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Bring the Fire
Some first impressions deserve a second glance.
After a bad breakup and a subsequent move to join the Homicide Squad in New York, the last thing Alex Ross wants is a dangerously attractive, adrenaline-seeking, and almost certainly straight new partner. Unfortunately, that's exactly what he gets.
Ramon Braxton created a new life for himself after leaving the SEALs—a life revolving around chasing down bad guys with his small but highly competent task force, a son who turned out to be best mistake he ever made, and a grudging acceptance that his parents would rather have no child than one who's gay. At no point did he ask for a partner charged with smoothing over Ramon’s rougher edges. Even if the guy is rather easy on the eyes.
In this New York City M/M romance, two men race to prevent an escalating war between two crime families—and may just end up finding each other along the way.
After a bad breakup and a subsequent move to join the Homicide Squad in New York, the last thing Alex Ross wants is a dangerously attractive, adrenaline-seeking, and almost certainly straight new partner. Unfortunately, that's exactly what he gets.
Ramon Braxton created a new life for himself after leaving the SEALs—a life revolving around chasing down bad guys with his small but highly competent task force, a son who turned out to be best mistake he ever made, and a grudging acceptance that his parents would rather have no child than one who's gay. At no point did he ask for a partner charged with smoothing over Ramon’s rougher edges. Even if the guy is rather easy on the eyes.
In this New York City M/M romance, two men race to prevent an escalating war between two crime families—and may just end up finding each other along the way.
211 pages, ebook
First published June 7, 2022
68 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Zarah Detand
19 books438 followersWriter of M/M romances. Chaos monkey. Coffee snob. Cheese is her love language.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 24, 2023
2.5 stars. Another review described Bring the Fire as if Hawaii Five-0 and 9-1-1 fanfiction had a baby. While I never watched Hawaii Five-0, I used to watch 9-1-1 and could definitely see this as a Buck/Eddie AU 🤣 Instead of firefighter partners, they're police officers. One character is amiable and earnest. The other is reserved and stoic...except around his adorable son...and then, eventually, his new partner. Okay, I'll stop!!
The story reminded me of many fanfics that I've read: absorbing and crisply written yet fairly shallow. And that's not to diss fanfiction; I love fanfiction! But this was more "surface-level exploration" than "plumbing the depths." There was not enough romance. Despite its promise, the relationship felt stunted and developed oddly. There was zero steam, and given that the characters don't get together until the end, I somewhat understood the exclusion. But, the absence highlighted the lagging connection.
Set Fire to This Cardhouse, also by this author, vaguely resembles Bring the Fire. Although that relationship development was also a bit stunted, and there were some frustrating plot choices, it was an overall solid read that featured the "romance" and "suspense" that I expect. I would definitely read more stories, in that style, by Zarah Detand. She is a strong writer. This one just missed the mark for me.
The story reminded me of many fanfics that I've read: absorbing and crisply written yet fairly shallow. And that's not to diss fanfiction; I love fanfiction! But this was more "surface-level exploration" than "plumbing the depths." There was not enough romance. Despite its promise, the relationship felt stunted and developed oddly. There was zero steam, and given that the characters don't get together until the end, I somewhat understood the exclusion. But, the absence highlighted the lagging connection.
Set Fire to This Cardhouse, also by this author, vaguely resembles Bring the Fire. Although that relationship development was also a bit stunted, and there were some frustrating plot choices, it was an overall solid read that featured the "romance" and "suspense" that I expect. I would definitely read more stories, in that style, by Zarah Detand. She is a strong writer. This one just missed the mark for me.
June 9, 2022
An easy read but not nearly as good as the other books I’ve read form this author ( they were all 4-5 stars for me) . Plus, to write a cop romance you have to have…that: cop and romance. This book has cop things but not too much and romance but not too much and in the end it didn’t have the appeal one would expect. I understand the author wanting to keep it PG (actually no, fuck it, I don’t understand why..it’s not like it’s a YA book ) but you can’t write romance without adding some chemistry and passion between the MCs. This book has no sex scenes whatsoever.. not even fade to black, it barely has a kiss. Why write romance if you aren’t willing to make them hot and bothered for each other? And it’s not like the emotional bond between them was so good that one doesn’t need for them to get physical in order to feel their connection and love because it wasn’t. The emotions weren’t there either. I don’t need porn on every page but ..you know, romance?!?! And it’s not like this author hasn’t written books with more spice before either..
I did like both MCs and the investigation was..ok ish but this books lacks depth, lacks ..everything. It’s a short book (only 200 pages) that’s true but still.. It was enjoyable , I can’t say it’s bad but I think you’ll enjoy it better if you’re 18 and it’s your first romance book ever.
I did like both MCs and the investigation was..ok ish but this books lacks depth, lacks ..everything. It’s a short book (only 200 pages) that’s true but still.. It was enjoyable , I can’t say it’s bad but I think you’ll enjoy it better if you’re 18 and it’s your first romance book ever.
June 26, 2022
Slow burn, closed-door fluff.
Love the author but not this.
No story, no cry.
Love the author but not this.
No story, no cry.
March 28, 2025
3.5 stars
I took the whole cop/special task force handling gang members with a grain of salt - because that wasn't what I looked for with this story anyway. I was looking for Detand's brand of easy companionship between the two main characters, intimate moments shared, and heart-to-heart talks. I got some of it, for sure, especially when Ramon and Alex exchanged stories about their past (Ramon with his parents, Alex with his ex).
But it didn't tug me as much as the other Detand's stories that I gave 4* and up ratings to. Still, it was enjoyable
I took the whole cop/special task force handling gang members with a grain of salt - because that wasn't what I looked for with this story anyway. I was looking for Detand's brand of easy companionship between the two main characters, intimate moments shared, and heart-to-heart talks. I got some of it, for sure, especially when Ramon and Alex exchanged stories about their past (Ramon with his parents, Alex with his ex).
But it didn't tug me as much as the other Detand's stories that I gave 4* and up ratings to. Still, it was enjoyable
January 6, 2024
Don't read this one for police procedural accuracy, it's really a fantasy cops m/m romance, and it's funny and sweet with just the right amount of tension. I loved it.
February 17, 2024
3+
Seria romansów amerykańskich generalnie jest jednak słabsza od tych brytyjskich...
Seria romansów amerykańskich generalnie jest jednak słabsza od tych brytyjskich...
December 18, 2022
Die Lovestory entwickelt sich langsam und ist auch recht zahm - Erotik gibt es nicht. Der Krimianteil ist eher gering. Ich mochte es gerne, weil die Dialoge oft sehr humorvoll waren.
May 25, 2023
Meh. DNF
Maybe I’ll come back to it one day, maybe not. Im not real into cop books, or army books. Tough guys are not my thing. I only read the first chapter. I liked other books by this author but this one didn’t grab me. Also where I’m from Morales is one name not a plural so every time I read the Morales I pictured one guy instead of a whole family. I found it annoying to try and remind my brain so often.
Maybe I’ll come back to it one day, maybe not. Im not real into cop books, or army books. Tough guys are not my thing. I only read the first chapter. I liked other books by this author but this one didn’t grab me. Also where I’m from Morales is one name not a plural so every time I read the Morales I pictured one guy instead of a whole family. I found it annoying to try and remind my brain so often.
June 9, 2022
***4.5 stars***
I’m a fan of Detand and I was VERY excited to get an unexpected email in my inbox saying she had a new book out! While this one won’t supplant my favorites, (Beautiful Rhythm and Pull Me Under, read those post haste!!!) it’s a very enjoyable read!
Ramon and Alex’s story is a slow burn, and it burns so well. There’s a great build-up to their attraction and the eventual realization of feelings and it pays off in a big way. (Let’s just say I don’t love declarations of love with an audience, but this one was worth it.) if you’re looking for spice, sorry, look elsewhere. But if you want a slow slide into love with long glances, arm touches, and small caring gestures that the MC’s declare are Totally Platonic and absolutely Just Pals type of things, this is the book for you. (I swear, it was like a Jane Austen novel up in there…)
There’s also a great cast of secondary characters that fit right in and never felt extraneous, plus an kid who spoke age-appropriately, which is always appreciated. The plot felt a little thin and the gang wars were interesting but mostly made me want to skip to more lingering eye contact and banter. Then again, I’m in it for the romance so that may be a Me Problem.
The one thing that bothered me was the fact that Ramon was on a task force that had direct and regular contact with the NY Governor. This felt a bit wrong, because even if the governor is a friend of Ramon’s family, I don’t think that’s how task forces work? They would report to the police commissioner who then reports to the mayor, who then reports to the governor. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it drew me out of the story from the beginning and every time it was brought up. Had it been the commissioner or mayor, I wouldn’t have batted an eye. But the governor?? I kept thinking, “what is he doing there? doesn’t he have the rest of the state to worry about? Shouldn’t he be in Albany???”
However, I’m from Texas so what do I know? It’s all steers and guns and chili without beans and poor education here.
All in all, this was a really good book!! Zarah Detand is an instant buy for me (and has an AWESOME name) and this is well worth your time.
I’m a fan of Detand and I was VERY excited to get an unexpected email in my inbox saying she had a new book out! While this one won’t supplant my favorites, (Beautiful Rhythm and Pull Me Under, read those post haste!!!) it’s a very enjoyable read!
Ramon and Alex’s story is a slow burn, and it burns so well. There’s a great build-up to their attraction and the eventual realization of feelings and it pays off in a big way. (Let’s just say I don’t love declarations of love with an audience, but this one was worth it.) if you’re looking for spice, sorry, look elsewhere. But if you want a slow slide into love with long glances, arm touches, and small caring gestures that the MC’s declare are Totally Platonic and absolutely Just Pals type of things, this is the book for you. (I swear, it was like a Jane Austen novel up in there…)
There’s also a great cast of secondary characters that fit right in and never felt extraneous, plus an kid who spoke age-appropriately, which is always appreciated. The plot felt a little thin and the gang wars were interesting but mostly made me want to skip to more lingering eye contact and banter. Then again, I’m in it for the romance so that may be a Me Problem.
The one thing that bothered me was the fact that Ramon was on a task force that had direct and regular contact with the NY Governor. This felt a bit wrong, because even if the governor is a friend of Ramon’s family, I don’t think that’s how task forces work? They would report to the police commissioner who then reports to the mayor, who then reports to the governor. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it drew me out of the story from the beginning and every time it was brought up. Had it been the commissioner or mayor, I wouldn’t have batted an eye. But the governor?? I kept thinking, “what is he doing there? doesn’t he have the rest of the state to worry about? Shouldn’t he be in Albany???”
However, I’m from Texas so what do I know? It’s all steers and guns and chili without beans and poor education here.
All in all, this was a really good book!! Zarah Detand is an instant buy for me (and has an AWESOME name) and this is well worth your time.
October 28, 2024
I really really really liked this. As per usual for ZD books, it was easy to read and the writing flowed. The MCs were cool. This was no where near the best falling in love story I’ve read, but it was nice. ? So while it wasn’t the best falling in love story, or the best policing story, I still had fun reading and definitely very much enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to my next ZD read.
Progress update (contains spoilers): 72% (don't know why it says 0% below on desktop...)
Progress update (contains spoilers): 72% (don't know why it says 0% below on desktop...)
July 15, 2023
I’ll read anything this author writes. This story was different than others I’ve read with less heat. But this story didn’t need it. It was a slight enemies to lovers but they didn’t hate each other too much and we never got the lovers dialogue, but totally fine with me. I read one review where they felt there was little police work being done by these officers, and I disagree. There was tons of it and a long case they were trying to solve. I do feel the situations/case work always needed too easily for these officers, but it was light and that’s ok too. If I want ti read a heavy cop story, there are other stories and different genres for that. I loved both Ramon and Alex and felt they complemented each other well as partners at work and that they would in personal lives too. The son is adorable and written well. Cute story. More like a 4.5.
July 8, 2022
My immediate impression of this book was that it was like Hawaii Five-0 and 9-1-1 fanfic had a baby. My final impression is still pretty much that but if you think I didn’t absolutely adore this book for those very reasons you do not know me at all. This book had everything I love about a good enemies (so brief) to friends to lovers and it was the perfect read for my current mood. I liked the characters, the plot and the pace. I genuinely think this is going to become one of my all time favourite comfort reads. Low angst, high domestic fluff (it’s platonic, honestly 😉) and an element of crime fighting that doesn’t take a back seat but doesn’t eclipse the romance either.
This book was a hot cup of tea and a warm blanket on a rainy day.
This book was a hot cup of tea and a warm blanket on a rainy day.
February 22, 2024
Might be my favorite from Z.D.
Or one of my faves at least ! I really enjoyed this fluffy and sweet slow burn, with just a bit of action thrown in. It's not a masterpiece of littérature, but it's fun, and cozy and both MCs are enjoyable and fun to watch ''circling'' around each other. There is not much resistance or angst, just a slow pull and the building of trust and attraction. It won't work for everyone but it really did for me, and I'll probably reread it at least a few times :)
Or one of my faves at least ! I really enjoyed this fluffy and sweet slow burn, with just a bit of action thrown in. It's not a masterpiece of littérature, but it's fun, and cozy and both MCs are enjoyable and fun to watch ''circling'' around each other. There is not much resistance or angst, just a slow pull and the building of trust and attraction. It won't work for everyone but it really did for me, and I'll probably reread it at least a few times :)
June 17, 2022
I really adored Pull me Under, so a new book by Zarah Detand was a nice surprise for my parched reading soul. But...but..I cannot say l loved it. The criminal plot was shallow. The ILYs before even a single kiss....mmmm, no. For guys in their thirties, with baggage and kids, also, cops and partners, to act like that.... Nope. (Also, I did not like the no-sex part of the book). Still loving the style.
February 10, 2023
Super sweet!
I can kind of see why another reviewer called this instalove, but it’s more instaconnection. Alex and Ramon click right away and get along, even develop feeling in their own heads, but in terms of acting on anything this is definitely slow burn - nothing is realized until the last couple minutes of the book.
I’d love to see more of these characters as an established couple, though I don’t see any reason to expect that. Altogether a fun, lighthearted read.
I can kind of see why another reviewer called this instalove, but it’s more instaconnection. Alex and Ramon click right away and get along, even develop feeling in their own heads, but in terms of acting on anything this is definitely slow burn - nothing is realized until the last couple minutes of the book.
I’d love to see more of these characters as an established couple, though I don’t see any reason to expect that. Altogether a fun, lighthearted read.
February 23, 2023
Sweet romance
This is a sweet romance between two guys who happen to be police men. They meet due to an assigned addition to a team already working on a gangster type case. I liked how the case was actually the backdrop for getting to know the guys and watch their development as a couple. There is a little suspense but all good ending. The flirting is better and hotter than most sex scenes in similar type books, I liked that.
This is a sweet romance between two guys who happen to be police men. They meet due to an assigned addition to a team already working on a gangster type case. I liked how the case was actually the backdrop for getting to know the guys and watch their development as a couple. There is a little suspense but all good ending. The flirting is better and hotter than most sex scenes in similar type books, I liked that.
July 22, 2022
First of your books for me, won't be the last
I love relationship books. I love a good story, too, but stories are just the window dressing. The characters are where it's at. And despite everything working out just a bit too perfectly, I loved the men, the supporting women and the kid. Great job!
I love relationship books. I love a good story, too, but stories are just the window dressing. The characters are where it's at. And despite everything working out just a bit too perfectly, I loved the men, the supporting women and the kid. Great job!
October 31, 2022
It was nice. Not as humorous as I'm normally used to by this author. I loved the setting, the MCs and their work. I have to say, that the book finished as soon as they got together, which I strongly dislike. If I read a book I also want to know what the relationship is like. But that's my only complaint, other than that I really liked it and cannot wait for another book by Zarah Detand.
December 4, 2022
Just recently discovered this author
This is the second book I've read From this author And I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. This story is somewhat lighthearted And the main characters make you want to root for them.
This is the second book I've read From this author And I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. This story is somewhat lighthearted And the main characters make you want to root for them.
December 11, 2022
Good read and worth your time
I really like police stories. The interaction between to people who are opposite, but really aren’t. A bit more detail on the crime families and action between the main characters would have been nice, but the story line is good.
I really like police stories. The interaction between to people who are opposite, but really aren’t. A bit more detail on the crime families and action between the main characters would have been nice, but the story line is good.
November 14, 2023
Bring the Fire!! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel of beautiful cops falling for each other in NYC! The character and story development were very good and there were several times when I thought the story would go one way, but it went another - I enjoy being surprised! I would have given this 4.5 stars if possible and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I felt the ending was a little rushed. While I loved their confessional moment, I don't think they really would have done it in front of mobsters and a dirty cop. I would rather have seen that moment saved for when they were all alone. Otherwise, it was a quick, fun read. Regardless of that one little issue I had, I would definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys MM romance.
May 16, 2024
I've liked all of Zarah Detand's stories I've read. Same for this one. But I really like the beauty of some of the phrasing in this book.
"It makes something hot and heavy bloom in Ramon’s stomach—hope, maybe, or a strange sense of nostalgia for a life he never had."
"It makes something hot and heavy bloom in Ramon’s stomach—hope, maybe, or a strange sense of nostalgia for a life he never had."
August 19, 2024
Two stars
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I did not enjoy this at all. There was practically no romance and it felt more like a cop comedy then anything. The characters felt flat, there was no relationship besides being partners in the force.
Just boring overall
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I did not enjoy this at all. There was practically no romance and it felt more like a cop comedy then anything. The characters felt flat, there was no relationship besides being partners in the force.
Just boring overall
September 23, 2024
tooth rotting sweetness
There is literally no smut in this book which I was surprised about given some of the authors other books but otherwise it was tooth rottingly sweet and like play violence but like nobody was ever in mortal danger.
There is literally no smut in this book which I was surprised about given some of the authors other books but otherwise it was tooth rottingly sweet and like play violence but like nobody was ever in mortal danger.
October 18, 2025
Love these stories from Zarah
This is a police/detective story but with a very slow burn of a love story. Great character development as usual from the author. The characters are very appealing and the story engaging.
This is a police/detective story but with a very slow burn of a love story. Great character development as usual from the author. The characters are very appealing and the story engaging.
October 21, 2025
Well!! That was quite a story, cops and robbers, men falling slowly in love, and a cute little guy, all mixed together making an intense, sexy, wonderful read, this author did an amazing job putting this tale together.
June 30, 2022
the best kind of cliché
October 25, 2022
4.5 stars
March 5, 2023
adorable kid, sweet dad, exciting and sweet!
Loved this so much!! Perfect blend of drama and romance. So special! Can’t wait to read more from this author
Loved this so much!! Perfect blend of drama and romance. So special! Can’t wait to read more from this author
November 14, 2023
fantastic read!
Amazingly I started and finished this in one go, it has it all a great read. Great characters and plot
Amazingly I started and finished this in one go, it has it all a great read. Great characters and plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews