Fire and water are even proven to be a working combination. A new mystery and the power of love is shown to conquer all, if anyone can figure out who is intent on harming a scientist. All good read!!
Profile Image for Siobhan.
39 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
Goof final book

I enjoyed this one the most out of all 3. Whilst I prefer a more intense romance this series is ok for a light romance read. The overall story is good but can be predictable which takes away from the enjoyment of the books.
Profile Image for Dessie Koch.
84 reviews
August 17, 2022
I loved the suspense and mystery of this series. It had me hooked from beginning to the end. I do recommend reading the first two books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meryl.
1,507 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2021
Easy reading.

Jessy is the shark expert and scientist that brings a little aquatic information into the story. Darryl is the big burly fireman in need of a strong independent woman.
Profile Image for Sara Allen.
74 reviews
July 18, 2021
Love the series

Another hit in this 3 part series, I love the male leads in these books. I’m hoping that Susan and James get their book next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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