A fuoco lento

Into the Fire #2

by J.H. Croix

Spengo incendi per mestiere. Non ho paura del fuoco. Ma Maisie è una forza devastante che mi fa impazzire. È una donna polemica, dalla lingua tagliente ed esperta in fatto di sarcasmo.

Questa cittadina è troppo piccola per entrambi. Ma, purtroppo, lavora per me. Non posso permettermi di avvicinarmi troppo.

È sfacciata e affascinante, e non riesco a togliermela dalla testa. Ci sono diversi tipi di fuoco, e questo prima o poi la scioglierà.

C’è solo un problema: questo fuoco potrebbe essere troppo ardente per entrambi.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Firefighters, Ebooks, Google

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


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Reviews

[Anna]

DNF at 30%. Same old, same old... It wasnt for me, sorry...

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steamy firefighter romance, the writing style was OK. This story is most definitely NOT for younger readers. I did like the Alaska setting and the multiple POVs between the main characters Maisie and Beck. Good chemistry in places as well. The pacing did feel ‘slow burn’ at times.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow Burn is sexy but frustrating. I say frustrating because the relationship between Maisie and Beck had so much back and forth that it frustrated me and lessened my enjoyment of what was actually an interesting, sexy story.



Maisie has been working at the Willow Brook, Alaska, fire station as a dispatcher for two years. She's slowly come to enjoy being around the men, and woman, who make up her colleagues, but she hasn't ever opened up much to any of them. Beck, one of the hot shots, just loves teasing her, flirting if you will, and has been attracted to her since she came to town to visit her Grandma, who used to be the admin/dispatcher. He's like a junior high or high school boy who teases the girl he secretly likes because he doesn't know how else to act around her. Maisie, too, is attracted to Beck, but he's the town flirt and she has no plans on becoming just another notch on his bedpost. But one day he accidentally sees her naked in the station shower, and from then on, his attraction only heats up and he's determined to have her.



I have to say that Maisie and Beck have an electric connection, but thanks to Maisie's past, she's so hot and cold with him that it drove me nuts. I love how passionate the two are with each other, but every time she shut him down after connecting physically, or she flat out ran off, I wanted to scream. It really frustrated me and lessened my enjoyment of what could have been a 4 star read. I get why Maisie was so determined to be self sufficient, but she was so damn stubborn that I wondered if Beck would ever be able to get through to her. Thank God he finally was able to get through to her, but by then I was kind of done with her.



But, I did ultimately like Slow Burn, and think it's really sexy, and generally well written, so I can see my way to 3 stars. If I could give half stars I would because I really think it's 3.5 stars rather than just 3.

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

[Kristiej · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve had mixed reactions with this author. Some previous books I’ve liked a lot but not so much this one. First off it’s not that memorable. I read it in July and I have more impressions than memories. I also know it took my longer to read as I kept putting it down and sometimes picking up another book to read instead.

The main thing I do remember is the hero is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy and I didn’t like the heroine. I did finish it though so that gets some starts but I know I’ll never read it again so it loses some points. I hate doing this but I really don’t recommend this particular book. I just read the outline and just by that I should have known this wasn’t a book for me.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (7/21/2018)!💝

Blurb:
I put out fires for a living.
I can take some heat.
But Maisie drives me crazy.
She’s smart-mouthed, sarcastic and argumentative.
This town’s too small for both of us.
But she works for me. Unfortunately.
It’s a big no-no for me to f*ck her.
Every time I lay eyes on her, I want to throw her over my shoulder and find the closest place to get my hands all over her curvy body.
Her eyes flash, her sweet a** swings, and her smart mouth makes my c*ck so hard it aches.
There are different kinds of fire, and this one will make her panties melt.
There’s only one problem: this fire might be too hot for both of us.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

CRINGE ALERT
I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the setting in this book. Beck is an absolute sweetheart—he falls so hard for Maisie, and their connection feels genuine. Plus, Maisie’s backstory is believable, which made me root for her even more.

The Alaskan setting is beautifully immersive—you can really picture where they are, and it adds so much depth to the story. But good god, the smut is all slick folds and wet channels, and I just couldn’t take it seriously. Every time a scene like that popped up, I found myself cringing instead of enjoying the moment.

If it weren’t for the overly cringey bedroom scenes, I’d rate this higher than three stars. But overall, it’s a solid read if you can push through the cringe.

[Naianne Lara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no idea why I keep reading this series and yet here I am still. This book is boring as hell.

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this girl starts each book, the way she create each blurb has the ability to hook me up and I can't stand not reading them so what do I do? I grab them and read the intensely till the end.
J.H. Croix has an intense and breathtaking writing full of sexyness and sassyness. Oh boy... Panties will burn for sure.
Slow Burn is her latest release and tells the stories of Beck and Maisie.
But I need to tell you something. You really should read Burn For Me first because despite they are all standalones you need to know the characters.
Beck is a firefighter that love his job and his team. In love department he's a one night stand kinda guy. No strings attached he just want to have a good time.
Marcie is a dispatcher for Willow Brook Fire and Rescue. She's used to talk to a bunch of people and also she talks with the fire department. She's well succeed and loves her job although there is one guy that drives her insane.
Things will get hot and...
Dayum Dayum what a book. I'm in love with this series. So good.
The plot is fantastic, very well written, perfect timelines. The way the story progressed left me wanting more and more and with the need to slap someone. Seriously... Let's talk about some stubborn people. The interaction between the characters is funny, bumpy, intense and carnal. They want to love each other but sometimes our mind takes change and...
Amazing book J. H. Croix and I can't wait for Lucy's story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for me. First time author and I enjoyed the story. This was book 2 in the series but I had no problems reading it without having read book 1 in the series. You have a hot alpha hot shot firefighter who has always been the "funtime firefighter" skipping from woman to woman and never getting into a serious relationship. The heroine is a feisty character who has never known a life of stability and never was able to make friends since her father was dragging her from one place to another. The main reason I liked this book so much is that it actually could have been reality. Two people working in the same place and fighting their connection. It's not insta-lust/love but when it hits, it hits hard.
Book 1 in this series was included in this book as a bonus and at 60% I'm not feeling as much love for book 1. I do recommend this one if you want a good, steamy read with an alpha-possessive male who wants to take care of and protect his love.

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review
Quick read with dual points of view
I enjoyed Maisie and Beck's story. Maisie's background makes it hard for her to allow anyone to get close to her. She is used to relying on herself. So when Beck, "the fun fireman" shows interest, she oe not trust him or her feelings. Just when their relationship start to make sense, her past comes around and disrupts things. There is a lot of heat between Maisie and Beck. The chemistry is off the charts. There is some back and forth with the relationship because they both are a little clueless on how to make it work. It all comes together and ends with a nice epilogue.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed it, the reason I did not give it higher star rating is that even though I enjoy banter after a while I was like enough. Maisey stop with the seesaw. Brent grow up...They were great in their professional roles, but they needed help in the personal department..However, they were hot together..this was second book in the series, so I have to go read that one, but it can be read as standalone..don't wait

[Alyrica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Read

This book was middle of the road for me. I usually love the alpha playboy falling for the reluctant heroine theme. For some reason, this book didn't elicit any strong emotions from me. I liked both the H and the h but didn't feel a strong connection with either. The only issue I had while reading is the repetition in thoughts, descriptions and words. It annoyed me enough to take me out of the story several times. Other than that it was a nice read.

[Kristen Zimmerman (Book 'Em Krafty) · Rating 3 out of 5]

J.H. Croix is new to me author. This is the second book in the Into the Fire Series. I’m not sure reading the first book would have helped me with this one, I just couldn’t get into it. By the time I did get into it, I only had a few chapters left. Overall, I liked the storyline and the characters. I just thought it wasn’t moving along fast enough.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn is correct on this one. It will burn your panties off with the heat between Beck and Maisie. Beck is a Hot Shot fireman and Maisie works as the dispatcher in the station. She has been there for two years and never really allowed herself to make many friends or date anyone. She has a troubled past so she has gotten use to depending solely on herself for everything. Beck is in charge of one of the Hot Shot teams and he is smoldering hot as well as a huge flirt. He never gets serious with anyone and is known around town as Fun time Fireman because he has a string of ladies he passes through. Beck has had the hots for Maisie for the two years she has worked with him but never acted on it until the sparks finally ignite. This is book 2 in this series so we get to revisit the characters from book 1 plus meet some new ones. I was given an ARC to voluntarily read and give my honest opinion. I LOVED this book. You will appreciate Maisie and completely fall in love with Beck. This is such a great book and I highly recommend it.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie is the dispatcher for Willow Brook Fire and Rescue. Maisie took over the job after her grandmother passed and she decided to stay Alaska. Beck is a firefighter where Masie works and he takes great pleasure in pushing her buttons. Beck has been attracted to Maisie but she hasn't exactly been open to his flirting. Maisie thinks Beck is a playboy that will never change. However everything changes when Beck walks in on Masie showering at work. When he goes over to work on her hot water tank they both give and have sex. Maisie asks that he not say anything to anyone but she doesn't want to be talked about. Things go great with them until her father comes to town and causes some friction between Beck and Maisie. Will Beck convince Maisie he only wants her?

This was another hit from J.H. Croix. I couldn't stop once I started and wanted more when I was at the end. This story was well written and will keep you turning pages for more. I can't wait for the next book by this author. I highly recommend you get this book if you haven't done so yet.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read pretty much every book that Croix has written and this book did not disappoint. I so enjoy these Alaskan series, and then add hotshot alpha firefighters and you have a whole new definition of sparks flying. Masie has never had stability or anyone to depend on, Beck has been known as the fun fire fighter who's a flirt and is quite content to meant all the tourist that come to town, knowing that the relationship will end. Can these two find a common ground and be able to share a future?

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

[Metalkarin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, though not as hot as the Alaskan fires

Although the writing is slightly repetitive, it doesn’t irritate me to the extent that it takes away the enjoyment in the story.

I like the storyline and the main characters. The steamy parts could have been hotter IMO. I would have enjoyed it, when not only the fires burned.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 2nd book's story line was okay. I liked the chemistry in this story. I liked the hot & steamy scenes. I liked Maise's character. I liked Beck's character. I liked the ending.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. The word "channel" should never be used that much.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book. Maisie drove me nuts with her back and forth. At first she wasn't really even willing to give Beck a try. She had heard things and just assumed it was the truth. She did finally come to her senses though. Which was good because it allowed them a chance at a happy ending.

[Romance4thebeach · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

This romance has a strong start. Maisie still considers herself a newcomer to this small Alaska town, having moved here permanently after the death of her grandmother. It’s a place where everybody knows everybody’s business, yet she prefers to stay reserved to the background without making any waves. Too bad she’s drawn the attention of local playboy firefighter, Beck Steele. If that’s not the perfect name for a hot shot flirtatious male lead, I don’t know what is! Ever since she started working as the emergency call operator in their fire station, Beck has been smitten with this city girl who seems immune to his charms. Little does she know that simply makes him want to tease and flirt with her all the more.

When Beck unexpectedly discovers Maisie showering in the fire house due to a lack of hot water at her own place, his first glance at her naked body covered in soapy suds has him done for. They’re both consenting adults who clearly have a steamy attraction to each other, and he proposes they finally give into the passion which has been simmering just under the surface since they first met. Will their fiery connection fizzle out after a few rolls between the sheets, or will they also see the ignition of an emotional connection? Alright, that’s about all the subtle fire puns I can fit into one introduction.

The other townsfolk of Willow Brook are just as much a part of this story as Maisie and Beck. In spite of Maisie sometimes wanting to close herself off from feeling too much for the people in this small town, we see that they’re even more stubborn in their attempts to draw her into their fold. Once Maisie and Beck start exploring a more intimate relationship with each other, we see them try to keep this a secret, especially from the other men in the fire station who might develop a negative impression of Maisie. However, their connection is so strong it quickly becomes clear to those around them that they care for each other. They’re especially excited to see Beck, one of their own who has always limited himself from spending too much time with any one woman, falling so hard for Maisie. It doesn’t take long before they start to see her as own of their own, and will do anything to protect her and see that she and Beck find the happily ever after they both deserve.

Whenever we have a romance featuring a firefighter, we all expect a certain level of intensity and suspense surrounding such a dangerous profession. It’s not surprising that this can often prove a point of contention between couples in a romance novel. However, this is a feature which surprisingly never rises to prominence in Slow Burn. As a matter of fact, when you go beyond the developing relationship between Maisie and Beck, there’s a definite lack in any real struggle or drama to the plot. What we have here is essentially a focus on how two people explore a sexual relationship with each other, and how their physical connection eventually evolves into one of love. Towards the end of the novel there’s a brief introduction of Maisie’s troubled father who often seeks her out to provide him with money. While this is used as an opportunity to highlight how Beck and the townspeople of Willow Brook will always have Maisie’s interests at heart, it never develops into a dramatic side plot that one would expect.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

The story of Maisie and Beck happens in a fictional town of Willow Brook, Alaska. Maisie is the sole dispatcher for Willow Brook Fire & Rescue and Beck is a leader of one of the rescue teams. The two of them have been striking sparks off of each other for the past two years with their slightly antagonistic relationship. A hot water heater malfunction at her home lands Maisie in compromising a position of being busted in the shower by Beck after his last rescue call.

As Beck gets an eye full of Maisie’s assets his body is letting him know that it would like to do more than look. Beck tries to push her buttons to take things a little further as he can feel her body wanting to agree with his assessment that she needs to lighten up and have some fun.

We get some back-story on Maisie that she was basically the parent in the family with regards to her father as her mom had passed. Being very much into total self-sufficiency Maisie is not taking anything for granted especially her job.

Beck admits that he’s a bit of a player when it comes to the ladies. He figures both he and the lady know it’s a temporary thing and no one gets hurt. However he realizes he feels a bit more for Maisie. He’s working really hard at convincing her he could be more if she lets him.

Things started out hot and steamy in this book. Both of their professionalism comes through loud and clear. There dealings with other people very grown up and insightful. When dealing with each other professionally they are great, their interpersonal dealings with each other very juvenile and annoying after a while. At one point there is a teenage boy teasing a young lady about how silly it is for her to want to be a fire fighter and Beck makes the comment its like his relationship with Maisie and I agreed totally.

They would get together both have a great time then Maisie would run and do the ignoring thing after a while it was pretty much predictable and just killed the heat for me. Plus the constant childish inner monologue from Beck just totally made him seem like a jerk most of the time. I will say he had some sweet moments and some really stand up guy qualities just most of the time it felt like he was doing the pulling the girls braids because he liked her and wouldn’t come out and say so. Maisie wanting to be so self sufficient almost to the point of causing loads of problems for herself just kind of wore you out after a bit. It was like they could adult everywhere else but in their relationship.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

A hot fireman story is something I like to read and this one is definitely one.
Put in a strong woman who didn't have an easy youth and you have a great read.

Maisie is living in Alaska for two years now and she has the hots for fireman Beck. But he is player and she doesn't want to get burned.
Beck is always shaking her up with the way he talks to her, she can't help but to talk back to him. Sparks fly between them.
One day when her shower at home is only giving cold water she showers at work and Beck walks in. From that moment the game is on.
Beck wants to help her, but Maisie isn't used to people helping her.
Throw in her dad showing up for some extra drama and Beck is on full force.

Fun, hot and great read.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

So this is based in Alaska and its about firefighter Beck and dispatcher Masie. They are colleagues for sometime when Beck walks in on Masie in the stations shower stalls and decides hes not playing around anymore and wants her badly! Masie has issues and wont take him seriously due to his love em and leave em attitude. Then we get to see them hook up and mess it up over and over again for a variety of pretty stupid reasons.

Luck and Masie are just too hot and cold so I never really got into their love connection. They both acted like immature morons because of their insecurities. They do end up getting over themselves eventually but its annoying watching them act like kids repeatedly.
They have sweet moments though and a nice HEA!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series! I knew in the last book that Beck was going to either win Maisie over or she was going to deck him :) Maisie is used to being alone, her father neglected her after her mother died. He was always looking for easy money. Now he's knocking at her door again and she has to deal with having Beck, a man that has been a playboy, at her side defending her. The love that develops between these two is really awesome to watch bloom.
This is my honest review of this advance reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a good read. The characters were written well but had a bit of a childish feel about them at times. They had chemistry and it was hot. 'Slow Burn' was well named as this story has a build up to the relationship between the main characters. This is an enjoyable read.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the book for an honest review. This was a story about a child raised by a single mom who died when she was 3 and a hotshot firefighter who was friendly with the ladies. She doesn't know if she can trust or rely on him. If us love a lot of steamy sex this books is for u, I like a little more story and not all about sex.

[Bertram T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow burn

My wife liked the book but thought it needed more excitement. Story never seemed to go to the next level. Kind of boring.

[Francesca Alford · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I had to read one more time about her curls coming loose from her hair tie, I was going pull my own hair out!

Reluctantly finished although it definitely wasn’t worth my time.

[Melanie Horsman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Strange

What a strange book! Very rushed plot and storyline with lack of proper flow. Would not read again or recommend.