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Hot in Chicago Rookies #1
Up in Smoke
Lives are on the line at Engine 6 … and so are hearts.
Running an engine crew in the Chicago Fire Department is my dream job, and between that, my awesome kid, and my nosey sister, I lead a pretty great life. Bruised and burned by my marriage, I don’t have time for dating or drama, but I always have time for pie. And when I share a slice of cherry with a sweet redhead, followed by the hottest, dirtiest, most pulse-pounding kiss of my life, I start to rethink the possibilities.
Until that same woman walks into my firehouse and upends my well-ordered world.
Abby Sullivan is now a rookie firefighter on my crew and a threat to my self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. My job is to watch her six when all I want is to watch her fall into my bed. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles I want to map with my tongue, is one I can ill afford.
Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.
Up in Smoke is the first in the brand new Hot in Chicago Rookies series about firefighters navigating the trials of new jobs and sizzling romances as they find their place in the world and the love of a lifetime.
Running an engine crew in the Chicago Fire Department is my dream job, and between that, my awesome kid, and my nosey sister, I lead a pretty great life. Bruised and burned by my marriage, I don’t have time for dating or drama, but I always have time for pie. And when I share a slice of cherry with a sweet redhead, followed by the hottest, dirtiest, most pulse-pounding kiss of my life, I start to rethink the possibilities.
Until that same woman walks into my firehouse and upends my well-ordered world.
Abby Sullivan is now a rookie firefighter on my crew and a threat to my self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. My job is to watch her six when all I want is to watch her fall into my bed. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles I want to map with my tongue, is one I can ill afford.
Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.
Up in Smoke is the first in the brand new Hot in Chicago Rookies series about firefighters navigating the trials of new jobs and sizzling romances as they find their place in the world and the love of a lifetime.
330 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
77 people are currently reading
2902 people want to read
About the author
Kate Meader
55 books3,394 followersKate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.
Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.
The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)
The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)
The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.
For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com
Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.
The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)
The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)
The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.
For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
February 21, 2022
"I’m so lucky to have once mistaken your pie for mine."
OK, you need to get this book and you need to start this series. I got it so bad that I needed to finish it and so I took it to work to read the last 4 chapters at lunch. Big mistake. There were tears in my eyes, and none of my colleagues is a romance reader, so no one would get it. I locked myself in the bathroom.
But this book, and Roman, made it all worth it.
"Hard-earned smiles, stormy scowls... I love it all."
You’re not ready for Roman Rossi. He’s just incredible. From the first time you see him, you know there’s something special about him. Of course, he’s grumpy and closed off because that’s the way I like my heroes, but he has a heart of gold. He can be all sorts of hot and bossy and then sweet and swoony like you wouldn’t believe. The way he cares for his kid, for his sister, the glimpses from his past. You can’t help but fall for him.
"With her, I feel free."
In the interest of honesty, it took me a while to get into Abby. She is a tough girl. She doesn’t take things lying down, she’s used to hanging out with the guys, and she’s no wallflower. She’s faced her dad to get the career she wants. However, I found her very frustrating at times, especially when it comes to Roman.
"Tell me to stop, Cherry Pie."
"Not a chance, Diner Dude."
Roman and Abby’s meet cute sharing cherry pie at a diner is original and adorable. And hot. The chemistry between them is there from the first bite of pie. Hell, it’s there the first time he speaks. The pull and the tension between them, the will-they-won't-they, and how and when they will (because you know they will) are sexy, enjoyable, and addictive. I couldn't put it down.
"I shouldn’t want this so bad. Nothing good comes from wanting something this bad."
It’s clear to see they want each other, and how good they are on a physical level. But there’s so much more to consider – his past, with a failed marriage and a kid, her past with her mom’s death, her present with her dad, and the pressure they’re both under, both being new at CFD.
The only question is... is any of these things enough to keep them apart?
"You’d give me your last bite?"
"I’d give you my last anything."
I said it before, Roman is absolutely incredible. The lengths he goes through to show Abby he’s there, to show her he wants her, and how much. How much he’s willing to risk. But she has doubts, and although I partially get them, I don't think I ever fully did. Abby is the reason why this book is a 4.5 rounded up to 5 for me.
I loved the secondary characters. I haven’t read the books in the Hot in Chicago series, only played them on Chapters, but that takes nothing away from the story. However, I do believe that if you’ve read them, then you’ll love this book even more.
Roman’s daughter and sister are also so cute, and I loved Abby’s friends!
"You mean more. You mean everything."
Living your life in fear of what may happen is not living at all. Sometimes love comes around and you know it’s enough to set anything else aside, and just live it. Even if everything else goes up in smoke.
Great book.
OK, you need to get this book and you need to start this series. I got it so bad that I needed to finish it and so I took it to work to read the last 4 chapters at lunch. Big mistake. There were tears in my eyes, and none of my colleagues is a romance reader, so no one would get it. I locked myself in the bathroom.
But this book, and Roman, made it all worth it.
"Hard-earned smiles, stormy scowls... I love it all."
You’re not ready for Roman Rossi. He’s just incredible. From the first time you see him, you know there’s something special about him. Of course, he’s grumpy and closed off because that’s the way I like my heroes, but he has a heart of gold. He can be all sorts of hot and bossy and then sweet and swoony like you wouldn’t believe. The way he cares for his kid, for his sister, the glimpses from his past. You can’t help but fall for him.
"With her, I feel free."
In the interest of honesty, it took me a while to get into Abby. She is a tough girl. She doesn’t take things lying down, she’s used to hanging out with the guys, and she’s no wallflower. She’s faced her dad to get the career she wants. However, I found her very frustrating at times, especially when it comes to Roman.
"Tell me to stop, Cherry Pie."
"Not a chance, Diner Dude."
Roman and Abby’s meet cute sharing cherry pie at a diner is original and adorable. And hot. The chemistry between them is there from the first bite of pie. Hell, it’s there the first time he speaks. The pull and the tension between them, the will-they-won't-they, and how and when they will (because you know they will) are sexy, enjoyable, and addictive. I couldn't put it down.
"I shouldn’t want this so bad. Nothing good comes from wanting something this bad."
It’s clear to see they want each other, and how good they are on a physical level. But there’s so much more to consider – his past, with a failed marriage and a kid, her past with her mom’s death, her present with her dad, and the pressure they’re both under, both being new at CFD.
The only question is... is any of these things enough to keep them apart?
"You’d give me your last bite?"
"I’d give you my last anything."
I said it before, Roman is absolutely incredible. The lengths he goes through to show Abby he’s there, to show her he wants her, and how much. How much he’s willing to risk. But she has doubts, and although I partially get them, I don't think I ever fully did. Abby is the reason why this book is a 4.5 rounded up to 5 for me.
I loved the secondary characters. I haven’t read the books in the Hot in Chicago series, only played them on Chapters, but that takes nothing away from the story. However, I do believe that if you’ve read them, then you’ll love this book even more.
Roman’s daughter and sister are also so cute, and I loved Abby’s friends!
"You mean more. You mean everything."
Living your life in fear of what may happen is not living at all. Sometimes love comes around and you know it’s enough to set anything else aside, and just live it. Even if everything else goes up in smoke.
Great book.
February 24, 2022
4 STARS!
“𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚖 𝚝𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 …” 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚊𝚝, 𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚞𝚜𝚔𝚢, “𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙰𝚗𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞.”
Well, there were a few firsts for me on this one; this my my first read by this author which I am embarrassed to admit because she’s been on my TBR for years. And this was my first fire fighter romance. My hubby is a fireman (as evidenced by the kidnapped gear and shields 😁). We’ve been together for 20 years now, and in that time, I’ve been around a lot of fireman and fire houses, so it’s hard for me to separate.
But I’m so glad I picked this one as my first because this author definitely knows her stuff. All the fire-related references were spot on, and just enough of a balance between fire “shop talk” and romance.
I loved Roman and Abby’s story. 🥰
Roman and Abby meet by chance at a diner one night and share a last piece of cherry pie. They share an intense connection and a hot kiss before they each go their separate ways. Much to both of their surprises though, when Abby reports to her first day of work at her new fire station post rookie school, her new chief is none other than Roman himself.
Abby’s mom was a firefighter as well and a fallen one. I thought this book was a perfect blend of romance and emotion. And what a great cast of secondary characters. It was just an all around fun and sexy read, and I can’t wait to read more from this author soon.
“𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚖 𝚝𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 …” 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚊𝚝, 𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚞𝚜𝚔𝚢, “𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙰𝚗𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞.”
Well, there were a few firsts for me on this one; this my my first read by this author which I am embarrassed to admit because she’s been on my TBR for years. And this was my first fire fighter romance. My hubby is a fireman (as evidenced by the kidnapped gear and shields 😁). We’ve been together for 20 years now, and in that time, I’ve been around a lot of fireman and fire houses, so it’s hard for me to separate.
But I’m so glad I picked this one as my first because this author definitely knows her stuff. All the fire-related references were spot on, and just enough of a balance between fire “shop talk” and romance.
I loved Roman and Abby’s story. 🥰
Roman and Abby meet by chance at a diner one night and share a last piece of cherry pie. They share an intense connection and a hot kiss before they each go their separate ways. Much to both of their surprises though, when Abby reports to her first day of work at her new fire station post rookie school, her new chief is none other than Roman himself.
Abby’s mom was a firefighter as well and a fallen one. I thought this book was a perfect blend of romance and emotion. And what a great cast of secondary characters. It was just an all around fun and sexy read, and I can’t wait to read more from this author soon.
Read
August 11, 2021The first in a new series about rookie Chicago firefighters. Releasing in February 2022.
January 31, 2022
Run, don't walk, to pre-order Up in Smoke right now. I'll wait. No, really, I will because you've got to get in on this smart, sexy, fun, heartfelt, page-turner. I burned through my ARC reading—see what I did there? LOL—because I had to know just how things would go with Abby and Roman and their happily ever after.
Because, for a time, it was honestly touch and go. So much baggage between their past romantic histories and just their pasts in general. Then add in the fact that there's a whole boss/employee situation and things were bound to get a little hot.
I loved Abby and Roman's meet-cute and couldn't wait to see what happened next with their relationship both in the firehouse and romantically. I adored Abby. She is one tough cookie who gives Alex Dempsey a run for her money on female firefighter badassery. And Roman and his growly protective nature when it came to his family, friends and employees won me over from the start.
I cannot wait for more in this A Hot in Chicago Rookies series and I'm going to re-read the original Hot in Chicago series while I wait. ~ Missy, 5 Ciliegina stars
***
Oh. My. Goodness.
If you’re looking for a steamy, heartfelt, angsty romance (with whoamygosh, like, the sexiest growly single dad firefighter?) Kate Meader has you covered.
*fans self*
First – I haven’t read the Hot in Chicago series from which this spun off, but it didn’t impact my enjoyment at all. If you have read that series, however, I think this is going to feel like a giddy homecoming for you. That said, I enjoyed all those secondary characters in this book very much and it made me excited to get that series on my TBR right away!
That out of the way – this was such a great story! Between Meader’s proficient, engaging storytelling and the whip smart dialogue tucked into these pages, I was hooked from the very beginning. The writing was so beautiful! I highlighted passages! I never do that! Plus, the meet-cute here was to die for. I adored Abby and Roman’s chemistry from the second they met and it only intensified from there.
Roman. Good gravy, y’all are not ready for Roman. So protective and dominant. But also this adorably sweet dad. And a feminist working with his siter to “smash the patriarchy”. My heart never stood a chance. I was wholly smitten with him the whole way through.
It took me a bit more to warm up to Abby. She frustrated me as I felt she spent the most of their story with her emotional head buried in the sand. Don’t get me wrong – there was lots to love about her and the relationship she forged with Roman’s daughter was brilliantly written and utterly heartwarming. I just, wanted to shake her. Because there I was, 100% all-in on this guy and not understanding why her stupid head wouldn’t let her stupid heart jump on board haha. That said, there were some gratifying emotional scenes as the inevitable conflict resolved that really helped me understand her, empathize with her, and – in the end – love her so very much.
Up in Smoke was truly the whole package. It’s smart, scintillating, and packed with sweet emotion. What a fantastic kick-off to a new series and I absolutely cannot wait for more where this came from! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
Because, for a time, it was honestly touch and go. So much baggage between their past romantic histories and just their pasts in general. Then add in the fact that there's a whole boss/employee situation and things were bound to get a little hot.
I loved Abby and Roman's meet-cute and couldn't wait to see what happened next with their relationship both in the firehouse and romantically. I adored Abby. She is one tough cookie who gives Alex Dempsey a run for her money on female firefighter badassery. And Roman and his growly protective nature when it came to his family, friends and employees won me over from the start.
I cannot wait for more in this A Hot in Chicago Rookies series and I'm going to re-read the original Hot in Chicago series while I wait. ~ Missy, 5 Ciliegina stars
***
Oh. My. Goodness.
If you’re looking for a steamy, heartfelt, angsty romance (with whoamygosh, like, the sexiest growly single dad firefighter?) Kate Meader has you covered.
*fans self*
First – I haven’t read the Hot in Chicago series from which this spun off, but it didn’t impact my enjoyment at all. If you have read that series, however, I think this is going to feel like a giddy homecoming for you. That said, I enjoyed all those secondary characters in this book very much and it made me excited to get that series on my TBR right away!
That out of the way – this was such a great story! Between Meader’s proficient, engaging storytelling and the whip smart dialogue tucked into these pages, I was hooked from the very beginning. The writing was so beautiful! I highlighted passages! I never do that! Plus, the meet-cute here was to die for. I adored Abby and Roman’s chemistry from the second they met and it only intensified from there.
Roman. Good gravy, y’all are not ready for Roman. So protective and dominant. But also this adorably sweet dad. And a feminist working with his siter to “smash the patriarchy”. My heart never stood a chance. I was wholly smitten with him the whole way through.
It took me a bit more to warm up to Abby. She frustrated me as I felt she spent the most of their story with her emotional head buried in the sand. Don’t get me wrong – there was lots to love about her and the relationship she forged with Roman’s daughter was brilliantly written and utterly heartwarming. I just, wanted to shake her. Because there I was, 100% all-in on this guy and not understanding why her stupid head wouldn’t let her stupid heart jump on board haha. That said, there were some gratifying emotional scenes as the inevitable conflict resolved that really helped me understand her, empathize with her, and – in the end – love her so very much.
Up in Smoke was truly the whole package. It’s smart, scintillating, and packed with sweet emotion. What a fantastic kick-off to a new series and I absolutely cannot wait for more where this came from! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
February 22, 2022
Being a fan of Kate Meader’s original Hot in Chicago series, I was beyond excited about the new Rookies series. From the first chapter, I was completely engrossed in this engaging, smart, fun, sexy, and heart-warming story. I absolutely could not put this book down and when it was over despite the extremely satisfying ending, I kept hoping more chapters would appear.
I’m a sucker for a meet-cute and Abby and Roman’s was absolutely perfect. There was enough heat to indicated these two were going to burn up the sheets and I was so there for it.
Abby was smart, tough, and yet throughout this book we also saw her vulnerability. Her mother blazed a trail as one of CFD’s first female firefighter and Abby has wanted nothing more than to follow in her footsteps despite the fact she lost her mom in a fire. Her father is the fire commissioner and has not been supportive, but she has other family and good friends who have been there for her all the way. She’s determined to be better than the best.
Leaving the NYFD in a not so good light, Roman knows he was lucky to get a job as a lieutenant after some CFD training. A single father and living with his twin sister, Roman is protective of everyone important to him. Known as a fair and competent leader, Roman enjoys his crew at Firehouse 6.
When Abby walks into Firehouse 6, and sees the man she kissed two nights ago and finds out he’s not her boss and mentor, well…let’s just say her arrival made a statement to how she was feeling. I could not WAIT to see how things played out between them and they tried so hard to give into the attraction they felt for one another.
To say that Abby and Roman’s journey was difficult was putting it mildly. Roman’s divorce drama and Abby’s parental history have made them both skittish add in the fact that their relationship is a bit forbidden and the potential for fallout is huge.
Kate Meader’s skillful writing paints such vivid pictures and the smart and engaging dialog kept me immersed in this world from the first page to the last. I absolutely loved every minute of this book even when I wanted to knocked both Roman and Abby upside the head a couple of times.
The icing on top of the cake was spending time with many of the characters from the original Hot in Chicago series and getting a glimpse into their lives today. I cannot express how much these scenes made my heart happy.
Up In Smoke was everything I look for in a romance. Smart, sexy, steamy, emotional, and best of all two people willing to do what it takes to make their life together work made this story absolutely perfect. Easily one of my favorite books of 2022.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I’m a sucker for a meet-cute and Abby and Roman’s was absolutely perfect. There was enough heat to indicated these two were going to burn up the sheets and I was so there for it.
Abby was smart, tough, and yet throughout this book we also saw her vulnerability. Her mother blazed a trail as one of CFD’s first female firefighter and Abby has wanted nothing more than to follow in her footsteps despite the fact she lost her mom in a fire. Her father is the fire commissioner and has not been supportive, but she has other family and good friends who have been there for her all the way. She’s determined to be better than the best.
Leaving the NYFD in a not so good light, Roman knows he was lucky to get a job as a lieutenant after some CFD training. A single father and living with his twin sister, Roman is protective of everyone important to him. Known as a fair and competent leader, Roman enjoys his crew at Firehouse 6.
When Abby walks into Firehouse 6, and sees the man she kissed two nights ago and finds out he’s not her boss and mentor, well…let’s just say her arrival made a statement to how she was feeling. I could not WAIT to see how things played out between them and they tried so hard to give into the attraction they felt for one another.
To say that Abby and Roman’s journey was difficult was putting it mildly. Roman’s divorce drama and Abby’s parental history have made them both skittish add in the fact that their relationship is a bit forbidden and the potential for fallout is huge.
Kate Meader’s skillful writing paints such vivid pictures and the smart and engaging dialog kept me immersed in this world from the first page to the last. I absolutely loved every minute of this book even when I wanted to knocked both Roman and Abby upside the head a couple of times.
The icing on top of the cake was spending time with many of the characters from the original Hot in Chicago series and getting a glimpse into their lives today. I cannot express how much these scenes made my heart happy.
Up In Smoke was everything I look for in a romance. Smart, sexy, steamy, emotional, and best of all two people willing to do what it takes to make their life together work made this story absolutely perfect. Easily one of my favorite books of 2022.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 22, 2022
Funny, sexy, with all the feels…
Abby and Roman were amazing! Two bold personalities, a chance meeting, with a whole host of baggage swirling around them, meant their relationship was going to be sparky…
I love this author’s writing style and the memorable characters and stories she gives. And they are gifts really - I could have danced a jig when I heard there would be a spin-off to the Hot in Chicago series. I probably did now that I think about it. I got lost in that world of firefighters – their lives, their relationships so vivid and real. Abby and Roman offered a step back into that world and I leapt at it with all the grabby hands…
And when I got there it was non-stop reading perfection. Roman was surrounded by family and that was his main focus. When that shifted to include the independent and strong Abby, my heart was fluttering a mile a minute. Following their journey from an unexpected encounter (so much fun!) to winding their way through all the obstacles and challenges meant lots of laughter and a few misty eyes at times. Family, work – they posed their own unique challenges and they each had a lot going on. Fitting into each other’s lives was tricky yet they stumbled, laughed and loved their way through it.
I didn’t want it to end but I’m so thankful there will be more. I hope a lot, lot more! ~Diane, 5 stars
Abby and Roman were amazing! Two bold personalities, a chance meeting, with a whole host of baggage swirling around them, meant their relationship was going to be sparky…
I love this author’s writing style and the memorable characters and stories she gives. And they are gifts really - I could have danced a jig when I heard there would be a spin-off to the Hot in Chicago series. I probably did now that I think about it. I got lost in that world of firefighters – their lives, their relationships so vivid and real. Abby and Roman offered a step back into that world and I leapt at it with all the grabby hands…
And when I got there it was non-stop reading perfection. Roman was surrounded by family and that was his main focus. When that shifted to include the independent and strong Abby, my heart was fluttering a mile a minute. Following their journey from an unexpected encounter (so much fun!) to winding their way through all the obstacles and challenges meant lots of laughter and a few misty eyes at times. Family, work – they posed their own unique challenges and they each had a lot going on. Fitting into each other’s lives was tricky yet they stumbled, laughed and loved their way through it.
I didn’t want it to end but I’m so thankful there will be more. I hope a lot, lot more! ~Diane, 5 stars
February 2, 2022
A sizzling hot & deliciously sweet page-turner about a determined fire fighter rookie & the hot, sexy single dad who couldn’t help but fall his new recruit.
Abby Sullivan wanted to be just like her parents when she grew up. After four years as a paramedic, she’s now made it as a rookie fire fighter at her mother’s fire house & is incredible excited to start her new job. But living under her mother’s shadow & her father’s discontent for her chosen profession isn’t easy. Especially when she’s constantly tempted by her tall, dark & handsome alpha daddy boss.
After his disastrous marriage & divorce, Roman Rossi just wanted to start his new life in Chicago focusing on his daughter & new job. But after sharing a cherry pie with a gorgeous redhead, he’s reconsidering his stance on relationships, until said bombshell shows up reporting as part of his crew. Can they resist their blistering chemistry?
I loved this sexy & swoony story that kept me flipping pages. I enjoyed the plot, the world building where we’re introduced to a new set of characters I want to get more of, & we also get some overlap from fan favorite characters in other of Kate’s series. I liked the sweet & I liked the swoon along with the banter & light drama.
Even though there’s an age gape between Roman & Abby, they’re perfect for each other. Roman is a yummy alpha cinnamon roll. A bit stern on the outside but with a lovely hear. He’s a wonderful father, a great brother, he cooks, cleans & listens! & don’t even get me started on the arm porn.
Abby is tough & determined, she carries a hefty weight & had some growing to do. But I loved her character development & as I mentioned, the two were ideal together. I can’t wait to read Jude’s book which is an MM romance.
Up In Smoke is book #1 of A Hot in Chicago Rookies series by Kate Meader. It is told from various points of view with a HEA. Genre: Contemporary Romance. Tropes: age gap | single parent | workplace romance | fire fighter H/h
By the numbers quick review:
🔥 World building: 💌💌💌💌💌
🔥 Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
🔥 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
🔥 Romance: 💕💕💕💕
🔥 Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔥 Overall Rating: 4.8
#romancebooks #bookWorm #whattoread #romancebookstagram #romancereader #bookstagram #bookaholic #booklover #bookstoread #bookners #romance #romancereads #bookedit #bookedits #digitalbookedit #contemporaryromance
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3KTpg6O
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Wildfire Marketing. The excerpts are from that copy.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
Abby Sullivan wanted to be just like her parents when she grew up. After four years as a paramedic, she’s now made it as a rookie fire fighter at her mother’s fire house & is incredible excited to start her new job. But living under her mother’s shadow & her father’s discontent for her chosen profession isn’t easy. Especially when she’s constantly tempted by her tall, dark & handsome alpha daddy boss.
After his disastrous marriage & divorce, Roman Rossi just wanted to start his new life in Chicago focusing on his daughter & new job. But after sharing a cherry pie with a gorgeous redhead, he’s reconsidering his stance on relationships, until said bombshell shows up reporting as part of his crew. Can they resist their blistering chemistry?
I loved this sexy & swoony story that kept me flipping pages. I enjoyed the plot, the world building where we’re introduced to a new set of characters I want to get more of, & we also get some overlap from fan favorite characters in other of Kate’s series. I liked the sweet & I liked the swoon along with the banter & light drama.
Even though there’s an age gape between Roman & Abby, they’re perfect for each other. Roman is a yummy alpha cinnamon roll. A bit stern on the outside but with a lovely hear. He’s a wonderful father, a great brother, he cooks, cleans & listens! & don’t even get me started on the arm porn.
Abby is tough & determined, she carries a hefty weight & had some growing to do. But I loved her character development & as I mentioned, the two were ideal together. I can’t wait to read Jude’s book which is an MM romance.
Up In Smoke is book #1 of A Hot in Chicago Rookies series by Kate Meader. It is told from various points of view with a HEA. Genre: Contemporary Romance. Tropes: age gap | single parent | workplace romance | fire fighter H/h
By the numbers quick review:
🔥 World building: 💌💌💌💌💌
🔥 Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
🔥 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
🔥 Romance: 💕💕💕💕
🔥 Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔥 Overall Rating: 4.8
#romancebooks #bookWorm #whattoread #romancebookstagram #romancereader #bookstagram #bookaholic #booklover #bookstoread #bookners #romance #romancereads #bookedit #bookedits #digitalbookedit #contemporaryromance
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3KTpg6O
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Wildfire Marketing. The excerpts are from that copy.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
February 15, 2022
I must admit, I didn’t like this book as much as I expected. But I still loved it a lot. I think it had more to do with the fact that it was a sequel series, which implies a difficult balance between introducing new characters and anchoring them to the previous series.
The main characters were great. They had interesting backstories, good interactions with the people around them–friends, family, co-workers–and their character arcs made sense. On one hand, you have Abby, firefighter candidate who wants to honor her mother’s legacy while her father is impeding her at every turn; on the other hand, Roman Rossi is her lieutenant, a single dad who’s rebuilding his life after a divorce.
I didn’t see the sparks at first–which is ironic considering it’s a firefighter romance, ah! But the author insisted that they couldn’t forget about each other after their first meeting, and after a while, I was on board. Then they worked together, disagreed, helped each other, and I bought it completely. It was sexy at times, always tender.
Firefighter romance suggests firefighter action, and there was some. Of all kinds. The inside and out of a firehouse is explained and used to move the plot and the romance. That induced a few thrilling scenes between slower ones. The pace was good overall.
This series introduction worked well. Hints at what will happen in the rest of the series–who could be the love interests and which tropes will be used–were sprinkled throughout the book. It made me excited for the next books.
Quickie
- Series: Hot in Chicago rookies #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #firefighter romance #office romance #forbidden romance #age gap #single dad
- Triggers: some minor injuries, past death
- Main couple: Abigail Sullivan & Roman Rossi
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + great firefighter action
- – though I love them a lot, there was a bit too much of the Dempsey siblings
The main characters were great. They had interesting backstories, good interactions with the people around them–friends, family, co-workers–and their character arcs made sense. On one hand, you have Abby, firefighter candidate who wants to honor her mother’s legacy while her father is impeding her at every turn; on the other hand, Roman Rossi is her lieutenant, a single dad who’s rebuilding his life after a divorce.
I didn’t see the sparks at first–which is ironic considering it’s a firefighter romance, ah! But the author insisted that they couldn’t forget about each other after their first meeting, and after a while, I was on board. Then they worked together, disagreed, helped each other, and I bought it completely. It was sexy at times, always tender.
Firefighter romance suggests firefighter action, and there was some. Of all kinds. The inside and out of a firehouse is explained and used to move the plot and the romance. That induced a few thrilling scenes between slower ones. The pace was good overall.
This series introduction worked well. Hints at what will happen in the rest of the series–who could be the love interests and which tropes will be used–were sprinkled throughout the book. It made me excited for the next books.
Quickie
- Series: Hot in Chicago rookies #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #firefighter romance #office romance #forbidden romance #age gap #single dad
- Triggers: some minor injuries, past death
- Main couple: Abigail Sullivan & Roman Rossi
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + great firefighter action
- – though I love them a lot, there was a bit too much of the Dempsey siblings
February 24, 2022
I am such a Kate fan, and this new series of rookie firefighters is going to sizzle off the pages.
Abby Sullivan has firefighting in her blood. Her mom was in the profession, but they lost her at an early age. Now she is being guided by her overbearing father who also happens to be a fire marshal and he is trying to keep her out of danger and in check. That being said she is ready to prove herself. She has been assigned to a new department. Let's say she isn't looking for love but while sitting in her favorite diner she meets a handsome, charming man that was just stood up on a blind date.
Roman Rossi is a single dad, captain of a new squad of firefighters and he just so happens to have a pushy sister that wants him back out in the dating pool. A chance meeting and he has found someone that has sparked his interest in a very long time but then of course fate throws a wrench into the plan.
This couple now finds themselves working together and navigating while fighting the pull towards one another.
Abby and Roman have fabulous chemistry, great witty banter, they are real, have flaws and I truly fell in love with them and their story!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Abby Sullivan has firefighting in her blood. Her mom was in the profession, but they lost her at an early age. Now she is being guided by her overbearing father who also happens to be a fire marshal and he is trying to keep her out of danger and in check. That being said she is ready to prove herself. She has been assigned to a new department. Let's say she isn't looking for love but while sitting in her favorite diner she meets a handsome, charming man that was just stood up on a blind date.
Roman Rossi is a single dad, captain of a new squad of firefighters and he just so happens to have a pushy sister that wants him back out in the dating pool. A chance meeting and he has found someone that has sparked his interest in a very long time but then of course fate throws a wrench into the plan.
This couple now finds themselves working together and navigating while fighting the pull towards one another.
Abby and Roman have fabulous chemistry, great witty banter, they are real, have flaws and I truly fell in love with them and their story!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
February 22, 2022
4.5 stars
I love this start to the Hot in Chicago Rookie series. This one had me hooked from the first paragraph and then the meet-cute!
There are many reasons Abby and Roman should not be together, but just ignore those. The developing friendship and chemistry lead to a relationship that should not be left unexplored. I was encouraging and rooting for them while reading. Bring on the next rookie.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I love this start to the Hot in Chicago Rookie series. This one had me hooked from the first paragraph and then the meet-cute!
There are many reasons Abby and Roman should not be together, but just ignore those. The developing friendship and chemistry lead to a relationship that should not be left unexplored. I was encouraging and rooting for them while reading. Bring on the next rookie.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
January 26, 2022
I am a sucker for single dads and Roman was just about purrfect material! His snarky relationship with his twin was comic relief and great support system and his daughter, Lena-Got to love a guy who puts himself out there for his kid! His gruff exterior hid some pretty hefty vulnerabilities, but oh man! When he opens up, it’s like hitting the lottery! Bonus cookies because he cooks and cleans too!
Abby started out strong and though she sort of waffled through the story at times, she got her head back on straight and finished with flying colors. She had a big weight to carry on her shoulders and it stumped her quite a bit emotionally, but leave it to Roman to tackle things and set her straight when she needed a reality check. Their physical attraction was sweltering and even I could see the appeal for Abby…I mean who knew biceps could be so attractive…
Kicking off a new series, UIS had quippy lines, a bit of angst, and family focused characters to go along with Abby and Roman’s smoking hot chemistry! Overall, great read and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Abby started out strong and though she sort of waffled through the story at times, she got her head back on straight and finished with flying colors. She had a big weight to carry on her shoulders and it stumped her quite a bit emotionally, but leave it to Roman to tackle things and set her straight when she needed a reality check. Their physical attraction was sweltering and even I could see the appeal for Abby…I mean who knew biceps could be so attractive…
Kicking off a new series, UIS had quippy lines, a bit of angst, and family focused characters to go along with Abby and Roman’s smoking hot chemistry! Overall, great read and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 30, 2022
New series, new characters and same great romance story from a favourite author.
I loved both characters so much. Their happily ever after is not easy but a well deserved one in the end.
Arc review
I loved both characters so much. Their happily ever after is not easy but a well deserved one in the end.
Arc review
February 22, 2022
Back at 6!!!
Roman and Abby unexpectedly share an incredible slice of pie and an even better kiss. Too bad two days later they find out he’s her new boss!
Returning to Engine 6 was like coming home. I loved getting to catch up with all the Dempseys while falling in love with Abby and Roman and his other two girls!
Everything I love about a Kate Meader book heat, snark, chemistry, emotion, and even hockey are front and center in Up in Smoke and canNOT wait for book two of this series!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Roman and Abby unexpectedly share an incredible slice of pie and an even better kiss. Too bad two days later they find out he’s her new boss!
Returning to Engine 6 was like coming home. I loved getting to catch up with all the Dempseys while falling in love with Abby and Roman and his other two girls!
Everything I love about a Kate Meader book heat, snark, chemistry, emotion, and even hockey are front and center in Up in Smoke and canNOT wait for book two of this series!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
April 16, 2022
4.5 stars
Fans of Kate Meader’s Hot in Chicago series and the fire-fighting Dempsey family rejoice. The Dempseys and Engine 6 are back with a new set of firefighters guaranteed to get your pulse pounding. The Hot in Chicago Rookies series brings new faces to Engine 6, while at the same time allowing fans of the original Hot in Chicago series a chance to catch up with some beloved characters.
Roman Rossi is a divorced single father who has recently moved to Chicago from New York, after finding himself in some hot water. He’s now one of the lieutenants at Engine 6. Abby Sullivan has wanted to be a firefighter since she was a little girl. Despite all the obstacles thrown in her path, she excelled and is now considered one of Chicago’s bravest.
Abby spends the night of graduation club-hopping with her two best friends, Jude Torres and Sam Killian, both also rookie firefighters. While the guys still want to celebrate, Abby decides to call it a night and go home. But first, she decides to stop by the all-night diner for pie. Well, not just any pie, but Fern’s Diner’s amazingly heaven-sent cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. Walking into the almost empty diner seems meant to be when there, sitting on the counter is a slice of cherry pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Even when she’s told the pie isn’t hers or meant for her she begs to differ. That is before the owner of said pie shows up.
Roman is biding his time before he goes home and tells his sister and daughter that his blind date stood him up. While he should be upset, he’s relieved. Turns out his slice of cherry pie is the last slice and he ends up sharing it with the stranger. Roman and Abby hit it off really well and they exchange phone numbers, with him saving her’s under “Cherry Pie” and her saving his under “Diner Dude”. They neglect to talk about their names or what they do for a living. But they have a serious connection and share a very memorable hot kiss. They have every intention of calling each for a date in the future.
Abby’s first day at Engine 6 is filled with nerves and nervous energy. This is, after all, the house her mother worked and died at. What Abby isn’t prepared for is to be introduced to her lieutenant and have it be the one man she can’t stop thinking about. By policy, the fact that the two shared a kiss should be reported. But Abby doesn’t want to give her father, Fire Commissioner Chuck Sullivan any more reason to question her ability. While Roman and Abby try to fight their attraction, it’s a losing battle. Not only do they risk their careers, but also their hearts and lives.
Roman and Abby are perfect for each other and complement each other well. I immediately liked Roman as a character. I didn’t feel the same about Abby. I didn’t appreciate her until close to the end of the story when my image of her finally appeared in my head. There's an age difference, but it works because Roman isn't trying to change Abby or make her conform. He's accepting. Abby always feels as though she needs to prove herself, which oftentimes leads to trouble. She’s strong, courageous, and has a huge heart. She’s just afraid of getting hurt.
There are some hilarious moments in Up in Smoke. However, there are also some serious moments and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series because while I love everything Kate writes, my heart belongs to her hockey series, Chicago Rebels, and its spin-off, Rookie Rebels. The next book, Down in Flames combines both Hot in Chicago Rookies and Rookie Rebels. I can’t wait.
~ Favorite Quote ~
“Someone once said that grief is a kind of unexpressed love, stuck inside you with no place to go.”
“Sometimes it’s easier to say you don’t care than to explain all the reasons why you do.”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Fans of Kate Meader’s Hot in Chicago series and the fire-fighting Dempsey family rejoice. The Dempseys and Engine 6 are back with a new set of firefighters guaranteed to get your pulse pounding. The Hot in Chicago Rookies series brings new faces to Engine 6, while at the same time allowing fans of the original Hot in Chicago series a chance to catch up with some beloved characters.
Roman Rossi is a divorced single father who has recently moved to Chicago from New York, after finding himself in some hot water. He’s now one of the lieutenants at Engine 6. Abby Sullivan has wanted to be a firefighter since she was a little girl. Despite all the obstacles thrown in her path, she excelled and is now considered one of Chicago’s bravest.
Abby spends the night of graduation club-hopping with her two best friends, Jude Torres and Sam Killian, both also rookie firefighters. While the guys still want to celebrate, Abby decides to call it a night and go home. But first, she decides to stop by the all-night diner for pie. Well, not just any pie, but Fern’s Diner’s amazingly heaven-sent cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. Walking into the almost empty diner seems meant to be when there, sitting on the counter is a slice of cherry pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Even when she’s told the pie isn’t hers or meant for her she begs to differ. That is before the owner of said pie shows up.
Roman is biding his time before he goes home and tells his sister and daughter that his blind date stood him up. While he should be upset, he’s relieved. Turns out his slice of cherry pie is the last slice and he ends up sharing it with the stranger. Roman and Abby hit it off really well and they exchange phone numbers, with him saving her’s under “Cherry Pie” and her saving his under “Diner Dude”. They neglect to talk about their names or what they do for a living. But they have a serious connection and share a very memorable hot kiss. They have every intention of calling each for a date in the future.
Abby’s first day at Engine 6 is filled with nerves and nervous energy. This is, after all, the house her mother worked and died at. What Abby isn’t prepared for is to be introduced to her lieutenant and have it be the one man she can’t stop thinking about. By policy, the fact that the two shared a kiss should be reported. But Abby doesn’t want to give her father, Fire Commissioner Chuck Sullivan any more reason to question her ability. While Roman and Abby try to fight their attraction, it’s a losing battle. Not only do they risk their careers, but also their hearts and lives.
Roman and Abby are perfect for each other and complement each other well. I immediately liked Roman as a character. I didn’t feel the same about Abby. I didn’t appreciate her until close to the end of the story when my image of her finally appeared in my head. There's an age difference, but it works because Roman isn't trying to change Abby or make her conform. He's accepting. Abby always feels as though she needs to prove herself, which oftentimes leads to trouble. She’s strong, courageous, and has a huge heart. She’s just afraid of getting hurt.
There are some hilarious moments in Up in Smoke. However, there are also some serious moments and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series because while I love everything Kate writes, my heart belongs to her hockey series, Chicago Rebels, and its spin-off, Rookie Rebels. The next book, Down in Flames combines both Hot in Chicago Rookies and Rookie Rebels. I can’t wait.
~ Favorite Quote ~
“Someone once said that grief is a kind of unexpressed love, stuck inside you with no place to go.”
“Sometimes it’s easier to say you don’t care than to explain all the reasons why you do.”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
February 8, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Author***
A slow burn where the main characters are firefighters. Clever. And, wow did this one work.
Abby and Roman have a meet cute over the last piece of pie, fabulous conversation, an amazing kiss...and then a rather unpleasant discovery that anything more between them is going to involve an unpleasant conversation with HR...and she is not only the newest member of his crew, but she has some difficult family connections to the station as well.
So, Abby and Roman decide what adults should decide...to have nothing other than a professional relationship. I am not sure if this ever works in real life, but it definitely never does in a romance novel, and while they give it their best attempt, they fail with staying completely professional.
I also liked the way Abby being a female firefighter was handled. Not like she was a novelty, but with a definite focus on understanding the challenges that she faces being in a male dominated world while also being capable, competent, and fully aware of what she was getting herself into in the job.
I liked watching the characters evolve as they figure out what they wanted and how to make it work out for them. This is a slow burn, but once they get together and explore what they have between them, it's hot (the fire puns really write themselves here.)
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
A slow burn where the main characters are firefighters. Clever. And, wow did this one work.
Abby and Roman have a meet cute over the last piece of pie, fabulous conversation, an amazing kiss...and then a rather unpleasant discovery that anything more between them is going to involve an unpleasant conversation with HR...and she is not only the newest member of his crew, but she has some difficult family connections to the station as well.
So, Abby and Roman decide what adults should decide...to have nothing other than a professional relationship. I am not sure if this ever works in real life, but it definitely never does in a romance novel, and while they give it their best attempt, they fail with staying completely professional.
I also liked the way Abby being a female firefighter was handled. Not like she was a novelty, but with a definite focus on understanding the challenges that she faces being in a male dominated world while also being capable, competent, and fully aware of what she was getting herself into in the job.
I liked watching the characters evolve as they figure out what they wanted and how to make it work out for them. This is a slow burn, but once they get together and explore what they have between them, it's hot (the fire puns really write themselves here.)
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
February 17, 2022
The story between Abby Sullivan and single dad, Lieutenant Roman Rossi is one that will stay with me a while. This story has such strong relatable characters, and they draw you in. The chemistry between these two is simply amazing! The small sparks and push and pull creates heat on and off the page!
I loved most about this story is that the characters are not perfect. Both are driven by their past some if it their own making and some of it from outside forces. They are human and relatable. The banter between these two really helps bring the story to life. It also allows the read a glimpse into who they are and what matters to them. Their words are thoughtful and show their true nature. I loved the relationship that Roman has with his sister and daughter.
full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
I loved most about this story is that the characters are not perfect. Both are driven by their past some if it their own making and some of it from outside forces. They are human and relatable. The banter between these two really helps bring the story to life. It also allows the read a glimpse into who they are and what matters to them. Their words are thoughtful and show their true nature. I loved the relationship that Roman has with his sister and daughter.
full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
February 22, 2022
We enjoyed the story and its characters, and we really loved Roman, what an awesome character he was sweet kind, loving, alpha, had a wicked sense of humor when I think of him easy going and protective comes to mind, and we loved that he fought for his and his families' happiness.
The story gave off the feel of a forbidden romance but, when chemistry and attraction overrule common sense, it just becomes one giant complication.
I liked Abby well enough, we just didn't love her loved how determined and goal driven she was bright and easy going she also had a wicked sense of humor but, what we didn't like is we felt she was playing with Roman's heart as well as his emotions and her constant denials never matched up with her actions. Their chemistry sizzle outside the bedroom, and we thought they would make a wonderful couple.
Overall, the story had constant drama and was fun and flirty. Roman's life will never be dual as Abby is clearly and little rule breaker...
The story gave off the feel of a forbidden romance but, when chemistry and attraction overrule common sense, it just becomes one giant complication.
I liked Abby well enough, we just didn't love her loved how determined and goal driven she was bright and easy going she also had a wicked sense of humor but, what we didn't like is we felt she was playing with Roman's heart as well as his emotions and her constant denials never matched up with her actions. Their chemistry sizzle outside the bedroom, and we thought they would make a wonderful couple.
Overall, the story had constant drama and was fun and flirty. Roman's life will never be dual as Abby is clearly and little rule breaker...
October 17, 2023
Kate Meader’s books have been on my radar since her Hot in the Kitchen series debuted in 2013. That was followed by her Hot in Chicago series (Playing with Fire, a scorching enemies to lovers romance remains a favourite and made my top ten list in 2015). Since then she’s delved into some hockey romances and a few other contemporary series but I’m delighted that she’s gone back to the firefighting world she created in Hot in Chicago with her new spinoff series Hot in Chicago Rookies. Up in Smoke is a workplace romance set at Engine 6 in Chicago that introduces a new cast of characters while pleasing longtime fans with a glimpse of what the Dempseys of the original series have been up to.
After four years as a paramedic, Abby Sullivan has just finished her first six months at the Chicago Fire Department’s training academy, ready to go on assignment as a candidate at Engine 6, the fire station her mother was stationed at when she died in the line of duty. Abby’s dad is the fire commissioner. He’s not keen on Abby’s decision to follow in her parents’ footsteps and has given her a hard time over her choice. But Abby knows this is the right thing for her to do.
On the night before her assignment is to start, she celebrates with her friends, then decides to wind down with some cherry pie at her favorite local diner. As luck would have it, the last piece of pie has been spoken for by a tall, handsome stranger. Some small talk ensues, the piece of pie is shared and a spark is ignited. While some restraint is shown (they kiss but don’t take it any further), they exchange numbers (‘Diner Dude’ and ‘Cherry Pie’) and things look hopeful for this meet-cute couple. Except, wouldn’t you know it, when Abby arrives at the station for her first day, her Lieutenant is none other than ‘Diner Dude’, a.k.a Roman Rossi. Dreams dashed, Abby and Roman are determined to put the kiss behind them, put out that spark and go on about their daily lives as Abby learns the ropes at Engine 6. In close proximity though, it’s not so easy. Will their choices lead to a future together or career disaster?
The set up for this one is fairly common, but the difference is that Abby and Roman don’t sleep together before she finds out that he’s her boss. Roman is a divorced single dad with full custody of his daughter Lena. He has a close relationship with his sister, Chiara, and he transferred to Chicago from New York after his wife had an affair with one of his firefighter crew (ouch). He hasn’t even thought about dating again until meeting Abby, and knowing that she’s off limits just bites. Roman and Abby discuss whether they should report their previous encounter to the higher-ups but since nothing really happened (and the fallout for Abby as the fire commissioner’s daughter would definitely be worse for her) they choose to put it behind them. Naturally this is easier said than done. Eventually they decide that a ‘just sex, it doesn’t have to mean anything’ affair, one that Abby offers and that Roman can’t resist, ensues. It’s hot and steamy and full of forbidden desire and guilt, and suddenly Abby realizes just how hard it was for her dad watching her mom go into dangerous situations because her ‘just sex’ affair is coming dangerously close to resulting in ‘feelings’ (and the same goes for Roman).
I have mixed feelings about Roman and Abby’s decision to sleep together. Yes, it’s mutual, but I still have that niggling feeling that the position of authority Roman is in at Engine 6 means he should have resisted, at least until figuring out a way to move her under a different command structure where they wouldn’t be boss/employee. Of course, this is the conflict that always comes up in these situations but here, a relationship could have real life-or-death consequences, when decisions might be second guessed or made for emotional reasons.
As for the rest of the story, there are many things I enjoyed that still make me glad to have read the book. Roman is a caring father and it shows in his relationship with his daughter. Abby becomes a friend to Lena and is able to provide support and advice to Roman in that relationship. Abby and her father work through some of their relationship problems, and while the loss of Abby’s mother is a significant part of the story because of how it’s impacted her life, it doesn’t overwhelm the plot. The cameos played by the Dempsey foster siblings are a treat for fans of the original series. Gage is the cook at Engine 6, Luke is another Lieutenant at the station, and Alex is on maternity leave but leaves Abby a heartfelt letter of welcome and solidarity as the other woman firefighter on their crew. Seeing these familiar characters makes me want to reread that series.
Since this is a book featuring an active firehouse, there are some fire scenes that are pretty intense interspersed with the downtime of the crew and general life on and off duty. The story flows well, the romance heats up just like the action in the second half, and once the secret of their affair is out, Abby and Roman have to cope with the fallout. It all leads to a satisfying conclusion, a happy ending for the couple, and the introduction of a few new characters whom I expect to see in the ensuing Rookie books. It’s a good start and will please fans of the author and new readers who like the firefighting story plot. Do yourself a favour though, and read the Hot in Chicago series if you haven’t done so already – it’s well worth it.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
After four years as a paramedic, Abby Sullivan has just finished her first six months at the Chicago Fire Department’s training academy, ready to go on assignment as a candidate at Engine 6, the fire station her mother was stationed at when she died in the line of duty. Abby’s dad is the fire commissioner. He’s not keen on Abby’s decision to follow in her parents’ footsteps and has given her a hard time over her choice. But Abby knows this is the right thing for her to do.
On the night before her assignment is to start, she celebrates with her friends, then decides to wind down with some cherry pie at her favorite local diner. As luck would have it, the last piece of pie has been spoken for by a tall, handsome stranger. Some small talk ensues, the piece of pie is shared and a spark is ignited. While some restraint is shown (they kiss but don’t take it any further), they exchange numbers (‘Diner Dude’ and ‘Cherry Pie’) and things look hopeful for this meet-cute couple. Except, wouldn’t you know it, when Abby arrives at the station for her first day, her Lieutenant is none other than ‘Diner Dude’, a.k.a Roman Rossi. Dreams dashed, Abby and Roman are determined to put the kiss behind them, put out that spark and go on about their daily lives as Abby learns the ropes at Engine 6. In close proximity though, it’s not so easy. Will their choices lead to a future together or career disaster?
The set up for this one is fairly common, but the difference is that Abby and Roman don’t sleep together before she finds out that he’s her boss. Roman is a divorced single dad with full custody of his daughter Lena. He has a close relationship with his sister, Chiara, and he transferred to Chicago from New York after his wife had an affair with one of his firefighter crew (ouch). He hasn’t even thought about dating again until meeting Abby, and knowing that she’s off limits just bites. Roman and Abby discuss whether they should report their previous encounter to the higher-ups but since nothing really happened (and the fallout for Abby as the fire commissioner’s daughter would definitely be worse for her) they choose to put it behind them. Naturally this is easier said than done. Eventually they decide that a ‘just sex, it doesn’t have to mean anything’ affair, one that Abby offers and that Roman can’t resist, ensues. It’s hot and steamy and full of forbidden desire and guilt, and suddenly Abby realizes just how hard it was for her dad watching her mom go into dangerous situations because her ‘just sex’ affair is coming dangerously close to resulting in ‘feelings’ (and the same goes for Roman).
I have mixed feelings about Roman and Abby’s decision to sleep together. Yes, it’s mutual, but I still have that niggling feeling that the position of authority Roman is in at Engine 6 means he should have resisted, at least until figuring out a way to move her under a different command structure where they wouldn’t be boss/employee. Of course, this is the conflict that always comes up in these situations but here, a relationship could have real life-or-death consequences, when decisions might be second guessed or made for emotional reasons.
As for the rest of the story, there are many things I enjoyed that still make me glad to have read the book. Roman is a caring father and it shows in his relationship with his daughter. Abby becomes a friend to Lena and is able to provide support and advice to Roman in that relationship. Abby and her father work through some of their relationship problems, and while the loss of Abby’s mother is a significant part of the story because of how it’s impacted her life, it doesn’t overwhelm the plot. The cameos played by the Dempsey foster siblings are a treat for fans of the original series. Gage is the cook at Engine 6, Luke is another Lieutenant at the station, and Alex is on maternity leave but leaves Abby a heartfelt letter of welcome and solidarity as the other woman firefighter on their crew. Seeing these familiar characters makes me want to reread that series.
Since this is a book featuring an active firehouse, there are some fire scenes that are pretty intense interspersed with the downtime of the crew and general life on and off duty. The story flows well, the romance heats up just like the action in the second half, and once the secret of their affair is out, Abby and Roman have to cope with the fallout. It all leads to a satisfying conclusion, a happy ending for the couple, and the introduction of a few new characters whom I expect to see in the ensuing Rookie books. It’s a good start and will please fans of the author and new readers who like the firefighting story plot. Do yourself a favour though, and read the Hot in Chicago series if you haven’t done so already – it’s well worth it.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
July 22, 2022
3.75 stars
August 31, 2025
4 1/2 stars
January 26, 2022
Roman…sigh (and swoon). I just loved him from that first slice of pie to the last. Abby had me wanting to shake her, root for her, cry with her…I just loved her. The story and characters are pure magic. This is a wonderful beginning to a new series and I am so happy to also see the Dempseys, who I love too!
Read
February 23, 2022One of my edits, out now! First in a new series, with cameos from the author's Hot in Chicago series. (There might even be a brief mention of someone from the Rookie Rebels series too. 😉)
https://www.editsbykristi.com/up-in-s...
https://www.editsbykristi.com/up-in-s...
February 4, 2022
Rating: 3.5
We are gifted with the meet cute prequel "One Night Burn" right from the start, folks. Those 45 pages alone served as an extended first chapter of this all consuming, undeniable instant attraction, and "can't keep their thoughts and eyes off each other" infatuation, budding romance between Abby and Roman, the firefighter main couple.
Stoked with lots of "will they or won't they" which, of course, eventually evolved into back and forth relationship angst and aftermath, we watch these two struggle to push all personal baggage, doubts, and insecurities aside and let love finally save the day.
Roman was pretty much the epic book boyfriend, IMHO. Sure, he was a little uncertain at the very beginning. But when this guy got with the program, he was all in. He fell for Abby hook, line, and sinker and was willing to be supportive of her while she worked herself out, no matter the issue. Juggling his job and family dynamics only endeared me more to him. His own secret, inward battle of lovability worries only upped his man card with me.
Abby was the one I found wishy-washy, frustrating at times. Let's just say I thought the gal could be her own worst enemy sometimes, both on a career and personal life level.
I did deduct a star for the very leisurely pace and what I just mentioned. For quite awhile the "look but don't touch" lusty attraction was feeling a tad redundant and running the show overly long. Things didn't turn graphically smexy until the second half, btw.
This author includes at least three LGBTQ sub-character couples and some non-binary references here. The next book, Down in Flames, will be a MM romance between a firefighter and a NHL hockey player. The latter of which is from her Rebels hockey series.
All in all, I enjoyed seeing these two lovebirds pair off and am super glad they did finally get their HEA.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Up in Smoke, Series: Hot in Chicago Rookies (Book 1), Author: Kate Meader, Pages: 334, includes prequel - One Night Burn (45 pages), spin-off of Hot in Chicago series, divorced celibate firefighter hero with 11 yr old child, younger paramedic/firefighter heroine, leisurely paced, graphic smex 2nd half, instant attraction/infatuation, back and forth relationship angst, no other people after meeting.
Book 0.5 - One Night Burn (prequel included in next book), MF romance
Book 1 - Up in Smoke (Abby & Roman), MF romance
Book 2 - Down in Flames (Jude & Hudson), MM romance
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated in any form for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or any PR firm.)
We are gifted with the meet cute prequel "One Night Burn" right from the start, folks. Those 45 pages alone served as an extended first chapter of this all consuming, undeniable instant attraction, and "can't keep their thoughts and eyes off each other" infatuation, budding romance between Abby and Roman, the firefighter main couple.
Stoked with lots of "will they or won't they" which, of course, eventually evolved into back and forth relationship angst and aftermath, we watch these two struggle to push all personal baggage, doubts, and insecurities aside and let love finally save the day.
Roman was pretty much the epic book boyfriend, IMHO. Sure, he was a little uncertain at the very beginning. But when this guy got with the program, he was all in. He fell for Abby hook, line, and sinker and was willing to be supportive of her while she worked herself out, no matter the issue. Juggling his job and family dynamics only endeared me more to him. His own secret, inward battle of lovability worries only upped his man card with me.
Abby was the one I found wishy-washy, frustrating at times. Let's just say I thought the gal could be her own worst enemy sometimes, both on a career and personal life level.
I did deduct a star for the very leisurely pace and what I just mentioned. For quite awhile the "look but don't touch" lusty attraction was feeling a tad redundant and running the show overly long. Things didn't turn graphically smexy until the second half, btw.
This author includes at least three LGBTQ sub-character couples and some non-binary references here. The next book, Down in Flames, will be a MM romance between a firefighter and a NHL hockey player. The latter of which is from her Rebels hockey series.
All in all, I enjoyed seeing these two lovebirds pair off and am super glad they did finally get their HEA.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Up in Smoke, Series: Hot in Chicago Rookies (Book 1), Author: Kate Meader, Pages: 334, includes prequel - One Night Burn (45 pages), spin-off of Hot in Chicago series, divorced celibate firefighter hero with 11 yr old child, younger paramedic/firefighter heroine, leisurely paced, graphic smex 2nd half, instant attraction/infatuation, back and forth relationship angst, no other people after meeting.
Book 0.5 - One Night Burn (prequel included in next book), MF romance
Book 1 - Up in Smoke (Abby & Roman), MF romance
Book 2 - Down in Flames (Jude & Hudson), MM romance
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated in any form for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or any PR firm.)
October 25, 2022
This was a fun start to a new series!
Lt. Roman Rossi runs a fire engine crew in Chicago, after moving there from NYC. He's divorced, and lives with his tween daughter, and his sister. He gets pushed into agreeing to a date, and he gets stood up. He's at a diner about to eat a piece of cherry pie, when a gorgeous woman walks in, and he offers to share the last piece.
Abby Sullivan just graduated firefighter training school, and she starts her new job in a couple days. Her mom died on the job, and she'll be posted in her mom's old Station #6. Her father is the commissioner now, and he's been adamantly opposed to her becoming a firefighter. After celebrating her grad night, she meets "Diner Guy" and they share a piece of pie, and a HOT kiss, and exchange numbers. But, when she walks into work for her first day, it turns out "Diner Guy" is her new commanding officer. Oops.
Abby and Roman had chemistry like WHOA, and their banter was a delight. To have such potential for more, and to have it dashed due to their work circumstances, was devastating to both of them. And they both really tried to move on, and pretend that connection never happened, but it was impossible. Finally they both realized there was no sidestepping their link, and they decided to go for it, in the hopes neither would face any real consequences, if it was only physical. But, they both knew better.
I LOVED Abby's best friends, and fellow firefighters, Jude Torres and Sam Killian! Their friendship was so joyful, and they really loved each other, and stood up for each other. I'm looking forward to learning more about them in their future books! Jude's book is next, and it's a M/M romance with a Rookie Rebels hockey series crossover, and I'm excited to read it! Roman's family was also a lot of fun, and I loved getting to see his relationship with his daughter, and with his twin sister.
Abby and Roman were made for each other from the start, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. Roman was GONE from day 1, which I adore. But, he's older, and had been through a bad marriage, so he recognized Abby as important right away. Abby is younger, and less experienced, and tried to convince herself it wasn't as big a connection as it was, but that could only last for so long. It was a slow burn, but so worth the payoff!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Lt. Roman Rossi runs a fire engine crew in Chicago, after moving there from NYC. He's divorced, and lives with his tween daughter, and his sister. He gets pushed into agreeing to a date, and he gets stood up. He's at a diner about to eat a piece of cherry pie, when a gorgeous woman walks in, and he offers to share the last piece.
Abby Sullivan just graduated firefighter training school, and she starts her new job in a couple days. Her mom died on the job, and she'll be posted in her mom's old Station #6. Her father is the commissioner now, and he's been adamantly opposed to her becoming a firefighter. After celebrating her grad night, she meets "Diner Guy" and they share a piece of pie, and a HOT kiss, and exchange numbers. But, when she walks into work for her first day, it turns out "Diner Guy" is her new commanding officer. Oops.
Abby and Roman had chemistry like WHOA, and their banter was a delight. To have such potential for more, and to have it dashed due to their work circumstances, was devastating to both of them. And they both really tried to move on, and pretend that connection never happened, but it was impossible. Finally they both realized there was no sidestepping their link, and they decided to go for it, in the hopes neither would face any real consequences, if it was only physical. But, they both knew better.
I LOVED Abby's best friends, and fellow firefighters, Jude Torres and Sam Killian! Their friendship was so joyful, and they really loved each other, and stood up for each other. I'm looking forward to learning more about them in their future books! Jude's book is next, and it's a M/M romance with a Rookie Rebels hockey series crossover, and I'm excited to read it! Roman's family was also a lot of fun, and I loved getting to see his relationship with his daughter, and with his twin sister.
Abby and Roman were made for each other from the start, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. Roman was GONE from day 1, which I adore. But, he's older, and had been through a bad marriage, so he recognized Abby as important right away. Abby is younger, and less experienced, and tried to convince herself it wasn't as big a connection as it was, but that could only last for so long. It was a slow burn, but so worth the payoff!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
February 14, 2022
UP IN SMOKE is the first instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult HOT IN CHICAGO ROOKIES erotic, firefighter romance series-a spin off from the author’s HOT IN CHICAGO series. This is twenty six year old, paramedic and rookie firefighter Abby Sullivan, and thirty-two year old, single father and firefighter Lt. Roman Rossi’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Rookie Rebels series.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Abby and Roman) UP IN SMOKE follows the forbidden relationship between twenty six year old paramedic and rookie firefighter Abby Sullivan, and thirty-two year old single father and firefighter Lt. Roman Rossi. Roman had no idea the woman he met at an all night diner would be the newest rookie on Engine 6. Starting a relationship with someone under his command is all kinds of wrong but the palpable sexual attraction and burn could not be contained. As a rookie Abby Sullivan is continuously stepping out side of the line but it doesn’t help when someone is reporting Abby’s every move to the Chicago Fire Commissioner, a man Abby knows only too well. As Abby and Roman try to keep their relationship on the down low, someone is waiting in the wings to destroy our story line couple. What ensues is the building but secret relationship and romance between Abby and Roman, and the potential fall-out when a dangerous fire finds Abby going against orders to save the man with whom she is falling in love.
Abby Sullivan knows the reality of life as a firefighter having grown up in a house with firefighting parents but Abby’s reality is about to crowd out her chances at Engine 6 when an over protective parent curtails Abby’s career as a successful firefighter. Roman Rossi is a single father who landed in Chicago after a disastrous marriage and career in New York City. Roman never set out to fall for Abby Sullivan but the heart wanted something more from out story line heroine.
The relationship between Abby and Roman begins as co-workers. Roman is Abby’s immediate superior, and as such their relationship is off limits unless reported to HR. Abby struggles with the possibility of her relationship with Roman seen as improper or sleeping her way to the top, and in this, Abby is constantly pushing away Roman Rossi, when in her heart, she wants nothing more than to claim Roman as her own. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Abby’s fellow rookies: Jude Torres, and Sam Killian; fellow firefighters Danny Acosta, Luke Almeida, Paul Wozniak, Alexandra Dempsey-Cooper, Commissioner Chuck Sullivan, as well as Roman’s sister Chiara, and his eleven year old daughter Lena. Jude’s story is next.
UP IN SMOKE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of struggle and trust, grief and loss, acceptance and forgiveness. The premise is captivating,engaging and emotional; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are charismatic, strong, determined and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Abby and Roman) UP IN SMOKE follows the forbidden relationship between twenty six year old paramedic and rookie firefighter Abby Sullivan, and thirty-two year old single father and firefighter Lt. Roman Rossi. Roman had no idea the woman he met at an all night diner would be the newest rookie on Engine 6. Starting a relationship with someone under his command is all kinds of wrong but the palpable sexual attraction and burn could not be contained. As a rookie Abby Sullivan is continuously stepping out side of the line but it doesn’t help when someone is reporting Abby’s every move to the Chicago Fire Commissioner, a man Abby knows only too well. As Abby and Roman try to keep their relationship on the down low, someone is waiting in the wings to destroy our story line couple. What ensues is the building but secret relationship and romance between Abby and Roman, and the potential fall-out when a dangerous fire finds Abby going against orders to save the man with whom she is falling in love.
Abby Sullivan knows the reality of life as a firefighter having grown up in a house with firefighting parents but Abby’s reality is about to crowd out her chances at Engine 6 when an over protective parent curtails Abby’s career as a successful firefighter. Roman Rossi is a single father who landed in Chicago after a disastrous marriage and career in New York City. Roman never set out to fall for Abby Sullivan but the heart wanted something more from out story line heroine.
The relationship between Abby and Roman begins as co-workers. Roman is Abby’s immediate superior, and as such their relationship is off limits unless reported to HR. Abby struggles with the possibility of her relationship with Roman seen as improper or sleeping her way to the top, and in this, Abby is constantly pushing away Roman Rossi, when in her heart, she wants nothing more than to claim Roman as her own. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Abby’s fellow rookies: Jude Torres, and Sam Killian; fellow firefighters Danny Acosta, Luke Almeida, Paul Wozniak, Alexandra Dempsey-Cooper, Commissioner Chuck Sullivan, as well as Roman’s sister Chiara, and his eleven year old daughter Lena. Jude’s story is next.
UP IN SMOKE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of struggle and trust, grief and loss, acceptance and forgiveness. The premise is captivating,engaging and emotional; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are charismatic, strong, determined and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 30, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from the author. I didn’t bother reading the description because it’s from Kate Meader (translation—I knew I would love it). I was not surprised to discover this is another five-star read from one of my favorite authors.
Since anyone reading this review will have certainly read the description, I won’t try to be cagey and I won’t recap it. Suffice to say, Abby and Roman share sizzling hot chemistry, and despite real and imagined roadblocks, they figure out their HEA.
One of the reasons I love Kate Meader’s writing is because of her voice. Characters are smart; they share clever banter and their internal conversations are even funnier. This story is told from alternating POVs of Abby and Roman and each speaks as if telling a story to a friend (along with muttered asides and clarifications). Here are some of my favorites:
Abby is out with her two closest friends, Jude and Sam. She observes: “Several women are giving Sam come-hither looks (or come-on-my-face looks as Jude calls them).” After cleaning the latrines at the firehouse, Abby tells Roman she has learned that Satin Rules. When he questions her, she explains it’s “Satan’s spelling-challenged cousin.”
While considering spending time with Abby, Roman thinks, “It was the best of ideas, the worst of ideas,” hearkening back to Dickens. Abby suggests they can be friends and he thinks: “Friends. Maybe that’s what I need. Someone I can talk to, who won’t judge. But I have a feeling I’d be crossing the line before the friendship bracelets are woven and wrapped around our wrists.”
This image was wonderful. After one of the characters says something he clearly doesn’t mean, Abby thinks it “drips with so much sarcasm we’re practically wading in it.” And the imagery in another scene is even more impactful, the heartbreak palpable, when described by Roman: “I rub my mouth as if it can change the words about to leave my lips and shape them into something that won’t feel like broken glass in my throat.”
One of Abby’s frequent places to visit is her aunt’s house, where her aunt prepares a feast to be shared with family and friends. One Sunday, Abby describes the scene. “Taytos are Irish potato chips. We’re in the living room, hoovering them up through our chip-holes while we wait for the roast to be done.” But Abby is self-deprecating in her internal conversations too. “I stand up, wiping crumbs from my thighs from the cookie Lena made me eat. Where ‘made me’ means ‘offered-and-was-gone-in-three-seconds.’”
I’m fully aware that anyone else reading these quotes out of context won’t gain the full impact of them, but I probably write these reviews as much for myself as anyone else. In a few years, if I look back on this review, I’ll be pleasantly reminded of why I loved this book so much, and I’ll probably read it again. The fact that I’d be willing, nay happy, to reread this should be all the encouragement anyone needs to read it themselves.
Since anyone reading this review will have certainly read the description, I won’t try to be cagey and I won’t recap it. Suffice to say, Abby and Roman share sizzling hot chemistry, and despite real and imagined roadblocks, they figure out their HEA.
One of the reasons I love Kate Meader’s writing is because of her voice. Characters are smart; they share clever banter and their internal conversations are even funnier. This story is told from alternating POVs of Abby and Roman and each speaks as if telling a story to a friend (along with muttered asides and clarifications). Here are some of my favorites:
Abby is out with her two closest friends, Jude and Sam. She observes: “Several women are giving Sam come-hither looks (or come-on-my-face looks as Jude calls them).” After cleaning the latrines at the firehouse, Abby tells Roman she has learned that Satin Rules. When he questions her, she explains it’s “Satan’s spelling-challenged cousin.”
While considering spending time with Abby, Roman thinks, “It was the best of ideas, the worst of ideas,” hearkening back to Dickens. Abby suggests they can be friends and he thinks: “Friends. Maybe that’s what I need. Someone I can talk to, who won’t judge. But I have a feeling I’d be crossing the line before the friendship bracelets are woven and wrapped around our wrists.”
This image was wonderful. After one of the characters says something he clearly doesn’t mean, Abby thinks it “drips with so much sarcasm we’re practically wading in it.” And the imagery in another scene is even more impactful, the heartbreak palpable, when described by Roman: “I rub my mouth as if it can change the words about to leave my lips and shape them into something that won’t feel like broken glass in my throat.”
One of Abby’s frequent places to visit is her aunt’s house, where her aunt prepares a feast to be shared with family and friends. One Sunday, Abby describes the scene. “Taytos are Irish potato chips. We’re in the living room, hoovering them up through our chip-holes while we wait for the roast to be done.” But Abby is self-deprecating in her internal conversations too. “I stand up, wiping crumbs from my thighs from the cookie Lena made me eat. Where ‘made me’ means ‘offered-and-was-gone-in-three-seconds.’”
I’m fully aware that anyone else reading these quotes out of context won’t gain the full impact of them, but I probably write these reviews as much for myself as anyone else. In a few years, if I look back on this review, I’ll be pleasantly reminded of why I loved this book so much, and I’ll probably read it again. The fact that I’d be willing, nay happy, to reread this should be all the encouragement anyone needs to read it themselves.
February 24, 2022
Abby Sullivan and her friends Sam and Jude have just graduated from the Chicago Fire Department's training academy and are about to begin working as full-time firefighter candidates. After a night of celebration with her friends, Abby decides to head home early, stopping at her favorite diner for pie along the way. Single dad Roman Rossi has just ordered the last piece, but after he sees Abby's disappointment, he's happy to share it with her. They hit it off and Roman ends up walking Abby home; they exchange phone numbers and a hot kiss, but not their real names, before going their separate ways. They're shocked to see each other again a few days later, when Abby reports for her first day on the job and learns that Roman is her new lieutenant. There are rules against dating direct reports which make a romantic relationship between them impossible. Besides, Abby has enough to deal with as the daughter of Chicago's first female firefighter, who died on the job when Abby was only six years old. She doesn't need a reputation as the rookie who dated her lieutenant on top of that. Unfortunately, the sparks between Roman and Abby are too powerful to ignore, and they can't seem to stop them from igniting. Will they be able to put out the blaze or will both of their careers go up in flames?
This book gave me all the feels! I loved how cute and flirty Roman and Abby were when they first met. They had so much chemistry, and their banter throughout the book was a ton of fun. It wasn't easy for them to find a way to be together, both because of their complicated work situation and the baggage from their pasts, but they managed to make it work in the end, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA. I also enjoyed Roman's relationships with his adorable daughter, Lena, and twin sister, Chiara. She managed to hold on to her sense of humor even while dealing with the heartbreak of an impending divorce, and it just made me love her even more. I hope Chiara will get a story of her own in the future.
I highly recommend "Up in Smoke" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to whatever Kate Meader writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book gave me all the feels! I loved how cute and flirty Roman and Abby were when they first met. They had so much chemistry, and their banter throughout the book was a ton of fun. It wasn't easy for them to find a way to be together, both because of their complicated work situation and the baggage from their pasts, but they managed to make it work in the end, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA. I also enjoyed Roman's relationships with his adorable daughter, Lena, and twin sister, Chiara. She managed to hold on to her sense of humor even while dealing with the heartbreak of an impending divorce, and it just made me love her even more. I hope Chiara will get a story of her own in the future.
I highly recommend "Up in Smoke" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to whatever Kate Meader writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 6, 2022
Abby and Roman sizzle in Up In Smoke by Kate Meader, book one in the Hot in Chicago Rookies series, a new series about rookie Chicago firefighters, an amazing story about a a determined fire fighter rookie and the hot, smexy single dad who couldn’t help but fall his new recruit. From their meet-cute over cherry pie, to discovering he’s her new commander, you can’t help but love this page-turning new series.
Abby Sullivan was such an amazing character; strong, determined, and more than capable of holding her own against the boys. Her relationship with her father was heartbreaking to read; I often wanted to slap some sense into him. Roman Rossi was the perfect balance for Abby. His calmness and steadiness were much needed in her life. His snarky relationship with his twin sister was hysterical as was the great support system she provided for him and his daughter, Lena. His grumpy exterior hid some major vulnerabilities, but once he opens up, you get the real Roman.
Abby started out strong and although there were times she became unsure and losing confidence, and occasionally her own worst enemy until Roman, or her friends, gave her a reality check. Abby and Roman had an instant attraction, off-the-charts chemistry, sizzled between the sheets, and a magnetic attraction that Abby tried to block. There were times Abby had me wanting to shake her, root for her, cry with her. Abby and Roman will need to deal with their baggage, doubts, insecurities, and conflicting work schedules before finding a way to save their loving relationship.
Ms. Meader wrote an emotional, amazing, burn the sheets, insta-attraction romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and endearing characters giving Abby and Roman a chance at love and a future together. I highly Up In Smoke to other readers, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Abby Sullivan was such an amazing character; strong, determined, and more than capable of holding her own against the boys. Her relationship with her father was heartbreaking to read; I often wanted to slap some sense into him. Roman Rossi was the perfect balance for Abby. His calmness and steadiness were much needed in her life. His snarky relationship with his twin sister was hysterical as was the great support system she provided for him and his daughter, Lena. His grumpy exterior hid some major vulnerabilities, but once he opens up, you get the real Roman.
Abby started out strong and although there were times she became unsure and losing confidence, and occasionally her own worst enemy until Roman, or her friends, gave her a reality check. Abby and Roman had an instant attraction, off-the-charts chemistry, sizzled between the sheets, and a magnetic attraction that Abby tried to block. There were times Abby had me wanting to shake her, root for her, cry with her. Abby and Roman will need to deal with their baggage, doubts, insecurities, and conflicting work schedules before finding a way to save their loving relationship.
Ms. Meader wrote an emotional, amazing, burn the sheets, insta-attraction romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and endearing characters giving Abby and Roman a chance at love and a future together. I highly Up In Smoke to other readers, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 27, 2022
After four years as a paramedic, Abby Sullivan is following on her mother's footsteps and entered the Chicago Fire Academy. On the night of graduation, after celebrating with her 2 friends and other rookies at a club, she craves cherry pie and calls a cab to go to a diner.
One year ago, Roman Rossi got divorced and left NY to come in Chicago with his eleven year-old daughter to start again and be near his sister. He's not that thrilled about trying to date again but now he got stood up. At least the evening is not a total waste. He got to share his pie with an intriguing stranger.
The delicious pie is not the only sweet Abby get to taste that evening when it ended with a kiss. But guess who she meets two days later when going to work on her first shift at Engine 6 and who's going to be her new boss? And of course, to makes things even more impossible, he had to be the lieutenant. And did I mentioned that her father is the Fire Commissioner and not happy about his daughter being a firefighter ? Between him, trying to live up to her mother's legacy as one of Chicago's first female firefighter and trying to deal with the desire she feels for her boss but they can't consume, Abby new job will be full of challenges.
This series is the first book in the Hot in Chicago spin-off so if you're a fan like me, expect to see familiar faces and delight in meeting them again. You could read it as a standalone too. Kate Meader has accustomed us to astounding love stories full of heart and heat, and a great cast of characters. This series and the new people will follow this lead. I loved seeing Roman with his family (he's such a good dad and the sibling chemistry with his sister so great!). The Chicago Fire Department is also like one big family.
One year ago, Roman Rossi got divorced and left NY to come in Chicago with his eleven year-old daughter to start again and be near his sister. He's not that thrilled about trying to date again but now he got stood up. At least the evening is not a total waste. He got to share his pie with an intriguing stranger.
The delicious pie is not the only sweet Abby get to taste that evening when it ended with a kiss. But guess who she meets two days later when going to work on her first shift at Engine 6 and who's going to be her new boss? And of course, to makes things even more impossible, he had to be the lieutenant. And did I mentioned that her father is the Fire Commissioner and not happy about his daughter being a firefighter ? Between him, trying to live up to her mother's legacy as one of Chicago's first female firefighter and trying to deal with the desire she feels for her boss but they can't consume, Abby new job will be full of challenges.
This series is the first book in the Hot in Chicago spin-off so if you're a fan like me, expect to see familiar faces and delight in meeting them again. You could read it as a standalone too. Kate Meader has accustomed us to astounding love stories full of heart and heat, and a great cast of characters. This series and the new people will follow this lead. I loved seeing Roman with his family (he's such a good dad and the sibling chemistry with his sister so great!). The Chicago Fire Department is also like one big family.
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